Wellness & Beauty

What causes eyebrows to thin and how can you revitalize them

I turned 40 this year and ever since my eyebrows have been thinned. Plus, I have a big forehead and light brown hair, which makes my face look weird with thinner eyebrows. I scouted the internet to find the causes and corrections, if any, and plan to follow the simple remedies I have mentioned below.

It could help you solve a similar problem or make your eyebrows look fuller.

Eyebrows are one of our most defining facial features. They frame the eyes and enhance overall appearance. However, thinning eyebrows is a common concern for many, and the causes can vary widely.

Why do eyebrows thin
There are several reasons why eyebrows may begin to thin, and often, it combines multiple factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Ageing: As we age, hair growth slows down due to hormonal changes. This affects the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows, leading to thinner brows over time.

Over-plucking and waxing: Years of over-plucking or waxing can lead to permanent eyebrow thinning. Frequent hair removal damages the hair follicles, causing brows to become sparser.

Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamins and minerals, especially iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins B, D, and E, can impact hair health and slow hair growth.

Hormonal imbalances: Thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism, can cause eyebrow thinning, particularly at the outer ends. Other hormonal shifts, such as those caused by menopause, can also contribute to this issue.

Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata, eczema, or dermatitis can lead to eyebrow loss. Additionally, people undergoing chemotherapy may experience eyebrow thinning as a side effect.

Stress: High-stress levels can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to hair loss and potentially thinning eyebrows.

Skin conditions: Dandruff or psoriasis around the eyebrows can hinder healthy hair growth and cause them to look thinner.

Can eyebrows grow back
Whether or not your eyebrows can regrow depends on the underlying cause. Hair lost due to over-plucking, aging, or temporary hormonal shifts may grow back if follicles are still healthy. However, in cases where hair loss is due to permanent damage or medical conditions, regrowth might be more challenging. For stubborn cases, treatments like eyebrow serums, microblading, or even hair transplants are options to explore with a dermatologist or cosmetic professional.

Natural home remedies to have thicker eyebrows
If you’re looking for natural ways to encourage eyebrow growth, a few simple home remedies can help boost the health of your brows:

Castor oil: Rich in proteins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, castor oil is known for its nourishing properties.

How to use: Dip a cotton swab in pure castor oil and apply it to your eyebrows. Gently massage for a few minutes and leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before washing it off with lukewarm water. Use daily for best results.

Coconut Oil: It contains essential nutrients, such as vitamin E and iron, that are beneficial for hair growth and strengthening.

How to use: Warm up a few drops of coconut oil, apply it to your eyebrows, and massage it in. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. Applying this daily can help promote thicker brows.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its enzymes and moisturizing properties, which can help nourish the hair follicles.

How to use: Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf and massage it into your eyebrows. Leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. Use this remedy two to three times a week.

Onion juice: Onion juice contains sulfur, which can improve the production of collagen and strengthen hair.

How to use: Blend a small onion to extract juice. Apply it to your eyebrows with a cotton swab and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. This can be done once or twice a week.

Egg yolk: Egg yolk is rich in protein, which can help strengthen and thicken eyebrow hairs.

How to use: Separate the yolk from the egg white and beat it until smooth. Apply it to your eyebrows with a cotton swab. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Use this once or twice a week.

Milk: Milk is a good source of protein and nutrients that promote hair health and growth.

How to use: Dip a cotton ball in milk and apply it to your eyebrows. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with water. Use daily or a few times a week.

Additional tips for eyebrow health
Along with these remedies, some lifestyle changes can make a big difference in maintaining eyebrow thickness:

Maintain a balanced diet: Eating foods rich in protein, iron, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E supports hair health.
Avoid Over-Plucking: Let your brows grow naturally, and avoid over-plucking or waxing to maintain their fullness.
Manage Stress: Reducing stress can minimize hair loss. Practices like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise are excellent ways to keep stress in check.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla 
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.