Because brows seem to be the theme of my month (hi, haters), now seems as good a time as any to address something I've been quietly freaking out about: the fact that mine have started shedding.
Over the past few months, I've noticed that my brow hairs have been falling out when I comb them or wash my face. It's not crazy noticeable or anything, but as any arch-conscious woman can imagine, it's a little disconcerting. My main concerns: Am I touching them too much, or getting too heavy-handed with my beloved brow gel?
I brought my little conundrum to Dr. Patricia Wexler, who, thankfully, came bearing good news for me and anyone else worried about the state of their brow hair count.
"Just like all hair, it's normal to lose a few eyebrow hairs daily," says Dr. Wexler. "The hair on our body and brows goes through a growing process which, in fact, is the replacement of the old hair with the new grown hair," adds Kety Vladuca, Eyebrow Specialist at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa.
Since I started to notice an uptick in "shedding" in late fall, I was also curious if, like many of our four-legged friends, there's a time of year where we're more likely to see such hair loss.
"Swedish scientists suggest that women grow more hair during summer months to protect the scalp from the sun and UV radiation," explains Dr. Wexler. "Come the fall this additional growth tends to shed. Others say just the opposite, due to the extreme change in temperature. Regardless, the amount is insignificant."
So, if you have a similar paranoia—fear not! Losing strands is totally normal. But Dr. Wexler is quick to add that things like over-tweezing (it causes scarring to the follicles), waxing, severe weight-loss, stress, excessive touching, hormonal changes, and auto immune disease can cause irregular brow hair loss. If you believe your case may be extreme, it's best to see a specialist.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
And if you want to give your existing hair some TLC, Dr. Wexler recommends the following hair-growth treatments:
1. Viviscal Hair Growth Program, $46.99; walgreens.com. "It contains trademarked marine complex Amino Mar, which promotes existing health from within the hair."
2. Latisse (prescription only) Get more info at latisse.com. "It keeps hair on the growth phase longer and makes existing hair darker and thicker."
3. Rogaine Regrowth Hair Treatment for Women, $54.99; amazon.com. " It stimulates growth of new hairs and can thicken existing baby fine (vellous) hairs."
Go and be bushy.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Lauren is the former beauty editor at Marie Claire. She love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. She firmly believes that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
By Hana Hong Published
-
Beauty Advent Calendars Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
The gift that keeps on giving.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
By Samantha Holender Published