Eyebrows that no longer grow back: what are the causes and how can they be made denser?

The eyebrows , like the hair on the scalp, follow a hair growth cycle composed of several successive phases: the anagen phase, or growth phase; the catagen phase, or transition phase; and the telogen phase, or resting phase. However, this cycle is shorter than that of the scalp. The growth phase of the eyebrows generally lasts only a few weeks, compared with several years for scalp hair. This characteristic explains why eyebrows remain relatively short and do not grow like scalp hair. It is also the reason why eyebrow regrowth may appear slow and sometimes irregular after plucking or hair loss.

Contrary to some common misconceptions, in most cases, eyebrows do grow back after being plucked, because the act of removing a hair does not systematically destroy the hair follicle. To prevent regrowth permanently, it would be necessary to damage not only the hair bulb, but also certain deeper structures of the follicle, in particular the area known as the follicular isthmus and the associated sebaceous glands. However, repeated epilation over a long period can gradually weaken the follicles and lead to regrowth that is more sparse.

Certain situations may also cause more extensive destruction of the hair follicles, thereby preventing the natural regrowth of the eyebrows. This is the case with certain forms of scarring alopecia, such as frontal fibrosing alopecia, an inflammatory disease that leads to the progressive destruction of follicles. Even when eyebrow transplants are carried out in these situations, the transplanted hairs may sometimes be lost after a few years if the disease continues to progress.

Skin trauma or certain dermatological diseases can also lead to permanent eyebrow loss. Scarring resulting from an injury, a burn or an infection can destroy the hair follicles in the affected area. In such cases, spontaneous regrowth becomes impossible because the structures responsible for hair production have been damaged. Rare genetic conditions, such as ulerythema ophryogenes, can also cause a progressive miniaturisation of the follicles and a long‑lasting loss of the eyebrows.

Finally, the impression that the eyebrows are no longer growing back may simply be linked to the naturally slow pace of their growth cycle. Patience is required: eyebrows take several weeks to grow back.

When the eyebrows are observed to be becoming sparse or appear not to be growing back, several approaches can be considered. The choice of solution generally depends on the underlying cause of eyebrow loss, as well as the degree of thinning. In some cases, it is possible to stimulate regrowth, whereas in other situations the aim will instead be to increase eyebrow density or to improve their appearance using aesthetic solutions.

To stimulate the regrowth of eyebrows, certain cosmetic active ingredients, in particular peptides, are attracting growing interest. An open clinical study conducted in women over a period of twelve weeks assessed the efficacy of a solution containing a peptide extract, applied daily to the eyebrows and eyelashes, in combination with regular microneedling sessions. The results showed a visible improvement in the appearance of the eyelashes and eyebrows, with an increase in hair thickness and the emergence of new hair follicles.

Improvements began to be observed from the fourth week and continued through to the end of the study. The researchers also reported good tolerability of the treatment, with no adverse effects. These results suggest that peptides, when combined with microneedling, may help to improve the appearance and density of the eyebrows, although further studies are still required, especially as this one was conducted without a control group.

When regrowth is limited or impossible, for instance in cases where the hair follicles have been destroyed, it is necessary to turn to dermatological solutions. Eyebrow transplantation, which involves implanting hair follicles taken from the scalp, is one of the possible options. A study conducted in patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia showed that 80% of patients exhibited good regrowth of the transplanted hairs between six and twelve months after the procedure. However, long-term outcomes are more variable: most patients began to lose the transplanted hairs after three to four years, due to progression of the disease, which continues to destroy the follicles. This shows that while the technique can provide satisfactory short-term results, its effectiveness depends strongly on the underlying cause of eyebrow loss.

Other aesthetic solutions exist to improve the appearance of sparse eyebrows. Eyebrow extension techniques, which involve attaching very fine synthetic or natural hairs to the existing eyebrows, generally using a specific cosmetic adhesive, are highly effective. This method is carried out in a beauty clinic and temporarily fills in sparse areas to create the illusion of fuller brows. A session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and the results can be visible for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the natural hair growth cycle and aftercare. However, these extensions require regular touch-ups and may sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions to the adhesive used.

When the eyebrows are very sparse or completely absent, some people turn to false eyebrows. There are now stick-on false eyebrows or self-adhesive false eyebrows that imitate the shape and texture of real hair. To apply them, you simply clean the skin, position the false eyebrow on the desired area, then secure it with a cosmetic adhesive. The effect is immediate and can last from one day to several days, depending on the type of product and daily activity. This solution is particularly used in certain medical situations, such as after chemotherapy, which is where the expression comes from. The advantage is that they are non-invasive and reversible, but they do require careful removal in order to avoid irritating the skin.

Certain semi-permanent make-up techniques, such as microblading or microshading, can also help to increase eyebrow density. Microblading involves making fine incisions in the skin in order to deposit a pigment that mimics the appearance of natural hairs. Microshading, on the other hand, creates a more shaded effect, similar to light make-up. The results can last between 12 and 24 months, but often require touch-ups. These techniques must absolutely be performed by a qualified professional, as they carry certain risks (infection, scarring, allergic reactions to pigments, etc.).

Another solution for concealing sparse eyebrows is to opt for eyebrow tattooing, a technique that is more long-lasting than conventional make-up. The principle involves implanting pigments into the superficial layers of the skin in order to redesign the eyebrow line and create the illusion of hairs. This method can last for several years, although the colour tends to fade gradually over time. Tattooing provides a relatively stable result, but it also has certain limitations: the shape and shade are more difficult to modify, and any correction can be complex if the outcome is unsatisfactory. As with semi-permanent make-up, there are also risks of infection, allergic reactions to the pigments, or scarring, hence the importance of having the procedure carried out by a qualified professional under strict hygiene conditions.

Beyond aesthetic solutions, it remains important to take care of your eyebrows on a daily basis in order to preserve their density.

Avoiding overly aggressive hair removal methods, limiting repeated friction and using nourishing care products containing vegetable oils, peptides or vitamins can help maintain healthy follicles. An appropriate routine does not always guarantee eyebrow regrowth, but it can help preserve their vitality and prevent their premature loss.

• WESLEY R. E. & al. Cilia regrowth of shaven eyebrows. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine (1999).

• EPSTEIN J. S. & al. Hair transplantation to the eyebrow, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics (2004).

• Hair growth. Biochemical Engineering Journal (2010).

• MALOUF P. J. & al. Eyebrow restoration: The approach, considerations, and technique in follicular unit transplantation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2015).

• GERSHWIN M. E. & al. Medical complications of tattoos: A comprehensive review. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology (2016).

• CHAN M. & al. Peptides: A novel approach to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth. Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research (2020).

• JIMENEZ F. & al. Eyebrow hair transplantation in frontal fibrosing alopecia: Pitfalls of short- and long-term results. Dermatologic Surgery (2020).

• SIVAMANI R. K. & al. Integrative and mechanistic approach to the hair growth cycle and hair loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023).

• BRUN C. & al. A multifaceted view on ageing of the hair and scalp. Cosmetics (2025).