Excessive Rubbing and Eyebrow Hair Loss

About 6-8 months ago I noticed that my eyebrows appeared sparse compared to my youth, particularly on the outer third to half. No outright baldness just sparsity as they moved toward the outer edge. This alarmed me considerably and I went to see a doctor who had my thyroid tested. The results came back negative for any disorder. The doctor also explained that eyebrows can lose density with age and at 33 that should be something to consider. Well feeling self conscious about something tends to lend itself to fixation as it has in this case. Since my unsatisfying diagnosis I’ve taken to touching or gently rubbing my eyebrows – both in an attempt to stimulate growth and a tactile way of assessing further loss. As well I routinely add a tiny amount of hair sculpting paste to the brows which seems to add to their shape and give them the illusion of increased density.

Through my attempts at alleviating my anxiety over thin brows I’ve actually added a new fear – the fear of further loss resulting from brow manipulation. I’ve noticed that when I stoke the brow or apply the hair product brow hairs will appear on my fingertips. Not every single time I touch them but frequently and at least a few hairs daily, sometimes 8-10 hairs. Unlike hair loss on the head there isn’t much information on what is considered “normal” loss when it comes to brow shedding. I don’t pluck the hair nor aggressive rub the brow, these hairs fall out with little encouragement. Should I assume that these hairs will grow back unlike those of chronic pluckers? How long does it take for these hairs to replenish themselves? Are my actions causing this shedding or is this the natural cycling of brow hair? How many brow hairs are considered “normal” to lose daily? I really can’t find much information out there and would be greatly appreciative of your insight. Thank-you.

Eyebrow hair goes through a normal life cycle just like the hair anywhere else on your body, but this doesn’t sound like natural cycling based on what you describe. If you have been rubbing the eyebrows (more about the repetition as opposed to the aggressiveness), this can cause traction alopecia to the hair on the brow. This can result in permanent hair loss.

If you do not get the return of your eyebrows in another 4 months or so, then a hair transplant can work well. While you wait it out, you might try Rogaine (minoxidil) on the eyebrow to see if it might regrow hair there, but just be careful not to get it in your eyes.