Eyebrow Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention Tips, & DIY Methods

Learn what causes eyebrow thinning and treatments to cope with it effectively.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shruti Chavan, MBBS Dr. Shruti Chavan Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS linkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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Close-up Of Women's Eyebrows Showing Her Hair Loss

Image: Shutterstock

Keeping eyebrows healthy and in shape is essential because they can define your facial features. But factors like nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, thyroid dysfunction, stress, aging, certain autoimmune conditions like alopecia, hypotrichosis, medical treatments like chemotherapy, and genetics may cause eyebrow hair loss. But do not fret if you observe eyebrow thinning. It may have a number of causes. This article explores the causes of eyebrow hair loss, ways to minimize it, and certain tips to prevent it. Keep reading.

What Causes Eyebrow Hair Loss?

The reasons for eyebrow hair loss include:

  1. Over Plucking: It is not easy to resist the temptation to tweeze your eyebrows if you do not want to endure the pain of threading. But when you pluck your eyebrow hair, you are pulling it out from the follicles, damaging it. Repeatedly plucking your eyebrows can permanently damage the follicles over time and prevent them from producing new hair.
  1. Skin Conditions: Various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosisi  A group of skin disorders characterized by redness and thick, scaly skin over large areas of the body. , or infection in the hair follicles may cause itching, redness, and inflammation around your eyebrows (1). Inflammation around the eyebrows can also cause hair loss.
  1. Thyroid Dysfunction: The thyroid gland releases hormones to regulate our metabolism. Any disruption in its functioning may cause hair loss, including eyebrow hair loss (2). If your thyroid is underactive, you may lose the outer third of your eyebrow.
  1. Nutrient Deficiency: Nutrient deficiencies that cause hair loss on the scalp may have the same effect on your eyebrows. Lack of iron, zinc, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids may cause eyebrow and body hair loss (3).
  1. Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like alopecia areata, lichen planopilarisi  An uncommon inflammatory scalp disorder characterized by smooth white patches that can lead to permanent hair loss. , frontal fibrosing alopecia, DLE (discoid lupus erythematosusi  A chronic autoimmune skin condition that is characterized by scarring and scaly plaques on the scalp, face, and ears. ), and androgenetic hair loss affect the hair follicles and may cause hair loss on your scalp and eyebrows (4).
    A study conducted on 1327 participants with alopecia areata found that 38.8% had thinning in the eyebrows, and 20.7% had no or barely any eyebrows. Alopecia patients can have severe symptoms of hair loss, including eyebrow loss, so try effective home remedies to minimize the impact of this condition.
  1. Stress: Emotional and physiological stress may trigger conditions that may cause hair loss. For instance, telogen effluvium can affect the hair follicles and cause excessive shedding. Trichotillomania (compulsive plucking), trichoteiromania (hair loss caused by repeated rubbing), and trichotemnomania (obsessive shaving) are other psychiatric conditions that may cause hair loss (5).
  1. Aging: You will start losing hair from your head and eyebrows as you get older because, well, that’s how aging works. You may start experiencing hair thinning in your 40s.
  1. Infections: Infections like leprosyi  A chronic curable infectious disease that mainly affects the skin and causes nerve damage and skin lesions. , secondary or tertiary syphilisi  A life-threatening bacterial infection that starts as a painless sore and is usually spread by sexual activity. , folliculitisi  A common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicle becomes inflamed or irritated due to blockage. , and herpes zoster or simplex may also cause eyebrow hair loss (6).
  2. Tinea Capitis: Tinea capitis, commonly known as ringworm, can cause eyebrow hair loss. This fungal infection affects the skin and hair follicles, leading to itching, scaling, and hair thinning or loss in the affected area (7). Treatment usually involves antifungal medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.
  3. Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens, leading to inflammation, itching, and hair thinning or loss in the affected area. A study analyzing 226 patients with suspected scalp contact dermatitis identified common allergens such as nickel, cobalt, and fragrance mix (8). Common sources included hair accessories and hair products. Identifying and avoiding these triggers, along with topical treatments, may help in eyebrow regrowth.

While you may not be able to control age-related hair loss, you can try a few home remedies to minimize eyebrow hair loss. Check them out.

Ways To Minimize Eyebrow Hair Loss

Note: In case your eyebrow hair loss is caused by an underlying condition, consult a doctor.

1. Castor Oil

Castor oil as a remedy for eyebrow hair loss
Image: Shutterstock

Anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil nourishes the hair follicles to promote faster and thicker hair growth. This property can help your eyebrows grow thicker.

How To Use

  • Apply castor oil to your eyebrows with a cotton swab.
  • Gently massage the oil for a couple of minutes.
  • Leave it on for half an hour before washing it off with lukewarm water.

2. Olive Oil

A study found that applying unprocessed olive extract could induce the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle in mice. The hair growth stimulating effect is due to oleuropein, a polyphenolic compound found in olive extracts, including olive oil (9). Hence, applying olive oil to the eyebrows can promote hair growth.

How To Use

  • Warm half a teaspoon of olive in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • Massage your eyebrows with this warm olive oil for a few minutes.
  • Wash it off after 30 minutes.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera as a remedy for eyebrow hair loss
Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera gel has healing properties that can help treat seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes dandruff (10).. It also contains enzymes that soothe and protect the scalp and prevent hair loss (11).

How To Use

  • Squeeze the gel out of an aloe vera leaf.
  • Massage the gel onto your eyebrows for a few minutes.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water after 30 minutes.

It is believed that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra located in the Indian Ocean for the ample growth of Aloe vera plants.

4. Fenugreek Seeds

A tonic containing fenugreek seed extract was found to promote hair growth in rabbits and had similar effects as minoxidil, a medication used to treat hair loss (10). Hence, you can try using fenugreek seeds to minimize eyebrow hair loss. So, if you are looking for ways to regrow eyebrows naturally, then don’t forget to add fenugreek seeds to your diet for better results.

How To Use

  • Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight.
  • Grind them to a paste and mix with coconut oil.
  • Apply this mixture to your eyebrows and leave it on overnight.
  • Wash the paste off with water the next morning.

5. Milk

Milk as a remedy for eyebrow hair loss
Image: Shutterstock

Anecdotal evidence suggests that milk works as a natural conditioner and contains proteins that can aid eyebrow hair growth.

How To Use

  • Apply milk to your eyebrows with the help of a cotton swab.
  • Let it dry and wash off after 20 minutes.
  • Follow this routine twice a day.

6. Egg Yolk

Egg yolk contains peptides that can stimulate hair growth (13). Hence, it may also be great at treating eyebrow hair loss.

How To Use

  • Beat the yolk of an egg until it is creamy.
  • Apply it to your eyebrows with a cotton swab and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  • Wash off with cold water.
  • Follow this routine twice a week.

Besides following these all-natural home remedies, here are a few tips to keep in mind to prevent eyebrow hair loss.

Tips For Preventing Eyebrow Hair Loss

Protein-rich foods to stimulate eyebrow hair growth
Image: Shutterstock
  • Avoid plucking your eyebrows as much as you can. It may cause eyebrow hair loss, ingrown hair, and infections.
  • Consume foods rich in proteins, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, E, and C to promote good eyebrow hair growth.
  • You may have eggs, fish, lean meat, lentils, green vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.
  • Follow a good skin care routine every day and stay well hydrated.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Eyebrow threading is recommended to be done once in two to four weeks, depending on the rate of hair growth, to avoid eyebrow hair loss.

In case of excessive hair loss, consult a doctor immediately.

When To Call A Doctor

If you are losing eyebrow hair, consult a doctor to determine the underlying reason. Follow the suggested treatment plan to address the condition (if any) and prevent hair loss.

Multiple reasons may lead to eyebrow hair loss. It may be because of skin conditions, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, and nutrient deficiencies. Over plucking, stress and aging may also trigger eyebrow hair loss. You can manage your eyebrow hair loss using castor oil, olive oil, fenugreek seeds, aloe vera, egg yolk, and milk. In addition, including foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and proteins help combat eyebrow hair loss. Also, avoid over-plucking and maintain a good skin care regimen to minimize eyebrow hair loss.

Infographic: How To Cover Up Thinning Eyebrows With Makeup

Some people are born with thick, beautiful brows. But the rest of us will have to work a little harder to impersonate them. So, fret not if you belong to the second group! Certain cosmetic tips and techniques can help you master the art of brow shaping and filling for a youthful, fresh-faced look. Learn how to conceal your thinning eyebrows with makeup from the infographic below.

how to cover up thinning eyebrows with makeup (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vicks do for eyebrows?

Vicks contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor. Menthol may clear pores while eucalyptus and camphor may stimulate hair growth if applied topically on eyebrows. However, quality research is warranted in this aspect.

What is the best eyebrow growth serum?

Eyebrow growth serums with ingredients like retinol, nanoxidil, adenosine, and lysophophatidic acid are considered best for eyebrow growth.

Does Vaseline help your eyebrows grow?

No, Vaseline will not stimulate eyebrow hair growth. However, it coats eyebrow strands and gives them a fuller appearance.

Key Takeaways

  • Lifestyle habits, underlying medical conditions, and autoimmune disorders can trigger eyebrow hair loss.
  • Certain home remedies and prevention tips can help manage eyebrow hair loss effectively.
  • Eyebrow hair loss can be reversed if there is no follicle damage.


Eyebrow hair loss can be a difficult problem to deal with. However, certain medical treatments can help restore your eyebrows. Watch this video to learn more!

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Eyebrow Loss
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00128071-200708060-00003
  2. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746235/
  3. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
  4. Frontal fibrosing alopecia associated with generalized hair loss
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20695856/
  5. Madarosis: A Marker of Many Maladies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3358936/#!po=0.458716
  6. Tinea Capitis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536909/#:~:text=The%20inflammatory%20type%20may%20result,involve%20the%20eyelashes%20and%20eyebrows
  7. Common Allergens Identified Based on Patch Test Results in Patients with Suspected Contact Dermatitis of the Scalp
    https://karger.com/sad/article/3/1/7/291160/Common-Allergens-Identified-Based-on-Patch-Test
  8. Topical Application of Oleuropein Induces Anagen Hair Growth in Telogen Mouse Skin https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0129578
  9. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of an Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) emulsion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis
    https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546639909055904
  10. Aloe vera : A Potential Herb and its Medicinal Importance
    https://www.jocpr.com/articles/aloe-vera–a-potential-herb-and-its-medicinal-importance.pdf
  11. Effectiveness Test Of Fenugreek Seed ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L . ) Extract Hair Tonic In Hair Growth Activity
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/EFFECTIVENESS-TEST-OF-FENUGREEK-SEED-%28-Trigonella-L-Wijaya-Mun%E2%80%99im/d0417d40660c465157ac1dbff69ea336df7a2334?p2df
  12. Naturally Occurring Hair Growth Peptide: Water-Soluble Chicken Egg Yolk Peptides Stimulate Hair Growth Through Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Production
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2017.4101?cookieSet=1
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Dr. Shruti Chavan
Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS
Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

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Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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