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- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 5 Mins
The thin eyebrow trend of the 90s led many people to overpluck their brows. Now, years later, many find their eyebrows won’t fully grow back on their own. If you’ve been too enthusiastic with tweezers and now regret it, this guide will help you understand why this happens and what you can do about it.
Key Takeaways
- Eyebrow regrowth typically takes 3-4 months due to the natural hair growth cycle, with different parts of the brow growing at varying rates.
- Natural regrowth requires consistent care: avoid all plucking, improve nutrition with hair-supporting vitamins, and consider growth serums containing bimatoprost or minoxidil.
- For permanently damaged follicles, professional solutions like eyebrow transplantation can restore fullness.
Table of Contents
Do Overplucked Eyebrows Grow Back?
Eyebrow hairs follow a four-stage growth cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Unlike scalp hair, which grows for up to 7 years in the anagen phase, eyebrow hair only grows for about 4 months before resting.
This shorter growth cycle explains why eyebrow hairs remain much shorter than the hair on your head. After shedding, the cycle begins again, which means that in most cases, overplucked eyebrows will eventually grow back.
When you overpluck, you temporarily disrupt this natural cycle. The disruption usually isn’t permanent.
However, persistent overplucking over many years can potentially cause lasting damage to hair follicles. Some may become too damaged to produce new hair, similar to what happens with trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling).
Eyebrow Regrowth Timeline
For most people, the complete eyebrow growth cycle takes 3-4 months. If you’ve only slightly overplucked, you might notice new growth within 2-3 weeks. Those with severely overplucked brows typically need to wait the full 3-4 months.
Moreover, a 2019 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology revealed that different regions of the brow grow at different rates. The tail of the eyebrow often shows slower growth compared to the inner portion.
Your personal timeline is influenced by age, overall health, hormones, the extent of follicle damage, and genetics. Younger individuals typically experience faster regrowth due to more active cell regeneration.
If you don’t see any regrowth after 4-6 months, this could indicate more persistent issues requiring professional intervention.
Natural Methods to Grow Back Eyebrows
Several natural approaches can help stimulate and support eyebrow regrowth. These methods focus on creating optimal conditions for hair follicles to recover and produce new hairs.
Stop All Plucking
The most crucial step is to put down the tweezers. Give your eyebrows a complete break from all hair removal methods, including plucking, waxing, and threading.
Even those stray hairs that seem out of place are important during this regrowth phase. They create the framework for your new brow shape.
Improve Your Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in hair growth. Research shows that deficiencies in certain vitamins can contribute to hair loss and slow regrowth.
The following nutrients are particularly important for healthy eyebrow regrowth:
| Nutrient | Function for Hair Growth | Food Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Biotin (B7) | Promotes keratin production | Eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes |
| Vitamin E | Improves blood circulation to follicles | Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados |
| Protein | Provides building blocks for new hair | Lean meats, fish, legumes, tofu |
| Iron | Facilitates oxygen delivery to follicles | Spinach, lentils, red meat, fortified cereals |
| Omega-3 | Reduces inflammation around hair follicles | Fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts |
| Zinc | Supports oil gland function around follicles | Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, lentils |
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for overall health, including hair growth. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep follicles nourished and support nutrient transport to hair roots.
Avoid Heavy Makeup
Thick cosmetic products like foundation, concealer, and heavy brow products can clog hair follicles and impede growth. Choose light, breathable products and ensure thorough cleansing at the end of the day.
Try Growth Serums
Research-backed serums containing peptides or approved hair growth ingredients can stimulate eyebrow growth. A 2023 study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research compared treatments for eyebrow enhancement and found promising results.
The study showed that both bimatoprost 0.03% and minoxidil 2% significantly improved eyebrow appearance, with bimatoprost showing slightly more favorable outcomes.
Massage Your Brows
Gentle massage improves blood circulation to hair follicles, potentially stimulating growth. Massage the eyebrow area for 2-3 minutes daily using clean fingertips. Some people find that adding a drop of castor oil enhances results.
Protect From Sun Damage
UV radiation can damage hair follicles and impede growth. Apply sunscreen to your face, including your eyebrow area, or wear a hat when in direct sunlight.
Temporary Solutions While Waiting
While your eyebrows are in the regrowth phase, several temporary solutions can help you achieve the appearance of fuller brows.
Brow Makeup: Use brow pencils, powders, or gels to fill in sparse areas. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your natural brow color for the most natural look. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic natural hair.
Microblading: This semi-permanent solution creates the appearance of hair strokes using fine needles to deposit pigment under the skin. Results typically last 1-3 years, making it an excellent option while waiting for natural regrowth.
When applying any brow makeup, remember that less is more. Building up gradually creates a more natural appearance than applying too much at once.
When Eyebrows Won’t Grow Back
Despite diligent care and patience, some eyebrows may not recover naturally. If your eyebrows aren’t regrowing as expected, these factors may be affecting your hair follicles.
| Cause | Description | Potential Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Hormonal Imbalance | Disrupted hormone levels can inhibit hair growth. | Hormonal therapy, specialist consultation. |
| Nutritional Deficiency | Lack of essential vitamins and minerals. | Balanced diet, supplements. |
| Medical Conditions | Conditions like alopecia or hypothyroidism. | Medical diagnosis, targeted treatment. |
| Prolonged Damage | Years of overplucking or harsh treatments. | Growth serums, professional treatments. |
| Aging | Natural decrease in hair follicle activity with age. | Serums, professional solutions. |
| Stress | Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle. | Stress management |
Topical Solutions: Clinical studies have shown that minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) can be effective for eyebrow regrowth. A 2% solution applied carefully to the eyebrow area may stimulate new growth in some cases.
If natural methods and over-the-counter treatments aren’t working after several months, it’s time to consult a specialist who can properly diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
For permanent, natural-looking results, our eyebrow transplant procedure at Aventus Clinic might be your best option. This specialised treatment takes 250-400 donor hairs (typically from behind the ears) and implants them into the eyebrow area using tiny needles to prevent scarring, creating natural, fuller eyebrows that enhance your facial features.
Final Note
Regrowing overplucked eyebrows requires patience above all else. Start with natural methods and give your brows time to recover before considering more advanced options.
Remember that even with the best care, some eyebrows may not fully return to their previous state if the follicles have been permanently damaged. In these cases, professional help from specialists can offer effective solutions.
So, if you’re concerned about slow or non-existent eyebrow regrowth, book a free consultation with our eyebrow specialists at Aventus Clinic. We can assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to help you achieve the fuller, natural-looking eyebrows you desire.
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