How to Fill in or Treat Sparse Eyebrows

Bold, full brows dominate fashion shows, yet many people deal with thinning or sparse eyebrows in everyday life. A 2012 review identified numerous potential reasons for eyebrow thinning or reduced density, such as:

• overplucking
• waxing
• side effects of medications
• alopecia
• heredity
• the normal aging process

Below are several approaches to filling in and treating eyebrows that have lost some of their volume.

How to fill in sparse eyebrows with makeup

The simplest way to address thin brows is with cosmetics that create the appearance of greater thickness and fullness. Common products include:

• eyebrow pencils
• powders
• eyebrow mascaras
• waxes

Try a few different items and combinations to discover the routine that produces the brow look you prefer.

To fill in your brows for a fuller look, follow these steps:

1. Begin with a clean, dry face. Use an eyebrow brush or a clean cotton swab to comb your brows so the hairs lie flat and point the same way.
2. Shape your brows with the brush or swab, sweeping hairs into a natural arch. The arch should roughly align at a 45-degree angle relative to the base of your nose.
3. You might apply a light cream or gel to style and hold your brows in place.
4. With an eyebrow pencil or powder applied via a small brush, use short, feathery strokes that imitate individual hairs along and across your natural brows. Start at the inner corner nearest your nose and work outward to form the desired shape. Take your time — more short strokes will make brows appear denser.
5. If desired, finish with an eyebrow mascara or wax to lock the result in position.

How to fix thin eyebrows with other home or salon remedies

If you prefer a longer-lasting solution than makeup, consider these additional techniques and treatments for enhancing your brows.

Hair dye

Using semi-permanent or permanent hair dye on your eyebrows can darken them and create the illusion of fuller brows.

You can do this at home with over-the-counter hair color products or visit an esthetician for a professional service.

Nutritional supplements

A 2017 review found links between hair loss and certain vitamin deficiencies, including low vitamin D and iron.

Therefore, taking supplements for vitamin D and iron could potentially support hair regrowth, including in the eyebrow area.

However, that same review indicated supplements are unlikely to help if you don’t have an actual nutritional deficiency.

Essential oils

Some people report anecdotal benefits from certain essential oils for encouraging hair growth on the scalp and eyebrows.

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and avoid applying them too near the eye or on the eyelid. Castor oil and peppermint oil are commonly mentioned favorites for promoting growth.

Microblading

Microblading is a cosmetic technique performed by a licensed professional to create the appearance of fuller, more even brows.

This method (and related techniques like nanoblading) involves making very fine, hairlike strokes and filling them with semi-permanent pigment to mimic real brow hairs.

Results typically last between 8 and 30 months, after which you’ll need a touch-up to maintain the look.

Microshading

Microshading is another licensed provider procedure similar to microblading.

Unlike microblading, microshading reproduces the look of powdered makeup rather than individual hair strokes, so it appears more like filled-in brows. Microshading usually endures for about 3 to 6 months.

Eyebrow tattoos

Semi-permanent eyebrow options (such as henna) and permanent tattooing have been used for years, though they often appear less natural than microblading.

Sparse eyebrows treatment

Bimatoprost

Per a 2016 study, bimatoprost (Latisse) is not FDA-approved for eyebrow restoration and would represent off-label usage. The typical application is a topical product applied to the brows once or twice daily.

This prescription medication is FDA-approved for stimulating eyelash growth and may require several months to show full effects.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is available in over-the-counter and prescription formulations and can be applied as a topical foam, concentrated solution, or given orally.

In a small 2014 trial, 39 participants applied a minoxidil-containing lotion to one side of their faces and a placebo to the other to address eyebrow thinning.

The study reported significantly better outcomes on the minoxidil-treated side versus the placebo side.

Eyebrow restoration

A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can discuss hair graft procedures focused on the eyebrows. These transplants use your own hair follicles to fill sparse areas and promote regrowth.

Eyebrow transplant surgeries can be costly, often require weeks of recovery, and carry risks such as serious side effects or infection.

Causes of sparse eyebrows

Several factors can lead to sparse eyebrows.

Excessive plucking or tweezing can harm hair follicles and impair regrowth. Other potential causes include:

• nutritional deficiencies
• medication side effects
• alopecia areata
• psoriasis
• thyroid disorders
• hormonal fluctuations
• stress
• trichotillomania

Takeaway

Losing eyebrow hair can be upsetting, but there are many treatment options. Cosmetic approaches and surgical grafts can also restore the appearance of fuller brows.

If you’re worried about eyebrow hair loss or can’t determine the underlying cause, consult a physician.