How to Deal with Sparse Eyebrows: Solved

By Your Beauty Plug
January 22, 2024

Sparse eyebrows are a common problem that many people face, whether due to overplucking, aging, medical conditions, or genetics. If you are unhappy with your thin or patchy brows, you may be wondering how to make them look fuller and more defined. Fortunately, there are many ways to fill in, shape, and treat sparse eyebrows, from makeup and home remedies to salon procedures and permanent solutions. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular and effective methods for dealing with sparse eyebrows, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

What Causes Sparse Eyebrows?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what causes sparse eyebrows in the first place. According to a 2012 research review¹, there are many possible causes of thinning or sparse eyebrows, including:

Tweezing, waxing, or plucking. These methods of hair removal can damage the hair follicles and cause scarring, which can prevent new hair growth. Repeatedly plucking the same area can also lead to permanent hair loss over time.
Medication side effects. Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, thyroid medications, or birth control pills, can affect the hormonal balance and cause hair loss, including on the eyebrows.
Alopecia. This is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. Alopecia areata is a type of alopecia that causes patchy hair loss, while alopecia universalis causes complete hair loss.
Genetics. Some people are born with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows, or have a genetic predisposition to hair loss. This can be influenced by factors such as ethnicity, gender, and age.
The natural process of aging. As we get older, the natural aging process thins the hairs on our bodies, including on the eyebrows. This can be due to hormonal changes, reduced blood circulation, or decreased collagen production.

How to Fill in Sparse Eyebrows with Makeup

The easiest way to deal with sparse eyebrows is to use makeup to make them look thicker and fuller. There are several types of makeup products that you can use to do this, such as:

Eyebrow pencils. These are ideal for drawing precise and natural-looking hair strokes in the sparse areas of your brows. Choose a shade that matches your natural brow color, or one shade lighter if you have dark brows. Use light and feathery strokes to mimic your hairs, and blend with a spoolie brush for a seamless finish.
Eyebrow powders. These are great for adding volume and fullness to your brows, especially if you have oily skin. Use a small and angled brush to apply the powder along your natural brow shape, starting from the inner corner and working your way out. You can also mix two shades of powder to create more dimension and depth.
Eyebrow mascaras. These are perfect for adding color and texture to your brows, as well as setting them in place. They usually come with a small wand that coats your brow hairs with tinted gel or fiber. Brush the wand through your brows in an upward and outward motion, following the direction of your hair growth. You can also use a clear brow gel if you don’t need any extra color.
Eyebrow waxes. These are useful for shaping and taming unruly brows, as well as making them look more defined. They usually come in a compact or a stick, and have a creamy or sticky texture. Use a spoolie brush or your finger to apply the wax on your brows, and then use a brush or a pencil to fill in any gaps. The wax will help the product adhere to your skin and hair, and keep your brows in place.

To try filling in your eyebrows to make them look fuller, start with these steps:

Start with a clean, dry face. Using an eyebrow brush or a clean cotton swab, comb your eyebrows so that all hairs lay flat and facing the same direction.
Shape your eyebrows using the brush or swab, sweeping the hairs into a natural arch. Your arch should fall at a 45-degree angle with the bottom of your nose. You may want to use a light cream or gel to style your brows and secure them in your preferred shape.
Using an eyebrow pencil or powder on a brush, make light, feathery strokes that mimic your hairs alongside and over your natural brows. Start at the part of your brow that’s closest to your nose, and work out to the tip to create the desired shape. Don’t do this in a hurry. Remember that the more short strokes you have, the thicker your eyebrows will look.
If you’d like, you can follow this up with an eyebrow mascara or wax to set the result in place.

How to Shape Sparse Eyebrows

Shaping your eyebrows can also make a big difference in how they look, as well as how they frame your face. The best way to shape your eyebrows is to follow your natural brow bone and enhance your natural arch. Here are some tips on how to shape sparse eyebrows:

Use a pair of tweezers to pluck any stray hairs that are outside your natural brow shape. Avoid over-tweezing, as this can make your brows look even sparser. Only pluck the hairs that are below your brow bone, and leave the ones above alone.
Use a pair of scissors to trim any long or unruly hairs that stick out of your brow shape. Brush your brow hairs upward with a spoolie brush, and then carefully snip the tips of the hairs that extend beyond your brow line. Do the same for the lower part of your brows, brushing them downward and trimming the excess hairs.
Use a brow stencil to create a more defined shape for your brows. You can buy a set of brow stencils that have different shapes and sizes, or you can make your own by tracing your desired shape on a piece of cardboard or plastic. Hold the stencil over your brow, and use a pencil or a powder to fill in the outline. Remove the stencil and blend the product with a brush or a spoolie.

Eyebrow Treatments for Sparse Brows

If you want a more permanent or long-lasting solution for your sparse eyebrows, you may want to consider some of the eyebrow treatments that are available in the market. These include:

Eyebrow tinting. This is a process of applying semi-permanent dye to your eyebrows to make them look darker and more defined. It can also help cover any gray hairs or gaps in your brows. Eyebrow tinting can last for up to six weeks, depending on how often you wash your face and how fast your hair grows. You can get your eyebrows tinted at a salon, or you can do it yourself at home with a DIY kit.
Eyebrow lamination. This is a relatively new procedure that involves applying several chemicals to your eyebrows to make them look smoother, shinier, and fuller. It can also help tame any unruly hairs and set them in a desired direction. Eyebrow lamination can last for up to eight weeks, depending on how you care for your brows. You can get your eyebrows laminated at a salon, or you can do it yourself at home with a DIY kit.
Eyebrow microblading. This is a form of semi-permanent tattooing that involves creating hair-like strokes on your eyebrows with a handheld tool that has tiny needles. The needles deposit pigment under your skin, mimicking the appearance of natural hairs. Eyebrow microblading can last for up to two years, depending on your skin type and how you care for your brows. You can get your eyebrows microbladed at a salon, but you need to do some research and find a reputable and experienced technician.
Eyebrow transplant. This is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair follicles from another part of your body, such as the back of your head, and transplanting them to your eyebrows. The transplanted hairs will grow and blend with your natural brows, creating a fuller and more natural look. Eyebrow transplant is a permanent solution, but it is also the most expensive and invasive option. You can get your eyebrows transplanted at a clinic, but you need to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon.

How to Fill in Sparse Eyebrows Permanently

If you want to fill in your sparse eyebrows permanently, without having to use any makeup or undergo any procedures, you may want to try some natural remedies that can help stimulate hair growth and improve the health of your brows. These include:

Castor oil. This is a natural oil that is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins that can nourish and strengthen your hair follicles. It can also help fight inflammation and infection that may cause hair loss. To use castor oil for your eyebrows, apply a few drops of the oil on your brows with a cotton swab or your finger, and massage it gently for a few minutes. Leave it on overnight, and wash it off in the morning. Repeat this every night for a few weeks, and you may notice some improvement in your brow thickness and density.
Coconut oil. This is another natural oil that is loaded with nutrients and benefits for your hair and skin. It can moisturize and condition your brow hairs, as well as stimulate blood circulation and hair growth. It can also help prevent bacterial and fungal infections that may affect your hair follicles. To use coconut oil for your eyebrows, warm up a few drops of the oil in your palms, and apply it on your brows with your fingers. Massage it gently for a few minutes, and leave it on for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Wash it off with warm water and a mild cleanser. Repeat this every day for a few weeks, and you may see some improvement in your brow thickness and density.
Aloe vera. This is a natural plant that has soothing and healing properties for your skin and hair. It can hydrate and nourish your brow hairs, as well as promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It can also help reduce inflammation and irritation that may cause hair damage. To use aloe vera for your eyebrows, extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf, and apply it on your brows with a cotton swab or your finger. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. Repeat this every day for a few weeks, and you may notice some improvement in your brow thickness and density.
Onion juice. This is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It contains sulfur, which can boost the production of collagen and keratin, the proteins that make up your hair. It can also improve blood circulation and nourish your hair follicles. To use onion juice for your eyebrows, peel and chop a small onion, and blend it in a blender or a juicer. Strain the juice and apply it on your brows with a cotton ball or a Q-tip. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water and a mild soap. Repeat this every day for a few weeks, and you may see some improvement in your brow thickness and density.

FAQs about Sparse Eyebrows

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sparse eyebrows and their answers:

Q: Can sparse eyebrows grow back?
A: It depends on the cause and severity of your eyebrow thinning. If your sparse eyebrows are due to overplucking, waxing, or shaving, they may grow back in a few weeks or months, depending on your hair growth cycle. However, if your sparse eyebrows are due to aging, genetics, medication, or alopecia, they may not grow back at all, or only partially. In that case, you may need to use makeup or undergo some of the eyebrow treatments mentioned above to enhance your brows.
Q: How long does it take for sparse eyebrows to grow back?
A: The average hair growth cycle for eyebrows is about four to six weeks, but it can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, diet, health, and genetics. Some people may see results in as little as two weeks, while others may take longer than six weeks. To speed up the process, you can try some of the natural remedies or eyebrow serums that can stimulate hair growth and nourish your brows.
Q: How can I prevent my eyebrows from becoming sparse?
A: The best way to prevent your eyebrows from becoming sparse is to avoid overplucking, waxing, or shaving them, as these methods can damage your hair follicles and cause permanent hair loss. Instead, use a pair of tweezers to pluck only the stray hairs that are outside your natural brow shape, and use a pair of scissors to trim any long or unruly hairs that stick out of your brow line. You can also use a brow stencil to create a more defined shape for your brows, and use a pencil or a powder to fill in any gaps. Additionally, you can take care of your brows by keeping them moisturized and conditioned, using natural oils or aloe vera gel, and avoiding harsh chemicals or products that may irritate or dry out your skin and hair. You can also eat a balanced diet that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support your hair health and growth.

Conclusion

Sparse eyebrows are a common problem that many people face, but they are not something that you have to live with. There are many ways to fill in, shape, and treat sparse eyebrows, from makeup and home remedies to salon procedures and permanent solutions. You can choose the method that suits your needs, preferences, and budget, and enjoy having fuller and more defined brows that enhance your beauty and confidence. We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you, and we would love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts and experiences with us. Thank you for reading!