Demand for hair restoration is surging, and eyebrow transplants are emerging as one of the fastest-growing procedures worldwide. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), in 2024, approximately 12% of women seeking non-scalp hair restoration opted for eyebrow procedures, up from 9% in 2022. Practitioners report that the trend is also growing among men, who are increasingly seeking eyebrow restoration to enhance facial framing and expression.
Eyebrow transplants move healthy hair follicles from a donor area, usually the nape or sides of the scalp, into the brow region. Using ultra-fine, single-hair grafts and precise microsurgical techniques, surgeons can recreate natural density, shape, and hair direction. While the procedure is adapted from Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) used for scalp hair, eyebrow restoration requires greater precision due to the visibility and structure of the face.
“We use the finest grafts and place each follicle at exactly the right angle, so that the eyebrow looks natural, never transplanted,” explains Dr Kashmal Kalan, Medical Director at Alvi Armani South Africa, adding that technique and design play an equal role in achieving a realistic result.
People seek eyebrow restoration for a variety of reasons: chronic over-plucking, trauma, burns, scars, aggressive microblading, or autoimmune conditions such as scarring alopecia. In cases of permanent follicle damage known as follicular dropout, non-surgical interventions such as topical treatments or cosmetic procedures tend to offer limited and temporary results. For these patients, a transplant is the most reliable solution.
Ideal candidates are medically stable adults with good donor hair and realistic expectations. Those with active inflammatory or scarring conditions, uncontrolled autoimmune diseases, or poor wound healing may not be suitable. For this reason, specialists stress the importance of thorough screening and consultation before any procedure is undertaken.
The surgical process is exacting
Each brow typically requires 250–500 fine grafts, carefully trimmed and implanted at precise angles to mimic natural growth. Patients receive local anaesthetic and light sedation, and mild swelling and small scabs are common for a few days. Transplanted hairs usually shed within the first month, with new growth visible by month three and fuller results by eight to nine months. Because donor hair originates from the scalp, routine trimming is often required, particularly in the first few years following the procedure.
Beyond aesthetics, eyebrow transplants can have a profound psychological impact. Restored brows have been associated with improved self-esteem and confidence, particularly for those who have experienced hair loss due to injury or illness. “We’ve seen patients who avoided mirrors or social interactions for years rediscover themselves through restored brows. For those with scars or burns, the transformation is as emotional as it is physical,” concludes Dr Kalan.
Experts emphasise that successful eyebrow restoration relies on a blend of medical precision and artistry. Meticulous planning, careful graft placement, and realistic expectations are essential. As demand continues to grow, clinicians caution that outcomes depend as much on practitioner skill as on patient suitability. For anyone with sparse or missing brows, the procedure offers more than cosmetic enhancement it represents a long-term medical solution in a field where quick fixes often dominate.
