Why your eyebrows disappear as you get older

Many people think of eyebrows as a frame for the face, but… wait, did my frame just fall off the wall?

If you suddenly become much more comfortable (and heavy-handed) with your… eyebrow pencil, your eyebrows may start to thin. The reasons can be any combination of age, genetics, lifestyle, and perhaps even some concerning health conditions.

Are you concerned about whether your thinning is “normal” or something you should take more seriously? We asked the professionals to explain this phenomenon.

Dr. Claire Wolinskya dermatologist, The aforementioned declining hormone levels (for both men and women) are often the reason for thinning eyebrows. “With age, both testosterone and estrogen decrease, which impacts the hair growth cycle and the hair follicles themselves,” she said. “The hair follicles become thinner and some stop producing altogether.”

Makeup artist Natalie Dresher noted that some lifestyle habits could also contribute to the problem. “Clogging the hair follicles in the eyebrows with products like SPF and moisturizer also helps speed up the thinning process,” she said. Another cause could be how much time you’ve spent plucking your eyebrows over the years. “I often hear, ‘I plucked my eyebrows out too much when I was young,’ and that’s a big factor,” says makeup artist Denika Bedrossian.

“Eyebrow thinning can begin as early as the 30s or 40s, but it usually becomes more noticeable in the 50s and beyond,” says makeup artist Tarryn Veldman. “The exact age can vary widely depending on genetics, general health and lifestyle factors.”

Although thinning is a problem for many people, some have the opposite problem as they get older. We all know that grandfather whose eyebrows grow fuller every year, like Eugene Levy or Martin Scorsese. Dr. Trisha Khanna explained why: “In some people, especially older men, some hair follicles may become more sensitive to hormones, including androgens.”

“This can result in thicker eyebrows, nose hairs and ear hairs,” says the dermatologist. Androgen hormones are the ones that contribute to male sexual characteristics, reproductive health and body development.

Another comment about the lush eyebrows comes from Dr. Abraham Kazemi. “Sometimes these older gentlemen may have never groomed, plucked, plucked or waxed their eyebrows, and therefore developed thick, long eyebrows,” the dermatologist said.

Whenever your body experiences a sudden change, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor, and rapidly thinning eyebrows are no exception. Dr. Janiene Lucasa dermatologist and clinical professor at Loma Linda University’s department of dermatology, said, “It is important to have thinning eyebrows or other symptoms evaluated by a dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis.”

Although we all generally have less hair as we age, says dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Michelle Henry said that if your eyebrows thin dramatically, there may be an underlying disease. “A major reason may be hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones,” she said. “Other possible problems include nutritional deficiencies, alopecia, eczema or severe dermatitis.”

Kazemi had this suggestion: “Make sure your vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels are within normal limits by having an annual blood test with your doctor or dermatologist. Also make sure you take a multivitamin and eat a well-balanced diet.’

Eyebrow growth serums are a popular product these days, but there are some documented side effects of ingredients such as bimatoprost (Latisse), which is closely related to the prostaglandin family of hormones. Side effects can include redness, itchy eyes, eyelid discoloration, drooping eyelid and more.

Other serums contain minoxidil (Rogaine), a vasodilator drug that treats hair loss and high blood pressure. Side effects may include skin irritation, unwanted hair growth if the solution spreads to other parts of the face, and reduced visual acuity if it gets into the eyes.

If you want to try an eyebrow growth serum, shop carefully to select a product that is right for your skin type and make sure you follow its directions. Eyebrow stylist Joey Healey suggested some serum buying tips. “Avoid products containing hormones, which can have crazy side effects like irritation, dry or puffy eyes, dark under-eye circles and darkening of the eyelid,” he said. “You want to avoid those hormones commonly listed as prostaglandins. Instead, stick to serums that contain peptides.”

However, for many, the serums are effective and problem-free. “In my opinion, serums really work,” Feldman said. “That includes castor oil and massaging the area. But first, make sure you put the tweezers down and let them grow.”

Makeup artist Jessica Candage has a two-step approach. “Have a solid growth routine at night and a solid makeup routine during the day,” she said. She’s seen it work for herself, as she went from overly plucked brows in her teens to brows she could bring back to life in her 40s. “For the night I suggest a solid growth product such as Lumify eyelash and eyebrow serum [which does not contain prostaglandins] together with organic cold-pressed castor oilshe said.

“Also apply it to your lashes and brush the products in every night,” she said. “You will see a difference within a few weeks.”

What should you do in the meantime while you wait for these products to work? Candage has this advice: “Brush on a brow gel to fluff them up and help create some density.” Her favorites include Milk Makeup Kush Fiber Brow Gel And Patrick Ta Major eyebrow shaping wax.”

She then suggested using an eyebrow pencil to create small, hair-like strokes. “The goal is to have natural-looking brows, and that’s why I love the Maybelline Express Brow ultra sleek defining eyebrow pencil. For even finer brow strokes, try the NYX Lift & Snatch Eyebrow Dye Pen. With these two products you will look like Brooke Shields in no time.”

Healy suggested using powder to fill in the brow. “It works by creating a shadow on the skin behind the eyebrow, and it’s a very realistic way to add a little density,” he said. If you’re considering tinting or dyeing your eyebrows, he recommended consulting a professional. “It brings out every hair, even the peach fuzz behind the eyebrows,” he said, adding that most people want eyebrows that are a shade lighter than their hair color.

Another possible option is eyebrow laminationmakeup artist suggested Nina Soriano. “It’s always a beautiful treatment that’s non-permanent, unlike microblading,” she said, referring to the semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing technique that uses a blade-like tool with small needles to create the impression of fuller, more defined eyebrows. “Laminating allows you to relax the brow and position it upwards, making it look fuller and thicker. Combine this with a good combination of eyebrow pencil and powder and you will have fuller eyebrows.”

Dr. Regine J. Mathieu offered a warning about some popular treatments. “I would caution against tattooing eyebrows or microblading because I have so many patients who are unhappy with the results,” the dermatologist said. “Please note that laser tattoo removal can be a lengthy and painful process.”

“Taking care of your brows and seeing a real brow specialist is absolutely essential for the health and thickness of your brows,” Dresher said. “While genetics and natural aging cannot be controlled, we can absolutely camouflage hair loss in the eyebrow area with many great products, treatments and techniques.”