Brow mapping is an essential technique for creating the most flattering eyebrow look for your clients. It consists of using natural features of the face to build a framework for achieving precise results when doing microblading, machine brows, or just shaping them.
However, brow mapping is a skill that requires time and patience to master. Fortunately, there are specialized products on the market today that make the whole mapping process quicker and easier, and one of those products is brow mapping string or mapping thread.
Read this article to find out what mapping string is and how it’s used + our top 5 brow mapping string recommendations to try out!
What Is Brow Mapping String?
Brow mapping string or thread is used to make horizontal lines above and below the eyebrows to create an outline in harmony with the client’s facial structure and eye shape. It allows for precise creation of ultra-thin lines, which helps clients visualize their future brows.
To help make the whole process quicker, mapping thread usually comes packaged pre-inked with charcoal or cosmetic ink. It comes in various sizes and colors, with the most popular choice being a brown, 32 ft long string that can last for about 15-20 uses.
Our Top 5 Brow Mapping String Recommendations
Tools can make or break your final mapping results, so choosing the right set of products is essential. Let’s take a look at some of the top brow mapping strings to use for optimal eyebrow mapping results:
1. MADLUVV Pre-Inked Eyebrow Mapping String
MADLUUV’s pre-inked brow mapping string is ultra-thin and highly pigmented. Perfect for creating thin, clean lines that don’t smudge if you accidentally touch them.
The string unravels easily out of the box so no messy pigment stains on your hands, plus it doesn’t take a lot of scrubbing to get off the skin after treatment. The amount of string found in the box should be enough for 15-20 uses.
2. Parallel Products Premium Charcoal Mapping Thread
Parallel Product’s brow mapping thread is pre-inked with hypoallergenic, all-natural bamboo charcoal. This means that the ink doesn’t dry up over time, it’s perfect for clients with sensitive skin plus it’s vegan.
The string is thin and super easy to use, however, there is one thing to keep in mind: being a natural, charcoal-based product, it tends to get messy while applying so keep a set of q-tips close and you’ll be good to go!
3. PMU Products Pre-Inked Microblading String
If you’re searching for a real bang for your buck, then we recommend PMU Products’ pre-inked microblading string. The packaging comes with a built-in cutter that lets you get the correct string length quickly and easily.
The string itself is hypoallergenic, 32ft or 10m long, and fairly pigmented. A great, cost-effective option for effortless brow mapping.
4. BRAWNA Pre-Inked Mapping String
The BRAWNA pre-inked mapping string is packed full of color. Highly pigmented thread, 12m in length, and packed in a very appealing, diamond-shaped box.
There are several colors to choose from, with the most popular option among artists being Pink. The most expensive, single brow mapping string on our list, but a great contender for achieving amazing results.
5. PMU Products Eyebrow Bow Mapper with Strings
PMU Products’ eyebrow bow mapper is a fairly new addition to the string brow mapping game.
Just like the name suggests, it is a bow-shaped tool used to precisely define the right angles and draw straight lines without effort. It comes with pre-cut strings that are not inked.
This mapper has a bit of a learning curve but once you figure it out, it can be a really handy device in your brow mapping arsenal.
How to Use Eyebrow Mapping String
Brow mapping before the microblading or machine brow treatment is a fairly quick and easy procedure. Let’s take a look at how to properly use brow mapping string:
Step 1
Using the client’s nose as a guide, mark the center of the face with an inked brow string. Wiggle it back and forth to stamp on a line right between the eyebrows.
Step 2
From the nostril crease, stretch the thread or string vertically, toward the corner of the eye. The line should mark the beginning of the eyebrow.
Step 3
To pinpoint the arch, use your thread to mark a diagonal line from the nasal crease, to the outermost corner of the iris expanding above the brow.
Step 4
To define the tail of the eyebrow, use the thread to mark a line from the outer edge of the nostril to the outer corner of the eye and upward over the eyebrow.
Step 5
Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 on the other side of the face. Place the thread underneath the brows horizontally to mark the lowest and highest part of the bulbs.
Step 6
Mark a horizontal line connecting each arch’s top to help with symmetry.
Step 7
From there, create the frame for each brow by connecting the top arch, and to the end point of the tail. Repeat the same on the bottom of the brow.
Step 8
After repeating all of the steps on both eyebrows, use the thread one final time to measure the horizontal line connecting the arches and to check if everything is even. When finishing your treatment, carefully remove the mapping lines with a cleanser.
Image source: Instagram @barebeauty_byshay
Brow Mapping String vs Other Brow Mapping Products
With so many mapping tools and supplies on the market, it’s hard to decide on one product that will give you the most precise results when prepping your clients for their procedures, but string is something more and more artists are turning to.
Here are some reasons why brow mapping string is such a good option when choosing a mapping tool:
- Less room for error – brow thread gives you more precise results when mapping the brows compared to pencils and markers
- Preferred by pro artists – combined with a caliper, brow mapping string gives professional results like no other mapping tool
- It gives clients a better understanding of the procedure – your clients can visualize the final result easier.
To Sum Up
Eyebrow mapping can sometimes be challenging, but keep in mind that the right product can make it significantly easier to master. If you’re new to using eyebrow mapping string, try out our carefully picked list of products to find the tool that suits you best!
