The bushier, the better.
The desire for thicker brows is universal, despite reports of thin, ’90s brows making a comeback. But to transform your natural arches into full, dense brows can require extra care of both the hair itself and your overall health. In other words, figuring out how to grow thicker eyebrows requires strategy.
Brow thinning can result from over-tweezing, of course — but you can also be genetically predisposed to it. Stress and trauma can also play a role, as may aging.
For that reason, “when determining the best course of action for reversing brow thinning, it’s best to take a look at why it’s happening,” says Samantha Ellis, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Danville, CA. Then, you can either consult with your healthcare provider or stop whatever’s in your way, allowing you to restore full, thick brows. Here’s how to do just that.
Use A Brow-Enhancing Serum
One of the easiest ways you can grow thicker eyebrows is using a brow serum. This is especially true if your thin brows are caused by hormones that disrupt the hair growth cycle. “Using a brow-enhancing serum can support the growth of new, strong brow hairs,” says Dr. Ellis, who recommends Virtue Flourish Brow Density Booster, which has a patented keratin protein, peptides, and plant-based extracts to stimulate hair follicles.
Other options include topical minoxidil, which is a traditional, science-backed ingredient for promoting hair growth on the scalp. You can also opt for Latisee, the prescription lash-growth solution that she says can be used as an off-label solution to thicken and lengthen eyebrow hair.
Also, avoid any product that includes the ingredients prostaglandins, says board-certified dermatologist Neera Nathan, MD, as these cause irritation, darkening of the eyes, and a sunken appearance in the eye area. Her brow serum pick is the Vegamour GRO Brow Serum. For one, it’s clean, “which is really important for anything that is applied near the eyes,” Dr. Nathan says. “It contains mung bean and red clover, which are rich sources of nutrients and appear to naturally support eyebrow growth.”
Reduce Stress
While this may be easier said than done, Dr. Ellis encourages everyone to find ways to decompress — at least for the sake of your brows. “Stress disrupts the normal hair growth cycle and can lead to hair shedding, including eyebrow hair,” she says. “Some individuals will also pull or pluck their eyebrows during times of stress, a condition known as trichotillomania.”
To combat this, she recommends prioritizing stress-reducing habits like regularly exercising, getting a proper amount of sleep, maintaining a healthy diet (more on that later), practicing meditation, and seeking professional counseling and therapy if it’s available to you.
Incorporate A Healthy Diet
Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main causes of thinning brows, says Dr. Ellis. Because of this, she recommends having a balanced diet that promotes hair growth, such as foods rich in vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, and biotin — which have been proven to help encourage an environment for healthy hair growth.
Avoid Brow Trauma
Another common cause of thinning brows is excess brow trauma, a.k.a. anything that rubs, scratches, or pulls on the hair that might stunt its growth. “Prevention is key to keeping brows thick,” says Dr. Nathan. “I advise caution with waxing and treatments like brow lamination or microblading; if performed improperly, they could cause damage or inflammation to your eyebrows or the surrounding skin.”
In addition to that, over-plucking and dyeing the brows can damage the hair follicles and cause breakage, says Dr. Ellis. If you’re looking to thicken your eyebrows, avoid being too tweezer-happy — and be sure to use gentle and safe dye or tint formulas.
Visit Your Doctor
If none of the above methods are working and you suspect that it might be tied to a medical condition, go to a doctor. Consulting with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause is the safest way to ensure you’re not making the situation worse, says Dr. Ellis.
