How to Grow Bushier Eyebrows

Bold, bushy brows are having a major moment, but if you've been plucking or waxing for years, you might feel like your eyebrows are a little sparse. Put down the tweezers and read on to learn how to grow out your brows and ways to make them look fuller in the meantime.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Growing Out Your Brows

  1. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 1
    1
    Stop tweezing, waxing, and threading. Most people's eyebrows grow in a 3-4 month cycle, so hide your tweezers and get comfortable with the idea that your eyebrows might look a bit strange for several months.[1] This is a fairly lengthy process and you're going to have to be patient.
    • Leave all those random looking baby hairs alone, even if they seem nowhere near your brow. If you have hairs that grow in odd directions or straight out, it could be due to damage from tweezing or waxing.[2]
    • If the regrowth really bothers you, you can try taming them with brow gel or cover them with a little concealer.[3]
  2. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 2
    2
    Use a serum on your brows to promote faster growth. Most serums will prolong the first stage of hair growth, the anagen phase, which is when your hair is actively growing. This results in longer, fuller hair. Some will also stimulate more follicles to enter this stage so you actually grow more hair.[4] [5]
    • Most of these serums require daily (sometimes twice-daily) application, and don't provide a permanent boost in hair growth: you have to continuously use them to keep seeing results.[6]
    • It usually takes a minimum six weeks of diligent use to start seeing results from a growth serum.[7]
    • Look for products with prostaglandin, a hormone-like compound that occurs naturally in the body and can increase hair growth.[8]
    • There is no guarantee that growth serums will work on everyone--sometimes hair follicles are damaged or made dormant by long-term tweezing, which makes it difficult to regrow hair.[9]
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  3. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 3
    3
    Eat a diet rich in protein and vitamins that promote hair health. Vitamins B and E, biotin and zinc are all linked to hair growth and health.
    • Your hair is made from proteins, so make sure your diet contains foods like greek yogurt, nuts, and lean meats like chicken and turkey.[10]
    • Biotin nourishes hair and helps it grow and can be found in eggs, another source of protein.[11]
    • Zinc is found in oysters, beef, crab, spinach, and tofu, and keeps your hair from falling out by repairing cells and keeping them healthy.[12]
    • Vitamin E helps with circulation, which aids in hair growth. Find it in almonds, kale, avocado, and kiwi.[13]
  4. 4
    Massage your brows once or twice a day. Massage improves blood circulation around your brows, which will promote hair growth. Start in the center of your face. Tap and rub your fingers in circular motions, moving out towards your temples. Each massage session should last about 1-3 minutes.[14]
    EXPERT TIP

    "When massaging, use tea tree or mint essential oils to help encourage active follicles."

    Laura Martin

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
  5. 5
    Exfoliate your brows. Like massage, exfoliation stimulates blood flow and can help your brows grow more quickly. Use a clean tooth brush. Scrub each brow, starting in the center of your forehead and working out towards the temples. Do this once a day.[15] [16]
    • Do not use the same toothbrush that you use on your teeth. Keep a clean toothbrush for this purpose.
  6. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 4
    6
    Begin tweezing only those hairs closest to your eyelid and lash line after letting your hair grow for four months. You will still have hair that is growing not quite at your brow line, but don't start shaping or plucking them yet.[17]
    • Even at this point, your hair may still be growing back at unruly angles. Don't give up on these hairs--as your follicle becomes healthier and your hair goes through a few growth cycles, they will begin to come in at the right direction.[18]
  7. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 5
    7
    Give your new brow hair at least four to six months to grow in around your actual eyebrow. It can take up to 12 months for your brows to reach their full potential. Once this happens, don't go crazy with the tweezer, and definitely don't wax. Plucking gives you control to do maintenance (you want bushy brows, not a unibrow) and leave a full brow. It's far too easy to ruin all your hard work with a waxing mistake.[19]
    • Don't use a magnifying mirror or super bright lights when tweezing. It is easy to lose perspective and over pluck.[20]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Getting Salon or Surgical Procedures

  1. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 6
    1
    Get your brows tinted. Your sparse-looking brows may actually be full of little white baby hairs, and tinting them a darker shade will reveal a bolder, thicker eyebrow.[21] [22]
    • Tinting lasts between three and five weeks.[23]
    • Tinting can easily go wrong if the shade is too dark, the chemicals too harsh, or you stain your skin, so make sure you go to a professional with a good reputation.[24]
  2. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 7
    2
    Get extensions for special occasions. Visit a brow bar or salon for this procedure, where they will glue individual synthetic or natural hairs to your brow hair, creating the (temporary) full brow of your dreams. Unlike eyelash extensions, brow extensions will not damage your existing hair as they fall off, so they won't interrupt your progress if you're growing yours out.[25]
    • If you don't have eyebrows, the extensions can be glued directly to your skin, but they will only last a few days.[26]
    • Extensions only last a few weeks at the most, and touching, washing, or exercising can make them fall off even faster.[27]
  3. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 8
    3
    Talk to a plastic surgeon about a brow transplant. If your eyebrow hair will no longer grow, a plastic surgeon can carefully design a brow that best fits your face and build it using your own hair. The finished look should be natural, with the new hair blending into your brow.[28]
    • A brow transplant is irreversible, so make sure you are thinking about what looks best on you, not what is most popular right now.[29]
    • Do some research and find a reputable surgeon who has experience with the procedure. Ask to see before and after pictures from their other clients.[30]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Filling Out Your Brows with Makeup

  1. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 9
    1
    Choose a brow pencil and powder that is the right shade. If your brows are dark, look for a product that is 1-2 shades lighter than your brow color. If your eyebrows are light, find a product that is the same color or 1 shade darker than your brows. [31]
  2. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 10
    2
    Fill your brows with short, upward strokes from the pencil. Use a light hand when applying the pencil so the shading looks natural.[32]
    • Focus the color on the arch of your brow and areas where growth is sparse.[33]
    • If you feel the color isn't blended or looks to harsh, run a spoolie brush (or a clean mascara wand) through your brows to soften and distribute the color.[34]
  3. Image titled Grow Bushier Eyebrows Step 11
    3
    Use an angled brush to coat your eyebrows with powder. The powder is meant to cling to your existing hair and really make your brows look thick and full. Use a light stroke so the pigment doesn't stick to your skin and follow the natural arch of your brow.[35]
    • To keep your brow looking natural, apply the powder from the beginning of your arch down to the end of your brow. Then use the brush to blend the powder toward the inner 1/3 of your brow.[36]
    • If desired, finish the look by applying brow gel to your brows with an angled brush or a spoolie brush.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you keep your eyebrows healthy?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Avoid using harsh products and chemicals. Instead, use natural products that won't diminish the strength of your bows and that will help promote a natural balance for your skin and hair follicles.
  • Question
    How can I make my eyebrows thicker naturally?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Combing and generally stimulating your brows can help them grow significantly.
  • Question
    Are there any permanent ways to get bushier brows?
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients.
    Alicia Ramos
    Alicia Ramos
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    There are semi-permanent options. For instance, microblading is basically like a temporary tattoo that will give your eyebrows a fuller, thicker look. The procedure is typically good for 30 months or so.
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Things You'll Need

  • Eyebrow pencil
  • Spoolie brush
  • Brow powder
  • Angled brush
  • Growth serum

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References

  1. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  2. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  3. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  4. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  5. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
  6. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  7. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  8. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  9. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/hair/how-to/a27223/how-to-get-the-best-eyebrows-for-your-face/
  1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-nails/ss/slideshow-foods-healthy-hair
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-nails/ss/slideshow-foods-healthy-hair
  3. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/beauty/hair-nails/ss/slideshow-foods-healthy-hair
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/
  5. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/eyebrow-growth-products/slide3
  6. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/growing-out-your-brows-101/
  7. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
  8. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  9. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  10. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/03/how-to-strategically-grow-out-your-eyebrows.html
  11. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/42512
  12. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/2014/02/61785/how-to-get-bold-brows#page-2
  13. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.
  14. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/2014/02/61785/how-to-get-bold-brows#page-2
  15. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/2014/02/61785/how-to-get-bold-brows#page-2
  16. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/06/how-to-immediately-get-bushier-eyebrows.html
  17. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/06/how-to-immediately-get-bushier-eyebrows.html
  18. ↑ http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/06/how-to-immediately-get-bushier-eyebrows.html
  19. ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/advice/a2094/brow-transplants/
  20. ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/advice/a2094/brow-transplants/
  21. ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/advice/a2094/brow-transplants/
  22. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html
  23. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html
  24. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html
  25. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html
  26. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html
  27. ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/02/four-tips-for-bold-brows.html

About This Article

Alicia Ramos
Co-authored by:
Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
This article was co-authored by Alicia Ramos. Alicia Ramos is a licensed aesthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, with training in lashes, dermaplaning, waxing, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels, and now provides skin care solutions to hundreds of clients. This article has been viewed 326,660 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 33
Updated: June 2, 2021
Views: 326,660
Categories: Defining Eyebrows
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