Cancerbackup: Eyebrows & eyelashes

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Losing your eyebrows, eyelashes and facial hair

Losing your eyebrows and eyelashes can really change your appearance. However, you can learn to create new eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil if you wish, or can use false eyebrows and eyelashes.


Eyebrows

If you lose your eyebrows or find that they are thinner, you can redraw them with an eyebrow pencil that matches your normal hair colour. Eyebrow pencils are available from any chemist or beauty shop. Beauty counters in department stores can show you how to redraw your eyebrows as it can be daunting to try this at first if you are not used to it.

To make the eyebrows as realistic and natural looking as possible follow the natural eyebrow arch and draw in short feathery strokes that look like the normal eyebrow hair. Make the brow thicker on the inner end of the eyebrow (nearest to the nose) and thinner at the outer edge.

You can also use false eyebrows. These are available from some of the listed organisations. They need to be fixed with special adhesive, which is available from the false eyebrow suppliers. Special solvent is used to dissolve the adhesive and remove the eyebrows.

Some people choose to have tattooing to create new eyebrows. This can be done in tattooing shops or cosmetic salons. It should only be carried out by tatooists registered with a professional association, such as the Association of Professional Tattoo Artists or the Tattoo Club of Great Britain.


Eyelashes

False eyelashes can be used to give a natural appearance. These are available from many beauty departments along with the adhesive that is used to attach them. Many department stores have private rooms where staff can show you how to apply the eyelashes. See the listed organisations for suppliers of false eyelashes.


Moustaches and beards

Losing a moustache or a beard can be very difficult to deal with. Facial hair can really be an important part of a man’s identity. Some make-up shops or theatrical shops sell moustaches or beards. Some can be tailored specially but this is very expensive.


Content last reviewed: 01 January 2007
Page last modified: 09 May 2007

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