As Instagram eyebrows and microblading have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, more and more consumers are looking for ways to obtain fuller eyebrows, including prescriptions and over-the-counter solutions. While perfect eyebrows cannot be achieved overnight (unless you’re counting on makeup), there are ways to achieve them, including proper grooming, a balanced diet, and results-driven topical care. I spoke to Austin-based, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Tanya Khan to determine what measures could be taken to support healthy eyebrow growth.

GROOMING

At a basic level, there are grooming habits to limit or even avoid, if possible. Dr. Khan says, “To optimize eyebrow hair growth, I suggest not over-tweezing. This can lead to ingrown hairs and will interrupt the hair cycle.” Instead, consider threading and waxing as less damaging alternatives. “They are less traumatic to the hair follicles because they remove the hair as a whole, allowing the growth cycle to continue,” she says. According to Dr. Khan, eyebrow hair follows a growth cycle of approximately three to three and a half months, where hairs grow, fall out, and regenerate. She says, “It’s normal to lose at least a few eyebrow hairs daily.”

TOPICALS

Many consumers turn to eyelash and eyebrow growth treatments to support healthy growth. These targeted solutions allow men and women alike to address thinning and sparse eyebrows in a non-invasive way. But, bear in mind, consistent daily use on clean, dry eyebrows and eyelashes is typically recommended for best results. Savvy consumers should look for eyebrow and eyelash boosters formulated with a potent blend of multi-peptides to help strengthen hair follicles, allowing the hair to appear thicker and more volumized.

When it comes to encouraging eyebrow hair growth, peptides are key. “Peptides are protein building blocks. Our hair, skin, and nails have keratin. It’s a very essential protein for the structure and they help provide a little more integrity to the eyebrow and hair follicle for a more stable eyebrow,” says Dr. Khan. And, they’re particularly important in women for eyebrow growth. She says, “As women age, they experience a general thinning of their eyebrows, likely due to a drop in estrogen levels. Younger women with autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction, also often experience a thinning of the outer third of their eyebrows.” Some key peptides to highlight are Sympeptide XLash, a lipo-oligopeptide, which works to promote length and density; Capixyl, a biomimetic peptide, which promotes healthier-looking and fortified eyebrow hair follicles, and Widelash, a biotinoyl tripeptide that conditions the hair for daily nourishment.

WELLNESS

Aside from peptide-infused treatments, an antioxidant-rich diet can greatly support healthy eyebrow growth – think blueberries and dark, leafy green vegetables, like spinach. Dr. Khan says, “Antioxidants are essential in both our diets and topical skin care because they protect skin from external damage, like environmental stressors, that can cause destructive reactions at the skin level and within our bodies.” Biotin and vitamin B are also great supplements to help further prevent hair breakage (and, good news, they help a variety of skin and nail issues, too). Dr. Khan adds, “With biotin and vitamin B, you’ll find less hair breakage, brittle nails, and fewer skin issues as a daily supplement.”

Healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel) can also make an impact on overall hair growth. I also recommend incorporating everybody’s favorite fruit, avocados, into your diet. They contain a healthy dose of vitamins C and E, which help to combat free radical damage and help to protect skin from stressors that could negatively impact hair growth.

By adopting these comprehensive lifestyle habits and incorporating a results-based, eyebrow growth serum into your daily routine, clients can realize thicker looking eyebrows and eyelashes.

An ingredients and formulary specialist with 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, Amos Lavian, founder of Dermelect Cosmeceuticals, has set out to de-clutter the oversaturated world of antiaging skin care with Dermelect Cosmeceuticals, his line of universal, multi-tasking treatments. An innovative collection, Dermelect targets specific beauty issues and skin changes due to aging, environment, stress, hormones, menopause, and pregnancy. With Dermelect, Lavian stays true to this standard, to create products delivering achievable benefits, efficacious ingredients, clean packaging, and simple directions. With a focus on innovation, distinction, and affordability, Lavian is proud to offer women a no-nonsense approach to beauty, by educating, empowering, and equipping them with the tools needed to achieve healthy skin, improved appearance, and boosted self-esteem and confidence.