A few weeks back I was looking through some high school photos of myself. "Nightmare" is the word that came to mind: big hair, slouchy socks, and lined lips. What were we thinking? Then, I noticed my eyebrows. My 1990s eyebrows matched the style I'm currently seeing on Hollywood stars! Those thick high school eyebrows are apparently stylish once again. Sadly for me, years of plucking, tweezing, threading, and waxing have left me little eyebrow to work with. However, I have been determined to find out how to make my eyebrows grow back into the thick, magnificent specimens they once were.
Do eyebrows grow back? The good news for those of us who have been plucking our eyebrows for two decades is that they can indeed grow back. It takes time and patience, but eyebrows can grow back in about four to six months. I think of it as a detox from all the eyebrow care I have endured over the past 20 years. The reason it takes so long is that eyebrows need to go through three stages of growth to end up looking lush. The first stage is the anagen phase. This stage determines the length of hair. The catagen phase is when the follicle starts to advance toward the skin. Finally, the telogen phase is when hair falls out and new hair grows in. The telogen phase of growth is very important. Additionally, patience is necessary if you are trying to cultivate eyebrows like Sarah Hyland of Modern Family. According to my 13-year-old daughter, Sarah has eyebrows to die for.
Like me, you are probably guilty of some other eyebrow maintenance mistakes that you should stop right now. If you are interested in flaunting a pair of thick eyebrows, put the tweezers down and use the following tutorial.
Thumbnail Source: Flickr / Flickr
How To Make Your Eyebrows Grow
1. "Before" Picture
When your eyebrows grow in thick and amazing, you will want to brag on social media. The "before" picture will make the brag much more effective.
2. Step Away From The Brows
Step away from the tweezers for at least four to six months. This will be easier by smashing your magnifying mirror and not looking at your reflection in a bright room. Or, just trust that no one will even notice your emerging eyebrows. If they do notice, just tell them you are joining all the A-list celebrities who are also sporting thick and sexy eyebrows. Think of all the money and time you will be saving, too!
3. Get Healthy
If you have been putting off living a healthy life, growing thick eyebrows might be all the motivation you need. Eat a nutritious diet as you grow out your eyebrows. According to Livestrong.com, the most important vitamins and minerals to grow thick, healthy eyebrows are B vitamins, iron, sulfur, and protein. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. A healthy lifestyle increases blood flow and promotes faster hair growth.
4. Exfoliate Like Mad
Exfoliating your eyebrows in the evening will help them grow faster. It will help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the hair follicles to grow faster. Scrub gently in a circular motion for one minute per eye for the best results. Fresh Sugar Face Polish is what I will be using to bring my eyebrows back from the dead.
5. Apply a Growth Serum
Buy a growth serum that contains prostaglandin. This is an active lipid compound that works like magic to expedite growth. Amazing Lash Studio recommends going to a dermatologist and asking for a prescription of Latisse, which contains prostaglandin. Latisse is not FDA approved to grow eyebrows, but dermatologists are prescribing it as patients are reporting significant eyebrow growth. Rogaine is another prescription containing prostaglandin that is proven to stimulate eyebrow regrowth.
6. Apply Oil
Castor oil for eyebrows yields great results. However, olive oil and coconut oil also contain nutrients that help to grow out your eyebrows. Massage one of these oils onto your eyebrows for a couple of minutes before bed and rinse off in the morning. It is a natural way to get thicker eyebrows. Apply oil after your growth serum, or you can use it during the day. If you use it during the day, make sure to let it sit for at least one hour before wiping it off.
7. Eyebrow Gel
After a good night's rest and a fresh shower, apply some eyebrow gel before your makeup. It will help tame the stray eyebrow hairs that might be driving you batty. StyleCaster has listed some great choices for grooming your growing eyebrows. I am ready to go out and buy all 10!
8. Eyebrow Pencil
You might notice some spots where your new eyebrow growth looks uneven. Use either an angled brush or a brow pencil to draw in the missing spaces for a complete eyebrow.
9. Wait
Be patient and let time pass. Meditation might be a good way to pass the time and visualize your new, ultra-thick eyebrows.
10. Visit a Brow Salon
Congrats! You have successfully grown out your eyebrows, and you don't want to mess them up. Visit an eyebrow professional in your area who can masterfully shape your new, bushy eyebrows to frame your face perfectly. They can give you tips for self-maintenance and allow you time to ask all of your eyebrow questions.
11. "After" Picture
Snap a photo of your new lux eyebrows and share away. These brows will be so hot that no one will even recognize the "before" picture.
Did this article inspire you to start growing out your eyebrows? If so, SHARE this article with friends who need an eyebrow update!
