• What is Usma grass?

    Usma grass — "Usma Brow Grass" in Uyghur — belongs to the cruciferous plant family and has long been called "the nourishment for hair."

    A variant of European woad, it is a biennial herb with deep green leaves that resemble willow leaves. Modern studies have found that Usma grass contains compounds such as saponins and glucosinolates, which, when applied consistently over time, can support eyebrow and hair growth. The plant is famously particular about where it grows: it thrives only in the specific soil and climate of Central Asia, and when transplanted elsewhere its effect on brow growth tends to weaken.

A beauty tradition of the Uyghur people

Usma grass is deeply woven into the beauty traditions of the Uyghur people, who have practiced natural beauty rituals for centuries — henna for coloring nails, yogurt for brightening skin, and Usma grass for fuller eyebrows.

One tradition stands out. Seven days after a baby girl is born, her mother applies Usma grass juice to her eyebrows, often joining them at the center on purpose. It is a mother's wish that her daughter will grow up close and in harmony with those around her.

You can recreate this centuries-old ritual with our Eyebrow Mask, made with 90% Usma powder — simply mix with water and apply as part of your own routine.

The ritual today

Every year from April onward, fresh Usma grass appears in the markets. Girls gather to press and squeeze the leaves, extracting the juice and applying it to their brows with small cotton swabs, layer after layer. After about thirty minutes, once the color and nutrients have been absorbed, they rinse away any residue.