Many people who go through breast cancer treatment lose their eyelashes and eyebrows. This loss can profoundly impact a person’s self-image and confidence. Fortunately, these side effects are usually temporary, and this hair loss often lasts only months after chemotherapy (chemo). A small portion of people may have persistent alopecia (hair loss) or minimal regrowth after chemo is finished.

Here, we’ll explore many ways people with breast cancer manage thinning or lost eyebrows and eyelashes. We’ll also discuss the regrowth process and explain how long it may take for your hair to grow back.

The Impact of Losing Eyelashes and Eyebrows on People With Breast Cancer

For many MyBCTeam members, the loss of their eyelashes and eyebrows came as a shock. Though it’s common knowledge that breast cancer treatments can cause hair loss, losing lashes and brows can be totally unexpected.

“It’s a strange feeling losing not just your hair on your head, but everywhere, which wasn’t explained! Even eyelashes!” wrote one member. Another member shared, “I freaked out more about eyelashes and eyebrows than I did about my hair.”

Losing eyelashes and eyebrows to breast cancer treatment can be an emotional blow for individuals with breast cancer. As one member shared, “The eyebrows and eyelashes were the hardest to lose, mentally. Mine came out after I finished Taxol.”

“I freaked out more about eyelashes and eyebrows than I did about my hair.”

— A MyBCTeam member

This hair loss can also have a big impact on a person’s self-confidence. “I may be 68,” wrote one member, “but I need to feel good about how I look, and that includes lashes.”

What Causes Eyelashes and Eyebrows To Fall Out?

Eyelash and eyebrow loss can occur from breast cancer treatment. Treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy are the most common culprits.

One MyBCTeam member shared that their friend experienced eyelash loss multiple times while on chemo treatment: “I have a friend whose eyelashes have fallen out for the fourth time,” they wrote. “She’s on Herceptin every three weeks and anastrozole daily and has Zometa every six months.”

Early Breast Cancer Treatments Lead to Eyelash and Eyebrow Loss

Chemotherapy is a type of breast cancer treatment that kills cancer cells to shrink tumors. However, chemotherapy also kills or slows the growth of healthy cells that grow and divide quickly, including those that cause hair to grow. This includes eyelashes and eyebrows.

Some forms of chemotherapy are more likely to cause eyelash and eyebrow loss than others. Paclitaxel is a taxane chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer before and after surgery. This drug commonly causes the loss of lashes and brows.

Other early breast cancer chemotherapies known to affect your eyelashes and eyebrows include:

• Other taxane chemotherapies like docetaxel (Taxotere) and nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane)
• Anthracycline medications, like doxorubicin and epirubicin (Ellence)
• Cyclophosphamide

Doctors treat some early breast cancers with endocrine (hormone) therapies. Studies show these estrogen-blocking medications may lead to eyebrow and eyelash loss. Examples of hormone therapies include:

• Anastrozole (Arimidex)
• Exemestane (Aromasin)
• Letrozole (Femara)
• Tamoxifen (Soltamox)

Tamoxifen treatment can also lead to other unwanted side effects, such as weight gain and dental problems. Be sure to talk to your doctor about ways to manage these changes.

When Do Eyelashes and Eyebrows Grow Back After Cancer?

Eyelashes and eyebrows should grow back once you’ve completed chemotherapy. Healthcare professionals note this process can take several months after treatment ends. Some studies show that eyelashes can regrow in as little as two weeks. For others, eyelash loss is still a problem six months after treatment.

“My eyelashes are coming back! They’re light, but definitely making their return!”

— A MyBCTeam member

Around 25 percent of people may have persistent hair loss — meaning it takes longer to grow back. For some, their eyelashes and eyebrows may stay thin and sparse. When lashes and brows do grow back, they may look or feel different than they were before treatment — they may be short, fine, brittle, or lighter in color. Brow and lash regrowth varies from person to person.

Roughly 5 percent of people have madarosis (permanent eyelash and eyebrow loss) following chemotherapy.

Some MyBCTeam members have rejoiced when their eyelashes and eyebrows have grown back, even if the hair regrowth phase was awkward. “My eyebrows are coming back now with a hairy vengeance — starting to look like two brown, fuzzy caterpillars,” one member reported.

Another member wrote, “My eyelashes are coming back! They’re light, but definitely making their return!”

Navigating Eyelash and Eyebrow Loss in Breast Cancer

People with breast cancer find various ways to address eyelash and eyebrow loss during treatment. Some explore prevention methods, while others opt for creative solutions like eye makeup, faux lashes or brows, or even tattoos to enhance their appearance. Many also choose to embrace these changes as part of their journey, focusing on confidence and resilience throughout treatment.

Preventing Lash and Brow Loss

Bimatoprost (Latisse) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for eyelash loss. One member shared, “I picked up Latisse and started using it two days ago — let’s see if I keep my eyelashes (and eyebrows too).”

Dermatologists generally prescribe bimatoprost medication once daily for at least two months. It can also be prescribed off-label (outside of its approved use) for eyebrow loss. Be sure to talk to your dermatology team or oncologist about whether this drug may be a good option for you.

“My eyebrows made me sad — but I found a good pencil and had a makeup artist teach me how to make the pencil art look real.”

— A MyBCTeam member

Several MyBCTeam members have shared their hair care techniques for preventing the loss of eyelashes and eyebrows during chemotherapy. One recommended being “gentle when washing and especially drying your face” to help prevent eyebrow loss.

Applying Makeup

Some members opt for eyeliner and eyebrow pencils during treatment or as they wait for their eyelashes and eyebrows to grow back. One member wrote, “My eyebrows made me sad — but I found a good pencil and had a makeup artist teach me how to make the pencil art look real. It was the Anastasia eyebrow pencil at Sephora.”

Another member recommended a product from the makeup brand Benefit: “They have a cool eyebrow kit that has part powder and part clay-type material that works really well on my eyebrows.” The member also wrote that eyeliner could give the illusion of eyelashes: “If you wear a thick eyeliner on top of your eyelid, it kind of looks like mascara.”

The good news for those undergoing chemo is that there are now more eyebrow kits and products than ever before. You can also consult a makeup artist for tips on filling in sparse brows or creating new brows. Both online makeup gurus and makeup retailers can help advise you on the right techniques, shapes, and colors for you.

Though losing your lashes and brows can be upsetting, you may find that you enjoy the freedom that comes with experimenting with your eyebrow shape. After all, there’s no better time to play around with different lengths, arch shapes, and colors to see what you like best.

Wearing Fake Lashes and Eyebrows

False eyelashes are a popular choice for people with sparse or no eyelashes. “I have two or three really long eyelashes on each eye,” one member explained. “I have a graduation party to go to, and I’m going to see a lot of people. I’m going to have to get fake eyelashes.”

There are many styles of false lashes, ranging in thickness, length, and color. Some are dramatic and full, while others offer a more natural look. There are also different methods of application. Some false eyelashes are adhered to the eyelid with temporary glue, while others rely on magnetic eyeliner to stick to the lids.

There are also fake eyebrows available that stick directly onto the skin. They come in many different shapes, colors, and materials. Talk to your doctor about whether the adhesives used in false eyelashes and stick-on eyebrows are safe for you to use.

Microblading, Micropigmentation, and Tattooing

Many people with sparse eyebrows try different tattoo techniques to create semipermanent eyebrows while they wait for fuller hair growth. Microblading involves tattooing individual lines on the eyebrow area to create the illusion of eyebrow hairs. Microblading uses a special tool with a row of small needles that professional artists use to hand-draw each hair. The result is a natural-looking brow that lasts longer than penciling or filling in with makeup.

Another technique, known as micropigmentation or “permanent makeup”, creates natural-looking eyebrows on those with sparse or nonexistent brows. Like microblading, this tattooing technique creates a long-lasting, natural-looking eyebrow shape. It can also be used to create semipermanent eyeliner.

Many MyBCTeam members have reported choosing microblading or micropigmentation when their eyebrows have thinned or fallen out. One wrote, “I did microblading on my missing eyebrows — it looks completely natural and lasts about five years.”

Another shared, “I had microblading on my eyebrows, and I like the results, but it is painful!”

Staying Comfortable and Confident

Losing your eyelashes removes the protection they usually provide your eyes from the environment. Without your eyelashes, it’s easier for dust and dirt to enter the eyes. You may want to wear sunglasses when outside to help protect your eyes from irritants. Your healthcare provider may also recommend rewetting drops or artificial tears to keep you comfortable and help prevent your eyes from drying out.

No matter the state of their eyelashes or eyebrows, MyBCTeam members encourage each other not to get down on themselves. “Yes, you are beautiful!” one member reassured fellow cancer survivors. “Even with your bald head, no eyelashes or eyebrows, those dark circles under your eyes, and that strange yellowish tint to your skin.”

Find Your Team

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 76,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Have you lost your eyelashes or eyebrows during early breast cancer treatment? How did you manage it? Share your experience and tips in the comments below, post to your Activities feed, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.