Bleaching your eyebrows—an increasingly popular practice for lightening the hair in that area on the face—may be trendy at the moment, but it does come with risks beyond just cosmetic concerns. While its dangers are often overlooked, the chemicals involved in bleaching can have implications for hair health that extend beyond the desired aesthetic changes. We interviewed three board-certified medical experts to explore whether eyebrow bleaching can lead to hair loss. Here, we uncover potential risks associated with this trend to figure out if you can safely continue with this beauty practice at home or in the salon.
Featured Experts
- Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Tina S. Alster, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Dr. Jeffrey B. Wise is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Wayne, New Jersey
What the Experts Are Saying About Eyebrow Bleaching
New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD emphasizes that while there’s no definitive evidence proving direct hair loss from eyebrow bleaching, the process involves harsh chemicals that can weaken hair structure. Bleach works by breaking down melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. This chemical degradation affects keratin proteins, potentially causing brittleness and breakage closer to the root. “This process can then weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to breakage, which may give the appearance of slower growth as hairs break off closer to the root,” informs Dr. Russak.
According to a 2019 study in the International Journal of Trichology, hair treated with bleaching agents showed increased structural damage and breakage compared to untreated hair. Additionally, a 2016 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests that repeated bleaching cycles may lead to decreased hair density over time.
The Risks of Eyebrow Bleaching
Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina S. Alster, MD warns that eyebrow bleaching can inflame the skin around hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle and potentially causing temporary or even permanent hair loss due to chemical irritation. Bleaching your eyebrows is a process that’s usually done more often than bleaching the hair on your scalp, so it’s important to consider that you may be exposing the skin on your face to these chemicals more often. At the same time, if you already have sparse brows to begin with, this consistent disruption may make your post-bleach brows even less dense.
Dr. Alster advises managing any post-bleaching skin irritation by following adequate protocols for inflamed skin. “If skin redness and/or itching occur after eyebrow bleaching, I recommend that you apply cool compresses and hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin twice daily and take an oral Benadryl at night to reduce the inflammation and risk of hair loss.
There are a few other risks associated with at-home bleaching, including exposure to excessive peroxide levels that can lead to chemical burns or irritations, possibly resulting in a condition known as chemical alopecia—temporary or permanent hair loss due to chemical damage to hair follicles.
Alternatives and Hair Regrowth
For those concerned about hair loss or damage, Dr. Russak recommends considering alternatives to bleaching, such as eyebrow tinting, which uses gentler chemicals to achieve similar color adjustments without the risks associated with bleach.
“On average the hair growth of the cycle of the eyebrows is between 12-15 weeks,” informs Dr. Russak. However, factors like harsh chemical exposure, over-plucking or trauma can prolong this cycle. Individual differences such as age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and hormones also play significant roles in hair regrowth rates.
If You’re Going to Bleach Your Brows
While eyebrow bleaching remains a popular technique for altering appearance, it’s crucial to weigh the potential risks highlighted by medical professionals. The process’s reliance on strong chemicals can compromise hair health—leading to brittleness, breakage and possibly hair loss. Choosing professional application over at-home procedures and exploring gentler alternatives like eyebrow tinting may mitigate these risks while achieving your desired results.
In short, while eyebrow bleaching itself may not definitively cause hair loss, the associated risks underscore the importance of informed decision-making and careful consideration of alternatives to maintain optimal hair and skin health. As always, consulting a board-certified dermatologist or qualified cosmetic professional is recommended.
