Words by Nasreen Osman
There are a few things I’m extremely low maintenance about: birthdays, eating breakfast and brows. They say brows frame your face, fine, but mine are a bog-standard black frame – functional but far from fabulous.
If you subscribe to brow ‘trends' then this is where we’re currently at: We’ve moved on from the Cara Delevingne era of big, bushy brows and entered a new more experimental phase which has seen the return of skinny brows (think Gabriette) and, for those that brow boldly, bleached brows are trending (hello, Julia Fox and Kendall Jenner). For the rest of us, me included, a good clean-up, sharp definition and flattering natural shape is more than enough brow maintenance. Enter the new HD Hybrid Browstay treatment on the Fifth Floor at the Hair and Beauty Salon at Harrods, which promises to tick all three boxes. I leapt at the chance to try it and, spoiler alert: It’s really good.
HD Brows is a tailored brow treatment designed to shape, tint and define your brows to complement your personal features. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The treatment involves custom tinting and precise shaping using threading or waxing. The result? Brows that frame your face perfectly with a natural, polished look.
Think of it like this:
• HD Brows: A bespoke treatment using tinting, shaping and make-up for definition – ideal for those wanting a natural yet groomed look.
• Brow Lamination: This gives a brushed-up, fluffy finish by setting brow hairs in place—great for a fuller, stand-out vibe.
• Microblading: Semi-permanent tattooing that mimics natural hairs – perfect for those who want long-lasting results with minimal daily upkeep.
The HD Hybrid Browstay sits sweetly between HD Brows and lamination, giving a fuller, more defined look without the commitment of microblading.
Discover All Brow Treatments
Nasreen tries the new Harrods HD Hybrid Browstay
It’s called ‘hybrid’ because it combines the staining power of a tint with the bespoke shaping of HD Brows to create fuller-looking arches. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, but don’t forget to book a separate patch test beforehand!
My brow technician, Neha, was a dream. We started with a consultation, and she indulged me as I shared my brow journey and what I hoped for them (complete with inspiration photos, of course). She made some observations, including saying that I have ‘great brows’ (a first for me!) and pointed out some sparse areas we could improve. Here’s how the entire process worked.
Step one: Brow mapping. Using a piece of thread, Neha showed me where the front, arch and tail should ideally sit. We agreed on a cool-toned black-brown tint and opted for a straight brow to match my reference photos.
Step two: Tint time. When Neha applied the dark, thick formula, I won’t lie – I was alarmed. But trust the process. After a few minutes, she wiped it away, and I breathed a sigh of relief at how natural they looked. Then we reassessed and reapplied the tint mostly to the middle and end for extra depth, creating a subtle ombré effect.
Step three: Shaping. I chose threading over waxing – purely because I’ve done it before and it feels cleaner and sharper to me. This final step pulled everything together, adding definition and structure. Neha finished with a touch of eyebrow make-up, using a light, flesh-toned shade under my brows for that ultra-clean, lifted look. It’s the little things.
I walked in with lacklustre brows that didn’t quite fit into either the big and bushy or cool and skinny aesthetic. I left with fuller, more defined, yet natural-looking brows that genuinely enhanced my features.
Would I get the HD Hybrid Browstay treatment again? Let’s just say that any beauty tweak that lets me wake up and look presentable without lifting a finger gets a yes from me.
The HD Browstay treatment can last between four and six weeks, depending on your skincare routine, skin type and how fast your hair grows.
Your brow technician will explain the aftercare and also give you a leaflet to take home.
Avoid touching or wetting your brows for the first 24 hours.
For the first 48 hours, steer clear of steam rooms, saunas, pools, gyms, and direct sunlight.
Three days before and after, skip exfoliating products, tanning products, and sunbeds.
Lastly, resist plucking stray hairs. Try adding a nourishing brow serum for healthy hairs.
If you’re after fuller, more defined brows without wanting to commit to the permanence of microblading, HD Hybrid Browstay is for you. It’s low-maintenance luxury at its finest.
It’s up to you! Book a follow-up when the tint fades or new hair growth affects the shape.
