To grow eyebrows fast, can Minoxidil be used?

There is certainly no shortage of discussions or solutions offered for hair loss on the head. But what if you are dealing with hair loss elsewhere, such as on the eyebrows? “Just like hair loss on the scalp, hair loss on the eyebrows can be caused by a variety of factors. It can be temporary or permanent, with underlying causes ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle factors,” explains Isfahan Chambers-Harris, certified trichologist and founder of Alodia Haircare.

This includes, but is not limited to, such things as: alopecia areata, hormonal imbalances, excessive plucking, nutritional deficiencies, underlying health conditions, and aging, he adds. When it comes to hair loss solutions, there is probably nothing more lauded than minoxidil, the only FDA-approved treatment that has been shown to *actually* cause new hair growth. So if it works for head hair, will it work just as well for the plantar arches? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Minoxidil?

You may be more familiar with the ingredient by the brand name Rogaine, although many different brands use it these days. It is an FDA-approved topical medication for hair loss or thinning, explains Craig Ziering, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair restoration specialist. Fun fact: It was originally developed as an oral blood pressure medication, but was found to have the unexpected side effect of stimulating hair growth, adds Dr. Chambers-Harris. However, although it has been used for decades, the exact mechanism of action is still not entirely clear. “It is believed that because minoxidil is a vasodilator, it dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow. When applied locally to the scalp, it can increase blood flow to the hair follicles, providing them with more nutrients and oxygen,” he explains.

Can you use Minoxidil on your eyebrows?

In a word, yes, although with some important caveats, according to the experts we spoke with. “Although minoxidil is not technically approved by the FDA for use on areas other than the scalp, with professional guidance it may be feasible to use on eyebrows,” says Dr. Ziering. The key term is “professional guidance.” Dr. Chambers-Harris also stresses the importance of consulting your dermatologist or physician beforehand so that he or she can assess your particular hair loss situation and provide guidance on proper use (it comes in various concentrations and formulations).

What are the possible side effects of using minoxidil on eyebrows?

“Some of the potential side effects from topical use of minoxidil are itching, scaly skin, irritation or burning in the treatment area,” says Dr. Ziering. This applies to both the scalp and eyebrows and makes it even more important to be extremely precise and specific when it comes to how to apply minoxidil to the arches. (FYI, it can also cause unwanted hair growth if it ends up on unintended spots, such as the eyelids, he notes.) For these reasons, he suggests opting for a liquid formula or lotion that you can apply purposefully and precisely using a cotton ball or clean brush. However, again, consult a doctor for more detailed and specific instructions on exactly what type of product to use and how to use it.