Our quest for the right eyebrows often makes us flip to unconventional ways. We tint and tattoo them. We over-pluck them (and consequently fill them in), after which make ourselves loopy making an attempt to develop them again. Rinse and repeat, as they are saying.

The forehead regrowth journey is a twisted story, and suffice it to say, we’re keen to strive nearly the whole lot to get them wanting full and plush. Although one modality has us continuing with trepidation—and that is Rogaine. (Sure, the favored regrowth remedy for the hair that grows in your scalp.) Does it really work? Are there unintended effects? We spoke with forehead stylist Joey Healy, trichologist Penny James, and board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, to get all of the solutions earlier than you strive it out. Maintain studying to be taught extra about utilizing Rogaine for eyebrow development.

What Is Rogaine?

Rogaine (or its generic title, minoxidil) is a topical hair development remedy. Whereas it’s unknown precisely the way it works, it appears to assist dilate blood vessels within the scalp, which then improves hair follicle operate and stimulates hair development. It generates hair regrowth whereas stopping future hair loss—a seemingly win-win state of affairs.

It’s obtainable in two completely different concentrations: two % and 5 %. Dermatologists normally advise you to start with 5 %, as outcomes usually aren’t seen on the two % stage.

Can You Use Rogaine on Your Eyebrows?

When it comes all the way down to it, most consultants would not advise placing Rogaine wherever however the scalp. “Rogaine is a topical answer for the scalp solely,” says James. “The pores and skin’s simply too skinny across the eyebrow bone, and Rogaine has not been cleared by the FDA for use wherever else however the scalp.”

In actual fact, you actually should not put something close to your eye space that is not meant for it. “The energetic ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil, and the primary concern I’ve is placing something that is a chemical across the eye space that is not indicated for the attention space,” says Healy. “Nowhere does Rogaine declare that is efficient or ought to be used for eyebrows.”

“I’ve talked to many dermatologists about this, and belief me… forehead hair and head hair are very completely different entities and have very completely different cycles of development, which has loads to do with why I would not advocate Rogaine to your brows,” Healy continues. “Your brows and your eyelashes are extra comparable, and your brows and the hair in your head are much less comparable.”

Does Rogaine Work on Eyebrows?

Here is the factor: You may really see some outcomes in the event you do strive it out, in response to Dr. King—though she notes you danger unintended effects like burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, scaling, and undesirable hair development. (As soon as once more: Yikes, and we definitely don’t advise it.)

A 2012 examine investigated the efficacy of minoxidil versus bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyebrows. After 16 weeks, each formulation have been deemed equally efficient for hair regeneration. “A subsequent examine in contrast Rogaine with a placebo and located that individuals who used Rogaine noticed higher outcomes general,” in response to Dr. King.

So, researchers have, in actual fact, concluded that Rogaine will be an efficient remedy for eyebrows. That mentioned, it is most likely not well worth the danger.

Aspect Results

In the end, given the unintended effects, that is one hack it is best to most likely keep away from. One examine revealed in 2014 concluded that there have been “minimal unintended effects” after utilizing Rogaine as a forehead development remedy. However in response to each skilled interviewed, in the event you put Rogaine in your brows, you are placing your self in danger for edema (aka swelling and irritation), erythema (purple patches), and pruritus (or persistent itchy pores and skin). “While you apply Rogaine to wherever however your scalp, you danger irritation and probably getting the system in your eye, which might be horrible,” says Healy. “[You might see] rash, dermatitis, and undesirable extra hair within the type of peach fuzz across the forehead and basic dryness of the pores and skin.”

To that final level, minoxidil is thought for its drying elements and a few individuals who apply it to their scalp expertise dandruff. These drying qualities would doubtless solely be exacerbated by thinner eyebrow hair and the extra delicate, delicate pores and skin surrounding it.  

What Are Some Higher Forehead Progress Options?

As an alternative of Rogaine, you may strive castor oil, some protected, DIY therapies, Latisse, serums particularly formulated for eyebrows (particularly these with peptides), or microblading. The underside line is that you just’re higher off retaining your brows as they’re than making an attempt Rogaine, which could hurt your pores and skin. “Rogaine has by no means and can by no means inform you to apply it to your eyebrows,” says Healy.