Eyebrows & Eyelashes
What happens to eyebrows and eyelashes during chemotherapy?
Growth cycles
Just like the scalp, the hair has growth cycles, anagen (growing), telogen (resting), and catagen (shedding). The difference between the scalp and the eyebrows and eyelashes, however, is that the majority of eyebrow and eyelash hairs (almost 50%) are in the resting or telogen phase for 3-4 months, and the growth phase is only a few weeks. This is in contrast to the scalp, in which the majority of hairs are in the growing phase (90%).
The good news is that because eyelashes and eyebrows are not growing quickly, they don't usually shed until later during chemotherapy. The bad news is that once you are ready to be back on the road to recovery, you are waiting for your eyebrows and eyelashes to grow back in ! This can be incredibly frustrating (and was to me as well!)
what can be done to make eyelashes & brows grow faster?
Serums
There are two main types of lash serums, peptide and prostoglandin.
Prostoglandins are hormones that can extend the growing phase of eyelashes. They can increase the thickness and increase the length of lashes. Side effects include dilation of vessels on the eyelid and conjunctival irritation, dryness, itching, and very rarely pigmentation of the iris in lighter green eyes. Common products that use prostaglandins are Rodan & Fields Lash boost, RevitaLash and prescription Latisse.
Peptide based serums use amino acids to stimulate keratin production in the eyelids, helping to improve length and condition of the lashes. Some examples of peptide based lash serums are NeuLash and Zoria.
After chemotherapy has completed, I recommend alternating peptide based serums such as NeuLash with prostaglandin based serums. For those that have green eyes, you may need to be careful with prostaglandin based serums as they may cause pigmentation of the iris. Prostaglandin based serums can also cause irritation, esp to post chemo eyelids, which is why I usually recommend alternating with peptide based serums.
For eyebrows, the same peptide /prostaglandin combo could be used, (neubrow, prostaglandin based serum) however Latisse is not FDA approved for eyebrows at this time and is used off label.
Microblading & Eyelash extensions
Microblading
Microblading is a technique of cosmetic tattooing to improve the appearance of eyebrows. It is done by manually by using a hand held needle with a fine tip in the shape of a blade that deposits semi- permanent pigment into the skin. The microblading artist can create the look of fine eyebrow hairs with this tool. A newer technique called "powder brows" simulates the appearance of powder creating an ombre effect on the brows. Risks include infection, irritation, and reaction to tattoo pigment; I recommend doing some research to find a professional in your area that is experienced and licensed.
If you can, getting the microblading procedure done prior to chemotherapy can be very helpful as it masks the loss of eyebrow hair at the end of chemotherapy. I wish I had done this! Instead I did it after chemotherapy, but had to wait a month or two because the tattoo pigment will not take well right after, and during chemotherapy is not recommended as the procedure may increase risk of infection. It typically takes two sessions for the pigment to take.
Eyelash extensions
Lash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic, faux mink or silk fibers which are applied strand by strand to your natural lashes. The extensions are carefully applied one at a time using a semi-permanent glue. Unlike false eyelashes, where the strip or individual lashes are applied to the skin, lash extensions are attached directly to the lash itself. You will want to wait a few months until after chemotherapy has completed to get eyelash extensions.
Risks of getting eyelash extensions:
-If not applied correctly, they can cause damage to your underlying lashes. -Allergic reactions can occur from the glue used to attach the extensions. ---Clogged follicles can occur from the lash glue, or eyelids that aren't cleansed well, which can result in a stye or infection.
I found lash extensions really helped my confidence while my new lashes were growing in. It is important to go to a lash professional that is experienced with short fragile lashes and to care for them and clean your lids well.
Other options include magnetic lashes that are applied with a magnetized eyeliner, I like Opulence MD which was created by an ophthalmologist.
My experience with microblading and lash extensions
The first picture was right after my chemotherapy completed. I had very sparse brows and just a few lashes left. The second picture was 2 months after I completed chemotherapy and had my first microblading session. The third photo was a few months after I had my second microblading session and eyelash extensions. I really felt like both helped so much to make me feel more like myself and get back to normal!
I found the microblading procedure to be almost painless. Eyelash extensions were quite a bit of upkeep and I'm not sure I would have kept them up over the long term, refills are required every few weeks and they can be expensive. I found them to be helpful while I used serums to help my lashes and brows grow in.
