Thinning Eyebrows in Women Over 40: Causes and Best Treatments

As we age, subtle changes in our appearance are inevitable. One area where this becomes particularly noticeable is our eyebrows. Thinning eyebrows are a common concern for women over 40, and while they may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, they often tell a deeper story about our overall health and well-being.

Let’s dive into the causes of thinning brows and explore effective treatments that can help restore their shape, fullness, and confidence.

Why Do Eyebrows Thin as We Age?

Thinning eyebrows are often the result of a combination of factors, including:

1. Hormonal Changes
   During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen levels can slow down hair growth. Thyroid imbalances, which are more common during midlife, can also play a role in eyebrow thinning, particularly the outer edges.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies
   Nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamins A and E are essential for healthy hair growth. A deficiency in these can result in hair thinning across the scalp, lashes, and brows.

3. Over-Plucking
   Years of over-plucking or waxing can damage hair follicles, making it harder for the hairs to regrow over time.

4. Skin Conditions
   Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis can irritate the skin around the brows, leading to hair loss.

5. Ageing
   Natural ageing causes hair to thin and fall out as part of the growth cycle. This process can affect the density of your eyebrows as well.

Treatments to Restore and Enhance Eyebrows

Thankfully, there are numerous options to address thinning eyebrows, from at-home remedies to professional treatments. Here's a look at what works:

1. Nourish from Within

• Prioritise Nutrition: Include foods rich in essential nutrients for hair growth, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and oily fish. Consider supplementing with biotin or collagen if needed.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can affect skin health, so aim for plenty of water daily.

2. Over-the-Counter Solutions

• Brow Growth Serums: Products containing peptides or prostaglandin analogues can help stimulate hair growth. Look for serums specifically formulated for eyebrow use.

• Castor Oil: A budget-friendly option, castor oil can moisturise the skin and promote healthy hair growth when applied regularly.

3. Professional Treatments

• Microblading: A semi-permanent tattooing technique that mimics natural brow hairs, microblading can fill in sparse areas and give you beautifully shaped brows.

• Nanoblading: Similar to microblading but with finer, more precise strokes, nanoblading is ideal for creating a soft, natural look.

• Brow Lamination: This treatment enhances your natural brows by straightening and setting the hairs into place, creating the appearance of fuller brows.

• Tinting: A quick and non-invasive option, brow tinting can darken fine, light hairs, adding depth and definition.

4. Medical and Cosmetic Solutions

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This treatment involves injecting your plasma into the brow area to stimulate hair growth.

• Hair Transplants: For more severe thinning, hair transplant surgery can restore density by grafting hair from other parts of your body.

Skincare for the Brow Area

Healthy brows need healthy skin. Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation around the brow area. Follow up with a hydrating serum or moisturiser to keep the skin nourished and ready to support hair growth.

The Psychological Impact of Thinning Brows

For many women, eyebrows are a defining facial feature. Thinning brows can sometimes feel like a loss of identity, especially when paired with other visible signs of ageing. Addressing this concern isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about restoring confidence and embracing your natural beauty at every stage of life.

Take Action

If you’re concerned about thinning eyebrows, start by assessing your overall health. Addressing underlying issues like hormonal imbalances or nutrient deficiencies can make a big difference. Meanwhile, consider exploring the various professional treatments available to achieve the brows you desire.

Remember, whether you prefer a natural or more polished look, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to how you shape your brows. It’s all about feeling great in your skin and celebrating your individuality.

Sign up for my Health Bite newsletter and receive weekly tips designed to help women over 40 feel and look their best! Link below.

Reference List

1. Lavery, M. J., & Stull, C. (2018). Understanding the Role of Hormonal Changes in Female Hair Loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

2. Lachgar, S., & Charveron, M. (2019). Nutrition and Hair Health: A Review. Dermatologic Therapy.

3. Gupta, A. K., & Charwe, S. (2020). Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Hair Growth: A Systematic Review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

4. Shapiro, J., & Maddin, S. (2021). Hair Restoration Techniques and Outcomes. Dermatology Clinics.

5. Marks, D. H., & Harcourt, D. (2022). Microblading: Safety and Efficacy in Eyebrow Enhancement. Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.