When Do Babies Get Eyebrows? Normal Growth Explained

When both of my kids were born, one of the first things I noticed was what they didn’t have: eyebrows. Their tiny faces looked extra expressive (and a little funny), but as a new mom, I couldn’t help but worry. Was this normal? Shouldn’t babies be born with eyebrows already?

If you’ve been staring at your newborn and wondering the same thing — you’re not alone. Lots of babies are born with sparse eyebrows or nearly invisible brows, and it can feel strange when weeks go by without much change.

Here’s the reassuring news: babies actually start eyebrow development in the womb, but they’re often so light or fine at birth that you can barely see them. Over the next few months, those little brows will gradually become more visible.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• When babies typically develop eyebrows
• Why some babies’ eyebrows are harder to see than others
• What’s normal and when to check with your pediatrician
• A few safe old-school remedies parents swear by

So, if you’re squinting at your baby’s forehead right now — take a breath. Eyebrow growth is a totally normal part of development, and your little one will get theirs in time.

When do babies actually get eyebrows?

Babies start eyebrow growth in the womb around 22 weeks of pregnancy. By the time your little one is born, those tiny brows are technically there — but you might not be able to see them yet.

That’s because newborn eyebrows are often made up of fine, peach-fuzz-like hair that blends right into their skin tone. If your baby has blond or red hair, their eyebrows may be nearly invisible at first.

Both of my babies had what I called the “permanent surprised face” — their brows were so faint, I kept squinting at photos trying to see if they were really there. Spoiler: they were.

Most babies’ brows become more visible between 2–3 months old, as their bodies produce more melanin (the pigment that gives color to hair and skin). Some babies show defined brows earlier, while others may take closer to a year before eyebrows look distinct.

👉 If your newborn has no visible eyebrows, don’t panic. They’re there — just waiting to show themselves.

Why can I see some babies’ eyebrows but not others?

Every baby is unique, and eyebrow visibility at birth depends on several factors:

• Hair color: Babies with dark hair usually have more noticeable brows than babies with blonde or red hair.
• Skin tone: Contrast between skin and hair color affects how visible eyebrows appear.
• Genetics: Just like adults, some babies naturally have thicker, fuller eyebrows, while others have fine or sparse hair.
• Prematurity: Premature babies may not have had as much time for eyebrow development in utero, making them look lighter at birth.

With my first baby, I couldn’t help but compare pictures with my friends’ babies. Some had bold, expressive brows right away, while mine looked like a little cartoon character with none at all. Looking back, I realize it was simply genetics and hair color.

👉 Bottom line: whether your baby has full eyebrows at birth or barely-there brows, both are completely normal.

Should I be worried if my baby has no eyebrows?

In most cases, no — it’s perfectly normal if your baby doesn’t have visible eyebrows yet. Hair follicles are there and growing, even if you can’t see much. As your baby gets older and produces more pigment, their eyebrows will become more distinct.

Both of my kids took months before their eyebrows showed up clearly. I remember asking our pediatrician about it, only to be reassured that everything was completely on track.

You should check with your pediatrician if:

• Your baby has no eyebrows and little to no hair elsewhere (like on the scalp or lashes)
• You notice bald patches or unusual skin changes around the brows
• Something just doesn’t feel right to you

👉 Most of the time, a newborn without eyebrows is nothing to worry about. But if you’re concerned, trust your instincts and talk to your doctor.

Can I help my baby’s eyebrows grow faster?

Here’s the honest answer: eyebrow growth is mostly genetics and time. There’s no guaranteed way to speed things up.

That said, parents love to share old wives’ tales about boosting baby eyebrow growth. While not scientifically proven, many are safe and can keep your baby’s skin healthy in the meantime:

• Breast milk: Some parents apply a few drops on their baby’s forehead. It won’t work magic, but it keeps skin soft.
• Coconut oil: A gentle moisturizer that hydrates the skin and may support healthy hair.
• Aloe vera: Believed to strengthen hair follicles, though evidence is limited. Always use pure, baby-safe gel without added fragrance.

With my first baby, I tried coconut oil (mainly because I was already using it for everything else). Did it make his eyebrows grow faster? Probably not. But it made me feel like I was doing something — and his skin stayed silky soft.

👉 Safe home remedies are fine to try, but patience is the best “treatment.”

Is it safe to use eyebrow growth products on babies?

This one’s easy: no.

Eyebrow growth serums and commercial products are designed for adults, not babies. They can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or worse on delicate newborn skin.

If you’re ever unsure, always check with your pediatrician before applying anything new to your baby’s face.

What to Remember About Baby Eyebrow Growth

Eyebrow growth stages may feel slow, but they’re right on track. Here’s a quick recap:

• Eyebrows start forming in the womb (around 22 weeks)
• They may look invisible at birth, especially with light hair
• Most babies’ brows become noticeable between 2–3 months
• Some babies take longer, and that’s okay

In the meantime, enjoy your baby’s unique little face, eyebrow or not. One day you’ll look back on those photos and laugh at how bare they seemed. And before you know it, your baby will have full, expressive brows that make their personality shine.

💡 Curious about another tiny feature? Check out my post on When Do Babies Get Eyelashes? to learn about newborn eyelash development and what to expect.