Can Rogaine Really Give You The Thick Eyebrows Of Your Dreams?

Whether you’ve spent years overplucking your eyebrow hair with tweezers (guilty) or your brows were never that full to begin with, the quest for a bold brow might lead you down a few unconventional paths. Look, we get it: with all the eyebrow pencils and powder in the world, it’s still not the same as waking up with promising signs of brow growth (or your very own set of full eyebrows)...which brings us to rogaine. Rogaine, (a.k.a. minoxidil), is a topical hair growth treatment intended for use on the scalp.

“Minoxidil promotes oxygen, blood and nutrient flow to the hair follicle, making the follicle stronger and improving hair growth,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD at Shafer Clinic in New York City. While the hair-regrowth treatment can work wonders for some on the top of their heads, can it have the same impact on your thinning eyebrow hair? Before you hit ‘add to cart’ on Amazon, you’re going to want to read this first.

Does rogaine for brows work?

While yes, rogaine can lead to eyebrow hair growth, it isn’t intended for use anywhere besides the scalp, so there are some concerns with putting such a potent chemical on the delicate area above your eye-- and it also comes with a major commitment and a host of side effects. “Rogaine—also known as minoxidil—is an effective way to improve hair growth, including eyebrow hair,” says Dr. Engelman. “While this treatment may be effective, the skin around your eyebrows is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your head,” she adds. While you might see hair growth, there are a lot of additional factors worth considering (including potential side effects and what happens when you stop slathering on rogaine).

Aside from the obvious risk of getting rogaine in your eye when you use it off-label, there are also a slew of side effects worth considering if applied topically. “On sensitive skin types or if not used properly, minoxidil can cause skin irritation, itching, and scaling,” says Dr. Engelman, who says it’s always best to consult your dermatologist before trying a new treatment. “Those with very sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema should take precautions,” she says.

If taken orally, Dr. Engelman says the risks could be more serious. “Some side effects include fluid retention, cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion (buildup of fluid around the heart), headaches, itchiness and rashes,” she says.

If you want to use rogaine in an attempt to grow out your eyebrow hair, you should also be aware of the commitment you’re signing up for. Not only would you have to apply it daily, but you wouldn’t be able to stop using it. If discontinued, (even just for a few days), you can experience hair loss with no regrowth in its place. “Rogaine is not a permanent fix,” says Dr. Engelman. “It requires consistent use in order to be successful, so if you stop using Rogaine, you will gradually lose the hair that you grew while using the treatment.” That means after dealing with potential side effects and irritation, you could wind up with brows that are way more sparse compared to when you started. No thank you.

Want thicker eyebrows? Try these solutions instead:

While you might be tempted by the promising results Rogaine, you’re better off relying on these safer, proven alternatives if you want thicker brows.

1. Slather on castor oil.

Castor oil contains the chemical compound ricinoleic acid, which has been linked to treating hair loss, which makes castor oil a safer alternative to rogaine. Simply apply it daily using a q-tip. You can find out how to use castor oil on your eyebrows here.

2. Try a brow serum.

While rogaine isn’t cleared for use by the FDA on brow hair, there’s no shortage of eyebrow serums on the market that promise to help regrow eyebrow hair. After Latisse was introduced to the scene, other serums followed suit. If you’re trying to find one that’s right for you, look for a formula that contains peptides, like the LASHEM All Eyes On You Eyelash & Brow Enhancing Serum. “Peptides help keep hair follicles healthy, which can improve growth and prevent hair from falling out,” says Dr. Engelman. While you may see some eyebrow growth, it’s not a permanent fix. “Your brows will start to thin again if you stop using the product,” warns Dr. Engelman.

3. Fake it with makeup.

The right tools, (like an eyebrow pencil and powder), can make a major difference-- and you won’t have to worry about any harmful side effects or vision problems as you DIY your brows. “If using makeup to fill in brows, a less is more approach is usually best,” says Kendra Bray, brow expert and founder of Better Brows and Beauty in New York City. When shaping your brows, it’s best to invest in an eyebrow brush that makes it easy to apply product, (whether you’re using an eyebrow powder, pomade, or eyeshadow to fill in your brow). The BILLION DOLLAR BROWS Eyebrow Brush is dual-ended and perfect for precision.

Instead of adding makeup to the entire brow, be sure to only add makeup where it is needed. “Brow gel can be beneficial if you have some hairs that are unruly and you want to place them,” says Bray. We especially love the long-lasting staying power of the BENEFIT COSMETICS 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, which is also water-resistant, making it a practical choice that can easily keep up with your schedule.

4. Book a microblading appointment.

If you want a more permanent solution that gives you an effortless “I woke up like this” look, microblading might be your best bet for filling in sparse brows. “Microblading or other permanent makeup for the eyebrows can be a way to create a fuller, more dense look without the need to apply makeup everyday,” says Bray. During your session, “pigment is placed beneath the top layer of the skin to create an illusion of fuller brows,” says Bray. While results vary per individual, (and how well you follow the aftercare instructions), typically results can last up to two years before you need a touch-up.

While Rogaine might not be worth the hassle in your quest to recreate Cara Delevingne's eyebrows, we have a slew of brow-enhancing products worth trying and we'll even deliver them right to your door. Want in? All you have to do is sign up for the IPSY Glam Bag. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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