Can You Use Minoxidil for Eyebrow Regrowth?

You’ve probably heard of minoxidil (AKA Rogaine ^®) as a go-to treatment for male pattern baldness, a type of genetic hair loss. But what about minoxidil for eyebrows? 

Minoxidil is FDA-approved to treat hair loss on the scalp. But hair loss can happen elsewhere, so can you use it for other areas in need, like your brows? 

The FDA hasn’t officially approved minoxidil for eyebrow growth, but under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it may be an option. Let’s get into it.

Short answer: It might help.

Minoxidil was originally a blood pressure medication. But patients noticed an unexpected side effect: hair growth, everywhere. It’s now a first-line treatment for androgenetic alopecia. 

The medical term for losing eyebrow or eyelash hair is madarosis, and it can happen for a few reasons: 

• Certain autoimmune conditions, like alopecia areata

• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

• Genetics

• Infections (leprosy, fungal infections, syphilis, or shingles)

• Long-term zinc deficiency

• Physical injury (from excess scratching or stress-related hair pulling called trichotillomania) 

Can I Put Minoxidil On My Eyebrows? 

Technically, yes. But with a caveat. Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved scalp use, not brows. So using it on eyebrows is considered “off-label,” meaning it hasn’t officially been tested or approved for that area. 

Still, some healthcare providers may recommend it if they think it’s right for you.

Curious about whether minoxidil can help with beard growth? Read our blog about minoxidil for beards. 

Does Minoxidil Work on Eyebrows? What the Research Says

There isn’t a ton of research on using minoxidil for eyebrow hair regrowth, and most studies are small. Here’s what we know so far:

• A 2012 study found that using 5% topical minoxidil twice daily helped people with alopecia areata regrow eyebrow hair. Hair regrowth typically started around the three-month mark and peaked after a year.

• A 2013 study with 40 participants showed that 2% minoxidil lotion significantly increased eyebrow thickness, fullness, and hair count within four months, with only mild side effects.

• A 2017 follow-up study with 42 people found that even 1% minoxidil lotion improved eyebrow density and look, again with only minor side effects like itching and burning. 

• A 2020 study involving 22 participants found that using 2% minoxidil lotion twice-daily for four months led to denser eyebrow growth.

• Oral minoxidil isn’t commonly used for eyebrow growth, but in a very small study participants with frontal fibrosing alopecia saw partial to full brow regrowth after taking minoxidil for six months. 

Before you start slathering minoxidil on your eyebrows, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. 

Minoxidil can interact with other medications, and it’s best not to test it for the first time on your face without medical guidance. 

Once you’re cleared to use minoxidil on your eyebrows, here’s how to use is safely and effectively:

• Choose the right product. Minoxidil comes in 2% or 5% strengths and as a liquid solution, foam, or lotion. Foam is less messy and easier to control. If you’re new to minoxidil, start with the lower strength and increase only if your provider recommends it. 

• Prep your face. Wash and dry your face before applying minoxidil. This helps with absorption and prevents clogged pores. 

• Use a precision tool. Skip the dropper. Instead, use a clean cotton swab or angled brow brush to apply the medication exactly where you need it. 

• Apply lightly. A little goes a long way. Dab a very thin layer only on the sparse areas. Don’t overdo it.

• Avoid your eyes. Keep minoxidil away from your eyes to prevent irritation. 

• Let it dry completely. It can take a few hours for the product to dry. Wait before touching your face or lying down. 

With consistency and care, you may see regrowth when using minoxidil on your brows.

Like any medication, minoxidil comes with potential side effects and risks, including: 

• Skin irritation. Some people experience redness, itching, flaking, or a burning sensation around the brow area after applying minoxidil.

• Dryness and peeling. The alcohol in minoxidil can be drying, leading to flakiness or discomfort, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. 

• Hair growth in unwanted areas. Minoxidil works, which means it can cause hair growth where you might not want it. Carefully apply minoxidil only to the areas you want hair to grow and wash your hands after application. 

• Allergic reaction. Minoxidil allergy is rare, but possible. Stop using it if you experience a rash or hives.

• Eye irritation. Minoxidil can sting and may cause eye redness or swelling if it gets in your eyes.

Want to avoid potential side effects from topical minoxidil? Do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to a discreet spot and watch for any reaction. 

Minoxidil might be effective in restoring sparse eyebrow hairs, but it’s not necessarily a good solution for everyone. It might work for you if: 

• Your eyebrows have thinned out due to aging, overplucking, or genetics.

• You’re looking for a non-invasive way to get fuller brows.

• You have no known skin sensitivities or allergies to topical solutions.

• You’re comfortable using a product off-label and understand the risks.

• You’re ready to apply it consistently and follow instructions.

On the other hand, you might be better off exploring other options if: 

• You have sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, or a history of skin allergies, especially around the eyes.

• You’ve had reactions to minoxidil on your scalp in the past.

• You tend to rub your eyes or touch your face often.

• You’re hoping for instant results.

• You haven’t yet consulted a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Everyone is different. The best way to know whether minoxidil is the right option for your eyebrow needs is to speak with a healthcare professional. 

If your eyebrows are thinning, here are a few other options to consider:

Bimatoprost (Latisse)

This is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for eyelash growth. Healthcare providers also sometimes prescribe it off-label for eyebrow loss. It works by extending the growth phase of your eyelash or brow hair follicles. 

Castor Oil

This is a popular natural remedy that might help moisturize and condition your hair follicles. You can find castor oil in the supplement section of the grocery store.

There’s no scientific evidence it can help boost brow growth, but people have long used it as a folk remedy. 

Careful, though. It can trigger skin irritation in some people.

Eyebrow Micropigmentation 

Micropigmentation, or microblading, is a semi-permanent tattooing procedure that helps fill in sparse brows. Like any tattoo, this option offers instant results, but it doesn’t actually make hair grow. 

If you’re committed to fuller-looking brows but don’t want the fuss of a daily treatment, this might be an option worth considering. 

Biotin

Biotin, or vitamin B7, can benefit hair, skin, and nails, especially if you have an underlying biotin deficiency. You can get biotin from foods like eggs, bananas, avocado, salmon, and liver, or a biotin supplement. 

Minoxidil isn’t an official brow growth solution, but that hasn’t stopped plenty of people from giving it a try on thinning eyebrows. And some do see real results. 

Let’s recap what we know about minoxidil for eyebrows:

• Minoxidil is an effective hair loss solution. But it’s not FDA-approved for eyebrow loss treatment. That said, limited evidence suggests off-label minoxidil may help regrow eyebrows.

• Side effects can happen, but they’re typically mild. Common adverse effects include irritation and hair growth in unwanted areas.

• Alternative options for eyebrow loss are available. If you’re not a good candidate for minoxidil, bimaprost, natural oils, and cosmetic procedures may be worth bringing up with your dermatologist. 

Have other questions about hair loss? Check out our men’s hair loss resources. For personalized guidance, start by taking our free online hair quiz to get connected with a licensed healthcare provider.