Tips to Help Your Eyebrows Grow Back

Overplucked, shaved, or mysteriously thinning losing your eyebrows can be frustrating, especially when they don't seem to grow back as quickly as you'd like. But before you panic, know this: eyebrow hair loss (madarosis) is usually temporary, and in many cases, regrowth is entirely possible with the right approach.

Whether your hair loss is cosmetic or medical, here’s what you need to know about how long it takes for eyebrows to grow back, what treatments can help, and what to do if they’re not returning as expected.

Common Causes of Eyebrow Hair Loss

Aside from over-tweezing or waxing, eyebrow hair can fall out for a variety of reasons:

• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, biotin, zinc, or vitamins A, D, E, B12, and folic acid)

• Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal shifts

• Thyroid issues (both hyper- and hypothyroidism)

• Stress or anxiety disorders

• Medications, including chemotherapy

• Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema

• Autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata or lupus

• Trichotillomania, a mental health condition involving compulsive hair-pulling

If you're unsure of the cause, a healthcare provider or dermatologist can help identify the root issue and recommend a targeted treatment plan.

How Long Does Eyebrow Hair Take to Grow Back?

Hair growth happens in four stages:

1. Anagen (active growth) – 2 to 3 months for eyebrows

2. Catagen (transition) – up to 3 weeks

3. Telogen (resting) – 2 to 3 months

4. Exogen (shedding) – hair falls out and is replaced

On average, it takes about 6 months for eyebrow hair to grow back, though it can be shorter or longer depending on your health, age, and the cause of hair loss.

Eyebrow Regrowth After Over-Plucking or Shaving

Despite what you may have heard, overplucking or shaving your eyebrows doesn't usually cause permanent damage. Most people will see regrowth within a few weeks to a few months, assuming the hair follicle hasn't been damaged by scarring or inflammation.

That said, excessive or long-term plucking can delay the regrowth cycle and reduce density over time.

How to Help Eyebrows Grow Back Faster

If you're hoping to speed up the process or improve eyebrow thickness, here are a few evidence-backed options:

1. Topical Treatments

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Commonly used for scalp hair, minoxidil can be applied to brows to stimulate growth.

• Bimatoprost (Latisse): FDA-approved for eyelashes, but some studies suggest it may work for eyebrows too.

• Steroid creams or injections: Often prescribed for autoimmune-related hair loss, such as alopecia areata.

2. Nutritional Support

Hair growth requires adequate nutrients. Key vitamins and minerals include:

• Biotin

• Iron

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Folic acid

• Vitamins B12, C, D, and E

A simple blood test can reveal any deficiencies. Note: too much vitamin A can actually cause hair loss, so balance is key.

3. Treat the Underlying Cause

If eyebrow loss is linked to a medical issue like thyroid disease, skin conditions, or autoimmune disorders treating that root condition can help restore natural growth.

• Infections may require antibiotics.

• Skin inflammation may benefit from medicated creams.

• Trichotillomania is best addressed with therapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

What About Eyebrow Makeup?

Using eyebrow pencils or powders won’t stop hair from growing. Cosmetics don’t interfere with regrowth, although skin irritation from harsh products can potentially make things worse.

If you notice redness, itching, or flaking, switch to a gentler formula and consult a dermatologist.

When Eyebrows Don’t Grow Back: Scarring Madarosis

Most eyebrow loss is non-scarring, meaning it will grow back. But in rare cases, hair loss is permanent due to structural damage in the follicle. This is called scarring madarosis.

Conditions that can cause this include:

• Autoimmune disorders like lupus

• Viral infections such as shingles (herpes zoster)

• Chronic skin inflammation or trauma

If this is the case, cosmetic procedures may help:

• Microblading

• Eyebrow tattooing

• Eyebrow transplants

• Eyebrow stencils or stick-on brows for temporary enhancement

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eyebrow Growth

• Be patient growth cycles take time.

• Stop tweezing and waxing until brows are fully regrown.

• Use gentle skincare avoid harsh scrubs or acids near your brows.

• Massage the area to stimulate circulation.

• Avoid stress chronic stress is linked to hair loss.

• Consider castor oil or eyebrow serums (anecdotally helpful, though not strongly backed by science).

When to See a Professional

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• You notice sudden or unexplained eyebrow loss

• You have other symptoms like fatigue, hair loss elsewhere, or skin changes

• You’ve seen no regrowth after 6 months

• You experience itching, burning, or visible scarring

A board-certified dermatologist or trichologist can assess your follicles and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

The Takeaway

Eyebrows usually grow back even after over-plucking or shaving but the timeline varies depending on the cause. With patience, good nutrition, and a few targeted treatments, it’s possible to restore fullness naturally or explore cosmetic solutions if needed.

If this guide was helpful, share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more holistic beauty and wellness insights.