Why Are My Eyebrows Thinning? Causes, Treatments & What to Do

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why are my eyebrows thinning?” — you’re not alone. It can be unsettling to notice your eyebrows are thinning, especially if you’ve always had full, well-shaped brows. Eyebrows frame the face and play a big role in expression and appearance.

Thinning eyebrows can be caused by anything from aging and hormones to overplucking or skin conditions. Some factors are temporary and treatable, while others may need a little more attention. Understanding what’s behind the changes can help you take the right steps to restore healthy, fuller-looking brows or know when it’s time to seek professional support.

Understanding Eyebrow Hair Thinning

Eyebrows, like the hair on your head, go through a natural growth cycle that includes phases of growth, rest, and shedding. When more hairs fall out than grow in, or when the cycle is disrupted, you may start to notice thin eyebrows or patches where hair seems to have disappeared. There are many potential reasons for eyebrow hair thinning, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. Pinpointing the cause is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

Common Causes of Thinning Eyebrows

There isn’t just one reason why eyebrows thin out, it’s often a combination of factors. Some causes are related to everyday habits, while others may point to changes happening inside the body. Below are some of the most common reasons people experience eyebrow hair loss.

1. Aging and Hormonal Changes

As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner and sparser, and that includes the hair on our eyebrows. Hormonal shifts, especially during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid dysfunction, can accelerate this process. Estrogen and thyroid hormones are both critical for healthy hair growth, and imbalances can result in noticeable eyebrow thinning.

2. Over-Plucking or Waxing

One of the most common causes of thin eyebrows is simply overdoing it with tweezers. Over-plucking can damage the hair follicle, sometimes permanently, making it harder for hair to regrow. If you’ve been removing eyebrow hair for years, you might find that the brows don’t come back as full, or at all.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Your hair, including your brows, depends on essential nutrients to grow. Deficiencies in iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins can all contribute to eyebrow hair thinning. If your diet lacks variety or you’ve been following a restrictive eating plan, hair loss could be an early warning sign.

4. Stress and Lifestyle Factors

High stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle and push follicles into a resting phase, leading to more shedding. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can all contribute to overall thinning eyebrows. In some cases, stress can even trigger conditions like telogen effluvium, which leads to sudden hair loss.

5. Skin Conditions Affecting the Brows

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, frontal fibrosing alopecia or contact dermatitis can inflame the skin around your eyebrows. This can lead to itching, flaking, and eventually hair loss. When the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes harder for hair to grow in a healthy pattern.

6. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your body’s immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles. It can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp, brows, lashes, and other parts of the body. In some cases, it may lead to a complete loss of eyebrow hair.

7. Thyroid Conditions

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to eyebrows thinning, often starting with the outer third of the brow. If you notice this pattern, it’s a good idea to have your thyroid function tested, especially if it’s paired with fatigue, weight changes, or dry skin.

8. Medications or Treatments

Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, acne treatments like isotretinoin, and some antidepressants or hormone therapies, can have eyebrow hair thinning as a side effect.

What to Do About Thinning Eyebrows

If you’re dealing with thinning eyebrows, there are steps you can take to help encourage regrowth or prevent further loss. The best approach depends on the underlying cause, but here’s where to start.

1. Stop Over-Plucking and Waxing

Let your brows grow in naturally for at least a few months. Avoid tweezing, waxing, or threading during this time. You may need to deal with uneven or messy brows temporarily, but giving your follicles time to recover is key.

2. Evaluate Your Diet

Make sure your diet includes enough protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients for hair growth. Foods rich in biotin (eggs, nuts, seeds), iron (leafy greens, legumes), and zinc (shellfish, whole grains) can support stronger, fuller hair, including the brows.

If you’re unsure, a blood test can check for certain deficiencies.

3. Use a Growth Serum

Some over-the-counter eyebrow serums contain peptides, keratin, or botanical extracts that may stimulate growth. Look for products that are ophthalmologist-tested and designed for use around the eyes.

Pro Tip: Consistency is crucial. These products typically take 6–12 weeks to show visible results.

4. Try Topical Treatments

Minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) is FDA-approved for scalp hair loss, but some dermatologists use it off-label for brows. It’s not for everyone and should be used under professional guidance, especially since the skin around your eyes is delicate. Prescription treatments like bimatoprost (Latisse) have also shown promise for brow regrowth.

5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles and promote natural regrowth. PRP for eyebrows is a newer option, but results are promising for those with thinning due to aging or trauma (like over-plucking). It’s a non-surgical, in-office procedure typically done in a series of sessions.

6. Eyebrow Transplants

In more advanced cases of eyebrow hair loss, especially when follicles are no longer active, a transplant may be the best long-term solution. During this procedure, hair follicles are taken from another part of the body (usually the back of the scalp) and implanted into the brow area. When done by a skilled professional, the results are natural-looking and permanent.

When to See a Dermatology Provider for Thinning Eyebrows

It can be tempting to try home remedies or over-the-counter treatments without a diagnosis, but that approach often wastes time and money. A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate your skin, review your health history, and recommend personalized hair restoration treatments.

You should consider seeing a dermatology provider if:

• Your eyebrow thinning came on suddenly or rapidly.
• You see patchy bald spots or loss on both brows.
• You have other symptoms like fatigue, skin changes, or hair loss elsewhere.
• Nothing you’ve tried is working.

Can You Prevent Thinning Eyebrows?

While not all causes are preventable, some lifestyle changes may reduce your risk of eyebrow hair thinning:

• Avoid aggressive brow grooming.
• Follow a balanced diet with enough protein and healthy fats.
• Manage stress with sleep, exercise, or mindfulness techniques.
• Keep the skin around your brows moisturized and free of harsh products.
• Address medical conditions, like thyroid issues or skin inflammation, early.

Stop Guessing and Start Growing with Schweiger Dermatology Group

If you’re dealing with eyebrow hair thinning and wondering what to do next, don’t guess. A consultation with one of our experienced dermatology providers can help you understand what’s going on and how to treat it effectively.

Call 844-DERM DOC, or book an appointment online in seconds with Schweiger Dermatology Group today to discuss your concerns about thin eyebrows or any other skin or hair issues. We’re here to help you feel confident, and your brows are no exception.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thinning Eyebrows

1. Why am I losing eyebrow hair on just one side?

Uneven eyebrow thinning could be due to localized irritation, physical trauma (like sleeping on one side), or an underlying skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis. In rare cases, it might be linked to nerve or muscle imbalance affecting brow movement or grooming habits.

2. Are thinning eyebrows related to stress or anxiety?

Yes, stress can disrupt your hair’s natural growth cycle, potentially triggering a condition called telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding phase that can affect the scalp and brows. Stress-related habits like rubbing or pulling at your brows can also contribute.

3. Can skincare products or makeup cause eyebrow thinning?

It’s possible. Harsh cleansers, allergens in cosmetics, or overuse of exfoliants near the brows can irritate the skin and weaken hair growth. Look for gentle, fragrance-free products, especially if you’re already noticing thinning.

4. How long does it take for eyebrow hair to grow back?

Eyebrow hair typically grows in a slow cycle, so regrowth can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, sometimes longer, depending on your age, health, and whether the follicles are still active. Consistency with treatment is key.

5. Is there a way to make my eyebrows look fuller while I wait for regrowth?

Absolutely. While you work on addressing the cause, brow powders, pencils, or tinted gels can help fill in sparse areas. Microblading or brow tinting may be good short-term options, but consult a dermatologist first if the thinning is unexplained.