How to Grow Thicker, Fuller Eyebrows, According to an Expert

September 11, 2023

By: Jessica Harrington | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen the return of bleached brows and thin, Y2K-inspired arches. But as trends come and go, we feel confident in saying that full, fluffy eyebrows will never go out of style. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a natural brow look. However, if you have been guilty of over-plucking in the past, you may still be dealing with the repercussions. Luckily, it is possible to grow your brows. We spoke with celebrity brow stylist Joey Healy to find out the best way to grow your eyebrows (and the products you’ll need), ahead.

Is It Possible to Grow Thicker Eyebrows?

If you had given up all hope of growing full brows, we have good news; it’s not a lost cause. “It’s possible,” Healy says. “Although, everyone has their own natural limits.” Just like some of us have naturally thicker hair on our heads than others, the same concept applies to your eyebrows. Some people will be more successful at growing out their eyebrows than others simply because of genetics.

With that said, you can condition and strengthen the hair so that your eyebrows come in full and fluffy. “Using a product like a brow serum can help your brows become the best that they can possibly be," notes Healy.

Look for serums that are formulated with peptides, like the Joey Healy Brow Renovation Serum. “Peptides are long chains that create proteins, which are the building blocks of hair,” he explains. “Be aware of serums that contain hormones because these can have side effects and are not safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.”

What Not to Do While Growing Out Your Brows

This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you want to grow out your eyebrows, you need to put the tweezers down. Healy recommends the complete hands-off approach for a full two months. “For normal appointments, you see your brow specialist monthly, but if you’re really trying to grow your brows out I would recommend [going] six to eight weeks [without touch-ups],” he says. We know it’s hard to avoid plucking those stray hairs that pop up outside of your normal brow shape, but if you really want to expand that shape, you need all of the help you can get.

How to Fake Full Brows While You’re Growing Them Out

The saying “fake it till you make it” totally applies here. While you’re waiting for your eyebrows to grow in, arm yourself with the right tools and eyebrow products. Here’s what Healy recommends, depending on your brow shape.

Powder

Powder, like the Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder, will be your best friend if you just want to lightly enhance your natural brows.

Pencil

If you have a hole, a gap or a scar, reach for an eyebrow pencil. We like the Lancôme Brow Define Pencil.

Pomade

Pomade will help you shape and fill in your brows, as well as lock them in place. Try the NYX Professional Makeup Tame & Frame Brow Pomade.

Tinted Gel

If you want a fast and easy option to fake the full brow look, opt for a tinted brow gel. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara is our fave right now.

Or, try a more long-term method like eyebrow tinting. “If your brows are thin, fine, gray or not popping, tinting them with a vegetable-based dye will help every hair make an impact,” says Healy. Just be sure to visit a brow specialist before you alter your eyebrows in any major way.