Help! I Am Losing My Eyebrows
One second you are trying to stay on top of eyebrow plucking, and the next you are noticing little bare patches in your brows. Eyebrow loss can happen quickly, and for countless reasons. “There are a number of causes, but what’s interesting is that the hair loss can be an indicator of more serious internal conditions,” explains Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah. However, because so many conditions can cause eyebrow hair loss, it’s important to get it checked out.”
Some of the more serious causes of brow loss could be hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, the autoimmune disease alopecia areata, or even poor nutrition. In addition, pregnancy, post-partum, and aging can trigger hair loss in the brow area. Externally, eczema, moles, rashes, and skin infections can cause hairs to fall out, from both rubbing and the infection. So how do you solve the problem? Dr. Shah believes tackling the root cause is the key. “Treatment really depends on the reason and it can be reversible once the underlying cause is fixed. Others, such as scarring hair loss, may be permanent,” Dr. Shah explains.
Fixes aren’t quite as varied as the causes. Topically, you can apply a lash and brow serum like Shiseido ($35) or RapidBrow ($40). “They contain peptides/amino acids in them which are important for hair growth (keratin is composed of amino acids) so it is possible they may be helpful, but it’s not clear how much is absorbed through the skin to make a significant impact,” says Dr. Shah. However, she has had success with clients using prescription topical aids like Latisse. “It works really well to promote growth even on people who just have finer eyebrows.” Another option is a hair transplant which involves transferring individual hair follicles from the back of the head and working them into the existing brow. However with a procedure time of between three and five hours and a cost of between $3000 and $7000, you might want it to be your last resort.
Related:
What Really Happens When You Get A Brow Transplant
