Eyebrow hair loss: Causes and treatment

A set of thick eyebrows have been one of the key defining factors of beauty as we have known it. Thinning eyebrows, therefore, have a stigma attached to them and may make a person self-conscious. Eyebrow hair loss happens due to the same internal and external reasons that cause hair loss on the head. These could range from minor salon accidents like overplucking or health issues such as alopecia, vitamin deficiencies and stress. Read on to know more about the causes of eyebrow hair loss and how to treat it.

What causes eyebrow hair loss?

Whether one or both eyebrows are thinning, it could be a result of several causes. Madarosis is the condition that causes a person to lose hair from the eyebrows and eyelashes, says dermatologist Dr Gitika Sanodia Biyani. The loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair may result from this disorder either completely or partially.

There are more reasons for eyebrow hair loss:

• Genetic conditions
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Autoimmune conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Skin conditions

Also read: 7 easy ways to grow thicker eyebrows naturally

How to treat eyebrow hair loss?

The first thing to do is to consult a dermatologist for eyebrow hair loss treatment. After proper examination, the treatment can be planned. Chances are the expert will suggest one of the following treatment options:

1. Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter hormone-mediating topical medicine that is available in male and female variants. Over several months, it can recover growth that has been suppressed by hormones, says Dr Biyani.

2. Corticosteroids

By lowering inflammation and the immune system’s response, corticosteroids can be used topically, intravenously or as pills to treat psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia and eczema.

3. Acupuncture

It may help with alopecia areata by promoting circulation and perhaps lessening attacks on the hair follicle bulb.

4. Castor oil

A home remedy for eyebrow hair growth is castor oil. By influencing specific hormones, it might activate the hair follicles. You can apply a little bit of castor oil to your eyebrows with the help of a cotton swab or a clean mascara wand to get thicker eyebrows.

Eyebrow hair loss can be treated once the cause is known. One of the best natural remedy for eyebrow hair loss is to include vitamin-rich foods and vitamin supplements in your diet, says Dr Biyani. Also, regrowth is possible if the etiology is infectious and nutritional. In the case of autoimmune or genetic cases, there are cosmetic treatments available where the growth of the eyebrow is not that significant, adds the expert.

How to prevent eyebrow hair loss?

Sometimes it’s possible to prevent eyebrow hair loss. You need to consult with your doctor for a blood test to find out if you need to take any vitamin supplements. You can also do the following:

• Consume a lot of fruits, vegetables and lean protein
• Look for techniques to de-stress and unwind, such as massage therapy or meditation
• Avoid overplucking your eyebrows or using harsh chemicals near them
• When using glycolic acids or hair bleach or dye, rub your brows with petroleum jelly

By keeping these tips in mind, you may stop your eyebrows from thinning.