How to Grow Your Brows & Lashes, Naturally!

By Merary Soto

We all know brow shapes and styles change with the times like fashions do. Unfortunately unlike fashion, brow damage is hard to fix. You can reminisce and laugh at yourself occasionally but overplucked brows are a daily reminder that maybe you went too far. Now thicker brows are the latest trend but not to worry with a small daily routine you can keep up with the times and reverse some of the damage and grow beautiful lashes at the same time.  Keep in mind this is an evening routine to be done prior to going to bed.

What you will need:

- Castor Oil

- Witch Hazel

- Cotton Swabs

- Clean/ Dry Mascara brush wand (I recommend that you buy disposable mascara brush wands)

- 5 Minutes

 The Routine:

1      Start with a clean face.  Wet a cotton ball with witch hazel and wipe off any excessive residue or makeup from the brows.   Plain witch hazel will gently exfoliate, clean without causing irritation and removes oil build up.  Use plain 100% natural witch hazel, other formulas may not be suitable for sensitive skin or may over dry your skin.

2      With a clean mascara brush, gently brush your brows upward and downward.  This increases circulation in that area, and lifts any fine ingrown hairs.  You don’t have to do this more than 10 secs.

3      Use one drop of castor oil for both brows, no need to saturate but rub in gently.  Your brows should look groomed not oily.  Focus on the areas that are sparse.

4      Lightly wet your finger with castor oil again and with your eyes close lightly and gently rub from the base of your lashes outward.  A little goes a long way, do not saturate your lashes, you are simply moisturizing and strengthening.

Track your progress with a picture, I know it seems silly but this step will help with the urge to pluck or wax . If you tweeze at home, take a break from tweezing, instead lightly pencil in a thicker shape and trim them occasionally.   My favorite brow pencil is the Anastasia Brow Whiz,  it doesn’t have any parabens or sulfates,  the pigmentation stays on all day but it is not dark which makes it very natural looking, it has a grooming brush (which you should not use during your night routine, since it’s likely to have make up).  The key to filling in your brows is rather than drawing a single line across, draw shorter, lighter lines upward slanted.  If this is confusing, remember practice makes perfect.  During the day I use mascara, specifically Urban Decay Lush Lash mascara which promotes thicker, longer lashes. This is not a pricey serum, it’s simply an addition to my makeup bag that has dual benefits.  In combination with my night routine it does help my lashes grow and thicken.

If you are currently taking Biotin to grow your hair, continue to do so and add MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) to your vitamin regimen.  MSM is a naturally occurring, organic, bioavailalbe sulfur and is recongnized as the richest source of organic sulfur available. Sulfur is the Fourth most abundant mineral in all living things and is vital to the creation and regeneration of tissue. MSM promotes hair growth and strengthening which will aid in brow and lash growth.   From personal experience, MSM makes my hair stronger not longer. Finer hairs on my brows, edges and lashes also become stronger. It is also a great supplement for your joints!

Lastly, if you are making a commitment to growing your lashes and brows, be mindful when selecting a grooming esthetician.

Do not groom weekly or biweekly.  Aim for 4-6 weeks until you’ve reached your goal!

Happy growing!  In beauty & health,   Merary

Merary Soto is the creator and writer of www.maneconcern.com   a blog space dedicated to hair and and scalp nutrition for women of all hair textures.  For more tips on hair care follow Mane Concern on Facebook