Eyebrow Growth: Practical Tips for Thicker, Healthier Brows

Eyebrow growth has turned into a full-blown beauty trend for a reason—thicker brows can totally change your look, and they signal health and confidence. But getting fuller brows isn’t always just about putting on another coat of brow gel or picking up some miracle serum. Real growth is possible with the right habits, a dash of science, and a dose of patience.

Start by ditching the over-plucking. Tweezers are great for keeping your brows tidy, but going overboard can damage the hair follicles. Once follicles are out, they don’t always come back, so give brows a break and let them fill in. If you’ve been plucking for years, don’t expect overnight miracles, but small changes add up.

Brow growth serums and oils get a lot of buzz, but not all are created equal. Stick with products that’ve got real ingredients linked to hair growth, like castor oil or peptides. Some dermatologists actually recommend castor oil because it’s safe and can nourish hair (and it’s been used for generations for a reason). Watch out for anything that causes irritation, and patch test before going all-in.

Your diet matters, too. Eyebrows are hair, just like your head—so those same nutrients that keep hair shiny and strong also support new growth above your eyes. Look for foods rich in protein, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E. Meals with eggs, salmon, avocados, and beans give your hair (and your brows) a kick in the right direction.

Let’s talk makeup—specifically, how to boost what you’ve got without faking it too hard. Use a gentle brow pencil or powder that matches your natural color and apply with light strokes in the direction your hair grows. Going too dark or heavy looks fake, while a softer approach builds definition and helps you see progress as your real brows fill in. If you’re tempted by dye or tinting, eyebrow mascara is safe, simple, and washes out—just check out our guide on using eyebrow mascara for that bold, natural look.

Resist the urge to wax often. Regular waxing keeps things neat, but frequent sessions can stress your skin and damage roots. If you’re dealing with stray hairs out of shape, an eyebrow waxing kit used only on the outer edges gets the job done without risking new growth inside your ideal brow area.

If you’re worried about patchy spots, you’re not alone. Growing brows can be frustrating—some areas fill faster, others drag behind. Don’t panic. Sometimes, a bit of microneedling (done by a pro) or topical minoxidil (yep, the hair regrowth ingredient) under a dermatologist’s guidance can help stubborn patches.

Finally, be gentle. Harsh cleansers, scrubbing, or sleeping face-down can rub away delicate new hairs. Try a silk pillowcase if you’re serious, and avoid skincare products with acids or retinoids right on your brows—they can slow growth.

Soon as you stop fighting your brows and start supporting them, you’ll see results. Growing out your eyebrows takes consistency—just like building muscle at the gym, those little steps matter daily. And once those new hairs come in, you get a fresher, younger look with way less effort than penciling every morning.