In one major study in 2015, scientists found a strong relationship between inheritance of specific genes and eyebrow appearance.įour separate genes may affect eyebrow hair texture, one gene may determine eyebrow shape, five genes affect eyebrow hair color, and one gene determines whether or not you develop a monobrow.īut, environmental factors also have a lot to do with how your eyebrows look. Scientists have established that the shape, color, and thickness of your eyebrows are inherited traits. What role does genetics play in eyebrows? Scientists said this indicates that eyebrows are just as important as - or maybe more important than - eyes in allowing us to recognize faces. Subjects could still identify the famous faces 60 percent of the time when they lacked eyes.īut when the faces lacked eyebrows, subjects could identify them just 46 percent of the time. The scientists manipulated the photos so that they’d either have no eyes or no eyebrows. president Richard Nixon and actress Winona Ryder. In one older 2003 study scientists asked a group of people to identify the faces of fifty famous people, such as former U.S. Two raised eyebrows can express surprise.īeyond looks and emotions, eyebrows are also more generally important for facial recognition. One raised eyebrow expresses skepticism or interest. They help us express emotions and recognize each otherĮyebrows are an important part of human expression and communication. Eyebrows can also reduce the amount of light that gets into your eyes and keep dirt away from them, too.

They move wetness from sweat and rain away from our eyes so we can maintain our sight.Įver notice how your eyebrow hairs grow outward, toward the sides of your face? That helps direct any moisture away from your eyes toward the side of your head.

Physically, eyebrows are there to help keep our eyes clean and clear. They protect our eyes from moisture and light

Experts say that eyebrows have two main purposes: keeping moisture out of our eyes and communication.

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