Change in Eyebrow Color

Stylist who is coloring a client's eyebrows
Photo: More Than Production/Shutterstock
Q: I have dark hair and have always had dark eyebrows. Recently my eyebrows have changed color to a much lighter brown color. Why is this and is there anything I can do to reverse this effect?
 
A: While I can't provide a definitive diagnosis without more information about your specific situation, there are several possible explanations for why your eyebrows might be lightening despite your naturally dark hair.
 
Age-related changes are among the most common causes. Many people experience natural lightening of their eyebrows as they get older, even before the rest of their hair starts to gray. This happens because the hair follicles gradually produce less melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. This genetic programming varies from person to person, and some individuals may notice eyebrow lightening earlier than others.
 
Environmental factors could also be contributing to this change. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause UV-induced bleaching of eyebrow hairs, similar to how the sun can lighten head hair. If you've recently spent more time outdoors or moved to a sunnier climate, this might explain the color shift.
 
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or due to thyroid conditions might influence eyebrow color. Certain medications and medical treatments can also cause lightening of hair, including eyebrows. If you've recently started a new medication or undergone a medical procedure, this could potentially be related to your eyebrow color change.
 
Woman with matching eyebrow and hair colors
 
As for addressing this change, you have several options depending on your preferences:
 
For a temporary solution, makeup provides immediate results. Using an eyebrow pencil, powder, or tinted gel in a shade that matches your natural hair color can darken your brows. Many high-quality products are designed to look natural and stay in place throughout the day. For the most natural look, choose a shade slightly lighter than your hair color and apply with short, feathery strokes.
 
If you prefer a longer-lasting solution, eyebrow tinting is a semi-permanent option that typically lasts 4-6 weeks. You can have this done professionally at a salon, or there are at-home kits available. When choosing this route, I recommend starting with a professional application to learn proper techniques and color selection. The aesthetician can customize the color to perfectly match your hair and demonstrate how to safely apply the product.
 
For a more permanent solution, there are eyebrow-specific hair dyes designed for safe use near the eyes. These should be used with extreme caution and according to package directions to avoid irritation or eye injury. Always do a patch test first and consider having the initial application done by a professional.
 
Whatever approach you choose, remember that slight variations in eyebrow color compared to head hair are actually quite natural and can often frame the face beautifully. Many makeup artists intentionally create this effect, as slightly lighter brows can give a softer, more youthful appearance.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Can I color my eyebrows?
 
Eyelash and eyebrow tinting services
 
Should your hair color match your eyebrows?