\n<\/p>\n
Odds are, your eyebrows<\/a> have been through a lot. Whether it was the over-plucking of the \u201990s or simply a bad salon experience, getting thicker brows can feel tedious. Here, experts break down six tips to achieving fuller eyebrows<\/a>\u2014think Lily Collins<\/a> or Zendaya<\/a> levels\u2014no microblading<\/a> or transplant necessary.<\/p>\n Though it seems obvious, the first step is to stop tweezing<\/a>. This will allow all your brow hairs to reach the same stage of the growth cycle, explains Chanel brow artist Jimena Garcia<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring that grow-out phase, you can keep things tidy by trimming longer hairs instead of plucking them,\u201d she says, adding that \u201ca little brow gel<\/a> can also help tame any unruliness.\u201d<\/p>\n Garcia also recommends using this grow-out time to experiment with another part of your beauty routine. \u201cTry a bold red lip<\/a>, experiment with bangs<\/a> you\u2019ve always wanted, or master that chic cat eyeliner<\/a>,\u201d she offers.<\/p>\n Rachel Westbay<\/a>, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City, suggests avoiding aggressive waxing and threading, as well as harsh exfoliants. These can include retinoids<\/a>, AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acids<\/a>), BHAs (like salicylic acid<\/a>), and mechanical exfoliants.<\/p>\n The skin around the eyebrows is thinner and more delicate than that on the scalp, she explains. So, it\u2019s important to focus not only on the health of the hair follicle, but the skin it grows from, too, she says, \u201cbecause chronic inflammation can essentially worsen thinning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t underestimate the inside-out approach,\u201d Garcia says. Dr. Westbay agrees, noting that adequate protein intake<\/a> is important for maintaining hair health, since hair is primarily composed of protein.<\/p>\n Additionally, \u201ciron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional factors for hair thinning, including brows and scalp,\u201d Dr. Westbay says. (Some iron-rich foods<\/a> you can add to your diet include spinach, nuts, eggs<\/a>, red meat, and dark chocolate.)<\/p>\n Other factors include zinc, vitamin D<\/a>, and certain vitamin B deficiencies, so prioritizing a well-balanced diet is key.<\/p>\n Ingredients in brow growth products \u201ctend to be aimed at prolonging the growth phase, reducing breakage, and improving support of the follicle,\u201d Dr. Westbay says. \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019ll often find that brow serums<\/a> contain ingredients like peptides<\/a> [and] conditioning agents like Panthenol.\u201d<\/p>\n For those unfamiliar with peptides, Dr. Westbay describes them as \u201csignaling molecules,\u201d adding, \u201cthey help communicate with cells around the follicle, and they help support a healthier environment for hair growth.\u201d She notes that some peptides can help stimulate keratin<\/a> production (the protein hair is made of) while others can prolong the hair\u2019s growth phase. (Her favorite is the Olaplex Browbond Building Serum<\/a>.)<\/p>\n If you\u2019re focused on hair growth, then the brow products you\u2019re using should be gentler, with formulas that contain \u201cless alcohol, fewer fragrances, gentler preservatives, and lighter delivery systems,\u201d Dr. Westbay says.<\/p>\n Castor oil<\/a> is commonly cited as an ingredient for hair growth; however, it\u2019s really more of a moisturizer, Dr. Westbay says. It can make your brows look healthier, shinier, and softer, she explains, which can make your brows look fuller by conditioning them and reducing breakage.<\/p>\n The oil is one ingredient in Garcia\u2019s so-called \u201cmagic mix<\/a>\u201d for nourishing and conditioning your brows, along with sweet almond oil and vitamin E<\/a>. It can be applied once a week or up to three times a week, she says, depending on how much conditioning your hair needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nPut down the tweezers<\/h2>\n
Avoid harsh hair removal methods and exfoliants<\/h2>\n
Pay attention to your diet<\/h2>\n
Focus on the ingredients in your brow serum<\/h2>\n
Condition your brows<\/h2>\n