On the 2026 Met Gala red carpet, beyond the fashion, one small but dramatic beauty trend showed up on multiple celebrities: bleached brows. Emma Chamberlain, Madonna, Kylie Jenner and others all wore lighter brows, but they were just the latest in a long line of stars to embrace the look. Zendaya and Kendall Jenner are among the celebrities who have previously brought bleached brows to the Met Gala, and several others have worn the invisible-yet-bold look on red carpets over the years.
But with renewed interest in the trend, is it poised to translate from red carpet to everyday wear? Experts think so: According to beauty and wellness booking site Fresha, searches for “bleached brows” are heading toward 30,000 a month, indicating that the look could become a mainstream moment for summer 2026.
Ahead, experts explain why bleached brows are trending, how to get the look safely, what aftercare involves and how to test-drive the trend without committing to bleach.
Why Bleached Brows Are Trending
The Met Gala tends to kick-start beauty trends, often serving as a benchmark for the makeup, hair and even skin-care moments to watch. This year, bleached brows emerged as one of the top beauty trends, largely because so many celebrities wore the bold look. “This is a clear sign of how the ‘statement’ look evolves, where the bold brow once defined the era, its absence now makes the statement,” says Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at Fresha.
Chamberlain chose to wear her transformed brows with smoky eye makeup, while Jenner kept her makeup more neutral. Meanwhile, Madonna opted for a gothic moment, pairing bleached brows with black hair extensions for an extra dramatic look. “Famed for her thick, bushy brows in the ’90s, the Queen of Pop has reinvented her signature look for 2026, debuting the no-brow look at Coachella 2026,” notes Taurua.
“With high-fashion moments like the Met Gala bringing bleached brows back into the spotlight, we sometimes see a bit of a trickle-down effect in mainstream beauty conversations,” says Taurua. “While it’s unlikely to replace fuller, natural brows, it offers a fun, more experimental alternative for those looking to try lighter brows for summer 2026.”
How to Achieve Bleached Brows
As the name suggests, bleached brows involve, well, bleach. “Achieving bleached brows is a chemical process and should always be carried out by a trained professional to avoid any mishaps,” says Taurua. “A specialist will apply a lightening solution that carefully lifts the pigment from your natural brow hairs, while monitoring them to ensure there’s no over-processing or skin irritation.”
While there are at-home options, the safest bet is to see a professional, such as a brow specialist or colorist, to lighten your brows. Once the service is complete, “The final result should be a softened brow that complements your skin tone without appearing overly brassy or patchy,” says Taurua. Like bleached hair, darker roots will begin to show as your brows grow out, so you can expect to need touch-ups, though exact timing depends on your growth cycle.
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How to Care for Bleached Brows
Just as nourishing aftercare is essential after bleaching your hair, your brows need extra care, too. “Bleached brows can be left feeling porous and dry, so it’s vital to keep them hydrated and healthy,” says Taurua. “I’d suggest using a conditioning serum or nourishing oil to keep them soft and well-maintained.” Something like the Benefit Cosmetics Whoa So Soft Conditioning Brow Oil ($22) can do the trick.
Additionally, be cautious about which ingredients you’re using on the skin around your brows for a few days before and after the bleaching process. “I’d also recommend avoiding harsh skin-care ingredients like retinol around the brow area, as this can further weaken the hair and irritate the skin,” says Taurua.
How to Fake Bleached Brows
So, bleached brows are trending, and you want in—but you’re not ready to actually bleach your brow hair. “For those who don’t want to jump in the deep end, there are softer ways to try out the trend,” notes Taurua. “Experimenting with a full-coverage concealer or brow gel to mute the brows can give a similar effect without the commitment, and it’s a great way to try it out before taking the professional plunge.” To DIY the effect, cover darker hairs with full-coverage concealer, then brush them up with brow gel.
