Why do my eyebrows grow upwards?

Eyebrows are an essential part of our facial features.They enhance our looks and also play a significant role in protecting our eyes from sweat and other harmful substances. However, some people may notice that their eyebrows grow upwards  which can be a cause for concern. In this article, we will explain the reasons why eyebrows grow upwards and what you can do to manage them.

Understanding Eyebrow Growth

To understand why eyebrows grow upwards, we first need to understand how they grow. Eyebrows consist of tiny hair follicles that produce hair.These hair follicles are sensitive to the hormones in our body, which regulate hair growth.During the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of hair follicles, new hair is produced. The thickness and length of the hair depend on how long the anagen phase lasts. The catagen phase follows the anagen phase, during which the hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle. The telogen phase is the resting phase, during which the hair falls out and the cycle repeats.

Why Do Some Eyebrows Grow Upwards?

Now that we understand how eyebrow growth works let’s explain why some eyebrows grow upwards.The direction in which the hair grows depends on the shape of the hair follicle. If the hair follicle is bent or curved, the hair will grow in the same direction. In contrast, if the hair follicle is straight, the hair will grow straight out of the skin. In some cases,the hair follicle may be curved in such a way that the hair grows upwards instead of outwards. This can make the eyebrows appear unruly and may cause cosmetic concerns.

• Genetics: One of the primary reasons why eyebrows grow upwards is genetics. The direction and shape of our hair follicles are determined by our genes.If your parents or grandparents have upwards growing eyebrows, there is a higher chance that you will also have this trait. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to curly or kinky hair, which may also cause their eyebrows to grow upwards.

• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones play a vital role in regulating hair growth. A hormonal imbalance can affect the direction  and shape of hair growth. For example, an excess of androgens, which are male hormones, can cause excessive hair growth on the face, including the eyebrows. Hormonal imbalances may also cause the hair follicle to become distorted, leading to upwards growing eyebrows.

• Ageing: As we age, our hormone levels change, which can affect our hair growth patterns.As the hair follicle becomes weaker, it may change shape, leading to upwards growing eyebrows.Additionally, the skin around the eyebrow area may become looser, making it easier for the hair to grow in different directions.

• Medical Conditions: In some cases, upwards growing eyebrows may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder like alopecia areata, it may cause hair loss on your scalp and eyebrows,leading to unusual hair growth patterns.Other medical conditions that may affect eyebrow growth include nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders and skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

• Managing Upwards Growing Eyebrows: If you have upwards growing eyebrows, you may feel self-conscious about their appearance. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage them.

• Trimming: One of the easiest ways to manage upwards growing eyebrows is by trimming them regularly.Use a pair of scissors or a trimmer to cut the hairs that grow too long or in the wrong direction. Be careful not to trim too much or too close to the skin, as this can cause irritation and ingrown hairs.

• Waxing or Tweezing: If you want a more long-term solution, you may consider waxing or tweezing your eyebrows. These methods remove the hair from the root, which can help prevent upward growth. However, be cautious when using these methods, as waxing or over-tweezing can damage the hair follicles and cause the hair to stop growing altogether.

• Eyebrow Serum: Another option for managing upwards growing eyebrows is to use an eyebrow serum. These serums contain ingredients like peptides, biotin and vitamins that promote hair growth and strengthen the hair follicles. Using an eyebrow serum regularly can help prevent upwards growing eyebrows by keeping the hair healthy and strong.

Conclusion

Upwards growing eyebrows can be a cosmetic concern for some people. However, it is a common trait that can be caused by genetics, ageing, hormonal imbalances or medical conditions. If you have upwards growing eyebrows, there are several ways to manage them, including waxing,trimming or tweezing and using an eyebrow serum. Remember that everyone’s eyebrows are uniqueand it is essential to embrace and care for your natural brows to enhance your facial features.