Let’s just face it, most of us need more brows. With age comes less brows and a brow thickening serum is a must to keep the shape as it should be. Believe it or not, there are a couple natural ingredients that actually encourage brow growth, making a DIY brow thickening serum so easy to make!
I have been in the skin care industry for a long time-I did facials, waxing and make up when I worked in spas. My absolute favorite service to do was brow waxing and shaping. I LOVE brows! It’s the first thing I notice when I look at someone. I could definitely identify many famous eye brows just by seeing one brow-useless talent, I know.
Seriously, well shaped brows can do wonders for your face. When I was an aesthetician, I’d have women come in looking old and tired and walk out looking as if they had a face lift. Brows can make or break you.
I was 15 when I first started plucking my brows. My inspiration? Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Brook Shields-I wanted BIG arched eyebrows! I have decent brows but I quickly realized that the thicker my brows are, the more I have to shape. A trick I learned early in my career was to dye brows for a thicker look. It works, but dyes are full of chemicals.
For those of you out there with thinning brows due to low thyroid, age or a botched brow wax, there is hope! I finally figured out a healthy and totally natural serum that is gentle yet effective.
Rosemary essential oil has been know to stimulate hair growth. Adding Rosemary to your shampoo or massaging it into your scalp helps increase circulation and in turn stimulates the hair follicle.
Castor Oil has been used for centuries to grow hair. Ancient Egyptians used castor oil for this very thing! Castor oil is full of Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin E and proteins. It is easily absorbed into the hair shaft and locks in nutrients. Mix these 2 oils together and VOILA! You have a potent hair growing serum!
DIY Brow Thickening Serum
- Fill your mascara tube mostly full with castor oil. (find HERE)
- Add 5 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Apply at least once a day. I prefer to use morning and night. I found my empty mascara tubes HERE. A small funnel is helpful. I found mine HERE.
Check out my recipe for a Lash Lengthening Serum HERE!
Be sure to share your results in the comments below!
xx, Jenni
P.S. Since this post I have created a new, more complicated recipe for a brow serum. You cain find it HERE. I love the simplicity of this one and many readers have told me they have had success with it. Which recipe you chose depends on ingredients and time.
PIN IT!
Hi Jenni,
I’m using a *a-hem* not 100% natural product at the moment for my brows that have suffered a great deal. I once tried castor oil on my lashes and never saw a difference. How long does your serum have to be applied until once can hope for some results? The product I bought says I need to use it at least 28 days to see some results, due to the growth-cycle of the hair. Has anyone used your serum that long/is anyone able to now report on the needed duration? Plus, how long do you think one can keep castor oil once the container has been opened? The one I have is several years old already.
Thank you! 🙂
Isabelle, Hi! From the research that I have done on natural remedies for thickening lashes and brows, I have read a TON of testimonials from people that have seen results within a week or 2! Castor oil is so good for regrowing and thickening hair. You can probably still use your castor oil-it has a shelf life of 2 years. In my experience-an oil that has gone bad will smell weird. Smell it first, castor oil has very little smell. Rosemary oil stimulates the hair follicle-be sure to get a good quality Rosemary. I have linked where I get mine. I hope this helps and keep me posted!!
Thank you! I will try and I hope it will work. I badly need results…
Hi Isabelle! I’m just wondering how the serum has worked on your brows. It’s been a year. Thank you.
Hi Jenni, I love you recipes, thank you! I added aloe Vera gel to my eye lash serum, it doesn’t mix well with the oil’s, and I have to shake it before every use, but it does apply nice and doesn’t run. You added rosemary to the eye brow serum but not the one for the eye lashes? I guess E.O. are not good to get into your eyes…? However, I thought mixing castor oil and rosmary EO would make a good scalp/hair treatment, .. what do you think? How many drop’s of rosmary would you add, maybe 1 oz castor oil, 5 drops EO?
Katja! You’re right about essential oils and eyes-I have seen several recipes floating around with lemon and lavender-they are from reputable bloggers so I’m not too sure how they work. A scalp/hair treatment would be awesome! Your recipe would be perfect and would feel amazing on your scalp! Good luck!
Do you think just using vitamin E oil or jojoba oil would work with the rosemary? I don’t have any castor oil on hand and I’m still breastfeeding so don’t know if castor oil is okay? I really want to make this! Thanks in advance!
Brittany-I just read that Castor oil actually helps milk flow. It’s not anything you can take orally during pregnancy because it could induce labor but taking while breastfeeding and only on your brows should be no problem. I would use castor oil because it is specifically for hair growth. I have heard of Vitamin E, Almond Oil and Fractionated coconut oil working as well. Castor oil is the only one that seems to stimulate the hair follicle though. Thanks!!
Thank you! 🙂 I’m definitely going to try this! Love ALL your recipes!
all youre missing is a lip plumper….
any ideas which essential oils would help with that?
Mim-I do have a lip plumper post! https://jenniraincloud.com/team-edward-lip-stain-plus-a-secret-lip-plumping-bonus-2/ Cinnamon essential oil works well to plump! Thanks!
I heard yesterday that Nardostachys jatamansi Essentiel oil was great for hair. Do you think it would help for brows as well?
Hi Isabelle, Nardostachys jatamansi Essential oil, also known as Spikenard has a lot of benefits but I’ve never heard anything about what it could do for hair. Thanks for mentioning this oil-it is not as common as some. I will continue to do research on it’s benefits for hair! Thanks!
Once your eyebrows are the thickness you want, can you stop using it without the brows thinning or do it require continuous use?
Yes, you can discontinue using once you get the results you want. Rosemary revs up circulation which in turn stimulates the hair follicle while castor oil also stimulates the hair follicle and nourishes. Because I don’t use any chemicals, there is no reason the brows would fall out after discontinuing use. If they thin, then you could start to use again in order to get blood flow going again.
What do you used uf you have allergies to Vit E?
Buffy-basically you want to use something else that is super nourishing. I would think about aloe for the brow or lash serums. It’s a popular ingredient when trying to thicken and grow brows and lashes. Hope this helps!
Hello,
I have been loving your posts and already use your pregnancy belly balm. I am wondering, is this safe to use during pregnancy? Thanks so much!
Jessica, this is meant for pregnancy so it’s safe! Thanks!
I am sorry, please forgive my terribly worded question! What I meant to say was, I love the belly butter for pregnancy. Is the brow-thickening serum safe for pregnancy? Sorry again!
thanks I have severely thinning brows and hair. I have tried commercial products with no luck, I hope this works. do you know a natural dye for eyebrows mine are literally colorless and as a child people would ask if my mother shaved them off
Elizabeth-I do not have a source for natural brow dye-I did just post about the brow dye I use. Some things just work with chemicals and I think brow dye is one of them! https://jenniraincloud.com/brow-tinting-game-changer/ Good luck, keep me posted!!
•HAIR DYE with HENNA
Weight %
Phase A
Distilled Water (diluent). 40.8 %
Glycerin (humectant). 5 %
Henna Powder (hair dye). 50 %
Phase B
Meadowfoam Seed Oil (emollient) 4 %
Citric Acid (acidulent) 0.2 %
—
1. Add the henna powder to a glass beaker. 2. Slowly add the distilled water, and stir until it becomes a creamy thick paste, (if the consistency feels right to you, you don’t have to use all of the distilled water, or if you like it thinner, add more water). 3. Add the glycerin and stir. 4. Add phase B and stir well.
The pH should fall between 3-5. Test with pH meter or strips and adjust as needed. If pH is above 5 you can lower with citric acid.
Henna is a herbal pigment derived from the leaves of the shrub lawsonia Inermis. This color dye stays on the hair temporarily for 10-20 days.
*To Use: Apply henna paste to the hair, then wrap with a warm damp towel. Check for color, then rinse (max. 45 min). Short applications give a hue of color and longer application a more intense color. NOTE: Before applying to hair, mix a small amount of henna powder with water and apply to the skin for allergy testing, just as you would with other hair dyes.
Hi!
How much of each oil do you need to add to your shampoo to stimulate hair growth? Also can you combine both oils for a scalp massage without the shampoo? If so, how much oil?
Thank you!
Irene-It depends on how big your shampoo is. I have my shampoo in an 8 ounce bottle and I use about 15 drops. Yes, scalp massage would be really good-I would use about 3 drops of each oil!
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I’ve been using this for 3 weeks and hairs are sprouting in places that were very sparse or non existent. A little goes a very long way so this tube will last for months. Also I’ve skipped some nights putting it on accidentally. I sometimes apply at night and morning or just in the morning or just at night. So even with my inconsistencies it has been working great!
Thanks for posting with your actual results. I always scroll through the comments to see opinions of people who have actually used it and I think people often forget to make it or don’t come back and comment. Great to hear!
Ali! No problem!
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Is it ok to use this syrum on your eyelashes as well?
Gerilyn-I personally would not. Even though there are many great lash lengthening recipes out there that call for essential oils, I find they burn my eyes. Also, I have never tried straight castor oil on my lashes. I always mix it with almond oil or another gentle carrier oil. I don’t think you are doing something really wrong if you decide to use it on your lashes, but it is a bit risky. Thanks!
I had thinning lashes on just one eye and it made me feel unbalanced. I used just castor oil on my lashes with good results. I, too, would avoid using essential oils on lashes. There is just no way you can avoid getting some in your eyes. The castor oil “blurs” your vision for a short time (maybe use before bed when your eyes will be closed anyway?), but it’s worth it for the lash regrowth. I hope this comment helps.
I have had the exact same experience and want to reassure about the castor oil for eyelashes. It is very safe, on it’s own, or combined with jojoba, coconut, olive, or avocado oils. The “blurring” Dana mentions is not from the oils harming or irritating your eyes, it’s simply from the oil itself if you apply heavier and some gets onto your eyeball. The texture is different than your natural eye lubricant so it feels a bit strange for a minute. I just go to sleep , or if awake for awhile, I don’t put as much. Hope this helps:) Thanks to everyone who shares here as it is so helpful!
I made the eye and face serums. am very happy with how it makes my face feel .cant wait to try the lash abs brow serums
Dot-Thanks! I’m so glad! Good luck!
hi dr! is there any chances for the 40+ age old ladies to grow their eyebrows with this serum.
Munmi-I think it will work great! Consistency is key!
Munmi,
I am 58 years old, I used to have long full lashes, then I started using the lash serum and can really tell a difference. I hope this helps.
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Jennifer,
Do you recommend mascara brush or do other brushes work like lip gloss or eyeliner. I went on amazon to purchase the empty tube you recommended and saw that they have other options. What would you suggest is the best for thin eyebrows?
Meghan-I would suggest a mascara wand but you could even use a q-tip if you needed to!
Do you have a suggestion for a substitution for rosemary eo? I’m extremely sensitive to rosemary, if I smell it (eo or the actual plant) I instantly get a headache and my sinuses start hurting! Thanks!
Linda-I would ditch the rosemary and replace it with lavender essential oil. It has been known to protect existing hair as well as encourage new growth. Rosemary simply revs up circulation which gets the follicles working, but lavender will help clean out follicles allowing for more growth!
HI Jenni
At the moment i regularly tint my eyebrows (every 2 weeks or so) and spend a lot of time in chlorine, so i know this probably isn’t doing wonders for my eyebrows, however pencilling them in isn’t really a practical option. I was just wondering if such exposure to chemicals would cause any long term damage? Also would you recommend any particular fairly strong repairing serums?
Many thanks
Eleanor
Eleanor-It’s not the best to have to dye eye brows that often. Unfortunately, I have not found a healthier alternative that actually works. The chlorine could be lightening them as well. I’ve got to do some research on more natural hair dyes. What do you mean “repairing serum”. Like repairing damaged skin? What kind of damage? Feel free to email me-jennifermodisette@yahoo.com or just comment to this.
Jenni!
Thanks so much for this recipe, I linked back to your article when I did a round up of all natural beauty hacks. Thank you so much!
Emerald
http://www.pinkballoons4lunch.com
I just bought the required materials to try this out, will report back on my results; I was wondering if this could be used on eyelashes also? Also, i just bought this face wash that has castor oil in it and now I am nervous it will make hair grow on my face, do you think that will happen?
Hi Jenna! I wouldn’t suggest using the rosemary near the eyes. I originally made this serum with e.o.s for both the brows and eyes and while the sting wasn’t much, I really don’t want anything burning my eyes.
I don’t have an answer about castor oil on the face and it growing facial hair. It stands to reason it could, but I think since we don’t typically grow much facial hair as women, this wouldn’t really effect our face. I have been using it forever and have not seen an increase in my facial hair. I have seen results with my lashes and brows but those are natural places for hair to grow.
I’m going to try this!!! I’m so tired of coloring in my eyebrows & feeling so insecure! I’m curious if you could walk me through the process. Do you put it on in the mornings, and make up over it? Leave on at night while sleeping? Does it come off easily with any normal face wash? Thank you!!
Kym-Hi! I put it on before bed and sleep in it. It is oily so it comes off with a face wash if it hasn’t rubbed off during the night!
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Can we use coconut oil in place of castor oil?
Aditi-Castor oil is what helps get hair growing. There is something special about castor oil with hair growth that coconut oil won’t provide.
Thanks alot I’m gonna try it❤
FYI-The picture you posted on this page as Marilyn Monroe is actually Lisa Marie Presley.
Max-Ha! I didn’t know-Thanks for telling me!
Oh. My. Gosh. This works. Does it EVER work! I wish I could send you before and after pictures. The outer half of my left eyebrow had pretty much ceased to exist, and I was drawing it on, because there were simply no hairs there. I used this serum for 6 weeks, and now, 8 weeks later, my eyebrow is so thick, I need to pluck it – but I don’t want to! I really didn’t think this would work, since I had tried a commercial preparation with no luck at all. Thank you, Jenni! This is amazing!
Laine-Thanks so much for sharing! I’m so glad you saw big results!!!!
Hi Jenni-
I currently don’t have pure rosemary eo but I have the Rosemary Antioxidant Mountain Rose Herbs sells (basically its Rosemary+Olive Oil). Can this be used until I get the eo?
Thanks!
lisa
Lisa-I have never used MRH’s Rosemary Antioxidant but if it’s diluted I would wait until you get the essential oil. You could waste time and product. Rosemary really helps with getting blood flow to the brows so they’ll grow.
Ok, will do. Thanks 🙂
Hi there all,
Read your posts- very interesting. I have been using rosemary water for a while now, and I am noticing new growth of hair. I had beautiful, very thick long hair; then I got sick, had to take many antibiotics and with that I contracted C. difficile, with this and the combination of stress and depression I lost little more than 50% of my hair. I would run my finger through my hair and had a chunk on my hands. That got me even more depressed.
So, I had to do something. I could not continue to live like this. With prayer and lots of talks with people who care I started to get back to normal.
I take 4-5 springs of rosemary boil it with water, than simmer for 10 mins and cover. Let it cool completely. store in a spray bottle, and use every day. you may also use a small traveling spray bottle and keep in your purse. Sometimes you may want to add basil when preparing the rosemary. The rosemary will turn a deep color the longer it sits. and don’t worry about the herb smell it goes away quickly.
Jojoba essential oil and castor oil is great for the face, especially for dark spots, use 1:1 ratio.
Pure coconut oil , rosemary oil and a castor oil, all same ratio use on roots and comb, and then wrap your air with plastic for same day wash or leave over night wash the next day (this is what I do).
You may not notice right away, but other people will. You’ll know this when they start to complement you.
Okay take care and God bless you all.
Mara-Thank you so much for sharing this!
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Thanks, castor oil indeed grew my eyebrows thicker! Didn’t know about rosemary oil though. As for my eyelashes, I’m using Cherish Lash serum and I am quite happy with it. Great comments too, very useful and helpful
Iren-Cherish is natural isn’t it?! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been using this recipe for over a month now. My eyebrows aren’t sparce but I wanted them a bit fulelr so I could pluck them into a better shape. Instead of making a similar product for the lashes I’ve just been using this one forbowth brows and lashes. I haven’t had a problem with the rosemary oil getting into my eyes but I do blot the excess off with tissue. It has made a noticeable positive difference to my lashes, not as much for the brows. I was sick in the hospital for a2 weeks and didn’t feel like wearing much make-up but I continued applying this. I used an eyelash curler and and the oil and got many compliments on my “long lashes” from the nurses who wanted to know my secret, I referred them to your blog.
Hi Jenni,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I was eager to make it. I used the supplies you recommended. Should I have santized the empty mascara tube somehow first? My outer brow gets a little red after I apply it usually AM and PM. Thank you!
Hi,
If I plan to use a container to store, and a q-tip to apply, what would be the castor oil to rosemary eo? Looks like maybe a teaspoon of castor oil to 5 drops rosemary eo? I am mid 50’s and over plucking in my younger years have left me with sparse brows. Hoping this works!!!
Hi Lisa! I would do a teaspoon of castor to 3 drops of Rosemary. Hope it works for you!!!