Why Are My Eyebrows Falling Out? Causes & Best Fixes

Eyebrows play an essential role in framing your face and enhancing your expressions. But what happens when they start thinning or falling out? If you’re noticing gaps in your brows or experiencing sudden eyebrow shedding, you’re not alone.

Eyebrow hair loss (also known as eyebrow thinning or madarosis) can happen for multiple reasons, ranging from overplucking and stress to nutritional deficiencies. The good news? Most cases are fixable if you address the root cause early.

This guide covers:

• The most common causes of eyebrow loss
• The best ways to regrow your eyebrows naturally
• How to prevent eyebrow hair from falling out again

Why Are My Eyebrows Falling Out?

Eyebrow hair loss can occur gradually or suddenly, affecting one or both eyebrows. While some cases are temporary and reversible, others may be long-term due to follicle damage. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective regrowth.

Common Causes of Eyebrow Hair Loss & Solutions

Cause	How It Affects Eyebrows	Best Solution
Overplucking or Waxing	Weakens follicles, leading to permanent thinning	Stop plucking/waxing for at least 6-8 weeks, apply a brow serum
Stress & Lifestyle Factors	Disrupts hair growth cycle, causing shedding	Reduce stress, get 7-8 hours of sleep, eat a nutrient-rich diet
Nutritional Deficiencies	Lack of biotin, iron, zinc, or vitamin D weakens hair	Improve diet, take supplements if needed
Aging & Hormonal Changes	Slows hair regrowth, causing thinning over time	Use a brow serum, gently massage brows to boost circulation
Harsh Beauty Products	Chemicals in brow gels, dyes, and waterproof products damage follicles	Switch to natural, hypoallergenic brow products

If eyebrow thinning continues despite making these changes, it may indicate deeper follicle damage. In such cases, professional treatments like microblading or brow transplants may be needed.

Here are the most common reasons why your eyebrows may be falling out:

1. Overplucking or Waxing

Constantly tweezing or waxing eyebrows can damage hair follicles over time. When hair is repeatedly removed from the root, the follicles weaken and may stop producing new hair.

How to Fix It

• Stop plucking or waxing for at least 6-8 weeks.
• Apply a brow serum with castor oil, peptides, or keratin.
• Gently massage the brow area to stimulate hair follicles.

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2. Stress & Lifestyle Factors

High stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding (a condition called telogen effluvium). Lack of sleep, poor diet, and extreme fatigue can weaken hair follicles.

How to Fix It

• Reduce stress with meditation, deep breathing, or light exercise.
• Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to support hair growth.
• Eat a protein-rich diet with iron, zinc, and biotin.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Eyebrows need essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth. If you lack key nutrients, your brows may thin out over time.

Common Nutrients for Eyebrow Growth

Nutrient	Why It’s Important	Best Food Sources
Biotin (B7)	Supports keratin production for hair growth	Eggs, almonds, spinach
Vitamin D	Strengthens hair follicles	Sunlight, salmon, mushrooms
Iron	Prevents excessive hair loss	Red meat, lentils, spinach
Zinc	Repairs damaged follicles	Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas

How to Fix It

• Take a multivitamin if your diet lacks these nutrients.
• Include whole, unprocessed foods in your meals.
• Drink enough water to keep hair follicles hydrated.

Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in hair health. If you lack essential nutrients, not only can your eyebrows thin, but your overall hair growth may slow down. To understand how much hair naturally grows each month and how nutrition impacts it, check out How Much Does Hair Grow in a Month.
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4. Aging & Hormonal Changes

As you age, your hair growth cycle slows down. Menopause, pregnancy, and thyroid imbalances can also cause eyebrow thinning.

How to Fix It (H4)

• Use a brow-thickening serum with peptides or panthenol.
• Massage the eyebrow area gently to improve circulation.
• If hair loss is severe, consult a doctor for hormone tests.

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, hormonal imbalances can contribute to eyebrow thinning, and early intervention may help prevent further loss.

5. Using Harsh Beauty Products

Many eyebrow gels, pencils, and waterproof products contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin and damage follicles.

How to Fix It

• Switch to hypoallergenic, natural brow products.
• Use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup gently.
• Avoid waterproof formulas that require excessive rubbing.

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Can Eyebrows Grow Back After Falling Out?

Yes, eyebrows can grow back—but the speed and success depend on the underlying cause. If follicles are still active, new hair can appear in a few weeks to months. If follicles are damaged, regrowth may be limited.

How Long Does It Take for Eyebrows to Grow Back? (H3)

Cause of Hair Loss	Estimated Regrowth Time
Mild damage (waxing, plucking)	4-8 weeks
Nutritional deficiencies	2-3 months (with proper diet)
Harsh cosmetics use	6-12 weeks (if discontinued)
Severe follicle damage	May not regrow

How to Regrow Eyebrows Faster

If your eyebrows are thinning, here’s how to speed up regrowth:

1. Use Natural Oils

Oil Type	Benefits	Best Application
Castor Oil	Stimulates dormant follicles	Apply before bedtime
Coconut Oil	Prevents protein loss in hair	Massage lightly, leave overnight
Argan Oil	Hydrates skin & reduces inflammation	Use a few drops daily

2. Stimulate Growth with Gentle Massage

Massaging your eyebrows increases blood circulation, delivering nutrients to hair follicles.

• Use fingertips to apply light pressure.
• Try a spoolie brush or soft toothbrush to stimulate the area.
• Massage for 2-3 minutes daily for best results.

A proper skincare routine, including exfoliation, is key for maintaining healthy hair follicles and supporting regrowth. But how often should you exfoliate your face without damaging your skin? Find out in How Many Times to Wash and Exfoliate Face.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do my eyebrows fall out when I rub them?

Rubbing your eyebrows too hard can damage hair follicles, leading to excessive shedding. Eyebrow hairs are more delicate than scalp hair, and frequent rubbing or scratching can weaken the roots.

• Avoid rubbing or pulling on your brows to prevent unnecessary hair loss.
• If your brows feel itchy, use a mild moisturizer or apply aloe vera to soothe the skin.
• If hair continues to fall out, consider switching to a gentler skincare routine to avoid irritation.

2. Can stress cause eyebrow hair loss?

Yes, chronic stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, where the hair growth cycle is disrupted, leading to excessive shedding.

• Stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively impact hair follicles.
• Prolonged stress reduces nutrient absorption, weakening hair growth.
• Stress-related hair loss is usually temporary—once stress is managed, eyebrows can regrow within two to three months.

To prevent further hair loss, try:

• Deep breathing exercises or meditation to lower stress levels.
• A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins to support regrowth.
• Getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night to improve overall health.

3. Does Vaseline help eyebrows grow?

No, Vaseline does not stimulate eyebrow growth. It does not contain the nutrients needed for hair regrowth. However, it can:

• Lock in moisture, preventing eyebrow hairs from becoming dry and brittle.
• Protect hair from environmental damage, like pollution and harsh weather.
• Act as a barrier if used before applying makeup, reducing irritation.

Best alternative for eyebrow growth:
Instead of Vaseline, use castor oil, coconut oil, or argan oil, which contain fatty acids and vitamins that nourish hair follicles.

4. Can washing your face too much cause eyebrow loss?

Yes, excessive washing can strip natural oils from the skin and weaken hair follicles, leading to eyebrow hair loss.

• Harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and scrubbing can damage delicate eyebrow hairs.
• Hot water can dry out the skin and cause irritation around the brows.
• Over-cleansing can disrupt the natural balance of oils that keep hair healthy.

To prevent this:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser once or twice daily.
• Use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
• Apply a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

Over-washing can strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. If your skin, especially around your brows, tends to get too oily, it might be worth checking Why Is My Nose So Oily for tips on balancing skin hydration.
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5. Can a poor diet cause eyebrow hair loss?

Yes, nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning eyebrows. The body needs essential vitamins and minerals to support hair growth.

• A lack of biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D can weaken hair follicles.
• Low protein intake can slow hair regrowth.
• Dehydration can cause dryness, making eyebrows more prone to breakage.

To support healthy eyebrows:

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet that includes lean protein, healthy fats, and green vegetables.
• Consider a multivitamin if your diet lacks essential nutrients.
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.

6. Why are my eyebrows falling out on one side only?

If eyebrow hair loss is happening on only one side, possible causes include:

• Sleeping on one side, causing friction and hair breakage.
• Uneven plucking, waxing, or threading habits.
• Skin irritation or an allergic reaction on one side of the face.
• Underlying conditions like stress-related hair loss, which can sometimes affect one side more than the other.

If the hair does not grow back within a few months, it may be helpful to assess daily habits or consult a specialist.

7. What are the best natural remedies for eyebrow regrowth?

Several natural ingredients can help promote healthier eyebrows.

• Castor oil: Nourishes and strengthens hair follicles.
• Aloe vera: Soothes the skin and reduces irritation that may slow growth.
• Coconut oil: Helps prevent protein loss in hair strands.
• Gentle massage: Improves blood circulation, which can stimulate growth.

For best results, apply a small amount of natural oil to clean brows before bedtime and massage gently for one to two minutes. Rose water is known for its skin-soothing and nourishing properties, which can help maintain a healthy environment for hair follicles. Learn more about its benefits in Rose Water Benefits.
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8. How long does it take for eyebrows to grow back?

The regrowth time depends on the cause of hair loss.

Cause of Hair Loss	Estimated Regrowth Time
Mild damage (plucking, waxing, threading)	Four to eight weeks
Nutritional deficiencies	Two to three months (with proper diet/supplements)
Overuse of harsh cosmetics	Six to twelve weeks (if discontinued)
Severe follicle damage (scarring, long-term trauma)	May not regrow

If no new hairs appear after three to six months, it may indicate permanent follicle damage.

9. Does eyebrow makeup cause hair loss?

Certain eyebrow products can contribute to hair thinning over time.

• Waterproof brow gels and pencils require aggressive rubbing to remove, which can weaken hair.
• Some eyebrow dyes contain chemicals that irritate the skin and follicles.
• Overfilling eyebrows with heavy products can clog pores, leading to irritation.

To prevent damage:

• Use gentle, hypoallergenic eyebrow products.
• Remove makeup with an oil-based cleanser instead of scrubbing.
• Avoid using brow tinting or harsh dyes frequently.

Using multiple layers of makeup on your brows can clog hair follicles and lead to thinning. Just like with nail polish, too many coats can sometimes do more harm than good. Find out How Many Coats of Nail Polish Should You Apply to understand the impact of layering beauty products.
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10. What is the fastest way to regrow eyebrows?

There is no instant fix, but a combination of methods can help speed up regrowth.

• Apply castor oil, coconut oil, or a brow serum daily.
• Eat a diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins to support hair health.
• Avoid over-plucking and let your brows grow naturally for at least six to eight weeks.
• Use a soft-bristled eyebrow brush to stimulate circulation in the area.

Results vary depending on individual factors, but most people see noticeable improvements within one to three months.

Final Thoughts

If your eyebrows are falling out, don’t panic—most cases are reversible with the right approach. Identifying the cause and implementing a targeted solution can help restore fuller, healthier brows.

Key Takeaways for Eyebrow Regrowth:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in biotin, iron, zinc, and vitamin D to support healthy hair growth.
• Avoid overplucking, excessive waxing, or using harsh eyebrow products that may weaken hair follicles.
• Stimulate hair regrowth by massaging brows daily and applying nourishing natural oils like castor or coconut oil.
• Protect your brows by removing makeup gently and avoiding waterproof products that require aggressive scrubbing.
• Ensure proper hydration and sun protection, as dry, irritated skin can contribute to hair loss.

With consistent care and the right techniques, eyebrow regrowth is possible within four to eight weeks for mild cases. However, if you see no improvement in three to six months, consider consulting a brow specialist or exploring semi-permanent solutions like microblading for a fuller look.

By following these simple yet effective strategies, you can naturally restore and maintain thick, healthy eyebrows.