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Brows are a powerful feature of your face. They frame your eyes, shape your expression and make you feel polished and put together if kept well groomed. As the years go by, many of us start to notice changes we didn't expect like thinning, patchy gaps and lighter hairs coming through. Why does this happen and more importantly what can you do about it?
Let's explore some of the reasons behind these brow changes and how to embrace healthier fuller brows, including steps your can use at home or with help from a professional.
Why do Brows Change?
Ageing and the Hair Growth Cycle
Like the hair on your head, brows go through a natural growth cycle. As we age, the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase, shortens causing our brow hair to become thinner and lighter. The follicles in our brow area can shrink, leading to fewer hair strands growing in those spots. Also, our skin loses elasticity and collagen causing hair growth to slow and become less dense.
What you can do:
Use Eyebrow Serums which are available in stores and online and are designed to encourage hair growth in thinning areas.
Tinting which can be done with your beautician to help brows appear fuller and darker without needing to rely on makeup everyday.
Microblading or Powder Brows which are semi permanent options to give fuller, more defined brows. A skilled technician can help you restore the shape and density that ageing may have taken away.
Over Plucking or Over Waxing
We have all been there, caught in that cycle of over plucking or waxing to maintain that perfect shape, so what is the problem with this? Repeated removal of hair can actually damage the follicles and make it harder for new hairs to grow. Over time you will notice sparse or patchy areas where the hair doesn't seem to grow back.
What you can do:
Let them grow by resisting the urge to tweeze, wax or shape your brows for a few weeks. Give the natural growth cycle a chance to reset and fill in.
Hydrate your brows by moisturising them with nourishing oils, like castor oil, to promote healthier, fuller growth.
Try brow pencils or powders which can temporarily cover any patches whilst you are giving your brows time to recover.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations is one of the biggest culprits and can come from pregnancy, menopause or medical conditions like thyroid imbalances. As we age, especially during menopause, your levels of oestrogen and progesterone decrease causing a big impact on your eyebrows causing thinning, lighter brows or even hair loss. Stress is another big factor that has an impact on your hormone levels disrupting hair growth.
What you can do:
Consult your doctor if you think your hormonal changes are affecting your brow hairs incase there are any underlying issues.
Look into supplements. Some people find that biotin, collagen and other hair growth supplements help improve the thickness and health of their brows.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Stress is not just bad for your mood but it can also affect your hair health. Over plucking in your younger days, aggressive brow waxing and even habits like rubbing your eyes can cause long term damage to the follicle. When the follicles weakens, it stops producing hair all together creating patchiness.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Healthy brows need vitamins and minerals. Lack of nutrients, particularly those that support hair health like Iron, Vitamin E, D or B affect your hair growth cycle contributing to thinning eyebrows and patchiness.
What you can do:
Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get plenty of protein, iron and vitamins which are all essential for hair growth. Consider adding foods like leafy greens, eggs and nuts to your diet.
Supplements like biotin and omega 3 are popular choices for hair health.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause irritation or scarring around the brow area resulting in hair loss or thinning. If you noticed any redness, dryness or flaking around your brows, it may be due to a skin condition that is affecting hair growth. Other conditions like hypothyroidism or alopecia, as well as certain medication can contribute to eyebrow thinning. It is worth speaking to a health proffessional if you suspect this is the case.
What you can do:
Visit a dermatologist if you suspect a skin condition might be affecting your brows. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Gentle care with brows when cleansing and avoid harsh chemicals that might irritate your skin further.
Genetics
Sometimes thinning or patchy eyebrows are just part of your genetic makeup. If your family members have sparse brows then the chances are you might experience the same thing as you age.
What you can do:
Makeup can work wonders. Try brow pencils, gels or powders to fill in the gaps and give your brows a fuller look.
Consider permanent makeup options like microblading and powder brows that are semi permanent solutions and can give a more natural, long lasting full brow appearance.
Quick Tips for Healthier Brows at Home:
Castor oil is known for it's potential to promote hair growth. Apply every night to encourage new growth.
Gentle exfoliation to clear dead skin cells from clogging hair follicles and slowing growth. It will also keep the area around your brows looking fresh and promote healthy hair growth.
Avoid harsh treatments and give your brows a break from waxing, threading or overly frequent plucking.
In Conclusion:
Eyebrows are one of those features that can dramatically change as we go through different stages of life, but with the right care, attention and professional solutions, you will always find ways to love them again. You can choose from home remedies, make use of brow enhancing products or opt for semi permanent solutions for some ways to bring your brows back to life.
My brow services are here to make you feel confident and happy. Your perfect brow journey is personal and I am here to guide you at Radiant Rose Beauty Room, every step of the way.
Ready for a Brow Refresh Today:
Let's bring your brows back to life. Remember, beautiful brows are just around the corner.