Does Rogaine Help Grow Fuller Brows? We are investigating

In our quest for the perfect brows, we occasionally resort to unconventional tactics. We color and tattoo them. We pick them too much (and consequently fill them up) then we drive ourselves crazy trying to regrow them. Rinse and repeat as they say.

The journey to regrowing brows is a twisted tale, and suffice it to say we’re willing to try just about anything to make them look full and luscious. Although one modality leaves us with trepidation – and that’s Rogaine. (Yes, the popular hair growth treatment reserved for the hair that grows on your scalp.) Does it actually work? Are there any side effects? Here we speak to a dermatologist, a trichologist, and a certified brow expert to get all the answers before you try it. (Seriously – read the whole article before you even think to try.)

Can you use Rogaine for eyebrows?

As you probably know, Rogaine has traditionally been used as a scalp treatment, known for its ability to effectively regrow hair on your head. It creates hair regrowth while preventing future hair loss – an apparent win-win situation. It is available in two different concentrations: two percent and five percent. Dermatologists usually advise you to start with two percent, but you can eventually increase the strength if you’re not getting the results you want after a period of time.

Well if you wanted hypothetical Use it on your brows, there are a few things you should know.

To use it, you have to be willing to commit too much: you would hypothetical You must use it every day for it to work effectively by applying it with a cotton swab or a cosmetic stick.

But be warned: Discontinuing use of the product, or using it only intermittently, can seriously disrupt the process and actually lead to hair loss without regrowth. And if that doesn’t stop you from trying it, you might experience some of the nasty side effects.

What the pros say

First of all, you really shouldn’t bet anything near your eye area that is not intended for it. “The active ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil, and the first concern I have is bringing anything chemical to the eye area that isn’t right for the eye area,” says Joey Healy, eyebrow stylist and owner of Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio in Manhattan. “Nowhere does Rogaine claim that this is effective or should be used for eyebrows.”

When it comes down to it, most experts wouldn’t advise taking Rogaine somewhere but the scalp. “Rogaine is a topical solution for the scalp only,says Penny James, trichologist and owner of Penny James Salon. “The skin around the eyebrow bone is just too thin, and Rogaine has not been approved by the FDA for use anywhere other than the scalp.”

Heli agrees. “I’ve spoken to a lot of dermatologists about this and believe me the brow and scalp hair are very different entities and have very different growth cycles which has a lot to do with why I wouldn’t recommend Rogaine for your brows. ” he says. “Your brows and your eyelashes are more alike, and your brows and the hair on your head are less alike.”

side effects

Yes, we’re all about getting great brows at all costs, but there is a limit to how far we go for them, especially when treatment is accompanied by some unsavory symptoms.

There is a study published in 2014 that concluded that there were “minimal side effects” after using Rogaine as a treatment for eyebrow growth. But according to all experts interviewed, you put yourself at risk for edema (aka swelling and inflammation), erythema (red patches), and pruritus (or chronically itchy skin) if you apply Rogaine to your eyebrows. whoops “If you apply Rogaine anywhere other than your scalp, you risk irritation and possibly getting the formula in your eye, which would be terrible,” says Healy. “Rash, dermatitis and unwanted excess hair in the form of peach fuzz around forehead and general dryness of skin.”

Up to that last point, minoxidil is known for its drying components, and some people who use it on their scalp suffer from dandruff. These drying properties would likely only be made worse by thinner eyebrow hairs and the more delicate, sensitive skin that surrounds them.

But… does it work?

Here’s the thing: you could According to dermatologist Hadley King, MD, you’ll actually see some results if you try it, although she agrees you risk side effects like burning, dryness, itching, redness, flaking, and unwanted hair growth. (Again, yikes, and we certainly don’t advise it.)

A 2012 study looked at the effectiveness of minoxidil versus bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyebrows. After 16 weeks, both formulas proved to be equally effective for hair regeneration. “A subsequent study compared Rogaine to a placebo and found that participants taking Rogaine had better overall outcomes,” King says.

So researchers have actually concluded that Rogaine can be an effective treatment for eyebrows. However, it’s probably not worth the risk when there are tons of safer and equally effective solutions out there.

What are some better eyebrow growth solutions?

Instead of Rogaine, you can try castor oil, some safe DIY treatments, Latisse, similar serums (especially those with peptides), or microblading, which James also suggests.

The bottom line is — you’re better off keeping your brows than trying Rogaine, something that could damage your skin. Even if you want to get good brows at all costs.

The experts agree. “Rogaine never and never will tell you to use it on your eyebrows,” says Healy. “You really need a serum with peptides.”

So there you have it: no, we repeat, do not Use Rogaine on your eyebrows. Instead, here are our favorite brow treatments and serums (that won’t cause red spots or brow flakes).