Eyebrows and Eyelashes: — Practical Options During Chemotherapy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.