Eyebrow Loss

Eyebrow Loss

Eyebrows frame the face. Your entire appearance can change if you lose your beautiful brows. Have you been told that you lost your eyebrows because you over-plucked? While over-plucking may certainly lead to diminished growth of the brows, did you know there are a variety of conditions that can result in the temporary or permanent loss of eyebrows?

Hair will be lost by a variety of situations that affect its growth cycle, or the area from which it grows. Should you take medication that stops hair growth, such as chemotherapy, you can lose hair. Or if you have a skin condition that causes significant inflammation within the area, the hair can fall out in response to the problem. A skin disease in which foreign tissue or cells come into the area may push the hair out in attempt to overtake the area. Certain hormonal or endocrine conditions can also wreak havoc on the hair follicles in this area. Autoimmune disease in which the body turns on itself may also lead to a loss of hair. So too, can some infections.

Here's a list and description of the best-known conditions that may result in a loss of eyebrows: Should you find yourself in this predicament, check with your dermatologist. There may be something you can do.

Endocrine Disease/Imbalance

One of the most obvious categories, conditions that affect our hormonal balance may certainly lead to hair loss within the eyebrow region. This may be due to internal conditions like pregnancy and thyroid disease, or the use of medications like birth control pills. Fortunately, addressing the situation often results in hair re-growth.

• Thyroid disease
• Pregnancy
• Hormone Intake: Danazol, BCPs, Progestesrone, Diethystilbesterol (DES), HCG (pregnancy hormone)

Chemotherapy

The insults of chemotherapy are not insignificant. Chemotherapy affects the production of many cell types, not just the cancer. That is why so many of these therapies result in temporary hair loss.

Here are some of the more common chemotherapy agents that can cause hair loss: (this is not a complete list)

• Chemotherapy Agents: Cyclophosphamide, Bleomycin, Daunorubicin, Methotrexate, Tamoxifen, Taxol, Vinblastine, Colchicine, Melphalan, Systemic 5-Florouracil, Etoposide, Ethambutol, Interferon Alpha, Interleuken

Infiltrating Cancer

Cancer whether locally growing or one that is spreading into the skin may push out hair in areas in which it is overtaking. Sometimes this will appear as an obvious surface growth (especially with skin cancer), and other times there may be a lumpy thickening of the area such as when lymphoma or leukemia cells infiltrate deeper tissue.

• Mycosis Fungoides, a T Cell Lymphoma of the Skin.
• Leukemia Cutis, a state where leukemia spreads from the bloodstream into the skin.
• Local Skin Cancer, including Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
• Kaposi's Sarcoma

Infections

Infectious conditions can either directly affect the hair follicle, or hair shaft, or create such inflammation in the region that you literally scratch the hair out. Patchy hair loss is a good indication of problems like Syphilis. Infiltration of the infection deep within the skin such as what occurs with Hansen's Disease can squeeze the hair follicles out of the way.

• Fungal infections: Just like those on the scalp, fungal infections can occur on hair bearing areas of the face as well and lead to typically temporary hair loss.
• Lice: The itching and scratching cycle associated with lice of the brows and lashes can cause you to literally pull them out.
• Hansen's Disease (aka Leprosy): Can infiltrate the brow region leading to thinning eyebrows.
• Syphilis: Who thought that a venereal disease could cause hair loss? However, syphilis can cause "moth-eaten" hair loss in more advanced stages.

Autoimmune Disorders

The definition of an autoimmune disease is that the body turns on itself, mistakenly destroying tissue that belongs. In other words, the body basically thinks that a germ is present and is out to get rid of it. Autoimmune diseases are a broad category and encompass a multitude of diagnoses. Here are a few that can lead to hair loss.

• Lupus Erythematosus: All autoimmune diseases can put hair at risk. Inflammation of the skin due to a variety of lupus-like conditions may result in patchy hair loss.
• Alopecia Areata: In this condition, hair is specifically targeted by the body for destruction. A random condition where any hair is potentially at risk.
• Vitiligo: This disease where the color-making cells of the skin are destroyed may cause enough inflammation to accidentally result in some hair loss as well.

Inflammation from "Common Skin Conditions"

That itch, scratch cycle can lead to more inflammation, and ultimately hair loss. Few people are aware that "routine" skin diseases can sometimes result in hair loss, but here they are:

• Seborrhea
• Psoriasis
• Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
• Contact Dermatitis

Skin Growths

If something happens to be growing on the surface, chances are the hair isn't going to be able to penetrate through this thick shell-like barrier. Remove the growth, and you may be able to re-grow the hair. Keep in mind, however, that if removal leads to significant scar formation, the hair may not re-grow.

• Seborrheic Keratosis: Age-related "barnacles of life".
• Moles
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Growth of specific oil glands.
• Warts
• Hemangiomas: Blood vessel growths.

Infiltrating Disorders

This is a mixed bag of conditions that all have 1 thing in common. They all create an environment within the dermis (lower portion of the skin) that squeezes out the hair follicle's ability to flourish.

• Alopecia Mucinosis: A disorder in which a viscous material called mucin infiltrates the deeper areas of the skin, resulting in hair loss.
• Sclerosing Disorders: Scleroderma, Morphea and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.
• Scars: Particularly large keloids.

Medication

Everybody knows someone who has had an unusual reaction to a medication. Eyebrows can be affected just like any other hair if a medication is known to cause hair loss. Here are some of the general categories and major players within them.

• Antihypertensives: Propranolol, Atenolol, Captopril, Clonidine
• Antidepressants/Psychotics/Emotional Stabilizers: Prozac, Lithium, Haldol, Amitriptylene, Sinequan (Doxepin), Imipramine
• Seizure Medication: Phenytoin (Dilantin), Phenobarbital, Valproic Acid

Heavy Metal/ Elemental Poisoning

It's hard to believe in this day and age that we could be poisoned by our environment, but periodically, you hear about a case. Here are a few compounds to be aware of:

• Mercury
• Arsenic
• Thallium
• Iodine
• Gold: A side effect from taking it for the control of diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Vitamin/Mineral Overdose

Too much of a good thing often leads to problems. Excessive oral ingestion of vitamins can be a real problem when it comes to the skin.

• Nicotinic Acid: A "B" vitamin.
• Vitamin A: This also applies to its derivatives like Accutane, Etretinate, etc.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDS)

• Naproxyn: Such as Naprosyn, Alleve, etc.
• Ibuprofen: Such as Motrin, Advil, etc.
• Acetaminophen: Such as Tylenol.

Miscellanous

• Halothane: Used for general anesthesia.
• Hypertriglyceridemia: Very high blood fats called triglycerides.
• Topical ophthalmic betablocker agents/drops (such as Timolol) may cause reversible eyebrow or eyelash loss.
• Trichotillomania, a habit of pulling out hair. Repeated insult of plucking out the hair can destroy the hair follicle and lead to permanent loss.
• Over-plucking. Yes, over-plucking can again lead to destruction of the hair follicle and potentially permanent loss of the hair over time. Eyebrow hair follicles tend to be sensitive to removal of the hair, so plan your brow shape and try not to get carried away tweezing.
• Androgenic Alopecia, that condition that causes "balding" can also lead to thinning of the eyebrows over time. While some may argue this to be a hormonal condition, others would include it with the general category of age-related problems.

Osmotics FNS Nutrilash

Osmotics FNS Nutrilash Lash and Brow Enhancer features the same breakthrough technology found in the award winning Osmotics FNS Follicle Nutrient Serum for fine and thinning hair. Based on ground breaking research in wound healing, this proprietary mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids provides the essential nutrients for growing strong, healthy lashes and brows.

This all natural formula is ocular tested, completely safe, and non-irritating. Uniquely designed for the eye area, Nutrilash is packaged in easy to use, hygienic, single dose applicators. You will love the versatility and convenience of using one product for both lashes and brows.

Talika

A brand devoted to the eyes, Talika has a couple of good options for those with very thin, sparse eyebrows. Talika Eyebrow Lipocils Conditioning Gel is a treatment gel (plant extract based) that naturally reshapes the line of the eyebrows to make a woman's look as expressive a possible. It stimulates their growth and makes them thicker and healthier. While waiting for your brows to grow out, consider use of Talika Eyebrow Extender. It helps create the appearance of actual hairs - truly amazing!

While I hope that you never have to deal with an issue such as the loss of eyebrows, I would encourage you that there is more to examining this issue than a simplistic dismissal by your doctor. Check with a board-certified dermatologist and get the facts you need to solve the problem.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you have found it informative.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

Eyebrow & Eyelash Hair Restoration Surgery

Eyebrow & Eyelash Hair Restoration Surgery

Eyebrows and eyelashes make an important contribution to facial symmetry and presentation of self to others. A person without eyebrows and/or eyelashes may feel very self-conscious about his/her appearance. Transplantation or reconstructive surgery can often restore eyebrows and eyelashes.

Eyebrows and eyelashes are lost in a variety of ways:

• Physical trauma—e.g., auto accident, thermal, chemical or electrical burns
• Systemic or local disease that causes loss of eyebrow and/or eyelashes
• Congenital inability to grow eyebrows and/or eyelashes
• Plucking (to reshape the eyebrow) that results in permanent loss of eyebrows
• Self-inflicted obsessive plucking or eyebrows and/or eyelashes (trichotillomania)
• Medical or surgical treatments that result in eyebrow or eyelash loss—e.g., radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical removal of tumor.

The cause of eyebrow/eyelash loss is evaluated in medical history and examination prior to consideration of hair restoration:

• Systemic or local disease that causes hair loss must be under control to assure that hair restoration can succeed
• Obsessive-compulsive plucking (trichotillomania) must be treated to assure that restored hair will not be plucked out
• Trauma, burns or surgery may have resulted in formation of scar tissue; reconstructive surgery may be necessary before eyebrow/eyelash restoration. The degree of eyebrow loss may vary from complete to partial; the degree of loss may be a consideration in selection of the restoration procedure.

Some patients have no eyebrow/eyelash loss, but seek eyebrow/ eyelash enhancement for cosmetic reasons.

Tips: eye brow

Tips:

1. To ensure your tweezers maintain their firm grip, regularly wipe the tips with alcohol to remove any oily build up. Also, keep in mind that Tweezerman will sharpen your tweezers for free when they dull. (I always lose mine before they become dull).
2. If your brows are sparse or spotty, you can fill them in by pressing a brown shadow into your brow. Chanel's Perfect Brow Compact is the ultimate brow shadow. It's expensive, but worth the price. Plucked too much? Ji Baek, owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge in Manhattan suggests in Elle Magazine that you stimulate hair growth by massaging brows with a toothbrush.
3. If you use a pencil to fill in sparse brows, apply with short, feathered strokes from the inside of the brow out. Then carefully rub brows with a brush or your fingertips to soften the effect.
4. Brow gel helps keep your brows in place all day. Or if you don't have gel, apply a dab of hairspray to your finger and use it to keep unruly hairs in place.
5. I've saved the best tip for last. The ideal time for brow-shaping is the week after your period begins. It the time in your cycle when your body is least sensitive to hair removal.

What You Need:

• A great pair of tweezers. My recommended choice: Tweezerman
• A mirror, preferably magnifying
• Anbesol or children's teething gel if you're afraid of pain

How To Shape Your Eyebrows

Few things make you appear more groomed than well-plucked eyebrows . Many women have their eyebrows tweezed or threaded professionally and the trend is so hot, eyebrow boutiques are popping up in big cities across the country. I recommend you have a professional do your eyebrows first to set a 'blueprint', then all you have to do is pluck where the hairs grow in. (A pro waxing should set you back about $20 depending on where you live). Here's some tips on how to tweeze your own eyebrows.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

1. The biggest mistake people make is to tweeze too much. Avoid overplucking as it can take months for brows to grow back. Here's a simple trick to remember: The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, your eyes. To find where your brow should go, take a long eyeshadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where your brow should begin.
2. To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your eye toward the brow. Where the inside edge of the brush hits is where your brow should end.
3. The best brows have a slight arch. To find yours, hold the brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of your brow should be.
4. Cleanse your skin. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub (I like Biore) helps prep the area as well. Worried about pain? Expert aesthicians suggest applying to the brow Anbesol, Orajel or any teething gel for babies. Brush brows up and out.
5. You'll want to invest in a good pair of tweezers with a slanted edge (my favorite, hands down, are Tweezerman slanted tweezers: .
   
   You also want to make sure you're near a window with light pouring in or under a bright light with a good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best, but be sure and flip it over to see your overall effect in the regular mirror).
6. Make sure to pluck hairs in the direction they grow. Don't grab too many hairs at a time. You can hold skin taut as you pluck.
7. It's a myth that brows should never be tweezed from above. You want both the bottoms and tops to be smooth. So be careful, but tweeze the top AND the bottom.
8. Stop every few hairs to step back and look at the job you're doing. If you overpluck, you're stuck. Unlike most hairs on your body, your brows won't always grow back once they're yanked.
9. Once you're done plucking, you can apply aloe vera gel, which will calm the redness right away.

Few things make you appear more groomed than well-plucked eyebrows . Many women have their eyebrows tweezed or threaded professionally and the trend is so hot, eyebrow boutiques are popping up in big cities across the country. I recommend you have a professional do your eyebrows first to set a 'blueprint', then all you have to do is pluck where the hairs grow in. (A pro waxing should set you back about $20 depending on where you live). Here's some tips on how to tweeze your own eyebrows.

Eyebrow modification

Eyebrow modification

A woman's eyebrow that has been modified via waxing

Eyebrows are a major facial feature. Several cosmetic methods have been developed to enhance the look of one's eyebrows, whether the goal is to add or remove hair, change the color, or change the position of the eyebrow.

Several options exist for removing hair in order to achieve a thinner or smaller eyebrow, or to "correct" a unibrow, including tweezing, waxing, threading and electronic tweezer. The most common method is to use tweezers to thin out and shape the eyebrow.^[3] Waxing is also becoming more popular in recent times.^[4] Lastly, there is the option of threading eyebrows, wherein a cotton thread is rolled over hair to pull it out.^[5] Small scissors are sometimes used to trim the eyebrows, either along with another method of hair removal or alone. All of these methods can be painful for some seconds or minutes due to the sensitivity of the area around the eye, but, often, this pain decreases over time as the individual becomes used to the sensation. After a certain period of time, hair that has been plucked will stop growing back.^[6] There are some who completely wax or shave off their entire eyebrows, then, either leave them bare, stencil or draw them in with eye liner, or tattoo them on. In Western societies, it has become more common for men to pluck part of their eyebrows as well.

To create a fuller look, eyebrows can be cloned in an eyebrow transplant, wherein individual strands of the eyebrow are mimicked to create a natural looking eyebrow of the desired shape. Eyebrow brushes and shaders are also used to further define the eyebrow. A fairly recent trend in eyebrow modification is in the form of eyebrow tinting, in which permanent dye, similar to that of hair color, is used on the eyebrow, often to darken them. Generally, these procedures may be performed by a Certified Lashologist or Cosmetician.

An eyebrow-lift, a cosmetic surgery to raise the eyebrow, usually in order to create a more feminine or youthful appearance, is a new phenomenon.^[7] They can be affected during a face lift or an eye lift. More recently, doctors inject patients' eyebrows with botox or similar toxins to temporarily raise the eyebrow.^[8]

Shaving lines in eyebrows is another cosmetic alteration, more common among younger people in the 1990s and 2000s

Eyebrow

Eyebrow

The eyebrow is an area of thick, delicate hairs above the eye that follows the shape of the lower margin of the brow ridges of some^[which?] mammals. Their main function is to prevent sweat or water, and other debris, from falling down into the eye socket,^{[citation needed]} but they are also important to human communication and facial expression.^[1] It is not uncommon for people – women in particular – to modify their eyebrows by means of hair addition, removal, make up, or piercings.

The main function of the eyebrow is to prevent moisture, mostly salty sweat and rain, from flowing into the eye. The typical curved shape of the eyebrow (with a slant on the side) and the direction in which eyebrow hairs are pointed, make sure that moisture has a tendency to flow sideways around the eyes, along the side of the head and along the nose. The slightly protruding brow ridges of modern humans could also still play a supporting role in this process in this way it helps them make expressions.^{[citation needed]} Together with the brow ridges, the eyebrows also shade the eyes from sunlight. Eyebrows also prevent debris such as dandruff and other small objects from falling into the eyes, as well as providing a more sensitive sense for detecting objects being near the eye, like small insects.

Psychological

Eyebrows also have an important facilitative function in communication, strengthening expressions, such as surprise or anger. Many makeup artists view eyebrows as a major feature in defining the face. The eyebrows shape the human face and give definition to one's eyes and forehead. Depending on the shape of the eyebrows, it sometimes can cause what is known as a false facial expression (such as a person's eyebrows shaped to seem as if the person was angry, but really isn't).

Identification

In a study published by MIT, where subjects were asked to identify celebrities with either their eyes or their eyebrows digitally edited out, the subjects were able to recognize the celebrity 46% of the time with their eyebrows edited out, compared to 60% of the time with their eyes edited out. The findings indicate the importance of eyebrows in providing cues to an individual's identity.^[2]