Why Eyebrows Fall Out: Causes, Warning Signs, and Proven Solutions

Eyebrow loss is more common than many people realise. If you’ve noticed thinning brows, patchy gaps, or eyebrow hairs that simply don’t grow back, you may be wondering why eyebrows fall out in the first place. While eyebrow shedding can be part of a natural cycle, persistent or excessive loss is usually a sign that something is disrupting hair growth.

Understanding the real reasons behind eyebrow hair loss is the first step towards stopping it and supporting healthy regrowth. In this detailed guide, we explain why eyebrows fall out, what’s normal versus concerning, and how to protect your brows long term.

Is It Normal for Eyebrows to Fall Out?

Yes — some eyebrow hair loss is normal. Eyebrows, like scalp hair, grow in cycles. Each eyebrow hair eventually sheds to make room for new growth. Losing a few eyebrow hairs occasionally, especially during cleansing or makeup removal, is usually nothing to worry about.

However, eyebrow loss becomes a concern when:

• Brows thin noticeably

• Hair falls out in patches

• Regrowth is slow or absent

• Loss continues for months

At this point, it’s important to look deeper into why eyebrows fall out beyond normal shedding.

How Eyebrow Hair Growth Works

To understand why eyebrows fall out, you need to understand how they grow.

Eyebrow hairs go through four stages:

• Growth phase – hair actively grows

• Transition phase – growth stops

• Resting phase – hair remains in place

• Shedding phase – hair falls out naturally

Because the growth phase for eyebrows is short, regrowth takes time. When this cycle is disrupted, eyebrows may shed excessively or stop growing back.

Common Reasons Why Eyebrows Fall Out

1. Overplucking and Over-Grooming

One of the most common answers to why eyebrows fall out is repeated trauma from grooming.

Frequent plucking, waxing, or threading can:

• Damage hair follicles

• Shorten the growth phase

• Cause follicles to become dormant

Over time, this can lead to permanent thinning, especially at the tails of the brows.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a major role in hair growth.

Eyebrows may fall out due to:

• Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism)

• Menopause

• Post-pregnancy hormone changes

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Hormonal imbalance can push eyebrow hairs into the resting or shedding phase prematurely.

3. Stress and Illness

Physical or emotional stress can cause a condition where hair enters the resting phase too early.

This can result in:

• Sudden eyebrow shedding

• Diffuse thinning

• Slow regrowth

Stress-related eyebrow loss often appears weeks or months after a stressful event.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Eyebrow hair needs nutrients to grow.

Deficiencies linked to eyebrow loss include:

• Iron deficiency

• Low protein intake

• Zinc deficiency

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Biotin deficiency

When the body lacks essential nutrients, eyebrow hair growth becomes a low priority.

5. Ageing

As we age, hair follicles naturally become less active.

Age-related eyebrow loss often affects:

• The outer ends of the eyebrows

• Overall brow density

• Hair thickness

While ageing is unavoidable, proper care can slow down the process.

6. Skin Conditions

Inflammation around the eyebrow area can damage follicles and prevent regrowth.

Common skin conditions include:

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis

• Contact dermatitis from cosmetics

Persistent redness, flaking, or itching around the brows often explains why eyebrows fall out in patches.

7. Harsh Cosmetics and Makeup Removal

Aggressive brow products or makeup removal techniques can weaken eyebrow hairs.

Common mistakes include:

• Rubbing brows too hard

• Using alcohol-based removers

• Sleeping with makeup on

Over time, this leads to breakage and hair loss.

8. Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain medical conditions and treatments can cause eyebrow loss.

These include:

• Autoimmune disorders

• Chemotherapy

• Some medications (retinoids, anticoagulants)

If eyebrow loss begins suddenly after starting medication, medical advice is essential.

Signs Your Eyebrow Loss Is Not Normal

You should investigate eyebrow loss further if you notice:

• Sudden or excessive shedding

• Patchy eyebrow loss

• Thinning tails of the brows

• No regrowth after 4–6 months

• Loss combined with scalp hair thinning

These signs suggest an underlying cause rather than natural shedding.

Can Eyebrows Grow Back After Falling Out?

In many cases, yes.

Eyebrow hair can grow back if:

• Follicles are still alive

• Trauma has stopped

• Underlying causes are addressed

Dormant follicles often respond to improved care, nutrition, and time.

What Helps Prevent Eyebrow Loss?

1. Stop Over-Grooming

Allow eyebrows to grow freely for at least 12–16 weeks. Avoid plucking, waxing, or threading during this time.

2. Improve Nutrition

Focus on a balanced diet rich in:

• Protein

• Iron

• Healthy fats

• Vitamins and minerals

Hydration also supports hair health.

3. Be Gentle With Your Brows

• Remove makeup gently

• Avoid harsh exfoliation

• Use mild skincare products around the brows

4. Support the Natural Growth Cycle

Products designed to nourish follicles and support the hair cycle can help maintain brow density when used consistently.

5. Manage Stress and Sleep

Good sleep and stress management help regulate hormones and hair growth cycles.

How Long Does Eyebrow Regrowth Take?

A realistic timeline:

• 0–8 weeks: Follicle recovery

• 8–12 weeks: Early regrowth

• 3–6 months: Noticeable improvement

• 6–9 months: Maximum potential regrowth

Patience is essential — eyebrow regrowth is gradual.

Common Myths About Eyebrow Loss

“Eyebrows Fall Out Because of Bad Luck”

False. There is almost always an identifiable cause.

“Eyebrow Loss Is Permanent”

False. Many cases are temporary with the right care.

“Makeup Causes Eyebrow Loss”

Only if used harshly or removed incorrectly.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare professional if:

• Eyebrow loss continues beyond six months

• Loss is sudden or severe

• There are other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes

Early diagnosis improves outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Why Eyebrows Fall Out

Eyebrow loss is rarely random. Whether caused by grooming habits, hormones, stress, nutrition, or skin health, understanding why eyebrows fall out allows you to take control and protect your brows.

Healthy eyebrows depend on patience, consistency, and treating the underlying cause — not quick fixes or cover-ups.

At BrowAgain, we believe that education and gentle care are the foundation of real eyebrow regrowth, because healthy brows are built over time — not overnight.