Eyebrows frame our face, define our expressions, and play a surprisingly important role in facial recognition. But whether from overplucking, shaving, a beauty mishap, or a medical condition, many people eventually ask the question: How long do eyebrows take to grow back?
The answer depends on several factors — from your personal hair growth cycle to your age, health, and grooming habits. In this guide, we’ll break down how eyebrow growth works, what affects it, and realistic timelines for regrowth.
Table of Contents
The Short Answer
For most people, eyebrows take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to grow back after being plucked, shaved, or lost. The exact timeline varies based on individual hair growth cycles and the reason for hair loss. In some cases, especially after long-term overplucking or certain medical conditions, full regrowth may take several months — or may not fully return at all.
Understanding the Eyebrow Hair Growth Cycle
Like all hair on your body, eyebrow hairs grow in cycles. There are three main phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase)
This is when the hair actively grows from the follicle. For eyebrow hairs, the anagen phase is much shorter than for scalp hair — typically lasting 30 to 45 days. - Catagen (Transition Phase)
Hair growth stops, and the follicle begins to shrink. This phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. - Telogen (Resting Phase)
The hair remains in place without growing until it eventually falls out, making room for new hair. This phase lasts about 4 to 8 weeks for eyebrows.
Because of these short growth cycles, eyebrow hairs grow more slowly than scalp hair and reach a shorter maximum length.
Factors That Affect Eyebrow Regrowth Time
Several factors determine how quickly your eyebrows will grow back:
1. Cause of Hair Loss
- Plucking/Waxing/Threading – Temporary removal from the root delays regrowth until the follicle re-enters the growth phase.
- Shaving – Cuts hair at the surface, so regrowth appears faster (usually within days).
- Medical Conditions – Autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, alopecia, and chemotherapy can slow or stop regrowth.
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of vitamins like biotin, vitamin D, and iron can impact hair growth speed.
2. Age
Younger individuals tend to have faster cell regeneration, meaning eyebrow hairs regrow more quickly.
3. Hormonal Balance
Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones influence hair growth patterns.
4. Genetics
Some people are simply predisposed to faster or slower hair growth due to their genetic makeup.
5. Overall Health
Stress, poor diet, or illness can slow the growth cycle.
Average Regrowth Timelines for Different Situations
Here’s a general guide based on the method or reason for eyebrow hair loss:
| Cause of Loss | Average Regrowth Time |
|---|---|
| Shaving | 1–2 weeks |
| Plucking/Waxing | 4–8 weeks |
| Threading | 4–8 weeks |
| Hair loss from illness | 2–6 months (varies greatly) |
| Overplucking for years | 6 months to over 1 year for full recovery, if at all |
Why Eyebrows Sometimes Don’t Grow Back
In some cases, eyebrow regrowth may be incomplete or fail to occur. Common reasons include:
- Scarring – Damage to the follicle from burns, deep cuts, or aggressive waxing can stop hair from regrowing.
- Permanent Follicle Damage – Long-term overplucking can cause follicles to shrink permanently.
- Medical Conditions – Chronic illnesses like alopecia areata can cause long-term hair loss.
- Aging – Follicles naturally produce less hair over time.
How to Support Eyebrow Regrowth
While you can’t instantly speed up the growth cycle, you can create the best possible conditions for regrowth.
1. Avoid Further Damage
- Stop plucking, waxing, or threading until the hairs grow back.
- Be gentle when removing makeup — avoid harsh rubbing.
2. Nourish from Within
- Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
- Stay hydrated to maintain healthy follicles.
3. Maintain Skin Health
- Gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and allow new hairs to come through.
- Keep the brow area moisturized.
4. Consider Topical Treatments
- Natural oils like castor oil or coconut oil may condition hair and skin, though evidence is anecdotal.
- Over-the-counter brow serums may support growth by creating a healthy environment for follicles.
Myths About Eyebrow Growth
Myth 1: Shaving eyebrows makes them grow back thicker.
Fact: Shaving doesn’t change the number of follicles or the thickness of hair — it only changes the bluntness of the tip, making regrowth look thicker temporarily.
Myth 2: Plucking one hair makes two grow back.
Fact: Each follicle produces one hair at a time. Plucking removes that hair until it cycles back into growth.
Myth 3: Eyebrows will always grow back no matter what.
Fact: Long-term damage or certain medical conditions can prevent regrowth.
Patience Is Key
The most important factor in eyebrow regrowth is time. Because eyebrow hairs have a short active growth phase, visible changes can take several weeks. Avoid comparing your progress to others — everyone’s growth rate is unique.
If you’re concerned about slow or uneven regrowth, consult a dermatologist. They can check for underlying health issues and recommend treatment options.
Key Takeaways
- On average, eyebrows take 4 to 12 weeks to grow back, depending on the cause of loss.
- Hair growth occurs in three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
- Factors like age, health, hormones, and grooming habits affect regrowth speed.
- Avoiding damage, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing gentle care can support growth.
- Some cases of eyebrow loss may be permanent if follicles are damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do eyebrows take to grow back after shaving?
Usually 1–2 weeks, since the hair is only cut at the surface.
2. Can overplucked eyebrows grow back?
Yes, but it may take 6 months to over a year, and in some cases, they may never fully return.
3. Does castor oil help eyebrows grow faster?
There’s no scientific proof, but castor oil can moisturize and condition the brow area, which may support healthy growth.
4. Why do my eyebrows grow slower than my scalp hair?
Eyebrow hairs have a much shorter growth phase, so they reach their maximum length sooner.
5. Will my eyebrows grow back after chemotherapy?
In most cases, yes — usually within a few months after treatment ends, though thickness may vary.
6. Can diet affect eyebrow growth?
Yes, deficiencies in protein, iron, or certain vitamins can slow hair growth.