While some people are naturally blessed with thick, bold, and expressive brows, others might need to put in a bit more effort to achieve the same look. Whether you’re dealing with eyebrow hair loss due to damage or over-plucking in the ’90s, there are various tools, tricks, and techniques to help you get those brows back in shape.
13 Home Remedies to Grow Thick Eyebrows
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has gained popularity as both a cooking oil and a dietary supplement. When applied topically, it can also benefit hair and skin. Although there’s no extensive scientific evidence supporting its use for increasing hair thickness, coconut oil can hydrate the hair shaft and keep eyebrow hairs in place. To use it, warm a small amount of oil in your hands and massage it into the eyebrow area. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.
2. Castor Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, castor oil is a natural remedy that can promote thick eyebrows. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that ricinoleic acid in castor oil can stimulate hair growth by promoting prostaglandin E2 production.
Apply a small amount of castor oil to your eyebrows using a clean mascara wand or cotton swab. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is believed to stimulate eyebrow growth and thickness by creating a moisturizing barrier for cellular and follicular health.
Historically used for skin treatments, tea tree oil is available in many over-the-counter products. However, no scientific studies support its effectiveness for thick eyebrows.
Apply tea tree oil extracts directly to your eyebrows daily and leave it on overnight.
4. Aloe Vera
Known for its healing properties, aloe vera can soothe and moisturize your skin, promoting hair growth for eyebrows.
Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply it to your eyebrows. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
5. Onion Juice
Onion juice is rich in sulfur, which can help stimulate eyebrow hair growth.
To use it, extract the juice from one onion and apply it to your eyebrows using a cotton swab. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
6. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known for its calming effects and is thought to combat hair loss when applied topically. While scientific studies mainly support its use for stress relief, it can be used as a relaxing ritual for your brows. Massage lavender extracts into the brow area daily.
Test the oil on another part of your skin first, as it can cause rashes in some people.
7. Egg Yolk
Egg yolk is a rich source of protein and biotin, essential nutrients for healthy hair growth. A study in the International Journal of Trichology found that biotin is crucial for eyebrow growth.
Beat one egg yolk and apply it to your eyebrows using a clean mascara wand or cotton swab. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water.
Read: 13 Definitive Hair Growth Tips That Actually WORKS !
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is commonly found in products designed to hydrate hair. But can it help with hair growth, especially around the eyebrows?
A 2015 study on mice suggested that ingredients derived from olive trees might stimulate hair growth. However, Dr. Ilyas notes that there is limited data supporting the topical use of olive oil for eyebrow hair growth. She mentions, “Although it’s difficult to say if olive oil would stimulate hair growth due to the lack of studies confirming this, at the very least, it may coat the hairs to give them the appearance of more girth and thickness”.
9. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds are rich in protein and nicotinic acid, which can promote eyebrow hair growth.
Soak a tablespoon of seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind the seeds into a paste and apply it to your eyebrows. Leave the paste on for 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
10. Green Tea
Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Dip a cotton ball into the tea and apply it to your eyebrows. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Green tea contains antioxidants that may help promote hair growth.
11. Lemon Juice
Apply fresh lemon juice to your eyebrows and massage gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water. Lemon juice contains vitamins and minerals that may help promote thick eyebrows.
12. Petroleum Jelly
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your eyebrows and massage gently for a few minutes. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Petroleum jelly can help moisturize the hair follicles and promote hair growth leading to you regaining your thick eyebrows.
13. Massage
An eyebrow massage may not only feel good but also naturally stimulate growth. A 2016 study on nine men suggested that scalp massages could increase hair thickness.
While there’s no similar data for eyebrow hair growth, gentle massage might help with circulation. Dr. Ilyas advises, “It’s not unreasonable to try gentle massage to assist in circulation to this area. However, I would caution against excess friction or rubbing.”
Fixing Bald Spots on Eyebrows
Identifying the underlying cause of bald spots can help you find a solution. Possible reasons for eyebrow hair loss include:
- Stress
- Trichotillomania
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata)
- Eczema
- Chemotherapy
- Allergies
- Thyroid issues
- Age
- Nutritional deficiencies
Depending on the cause, you may get your thick eyebrows back once the underlying issue is treated. A primary care physician can help diagnose the problem through an examination or bloodwork and may refer you to a specialist like an endocrinologist, dermatologist, or allergist.
For those who can’t naturally fix bald spots, cosmetic solutions include:
- Microblading or permanent cosmetic tattooing
- Cosmetic application of eyebrow powders or products
- Hair transplants
While most of these remedies aren’t considered harmful, their effectiveness is still up for debate.
Another important consideration is understanding the cause of thinning eyebrows. Some people naturally have thin eyebrows, which might not be a cause for concern.
However, if you notice sudden thinning of your eyebrows, it could indicate an underlying medical condition that may require treatment. Consider seeing a doctor if you experience sudden hair loss or rashes around your eyebrows.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to approach home remedies with a bit of caution and realistic expectations. While natural treatments can be beneficial, they might not work for everyone. It’s essential to be patient and consistent with any remedy you choose to try. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress can also contribute to overall hair health, including your eyebrows.
Feel free to try these remedies and see which ones work best for you!