If our eyes are the windows to the soul, then our eyebrows are the frames that add all the personality! Brows come in all shapes and forms – some naturally full and bold while others are more delicate, sleek or wispy. And let’s be honest, they play a HUGE role in how we look and feel! But what happens when they aren’t quite what they used to be? If they seem to be thinning or losing their shape, you’re definitely not alone!
Thinning eyebrows pretty common, and there’s actually a mix of reasons why it happens, from changes in health to lifestyle habits, and even just natural aging. But don’t worry—we’re going to explore all the reasons why your eyebrows might be thinning and, most importantly, what you can do to get them back on track!
What Is Eyebrow Thinning & Is It Normal?
Thinning eyebrows are actually more common than you might expect, and in many cases, it’s just a natural part of the aging process. It happens gradually overtime and you might not even notice a difference until you compare them to when you were younger! They might look thinner and lighter, less defined or even narrower and shorter.
However, while eyebrow thinning can be completely normal, it can also sometimes signal an underlying health issue—especially if it happens suddenly or if you’re noticing other changes in your hair or skin. If you notice hair loss in other areas like your scalp, uneven brow thinning (where only one eyebrow or a specific area of the eyebrow is affected), or if the skin around your brows appears red, itchy, or inflamed, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
What Causes Thinning Eyebrows?
Eyebrow thinning can affect everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less unsettling when it does. While thinning eyebrows can affect both men and women, the underlying factors can vary widely and understanding why can help you make the best choices to address it!
Thinning Eyebrows With Age
Just like the hair on your head, your eyebrows can become thinner over time. This is because, as we age, our hair follicles produce less and less hair due to a slowdown in cell regeneration, hormonal changes, and reduced blood flow to the skin. All these factors lead to finer, slower-growing hairs, which can make your eyebrows look sparser.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones play a pretty big role in hair growth, and any imbalances can lead to eyebrow thinning. Thyroid hormones, for example, are crucial for maintaining healthy hair, and imbalances—such as hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little)—can cause eyebrow hair to fall out.
Typically, this hair loss is temporary and may improve once thyroid levels return to normal. However, it’s important to remember that eyebrow thinning is only one potential symptom of a thyroid disorder, so monitoring for other signs is important.
Nutritional Deficiencies
They say that you are what you eat, and that is true especially when it comes to hair health! Our bodies need specific nutrients to grow strong, healthy hair, and nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning eyebrows. Some essential nutrients for hair health include:
- Fatty Acids: Found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds, fatty acids support the hair follicles and scalp.
- Zinc: A deficiency in zinc can lead to hair loss, and zinc-rich foods like meat, shellfish, and legumes can support healthy hair.
- Vitamins A, D, and E: These vitamins play crucial roles in hair growth and follicle health.
Medical Conditions and Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, which can also include the cells responsible for hair growth. Some autoimmune and medical conditions associated with eyebrow thinning include:
- Alopecia Areata: Causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and other areas.
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Mainly affects people after menopause, with eyebrow loss often occurring before scalp hair loss.
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: This is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can lead to scarring and hair loss on the face and eyebrows.
In additions to some medical conditions and autoimmune disorders, certain medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect, which may impact your brows.
Over-plucking and Cosmetic Damage
We’ve all gone through a stage where we get a little too enthusiastic with the tweezers! While shaping and grooming can keep brows looking polished, over-plucking or waxing can actually damage hair follicles over time. When hair is repeatedly pulled out, the follicles may eventually stop producing hair altogether, leading to permanent thinning in some areas.
Similarly, certain brow cosmetics—like harsh pencils, pomades, or tinting products—can weaken hair or irritate the skin, especially if used frequently or applied too rough. If you’re noticing thinning brows, consider giving them a break from intense plucking or harsh products to give your skin some time to breathe.
Skin Conditions Affecting Eyebrow Growth
Healthy skin = healthy hair. Since eyebrow hair grows directly from follicles in the skin, keeping your skin healthy is essential for full, strong brows. Unfortunately, certain skin conditions can cause irritation, dryness, or inflammation, which can make your eyebrows thinner over time. Some of the most common conditions that can cause eyebrow hair loss and thinning include:
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): This can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. If you find yourself scratching the area around your brows often, it could weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
- Psoriasis: Known for causing scaly, red patches, psoriasis can damage skin around the brow area, making it hard for hair to grow and leading to patchiness.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition causes flaking and itching, especially in oily areas, which can create an environment where hair has trouble thriving.
Other Causes of Thinning Brows
Less common causes of eyebrow thinning include:
- Radiation and Chemotherapy: Can cause temporary or permanent eyebrow loss.
- Amyloidosis and Sarcoidosis: Rare diseases that can affect skin and hair.
- Chemical Burns: Can damage follicles and impact regrowth.
- Trichotillomania: A hair-pulling disorder that can result in patchy brows.
- Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Skin cancers that may affect hair growth around the brow area.
- Syphilis and Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy): Infectious diseases that can lead to eyebrow loss.
How To Stop Eyebrow Thinning
In many cases you can grow your eyebrow back, but how quickly and how much will depend on the cause of the thinning and how long it has been going on for.
Eyebrow thinning caused by temporary factors like stress, nutritional imbalances, pregnancy hormones, or medication side effects usually improves once the issue is under control. But when it comes to thinning from medical conditions or cosmetic damage, it can be a bit trickier. The outcome really depends on the person and how severe the condition is. For example, over-plucking can sometimes cause permanent damage to the hair follicles, which means that certain areas might not grow back at all.
If you experience sudden, patchy, or uneven eyebrow loss consider talking to a dermatologist or healthcare professional to find the best treatments for both your skin and brows. A little care can go a long way in helping your eyebrows thrive!
Treating Thinning Brows
No matter the cause, thinning brows can feel frustrating, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to give your brows some extra love. The best approach will depend on the severity and cause of your thinning brows, so here are a few options to consider:
Topical Treatments & Medication
If your thinning brows are due to a medical condition like a hormone imbalance or autoimmune disorder, your doctor may recommend specific topical treatments or medication to help stimulate brow regrowth. But, always check with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment for you.
Improving Diet & Nutrition
We all know how important a healthy diet is for our skin and hair. If you are experiencing thinning because you’re lacking some important nutrients, the good news is that making a few dietary changes can actually help improve your eyebrow health.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, biotin, and iron can support hair growth. Think fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, and eggs. Hydration is also important, so be sure to drink plenty of water, too!
Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation
To keep the skin around your brows healthy, gentle cleansing and exfoliation are also important (even if you aren’t experiencing thinning). While you should avoid harsh scrubbing, a light exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation to the brow area to stimulate and promote hair growth. Just make sure to moisturise afterward to keep the skin soft and nourished!
Serums & Oils
There are several brow serums and oils available that can help nourish and promote hair growth. Ingredients like castor oil are popular for stimulating hair follicles. While results can vary from person to person, applying these products regularly might encourage fuller-looking brows over time.
Eyebrow Makeup
While you’re working on regrowth, eyebrow makeup can be a lifesaver! Brow pencils, powders, and gels can help you fill in sparse spots and shape your brows exactly how you want them. Look for products that are long-lasting and look natural—no one will ever know you’re faking it!
Eyebrow Lamination
We’ve all seen one or more of our favorite celebs sporting thick, luscious brows. What if we told you that the secret (more often than not) is eyebrow lamination! Healthy Brow Lamination is fantastic for giving the illusion of thicker brows, more defined brows by straightening and lifting the hairs.
Eyebrow lamination works by using a special perming solution to reshape and lift the natural brows. This solution softens the hairs, allowing them to be brushed into place and set in a more uniform direction. The result is perfectly groomed, fuller brows that last for weeks!
Microblading and Eyebrow Tattooing
For a more long-lasting solution, microblading or eyebrow tattooing can help give you a fuller, more defined brow shape. Microblading is similar to tattooing but uses ultra-fine strokes to mimic the look of natural hair, creating a more realistic, textured appearance. This technique is perfect for anyone looking to add fullness or reshape their brows. The results typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on your skin type and lifestyle, making it a fantastic option for people who have struggled with sparse or uneven brows.
Eyebrow Dyeing and Tinting
If your eyebrows are thinning but you’re still seeing some hair growth, eyebrow dyeing or tinting can be a fantastic way to make them look fuller and more defined. It’s a great option to add a little extra volume and structure to your brows, giving them that bold, defined look you might be craving.
At Ivy Reign, we offer some of the best professional eyebrow tinting treatments that can enhance your natural colour, improve their shape and even give it that dramatic pop. The best part? It’s a quick and painless process, and the results can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks (depending on your hair growth and skin type)
No two brows are the same, which is why we tailor our services to suit your unique style and preferences. We use only the best products to ensure your brows look natural, full, and perfectly defined!
Read More: How Long Does Eyebrow Tint Last & How To Make It Last Longer
Get Your Brows Back on Track!
No matter the cause eyebrow thinning can be frustrating, and can go as far as to affect our confidence! The causes of thinning eyebrows are diverse and can be caused by anything from aging and lifestyle changes to genetics and even medical conditions. The good news is that you don’t have to surrender to sparse brows!
Remember, everyone’s brow journey is different, and what works for one person may not be the solution for another. That’s why it’s important to explore your options and find what works best for you!
If you’re ready to take the next step toward fuller, healthier brows, why not book a consultation with us? At Ivy Reign, we offer personalised eyebrow dyeing treatments and bundles that can help you feel confident with your brows again.
Don’t let thinning brows hold you back—book with us let’s bring your brows back to life!
