Just like the hair on your head, eyebrows can begin to thin out or stop growing for a variety of reasons. Even those blessed with thick, full eyebrows may notice their brows looking a little sparse over time. In most cases, thinning eyebrows are a sign of again but, there are other causes, too, such as various skin conditions, nutritional deficiencies, trauma and stress, and more.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to target and attack hair follicles, causing them to slow down or halt hair production. This can result in random spots of hair loss, a total disappearance of hair, or scarring and balding of the scalp with accompanying eyebrow loss. Episodes can come and go, and hair can grow back while the disease is inactive.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If you’re on a healthy diet, chances are you’re getting the recommended number of essential vitamins and minerals, especially if you also take a daily multi-vitamin. However, in some cases like anemia, eating disorders, and illness, the body does not receive the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. This deficiency can result in hair loss, including eyebrows. Make sure you’re eating foods rich in protein, zinc, iron, biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C, A, E, B-12, and D.

Skin Conditions

Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and ring worm are some of the skin conditions that can interfere with proper hair growth. If you just don’t understand what’s causing hair loss – eyebrows and otherwise – contact your primary health provider or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism. Too much or too little of a hormone causes the body to fall out of balance, resulting in a disruption of normal functions and processes, including hair health and growth.

Stress, Anxiety, and Trauma

Ongoing stress and anxiety – as well as physical or emotional trauma – can cause physiological changes in the body, including hormone fluctuations and reduced oxygen to the hair follicles. With proper care, the hair loss can be reversed.

Grooming Habits                                                                  

One of the most common causes of thinning eyebrows, especially in women, is over-plucking and overuse of makeup products with harsh chemicals, especially early on in life. When these habits are perpetuated, hair follicles suffer trauma and die as a result.

Should you discover from your primary care physician or dermatologist that eyebrow hair loss won’t be going away soon, if at all, it’s time to contact DiStefano Hair Restoration Center for a treatment plan made to order. Contact us for a free consultation today, and don’t take “no more eyebrow hair” for an answer.