Eyebrow changes during the menopause can be frustrating, especially when the shape, thickness and texture of your brows no longer look like they used to.
Many women notice a difference in their brows at the same time as the changes in their skin and hair, and there are things you can do to improve the look of your brows during this time.
What Happens To Brow Hair During Menopause?
As your estrogen and progesterone levels drop during the menopause, your brow hairs often spend less time in the “growth phase” and more time resting, which can leave them looking thinner or patchier than they used to.
With the hormonal fluctuations, your hair follicles may miniaturize, produce finer strands or shed quicker, which will make brow hair thinning more noticeable when you’re cleansing your face. It is also possible that you’ll notice slower regrowth after plucking or waxing, because the growth cycle reset takes longer.
Plus, shifting hormones can affect your skin’s oil production and the skin elasticity around your brows, so brow hairs don’t sit the same way as they used to, making sparser areas stand out more.
If you’re dealing with any nutrient deficiencies (like iron, vitamin D, zinc or protein), your eyebrows can look also dull, dry or more fragile.
Why Brow Tails Can Look Sparser With Age
Hormone shifts and the slower hair cycle I mentioned above can thin your eyebrows, and you’ll notice your brow tails looking sparser.
Your brow tail hairs are often finer and more short-lived, which makes them more sensitive to the hormonal fluctuations which shorten growth phases and prolong the shedding.
Having a reduced circulation to the end of your brow can also limit the delivery of oxygen and building blocks needed for steady brow regrowth.
Your skincare routine could also be adding to your brow tail issues. Repeated rubbing during cleansing, aggressive exfoliation near your temples or frequent makeup removal, which can cause breakage and a slow regrowth.
How Dry Skin Can Change The Look Of Your Brows
Even if your brow hairs haven’t thinned much (yet), having dry skin can make your eyebrows look lighter, patchier and less defined.
Dry skin flakes cling to brow hairs, blur your natural brow outline and create tiny gaps that mimic shedding.
When menopause shifts your hormones, your skin often produces less oil, so the aging effects show up first around your eyes and your eyebrows.
Well hydrated skin reflects more light and helps your brow hairs to lie flat instead of sticking up.
Avoid using any harsh face scrubs or over-cleansing near your brow line, as irritation can just worsen your dryness issues. Also, make sure you avoid alcohol based skincare products as that can dry your skin out even more.
Makeup Tips For Fuller Looking Brows
There are three tips when it comes to making your menopausal brows look fuller. Lightly fill in the sparse spots with a fine tip pencil, using hair-like strokes.
Follow up with a brow powder that matches your natural brow color to give a soft depth to your brows.
Finish off your brows with a tinted or clear brow gel, to lift your brow hairs and sharpen up the shape. You can also get brow fiber brow gels which will give your brows extra volume, if you’re dealing with sparse brow issues.
Use a spoolie to groom your brows, to define your arch and tail. When using a brow pencil, use short taps and strokes to concentrate on your gaps.
Always pick a brow color that is one shade lighter if your hair is naturally dark, or one step deeper if it’s blonde, as well as keeping the undertones neutral.
You can soften the edges with powder, and use a highlighter under the arch with concealer, to give your brows a nice lift.