Some people might notice hair loss on their eyebrows, which may or may not grow back. While it’s a rare case, it’s not impossible to shed eyebrows. Thinning eyebrows are a matter of concern since they start affecting one’s facial features and beauty immediately. Thinning eyebrows may appear as less dense hair on the eyebrows part, patches, and/or reduced width of the eyebrows.
This article explains potential reasons why some people suffer from eyebrow shedding and what they can do to overcome this issue. It also explains the problem in a more reader-friendly manner.
Table of Contents:- Part 1: Why Are My Eyebrows Thinning?
- Part 2: Do Eyebrows Grow Back After Falling Out?
- Part 3: How To Grow Back Thinning Eyebrows
Why Are My Eyebrows Thinning?
Chemotherapy & Medications
Those undergoing chemotherapy will shed hair on almost every part of their body including eyebrows. However, if one is not taking chemotherapy, there’s a slight possibility that their current medications are causing any side effects, which is causing their eyebrows to start thinning. If someone has started noticing eyebrows thinning shortly after starting with any medication routine, speak to the doctor immediately and explain the issue.
Stress & Hormonal Disbalance
People taking too much stress may shed eyebrows but that’s a rare case. On the other hand, hormonal disbalance during menopause, pregnancy, or ageing can trigger a temporary loss of eyebrows to a certain extent. Skin issues like benign or facial skin cancer can also lead to eyebrow shedding, which may become irreversible after some point.
Nutritional Deficiency
Lack of zinc, protein, biotin, and iron can trigger a spike in the loss of eyebrow hair. However, it’s temporary and improving on the diet will eventually recover any loss of eyebrow hair.
Excess Cosmetic Procedures
Too much pulling, threading, laser treatment, or waxing can cause eyebrows to start shedding. Taking breaks from cosmetic hair removal procedures may revert this problem. However, if an excess of these procedures has caused a condition called trichotillomania, there’s a chance that the hair might not grow back.
Contact Dermatitis
Eyebrows can start falling due to inflammation near the brow regions. The inflammation can occur when the region comes in contact with toxic irritants and allergens, which can cause itching and skin irritation. These issues can disrupt hair growth and even cause brows to start falling.
Do Eyebrows Grow Back After Falling Out?
Yes, there’s a high chance that the eyebrows will grow back after falling out. However, it’s very uncommon for them to grow back like before. Most of the people notice patchy regrowth. Eyebrows will regrow where the hair follicles are still healthy and are capable of regrowing healthy hair. Any damaged hair follicle shall regrow weak hair, which is destined to fall again in the near future.
The health of the hair follicle is completely subject to the damage it received from the grooming routines such as plucking, etc. Furthermore, other factors like ageing, chemotherapy, hormonal disbalance, medications, etc., may cause the follicles to damage, making it impotent to regrow hair.
Estimated Timeframe For Eyebrows Regrowth
Assuming that the eyebrows have completely fallen, one can expect the following timeframes for their regrowth:
- Initial regrowth should be visible after the first 3 weeks.
- The hair should start becoming visible between 6 to 8 weeks of regrowth.
- Eyebrows should be partially visible between 2 to 3 months.
- A significant growth should be visible by 6 months.
- A full regrowth can take anywhere between 6 months to a year or even more.
How To Grow Back Thinning Eyebrows
Here are some treatment options for thinning eyebrows. However, there’s no guarantee of success.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the most successful over the counter medications that is capable of regrowing scalp hair from scratch. Those suffering from hair loss on the scalp have seen hair regrowth from 2nd month onwards. While minoxidil has proven and effective results on the human scalp, a lot of people consider it as an option for eyebrow regrowth. Minoxidil can trigger severe acne, breakouts, and pimples, especially on sensitive facial skin.
It works by increasing blood circulation in the applied area, which encourages more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. The hair follicles, which are currently in the resting state rejuvenate and become active to start regrowing hair. Minoxidil should not be taken without a consultation, though.
Acupuncture
The main objective is to encourage blood circulation so that the hair follicles can become active. While this is a very famous method, acupuncture cannot be done at home and it’s not easy to find skilled, qualified and experienced people who can give the right acupuncture.
Hair Regrowth Oils
The UK market is flooded with several types of natural oils such as coconut, castor, argon, olive, and red onion oil, which are all helpful in regrowing hair. However, not all types of oils will regrow eyebrows. In addition to that, hair regrowth oils have a reputation for working very differently on every individual. It’s important to stay patient in case one is relying on certain oils.
In order to increase the chances of success, one should note that the ingredients do not contain regular oils such as paraffin oil. A lot of brands and cheap oils mix artificial fragrances with paraffin oil, which completely eliminates the real purpose of the oils.
Transplant
In certain extreme cases, some people opt for an eyebrow transplant, which is just like a scalp hair transplant. It’s as dangerous as a scalp hair transplant, and the success rates are very slim. Along with that, the chances of potential side effects whether on a temporary or long-lasting basis are high.
Nutritional Supplements
If brows fall due to lack of nutrition, the doctors may recommend supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, etc. One can also include vegetables in their diet to further elevate the effects of these supplements.
Additional Tips
- Do not exert too much pressure on the eyebrows in pursuit of hair regrowth as that can damage the eyes.
- Keeping medications or oils with hot effects on the eyebrows for too long will potentially damage the eyes and cause headaches.
- Always massage eyebrow regions to complement any supplements or treatments.
Conclusion
It’s clear what does it mean if your eyebrows are falling out and what are some good ways to treat eyebrows falling out. While there can be several reasons behind the cause of thinning eyebrows, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor for treatment for thinning eyebrows as any delay in medical attention might cause the eyebrows to never grow back despite all attempts.
