Eyebrow color
How is the eyebrow color created?
A person's eyebrow color is the result of the absorption and reflection of light.
These processes are mainly dependent on the pigmentation, which is caused by the content and type of melanin.
Melanin is an organic dye made by specialized cells called melanocytes that absorbs light. If there is a lot of melanin in the eyebrow hair, they appear darker. There are two different types of melanin in the eyebrows:
- Eumelanin rather provides dark, brown-black colors
- Pheomelanin is responsible for lighter, blond-red colors
The two melanins are often present at the same time, but in different amounts. They absorb and reflect different wavelengths so that different colors are created. The color of the eyebrows may differ from that of the hair on the head.
Read more about the topic here: eyebrows
How is the eyebrow color influenced?
- Genetics: The color of the eyebrows is primarily genetic. Many different genes regulate the production of the pigment in the eyebrows, melanin. You decide what type of melanin (eumelanin or pheomelanin) is made and regulate the amount produced. The content and the ratio of the two types of melanin then determine the color of the eyebrows. If less melanin is produced in old age, the eyebrows appear gray.
- Structure of the eyebrows: the outer layer of bark lies on the surface of hair (Hair cuticle). On it there are so-called flake cells that can protrude more or less. The more cells protrude, the more matt and less luminous the color of the eyebrows appears.
- Sun exposure: The melanin in the eyebrows absorbs sunlight. If too much of this radiation hits the melanin, it can be destroyed. The eyebrows bleach out. However, this effect is less pronounced on the eyebrows than on the scalp, as eyebrow hairs fall out earlier. They are replaced more quickly with non-bleached hair.
- Cosmetic measures: dyeing and the use of bleaching agents can also change the color of the eyebrows.
Read more on the topic: to color eyebrows
Beautiful, thick eyebrows are a dream of every woman. The following article shows you how you can accelerate or stop the growth of your eyebrows: Growth of eyebrows
What is the role of genetics?
The genetics play a very important role in the color of the eyebrows. The genes that a person inherits from their parents code for the pigmentation of the eyebrows. They control the amount of melanin that the melanocytes make and that is stored in the hair. They also determine whether Eumelanin (black-brown hair) or Pheomelanin (blond-red hair) is produced.
There are many different genes that are responsible for eyebrow color. As a rule, dark eyebrows are inherited as dominant and lighter eyebrows are inherited recessively.
What is the role of nutrition?
The eyebrow color is not or only minimally dependent on the diet. It cannot be controlled by, for example, consuming more substances that are important for melanin production. However, a healthy diet supports the formation of strong, healthy hair. These are often more luminous than with a poor diet.
In the case of malnutrition, the body may lack substances to build hair (such as biotin). This can cause duller, slightly paler looking brows. However, a correct change in the color of the eyebrows does not take place.
Can I change the eyebrow color naturally?
The eyebrow color is genetically determined. To a certain extent, however, it can also be influenced naturally.
This can be done, for example, by solar radiation. However, the effect is very different from one individual to the next and is often rather weak. In addition, care should be taken to protect the skin with sunscreen and prevent sunburns in the event of intense sun exposure.
There are some home remedies that can be used to bleach or lighten your eyebrows. Treatment with lemon, honey or chamomile should be able to color the eyebrows a few shades lighter.
Coffee grounds are used in conjunction with coconut oil and cocoa powder to make the eyebrows appear a little darker.
Here, too, the effects are very different. In addition, the application should be repeated several times to bring about changes.
You might also be interested in this article: pluck eyebrows
What are the risks of tinting the eyebrows?
When using eyebrow dye, one should always be aware of the risks. These can often not be ruled out, especially if the dye is used improperly. For example, you should only use dyes that are also intended for the eyebrows. Eyebrows are usually finer than scalp hair and need a gentler dye. Otherwise the eyebrows can be damaged.
In addition, the skin of the face is often more sensitive than the scalp, so using the wrong dye can irritate it more.
The skin can react with redness, swelling, itching, and pain. Strong allergic reactions are also possible. These can lead, for example, to flaking of the skin or to weeping wounds.
Before using a dye, a compatibility test should be carried out by applying the agent to a small area of skin, e.g. on the arm. If there is a change in the skin, the product should not be used.
There is also a risk of the dye getting into your eyes. There it can sometimes trigger considerable reactions. Swelling, redness, itching, bleeding into the eyes, and pain are possible. Even blindness cannot be ruled out. To learn more about the risks of a particular dye, read the instructions carefully.
You might also be interested in this article: Eyebrows fall out.
