Suman Jalaf Is Changing The (Beauty) World One Eyebrow At A Time

Eyebrows have become the defining feature of the face, framing not just our expressions but our entire look. No one understands this better than Suman Jalaf, the founder of Brows by Suman. For those unfamiliar with her, she's an internationally certified brow expert specialising in all things eyebrows. From semi-permanent treatments like microblading to tinting and shaping, Suman has perfected the art of brow design. Her impressive client list includes stars like Kate Moss, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Suhana Khan, to name just a few. With her keen eye and expert touch, she’s transformed brows into an art form, helping clients achieve that perfect balance between natural beauty and polished perfection.

Suman is all about the fuller, more natural-looking brow, and it’s clear that this trend is here to stay. "I love a brow that’s filled in,” says Suman. For the eyebrow stylist, a filled-in brow isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about framing the face in a way that leaves you looking "youthful, snatched, and sassy." She is quick to dispense her top hack for getting it right, "Make sure you use gel and fill it in with a little bit of pencil if you’ve not had a semi-permanent procedure, or get semi-permanent as it lasts longer."

This preference for fuller brows ties into her philosophy of enhancing natural beauty. Suman’s advice? "Everyone should always brush up their brows and carry a brow spoolie to brush on the go as they instantly make them look fuller and lifted," she suggests. This simple tip can transform your look in seconds, especially in humid climates where brow hair can fall flat.

With years of experience under her belt, Suman has seen her fair share of brow mishaps, and one mistake stands out above the rest: over-tweezing and over-trimming. "When they get scissor happy and tweezer happy! Leave them alone," she warns.

Suman recommends spacing out your brow appointments and using a concealer to camouflage any stray hairs until they’re ready to be professionally shaped. This patience pays off, allowing for a more natural and flattering brow shape in the long run. Another common issue Suman encounters is poorly executed brow work that leaves clients looking far from their best. "I always like virgin brows or brows that have 80% of the previous work faded so I can really work my craft," she explains.

Unfortunately, some clients come to her with dark, solid brows that obscure her ability to create the soft, natural look she’s known for. "They've probably done it on a budget and come out looking unhappy, and the brows look horrendous," she adds. In such cases, clients often need laser treatment to remove old tattoos before Suman can work her magic.

When it comes to eyebrow trends, Suman has seen it all, but one stands out as particularly outrageous: brow lamination. "The brow lamination that's trending now depends on how well you do it," she notes. While a well-done lamination can look stunning, the trend of overly "wet-looking" brows sticking straight up has her raising an eyebrow. For Suman, it’s all about balance and doing what works best for each client.

Suman also shared some lesser-known secrets that even seasoned brow enthusiasts might not be aware of. One of the biggest misconceptions? Everyone can achieve the brows they see on Instagram or in magazines. "People assume that what they see in magazines and on Instagram is what they can have. But it all boils down to skin knowledge," she reveals. Factors like skin tone, texture, colour, and healing tendencies all play a crucial role in determining the best brow style for each individual. "It's important to keep these factors in mind," Suman advises, stressing the importance of a personalised approach. For those hesitant to try semi-permanent makeup, Suman recommends incorporating a few key products into your routine. "For your night-time routine, get cold-pressed castor oil—it's the best way to nourish your hair and prevent it from falling," she says. She also suggests using an eyebrow gel and pencil, like those from Tom Ford or Benefit, to fill in gaps and keep your brows looking their best.

And if you’ve ever suffered from ingrown hairs after a bad threading or shaping experience, Suman’s got you covered: "Mix sugar and honey and gently exfoliate the eyebrow area."

One of the myths Suman is eager to debunk is the idea that perfect brows are only important for brides. Grooms, too, need to pay attention to their brows. "It's just as important for male brows or 'bro brows,' as I call it," Suman says with a smile. Men, like women, can have gaps, scars, or other issues that affect their brows, making it equally important for them to consider brow grooming or semi-permanent procedures. "Men and women are both more than welcome to have this procedure," she affirms.

From microblading to brow lamination, Suman Jalaf’s expertise offers a fresh perspective on the world of eyebrows. Her approach is rooted in enhancing natural beauty while ensuring each client leaves her chair with brows that are not just trendy but truly suited to their unique features. Whether you’re a bride, a groom, or simply someone looking to up your brow game, Suman’s tips and tricks are your go-to guide for achieving the perfect brow—every time.