Struggling with Hair Loss? This Is Your Guide to Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments

Hair loss not only affects the scalp, but can also cause hair loss anywhere on the body. This includes your eyebrows and eyelashes. Learn everything you need to know about eyelashes and eyebrows treatments for hair loss.

Alopecia Areata is a common disease that causes hair loss on the scalp. Other parts of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes, may also be affected. This disease is called Madaro disease. This is because the immune system, which helps protect against infection, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. Hair loss anywhere on your body can be frustrating, especially if it affects your head and face. But you can be happy because there are beauty treatments for eyelashes and eyebrows. You can use any method to treat facial hair, from microblading to eyelash replacement.

What is Alopecia Areata?

Dermatologist Dr. İbrahim Yahya says that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in small spots, usually on the scalp, face and sometimes other parts of the body. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 76 percent of hair loss affects eyebrows and eyelashes. People lose their eyebrows and eyelashes due to Alopecia Areata because the condition causes the body to misperceive hair follicles anywhere on the body, not just the scalp. When the immune system targets the hair follicles in the eyebrows and eyelashes, it disrupts normal hair development and causes hair loss in these areas.

What is the cosmetic treatment for eyelashes and eyebrows?

There are many treatments that can improve the appearance and self-confidence of people with eyelashes and eyebrows. Some of those include:

1. Microblading

Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique that creates the appearance of fuller eyebrows. A handheld tool with fine needles is used to deposit pigment under the skin, mimicking natural hair strokes. Typically, two sessions are required. The initial session lasts about 2 to 3 hours, followed by a touch-up session 4 to 6 weeks later. The results will be visible immediately after the procedure, with full healing taking about 2 to 3 weeks. Following the treatment, keep the area dry and avoid touching or scratching. Apply a healing ointment as recommended by your doctor, especially if you notice redness, and swelling. The effects last 1 to 2 years.

2. Eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions are bonded to the person’s natural eyelashes using synthetic, silk or mink fibers and a special adhesive. The entire application takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. Maintenance is recommended every 2 to 4 weeks to replace missing extensions. After the treatment, you will notice that your eyelashes are thicker and longer. Do not wet your extensions or use oil-based sprays for the first 24 hours.

3. Eyebrow transplant

Experts say this surgery involves transplanting hair follicles from other parts of the body, usually the scalp, to the eyebrows. It usually takes a few hours. Initial results can be seen within a few weeks, with full results occurring within 6 to 12 months as the hair regrows. After treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and using painkillers.

4. Eyelash Serum

To promote growth, use eye creams containing eyelash growth-promoting ingredients, such as bimatoprost. It is suitable for daily use, mostly at night. Visible results begin to appear in 4 to 8 weeks, and results begin to appear in 12 to 16 weeks. Before using eye cream, wash your face and remove your contact lenses (if any).

5. Permanent makeup

It is similar to microblading but uses a tattoo machine to apply permanent color to the skin to enhance eyebrows and eyelashes. You will need one to two sessions, with follow-up sessions after 4 to 6 weeks if necessary. Results are visible immediately, with full results becoming visible after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Dr. Yahya says tattoos can last several years. Keep the area clean, dry and out of the sun, and use topical creams recommended by your doctor.

6. Nano Blading

This is a temporary makeup technique that uses the thinnest needles to inject color into the skin. They help create natural eyelashes. After the first session, a touch-up session will be done 4 to 6 weeks later. The results can last 1 to 3 years, depending on lifestyle and aftercare. Therefore, keep the area dry and clean for 10 to 14 days after treatment, avoiding exposure to sunlight, swimming and excessive sweating. Use aftercare ointment as recommended by your doctor.

7. Microshading

This is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo technique in which small dots are used to deposit pigment on the skin to create a shadowed, cascading effect. It usually takes 1 to 2 treatments, including touch-ups, and results last 1 to 3 years.

These treatments are safe, and side effects usually include redness and swelling that quickly disappear.