Psychologists say that individuals with dark, thick, and well-defined eyebrows may hide a wicked personality trait. A study has found that distinctive eyebrows can reveal narcissistic individuals. Psychologists warn that those with excessive self-interest or admiration are likely to invest in enhancing their eyebrows for a more eye-catching or unique appearance. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a psychologist in Los Angeles, stated, "Narcissistic people are very concerned about their appearance. They are likely to spend more time and money on it."
While the study found evidence suggesting that people might accurately predict whether someone is a narcissistic show-off—someone with an excessive need for admiration and attention—based on the "distinctiveness" of their eyebrows, experts say that the findings come with some caveats. A study conducted in 2018 pointed out that eyebrows are a sign of great narcissists, a form of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) where a person acts superior to others.
Researchers at the University of Toronto conducted a personality inventory test to diagnose the disorder. They then cropped photos of participants to focus only on their eyebrows, which were shown to a separate group of participants. This group evaluated the eyebrows based on certain traits. The results showed that those classified as having distinctive eyebrows, including thickness and density, were more likely to be narcissistic show-offs.
Researchers suggested that this might be because narcissists want something unique and aesthetically recognizable. Dr. Miranda Giacomini explained to the Independent at the time: "Eyebrows facilitate face recognition. Narcissists may maintain distinctive, thick, and dense eyebrows to enhance recognition."
Individuals diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder through psychological surveys tend to focus on an idealized and grand image of themselves, often to avoid deep feelings of insecurity. Men are twice as likely to be narcissistic compared to women, with signs of the disorder appearing early or during adolescence. Reasons for this disorder include negative experiences a child goes through, such as trauma or rejection, or having overly indulgent parents. Those suffering from this disorder are likely to exhibit manipulative behavior and regularly seek admiration from others. They may also be arrogant or lack empathy for others.
