Louis Theroux debuts new eyebrows in alopecia health update
The TV presenter previously revealed he had lost his famous eyebrows due to the health condition and has now tried replacing them with semi-permanent make-up.
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Louis Theroux has unveiled his new eyebrows after turning to semi-permanent make-up to combat alopecia.
The 53-year-old investigative documentary presenter revealed in 2023 that he had lost his famous eyebrows after developing the auto-immune condition, and appealed for help on social media as he felt his career depended on raising and lowering his eyebrows.
Theroux has now updated his 1.1 million followers on Instagram that he has tried microblading after the cosmetic tattooing technique was recommended to him by fans. However he also revealed he has now begun to suffer patchy hair loss on his scalp which he found "weird and depressing".
New eyebrows
Theroux shared: "I realise there are much bigger things to worry about in the world but… a while ago I shared that my eyebrows had basically disappeared due to alopecia. I received a lot of nice messages, some suggesting I try “microblading”, a form of temporary tattoo.
"So that’s what I did! It took two sessions of a couple of hours. I’m happy to have my old face back. The new brows are neater and more shapely than my “real” ones were. But there are a couple of wisps of my remaining hair in there which help make them look more natural."
But he also added: "Meanwhile more gaps - or “lesions” to use the technical term - have appeared on my scalp. I have photos of those which I may share at some point or I may not - they are a bit weird and depressing to look at tbh. Life goes on. I am happy and healthy in every other way and I feel very grateful."
Theroux's eyebrow issues
Theroux first revealed he was suffering from alopecia back in November 2023.
He wrote on Instagram: "I’d like to know how I’m supposed to continue a career based largely on raising and lowering different eyebrows WITHOUT ANY EYEBROWS!! #alopecia I’m seriously thinking of getting them tattooed back on but it feels like a big step! Thoughts?"
Actor and comedian Rob Delaney shared that he had experienced the same condition and had had medical treatment to help them grow back.
The Catastrophe star replied to Theroux's post: "The serious alopecia areata on my face was (mostly) solved by cortisone shots in the bald areas & topical application of minoxidil. Beyond that you’ll look great without eyebrows or if you get some tattooed on. No right answer in my opinion! x"
Extreme measures
Theroux revealed in December 2023 that he had opted to shave off his eyebrows completely because he felt "no eyebrows is better than patchy eyebrows". At the same time, he also revealed he was looking into the option of microblading, a semi-permanent tattooing technique which involves etching hairlike strokes onto the skin between your natural brow hairs using ink and a needle.
He asked followers: "Can you tell what’s different? I’ve shaved off my eyebrows! I’m also thinking about getting micro blading soon. In the meanwhile I figure no eyebrows is better than patchy eyebrows. Do you agree? #alopecia #nobrows #nobrowsnoproblems"
What is alopecia?
Alopecia areata is patchy hair-loss and is an auto-immune condition, in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells. Common causes are stress and vitamin deficiency.
Theroux is not the only celebrity to suffer from the condition. Other stars to have spoken out about having alopecia include former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, Hollyoaks actor Stephanie Davis and comedian and actor Matt Lucas. TV presenter Gail Porter and Hollywood actor Jada Pinkett Smith have famously taken drastic action in shaving their heads after developing the condition.
Eyebrow raising moments
Theroux is famous for his distinct style of TV presenting, often pressing interviewers to open up by expressing confusion at what they are telling him. He often says very little - but does move his eyebrows up and down in response to what people are telling him.
He rose to fame exploring off-beat topics in Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends and began interviewing celebrities in his series When Louis Met..., for which famously interviewed Jimmy Savile in 2000.
He has previously referred to the experience as “the strangest and most upsetting event” of his career, admitting that he had “friendly feelings” towards Savile, who it has now been revealed sexually abused at least 72 children and women at the height of his fame.
In Theroux's most recent series Louis Theroux interviews for BBC Two, he has spoken to Dame Joan Collins, Anthony Joshua, Ashley Walters, Chelsea Manning, Pete Doherty and Raye.
Read more: Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux reveals his new eyebrows after losing them to alopecia (The Indepentdent, 2 min read)
Louis Theroux shaves off eyebrows amid battle with alopecia (Evening Standard, 2 min read)
Louis Theroux reveals the stars he's desperate to interview (Evening Standard, 2 min read)
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