Face Value: Why losing brows and lashes is more than cosmetic

When we talk about hair loss, most people immediately think of the scalp. But for many living with conditions like alopecia, undergoing chemotherapy, or facing illness, the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes can be just as impactful. Though scalp hair loss and facial hair loss often coincide, far less emphasis is placed on brows and lashes. However, these small expressive features play a crucial role in how we look and communicate - not to mention the lesser-acknowledged physical protection they provide.

We know how hard it can be to have your hair loss taken seriously, let alone the seemingly insignificant strands on your face! Here’s the truth: it is a big deal, and we’re going to tell you why.

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UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE

Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, is one of the most common causes of eyebrow and eyelash loss, though other forms of alopecia can also play a part. Alopecia Universalis causes hair loss on the entire body - including lashes and brows - and the increasingly common FFA (Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia) causes scarring alopecia in the front hairline, which can often impact eyebrows first.

Other causes can include chemotherapy or radiation treatment, thyroid disorders, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Nutrient deficiencies can also impact hair growth, often affecting lashes and brows.

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EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Losing your eyebrows and eyelashes is more than just skin-deep. These face-framing features are a reassuring landmark that most people expect to see mirrored in those around them. Living without brows in particular can create a sense of social anxiety, especially when you notice others doing a double-take, unable to put their finger on what is different about you. Well-meaning or not, the fear of being stared at or questioned can make social interactions stressful.

As beauty trends have evolved and continue to evolve, much emphasis has been placed upon having perfect, full brows and long, thick lashes to enhance your look and femininity. Whether you subscribe to societal beauty standards or not, losing the brows and lashes can deny you a sense of self-expression and impact body image in ways that are often difficult for others to truly understand.

Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, one of the most overlooked effects of losing eyebrows is how it alters facial expression and the ability to communicate emotion nonverbally. Eyebrows play a critical role in expressing feelings such as surprise, confusion, anger and sadness. Without them, it can be harder for others to read your emotions, which may lead to misunderstandings or create a sense of emotional distance in conversations.

Over time, some develop new ways of using their eyes, posture, hand gestures, or voice to communicate their emotions more clearly, though this can understandably feel tiresome when the simplest things seem to become affected by your hair loss.

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THE PHYSICAL IMPACT

While we often (and wrongly) think of brows and lashes as purely cosmetic, they have evolved to serve real physiological functions. Eyelashes serve a protective purpose, helping to keep dust, rain, and debris out of the eyes. They also protect from sun exposure, acting like tiny sun visors for each eye, limiting the amount of sunlight and therefore reducing light sensitivity. Your eyebrows also divert sweat, moisture, and the elements away from your eyes.

The physical impact of brow and lash loss is often underestimated until you experience it for yourself and the real-life implications begin to affect your day-to-day.

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WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

It can be helpful to connect with others going through a similar experience. Online communities or support groups can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

Hair loss is a personal journey, so for those who seek solutions to recreate brows and lashes, the good news is that these industries have advanced greatly in recent years. Of course, simply using makeup such as brow pencils or false lashes can be a good place to start and experiment - however, this can get very fiddly, tedious, and time-consuming, more so if you do it every day. Brows can also be notoriously difficult to get right, especially when you have no guide to work from.

Those who grow tired of drawing on their brows eventually turn to eyebrow transfers or microblading. Brow transfers adhere to the skin like a temporary tattoo, and though they can take a little getting used to in terms of application and placement, there are some incredibly realistic shapes and styles available online. They also allow you to switch up your look from day to day with no commitment.

On the more permanent end of the spectrum, microblading is a skill that started off quite unrefined but has since become hyper-realistic (if you know where to go). We particularly like the work of Tracey Giles for incredible eyebrow tattooing, as well as semi-permanent makeup to add definition around the eyes. Her team also works with those who have undergone mastectomies to recreate hyper-realistic nipples which look three-dimensional, helping to restore a sense of normality to the lives of those affected by cancer.

Wherever you choose to go for microblading, it’s worth doing your research first - the effects can last 1-3 years!

Your last option is to do absolutely nothing. If your lack of brows and lashes isn’t impacting you, don’t conform to please others. Do what’s right for you. After all, why should you spend countless hours sketching on new eyebrows or spending money on lashes if they don’t serve you?

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Whatever route you take, having the perfect solution does not always diminish the emotional and psychological effects of losing your facial hair. Hair loss was not your choice. However you choose to manage brow and lash loss, it’s important to give yourself grace and recognise that your feelings are valid. Whether you opt for cosmetic solutions or embrace your natural look, your own sense of comfort and confidence should guide the journey towards reclaiming your sense of self.