The Life Cycle of Eyebrow Hair: Growth Phases Explained
Your eyebrows do more than just frame your face—they play a key role in facial expression and overall appearance. But have you ever wondered how they grow and why some areas may seem sparse while others stay full?
Just like the hair on your scalp, eyebrow hairs go through a natural growth cycle that determines their length, thickness, and shedding patterns. Understanding this cycle can help you maintain healthy, full brows and prevent common issues like thinning or uneven growth.
Let’s break down the three key phases of the eyebrow hair growth cycle and what you can do to support optimal growth.
The Three Phases of Eyebrow Hair Growth
1. Anagen Phase (The Growth Phase) – 4 to 7 Months
The anagen phase is the active growth stage of eyebrow hair. During this time, hair follicles are producing new cells, and the brow hairs are growing longer and thicker.
Key Facts About the Anagen Phase:
✔️ This phase lasts 4 to 7 months (much shorter than scalp hair, which can stay in anagen for years).
✔️ The length of this phase determines how long your brows can grow.
✔️ If you want thicker brows, stimulating this phase is essential.
How to Support Growth During This Phase:
- Apply brow serums containing peptides, biotin, or castor oil to nourish the follicles.
- Avoid over-plucking or waxing, as removing hair during this phase can slow down regrowth.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and biotin to support healthy hair follicles.
2. Catagen Phase (The Transition Phase) – 2 to 3 Weeks
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage where hair stops growing and prepares to shed. The hair follicle shrinks, cutting off the blood supply, and the hair is no longer actively growing.
Key Facts About the Catagen Phase:
✔️ This phase lasts only 2 to 3 weeks.
✔️ The hair is still attached but no longer growing.
✔️ If a hair is removed during this phase, the follicle must restart the cycle, delaying regrowth.
How to Support Brows During This Phase:
- Be gentle when brushing or styling to avoid prematurely pulling out hairs.
- Continue using hydrating brow serums to maintain follicle health.
3. Telogen Phase (The Resting Phase) – 3 to 4 Months
The telogen phase is the final stage of the eyebrow hair cycle, where old hairs naturally fall out to make room for new growth. At any given time, around 10-15% of your eyebrow hairs are in this phase.
Key Facts About the Telogen Phase:
✔️ This phase lasts 3 to 4 months before the hair falls out.
✔️ Shedding is completely normal, but excessive hair loss could indicate stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
✔️ Once a hair falls out, the follicle enters the anagen phase again and starts producing a new hair.
How to Support Brows During This Phase:
- Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing your brows, as this can accelerate shedding.
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet to encourage new growth.
- If you notice excessive shedding, consult a professional to rule out issues like hormonal imbalances or skin conditions.
Understanding the life cycle of your eyebrow hair is the key to maintaining thick, healthy brows. Since brows have a much shorter growth cycle than scalp hair, overplucking or damage can take months to correct. By nourishing your brows, avoiding harsh treatments, and letting them grow naturally, you can achieve your best brow look yet!
If you're looking to enhance your brows with professional shaping, tinting, or lamination, book an appointment with Lash and Brow Avenue today! Let us help you achieve flawless brows that complement your natural beauty.