What Causes Brow Breakage and How to Fix It
Full, healthy brows rely on more than shape alone. Strength, flexibility, and long-term care play a major role in how brows look over time. At Alison Jade, brow styling has been our focus for over 20 years, and brow breakage is one of the most common concerns we get asked about.
Brow breakage occurs when the hair shaft weakens and snaps rather than shedding naturally. This often results in uneven growth, sparse tails, or brows that never seem to improve despite regular treatments. In most cases, the issue is not growth but hair integrity.
What Is Brow Breakage?
Brow breakage happens when brow hairs lose strength and elasticity. Instead of falling out from the root, the hair snaps mid-length. This leaves short, blunt hairs that are difficult to style and prevent brows from appearing full or polished.
Breakage is especially noticeable in the arch and tail areas, where hairs are naturally finer.
Common Causes of Brow Breakage
Over styling your brows
Over-styling is one of the biggest contributors to brow breakage. Treatments such as too frequent brow lamination, places repeated stress on the hair.
When brows are not given enough recovery time or are over processed in treatments, the hair becomes fragile and more prone to snapping.
Your brow styling products are too harsh
Product choice also plays a significant role. Many brow gels and waxes contain high levels of alcohol or stiff-setting agents. While these products can hold shape temporarily, they often dry the hair over time. Dry hairs lack flexibility and break more easily during daily grooming.
You don’t condition your brows daily
We’ve said it once and will say it a million times more, your brow hair needs love. Just like you condition the hair on your head, you need to condition your brow hair. Especially if you are regularly going to Brow Lamination appointments.
You aren’t looking after your skin
Skin health beneath the brow is equally important. Conditions such as dryness, flaking, dermatitis, or inflammation can disrupt the hair growth cycle. When the skin barrier is impaired, brow hairs struggle to anchor and maintain strength.
Lifestyle factors also matter. High stress levels, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies can all affect brow integrity. Hair health is often one of the first visible signs of internal imbalance.
How to Alleviate Brow Breakage
Always go to a professional stylist.
A professional brow stylist will prioritise hair health and adjust treatment schedules accordingly. They also know exactly how long to process your brows for (it’s not a one size fits all process).
Change up your brow products
Your selection of brow products can make a noticeable difference. Products that support flexibility and hydration help protect brows from daily stress. Brows should feel soft and movable, not stiff or brittle.
Try the Alison Jade Brow Lock for a laminated look between appointments. Or try the Brow Fix for a gentle clear brow gel.
Purchase a Brow Oil
Supporting the skin beneath the brows is essential. Hydrated, balanced skin provides a stronger foundation for hair growth. Gentle exfoliation can help when flaking is present, but harsh actives should be avoided directly on the brow area.
We recommend using “Elleplex Brow + Lash Serum” on your brows to keep them nourished. This product is specially formulated to help restore proteins, speed up cell generation, increase potassium channels in the cells and increase moisture levels to the hair.
Shop Elleplex Brow and Lash Serum online here.
Brow Breakage FAQs
Why do my brows keep breaking even if I do not over-pluck?
Breakage is often caused by dryness, product buildup, or brushing technique rather than hair removal. Even minimal grooming can lead to damage if the hair is already compromised.
Can brow lamination cause brow breakage?
Yes. Brow lamination can cause breakage if performed too frequently or without proper aftercare. Brows require rest periods between treatments to maintain strength. Seek out a professional brow stylist. If you are in Perth or Melbourne you can book a brow style session with one of our professionals.
How long does it take to repair brow breakage?
Most clients notice improvement within six to twelve weeks. Results depend on hair growth cycles and consistent aftercare.
Should I stop brow styling altogether if my brows are breaking?
Not necessarily. A gentler approach to brow styling, guided by a professional, is often enough to restore brow health.
Why Professional Brow Styling Matters
Brows frame the face and influence overall expression, but they also require expertise to maintain their integrity.
At Alison Jade, our approach to brow styling focuses on preservation, balance, and long-term results. With studios specialising in Brows Perth and Brows Melbourne, our methods are refined through decades of experience and client trust.
Healthy brows are built gradually. When treated with care, they become stronger, fuller, and easier to maintain over time.