White eyebrows: what causes them and how can they be concealed?

The appearance of white hairs in the eyebrows is generally linked to a gradual decrease in melanin production, the pigment responsible for the colour of hair and body hair. This decline in the activity of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, is part of the natural ageing process. When these cells become less active or disappear, the new hairs that grow in the eyebrows no longer contain pigment and therefore appear grey or white.

Several factors can influence the appearance of these white eyebrows. Age remains the most common cause, but genetics also plays an important role: some people develop white hairs earlier than others. Oxidative stress, certain nutritional deficiencies, or even disorders affecting pigmentation can also contribute to this phenomenon, although these situations are less common.

A study conducted on 1,545 participants has also shown that the whitening of the eyebrows is strongly correlated with age. The researchers observed no whitening in individuals aged 1 to 40 years, while the first white hairs generally appeared between 41 and 50 years, then became progressively more frequent with advancing age. In this study, people with a few white hairs were on average 59 years old, and those whose eyebrows were largely whitened were around 69 years old, suggesting that depigmentation of the eyebrows may serve as an indicator of ageing.

The appearance of white eyebrows may be more or less noticeable depending on the number of depigmented hairs. In practice, several degrees of whitening are often distinguished: a few isolated hairs, a moderate proportion of white hairs, or conversely a very marked depigmentation of the eyebrow. The choice of solution therefore largely depends on this proportion, but also on the desired aesthetic result and the level of maintenance one is prepared to accept.

What can be done to conceal a few isolated white hairs?

When only a few white hairs appear in the eyebrows, the simplest solutions are often the most effective. For example, it is possible to use a tinted eyebrow gel, an eyebrow mascara or a pencil. These products temporarily recolour the hairs and restore density to the eyebrow in just a few strokes. Their advantages are ease of use and the fact that they are reversible. However, the effect is strictly temporary and needs to be renewed every day when applying make-up.

White hairs multiplying in the eyebrows: what are the solutions?

If white hairs become more numerous, some people turn to semi-permanent solutions. Eyebrow tinting is a commonly used option: it makes it possible to recolour the hairs for about 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the rate of regrowth and the care applied. It can be carried out in a salon or at home using suitable products. Another technique, “brow tint” or plant-based colouring, aims to dye both the hairs and, to a lesser extent, the skin beneath the eyebrows to create an impression of density. However, these methods require regular maintenance and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, which is why it is important to consult a trusted professional who can perform a patch test before the procedure.

How can bleached eyebrows be repigmented?

When depigmentation is pronounced, certain more long‑lasting techniques can be considered. The semi-permanent make-up, such as microblading or microshading, involves implanting pigments beneath the skin in order to redefine the eyebrow and intensify its colour. The results can last between 12 and 24 months, but usually require regular touch-ups. As with any procedure involving micro-needles, these techniques carry certain risks: infection, allergic reaction to the pigments, or unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes if the procedure is poorly performed. It is therefore essential to consult an experienced professional.

In cases of very pronounced depigmentation or when the eyebrows are also sparse, some individuals opt for eyebrow tattooing, a deeper technique that is potentially more long-lasting. The pigments are implanted deeper into the skin, producing an effect that may persist for several years. However, this method is more difficult to correct and may change over time, as the pigments can alter slightly in colour. For this reason, it is now often replaced by more adaptable semi-permanent techniques.

White hairs in the eyebrows: what other options are there?

Finally, there are purely cosmetic solutions for specific situations. False eyebrows, for example, can be used following substantial hair loss, particularly as a result of certain medical conditions or treatments. They are available as adhesive patches or very fine hair prostheses that replicate the natural shape of the eyebrow. Although they provide an immediate result, they remain a temporary solution and require careful application.

In practice, there is no single solution for concealing white eyebrows. The choice depends on the number of depigmented hairs, the desired outcome, and the level of constraint one is prepared to accept in terms of maintenance and aesthetic procedures.

Note : Just as it is normal for hair to turn grey over time, it is also natural for eyebrows to lose their pigment. While some individuals may wish to conceal this for personal reasons, it is equally possible to embrace it fully.

• HOENIG J. A. Comprehensive management of eyebrow and forehead ptosis. Otolaryngologic Clinics (2005).

• KHANNA D. & al. Premature graying of hair. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology (2013).

• BILGI S. & al. Age estimation using level of eyebrow and eyelash whitening. Medical Science Monitor (2014).