If you've noticed white flaky skin sitting on your eyebrows, then chances are you're suffering from eyebrow dandruff. Yes, your eyebrows can get dandruff just like your head! We get it; it's totally annoying, but we're here to give you an everything you need to know guide on eyebrow dandruff and how to manage it.
Your eyebrows are the focal point of your face, and everybody wants them to look perfect all the time, but the truth is everyone struggles with their own brow issues. Whether it's a botched saloon visit, grey hairs, or a bad case of over-plucked brows—we've all been there.
The medical term for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. Eyebrow dandruff is the same exact thing as dandruff you get on your head, so the steps you would normally take to get rid of dandruff are similar to what you'll do for your brows.
Here at TatBrow, we know how important your brows are. Keeping them dandruff-free is the first step to having them looking absolutely and undeniably on point!
Why Do I Have Dandruff on My Brows?
If you're wondering how you got dandruff-infested brows in the first place, then this section of the article is for you.
Eyebrow dandruff can happen to anyone, so you shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed if you're struggling with it too. Dandruff usually occurs in areas that have many oil glands. Hence, why the head and eyebrows are two very common areas to get dandruff.
A common reason eyebrow dandruff will occur out of the blue is if you've started using a new shampoo, conditioner, or face wash. This is called contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can cause a red, itchy, and burning sensation to the area it has come in contact with.
Suppose you know your skin has been exposed to a new product. In that case, we suggest changing that product completely. It’s time to try something different or go back to your old products.
Using new products is just one of the reasons for your eyebrow dandruff. Dandruff can occur for a multitude of reasons. It can simply run in your genes, it can have to do with the yeast that naturally lives on your skin, or a change in the weather.
Sometimes, if you've been traveling to and from different climates, this can cause your skin to become very dry, leading to dandruff.
Another common reason you may be experiencing eyebrow dandruff is if you're overusing makeup products or products that aren't good for your skin. If you fill in your brows daily, you want to make sure you're using the best quality eyebrow makeup out there!
Eczema
Sometimes what you think is eyebrow dandruff is something completely different. Eczema is a very common skin disease, and in most cases, some people don't even realize they have it.
If you have any other itching, red, and flakey patches on your body and notice it's moved to your brows, you may not have dandruff, but it may be a mild case of eczema.
Psoriasis
Similar to eczema, psoriasis is a skin disorder that not everyone knows they have. Psoriasis is an immune response that causes skin cells to reproduce too quickly. It causes itchy and flaky red patches all over the body.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, including the eyebrows and scalp.
Other Symptoms That Can Accompany Dandruff
Dandruff is usually flakey white pieces of skin, but it can also be yellow. If you have eyebrow dandruff, then you may develop an itchy red rash under your eyebrows too. If you notice that your eyebrows are extra oily or see a scaly appearance, that's totally normal.
How To Get Rid of Eyebrow Dandruff
If you've dealt with trying to get rid of dandruff on your head, then you know that it can get frustrating. Luckily for you, the steps to get rid of your eyebrow dandruff are very similar to those of getting rid of head dandruff—so pretty simple.
Wash Your Face Twice a Day
Keeping your face clean will help you manage your eyebrow dandruff. Everyone's facial cleansing routine is different. Whether you wash your face in the morning or at night, we suggest adding at least one more wash during the day. The cleaner your skin is, the better!
The truth is, anyone can get dandruff, and it has very little to do with personal hygiene. While yes, keeping your face and brow area clean and dry can help you get rid of it, that doesn't mean the issue started because you weren't keeping up with your personal hygiene.
When you get dandruff on your head, it most likely has nothing to do with your hygiene. Many people that have head dandruff claim to wash their hair every single day. A popular reason dandruff starts is due to sudden climate changes or dry weather, so don't feel down about yourself or your hygiene if you're suffering from a bad case of dandruff. Chances are it's the weather's fault anyway!
Dandruff Shampoo
The first step to getting rid of your eyebrow dandruff is by heading to the store and picking up your go-to dandruff shampoo.
Just as you would wash your head with it, you're going to wash your brows. We suggest letting the shampoo sit for a minute or two, then massage the product around for an additional one to two minutes. This will ensure the product loosens up all the excess skin, and the massaging motion should remove almost all of it from the brow area.
Be very careful during this process as you’re super close to your eye. Take your time with each brow and keep one damp and one dry cloth close by just in case any gets in or near your eye.
For the first few hours, your brows will definitely be dandruff-free. However, don't be discouraged when you wake up the next morning if the dandruff is back. Usually, it's not a one-time treatment that will fix it completely. It will take a few washes for it to be completely gone.
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works wonders for the hair and skin. Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar every day can help boost your immune system and gut health. Applying apple cider vinegar to your brows can help get rid of your dandruff.
Put a few drops of apple cider vinegar onto a cotton swab and apply that to your brows. It should be done after your nightly facial cleansing routine. You want a clean face to ensure there is no build-up of bacteria left on your brows.
During your morning and nightly face wash, you should be giving extra attention to your brows. Dandruff is essentially a build-up of dead and dry skin, so it's best to keep them as clean and dry as possible.
Keep Your Stress-levels in Check
Stress affects every part of your mind and body. Yes, even your eyebrow dandruff. Keeping your stress levels in check can help reduce your dandruff flakes. A good step to help get your brow dandruff in check is by keeping your mind and body at ease.
It can be hard to manage stress, we know. But, you can incorporate tons of different things into your daily routine to help your stress at bay.
A new exercise routine is a great option. It can be something as simple as an evening stroll or morning jog. Maybe try out that new pilates class you've been itching to start—get in shape while fixing your brow situation? Sounds like a win-win to us!
When in Doubt, Cleanse With Essential Oils
It's no secret that essential oils work wonders in so many ways and for so many different things. If nothing else is helping your eyebrow dandruff, then consider cleansing your brows with essential oil.
Tea tree oil is not only used for aromatherapy, but it's also great for washing away any unwanted oils on your brows. Apply two to three drops of tea tree oil into a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and then apply to your brows.
Massage it in for a few minutes. It will remove the flakes out of your brows and work as a moisturizer that will help soothe the dry skin.
Apply Hydrocortisone Cream
We suggest getting a maximum-strength hydrocortisone cream, but if over the counter is all you can get your hands on, that works too. Hydrocortisone cream helps soothe itching and irritation so you won't be stuck picking at your brows day and night.
Dandruff can be uncomfortable, so making sure you're keeping it under control is very important. Constant itching at the brows can cause hairs to fall out, which is the last thing anyone wants.
Acne Cleanser
Acne cleanser is great for acne (obviously), but it can also help keep your dandruff flakes under control. Chances are you already wash your face with an acne cleanser, so we suggest giving your brows some extra attention during your bedtime routine.
After you wash your face:
- Dilute your acne cleanser with a bit of warm water.
- Massage the product into your brows for a few moments or until you see the dandruff flakes loosening up.
- Wipe your brows off and make sure they're nice and dry before heading off to bed.
Apply Anti-Fungal Creams
Dandruff is essentially a fungus on the skin, so applying an anti-fungal cream should help keep your flakes under control.
Anti-fungal creams are said to reduce the yeast organism living on the skin. You can get both 1% clotrimazole cream and miconazole cream 2% over the counter. You can apply either cream once or twice a day. We suggest starting once a day and watching for results. If nothing changes, then start to apply morning and night.
If all else fails and even the anti-fungal creams don’t make a difference, then it may be time to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to write you certain prescriptions you can’t get over the counter, as well as properly diagnose you.
Other Over-the-Counter Treatment Options
Dandruff shampoo is most people's go-to treatment for eyebrow dandruff. They usually have ingredients such as selenium sulfide and ketoconazole. Some other ingredients and products can help your dandruff as well.
- Tar soap
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur
- Sulfacetamide
If you think your dandruff is caused by excessive oil build-up or fungal overgrowth, then these ingredients and products are your best bet to get your dandruff back under control.
In Conclusion
While eyebrow dandruff is definitely no fun, it's a very real (and common) issue people have to deal with every day. Here at TatBrow, we take brow health very seriously. We want everyone to feel beautiful and confident with their brows. We know that having white dandruff flakes falling onto your face can definitely put a wrench in your vibes (and makeup routine).
Your brow dandruff might be a pain in the butt, but at least it isn't a serious medical condition. Not to mention, it's very easily treatable.
You may not see results immediately, but all it takes is patience and giving your brows a little extra TLC. A few key pointers that shouldn't be forgotten from this article are: always massage your brows using your face-washing routine, if all else fails, use essential oils, and never feel bad about your brows. Eyebrow dandruff is nothing to be ashamed of!
Sources:
Everything You Need to Know About Eyebrow Dandruff | Byrdie
Eyebrow Dandruff: Treatment, Hair Loss, Home Remedies, and More | Healthline
How to Get Rid of Dandruff: Causes, Treatment, Shampoo & Symptoms | Medicine
Eyebrow dandruff: Causes, treatments, and remedies | Medical News Today