Eyebrows and Eyelashes: — Practical Options During Chemotherapy
Losing your eyebrows and eyelashes is, for many people, the hardest appearance change of the whole treatment. You are not alone in feeling that way. Practical options exist from day one of loss, and both do grow back for most people after treatment ends.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla, Medical Oncologist, MBBS · MD · DM (Adyar, Chennai) · ECMO · MRCP SCE (UK) · Last reviewed September 2026
- You can draw on brows from day one — Eyebrow pencils, powders and stamps are available at any pharmacy and work immediately.
- False lashes are affordable and simple — Strip lashes and lash clusters do not need a medical appointment and are available everywhere.
- Makeup is generally safe during treatment — Choosing fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested products reduces the risk of irritation.
- Both grow back for most people — Eyelashes and eyebrows regrow after chemotherapy ends, though the timing varies by treatment.
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You have practical options for both. Eyebrow pencils, powders and stamps can replace drawn-in brows from day one. Strip lashes or lash clusters restore the eye frame. Eye makeup is generally safe during chemotherapy with the right product choices. Eyebrows and eyelashes do regrow for most people once treatment ends, though the timing varies.
What can you do when your eyebrows and eyelashes fall out?
Losing both changes how your face looks to you every time you pass a mirror, and that is a real loss, not a vanity. The options available today are much better than they were even a decade ago.
For eyebrows, the most practical starting point is a pencil or powder in your natural shade. Eyebrow stamps and stencils help if drawing a symmetrical shape freehand is difficult, and they are available at most pharmacies.
For eyelashes, strip lashes and individual lash clusters are widely available and affordable. A good lash adhesive matters — look for one labelled latex-free and ophthalmologist-tested if your eyes feel sensitive.
What are the different options and how does each one work?
- Eyebrow pencil
- A fine-tipped pencil that draws individual hair-like strokes. Best for a natural look. Available at pharmacies across India in a wide range of shades.
- Eyebrow powder
- A matte shadow applied with an angled brush. Gives a softer result than a pencil and suits most skin types, including skin that is dry or sensitive during treatment.
- Eyebrow stamp
- A pre-shaped pad pressed against the brow bone to give a symmetrical result quickly. Useful if drawing freehand is difficult or time-consuming.
- Semi-permanent tattooing
- Pigment placed just under the skin surface by a trained technician. Results last months. Discuss this with your oncologist before booking — skin heals differently during active chemotherapy.
- Strip lashes
- A full band of artificial lashes applied with adhesive and removed at the end of the day. The most widely available and affordable option for complete lash loss.
- Individual lash clusters
- Smaller groups of lashes applied to specific areas. More flexible than a full strip and more comfortable if your eyelids are sensitive.
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What should you look for in makeup products during chemotherapy?
- Choose fragrance-free eye makeup — fragrance is one of the most common causes of eye irritation on skin that is already sensitive.
- Look for 'ophthalmologist-tested' on lash adhesives and mascara packaging.
- Use latex-free lash adhesives if your skin is reacting to products it previously tolerated.
- Do not share eye makeup with anyone during treatment — your immune system is less able to fight off infections.
- Remove eye makeup gently each evening using a micellar water or oil-based remover.
- Stop using any product that causes redness, burning or swelling, and mention it at your next appointment.
Is it safe to wear makeup during chemotherapy?
Most eye makeup is safe to use during chemotherapy. The main risks are irritation and infection, not the makeup itself.
Your eyes may water more than usual and feel more sensitive without lashes to deflect dust and debris from the eye surface. Preservative-free artificial tear drops can help — ask your team whether these are suitable for you.
If your blood counts are low, keep all makeup products clean and strictly for your own use. Eye infections during a period of low immunity need prompt medical attention.
Do eyebrows and eyelashes grow back after chemotherapy?
For most people, yes. Regrowth begins after treatment ends, though the timing depends on the specific drugs you received and how your body responds.
Eyelashes often return before scalp hair. Eyebrows can take a little longer and may come back finer or a slightly different texture at first, settling over time.
If you have not seen any regrowth several months after finishing treatment, raise it at your follow-up appointment. Your oncologist or a dermatologist can discuss the options with you.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do chemotherapy drugs cause eyebrow and eyelash loss?
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells — cancer cells divide fast, and so do the cells at the base of every hair follicle. This is why hair loss affects not just the scalp but also eyebrows, eyelashes, body hair and nasal hair. The follicles themselves are not destroyed, which is why regrowth is possible once treatment ends. Not all regimens cause the same degree of loss — your oncologist can tell you what to expect from the specific drugs you are receiving.
Are there products that help eyelashes grow back faster?
Over-the-counter cosmetic lash serums exist, but the evidence for any specific ingredient accelerating regrowth after chemotherapy is limited. Some patients are prescribed bimatoprost, a medicine developed for glaucoma that has also been found to stimulate lash growth — but this requires a doctor's assessment and prescription, not a pharmacy purchase. Do not start any medicine for lash growth without asking your oncologist or dermatologist first. Staying well-nourished and hydrated supports your body's recovery in general.
Is it safe to get eyebrow tattooing or microblading during chemotherapy?
Most oncologists advise waiting until treatment is finished and your blood counts have recovered before any procedure that breaks the skin. During chemotherapy, your skin heals more slowly and your immune system is less able to prevent infection, which raises the risk from any needling procedure. This applies to microblading, nanobrow techniques and conventional cosmetic tattooing. Ask your oncologist specifically — the timing depends on your treatment and your current counts. Once you have recovered, these procedures are generally considered safe.
Can I wear mascara if I still have some lashes?
Yes, with care. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free mascara that is easy to remove without rubbing. Waterproof mascaras, while long-lasting, require more friction to remove and can damage already fragile lashes. Use a gentle oil-based or micellar remover at the end of the day, and avoid mascara on any day your eyes feel particularly irritated or inflamed.
My eyes are watering more since losing my lashes — is that normal?
Yes. Eyelashes normally deflect dust, wind and debris from the eye surface. Without them, your tear reflex may work harder to compensate, and you may also notice more light sensitivity, dryness or a gritty feeling. Preservative-free artificial tear drops can help — ask your team whether these suit you. If you develop discharge, significant pain or any change in your vision, have your eye examined promptly rather than waiting for your next oncology appointment.
What should I tell a beautician or makeup artist about my treatment?
Tell them you are on or have recently finished chemotherapy. A good beauty professional will adjust their approach — avoiding harsh ingredients, testing for skin sensitivity, and being gentler around the eye area. Infection risk is higher during treatment, so hygiene standards matter more than usual. Being open about your treatment is not an overshare. It helps them give you a safer, more comfortable service.
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