Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Cilia regrowth of shaven eyebrows
J P Fezza1, K A Klippenstein, R E Wesley
1Department of Ophthalmology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA.
Objective:
To determine if shaving eyebrows can lead to permanent brow loss.
Methods:
Five patients had a single brow randomly shaven, while the unshaven brow served as a control. These patients were evaluated prospectively for brow regrowth during 6 months, and photographs were taken at each visit. Two masked observers analyzed the final photographs to determine if they could identify the side that was shaven.
Results:
All patients had full brow regrowth by 6 months. The masked observers could not identify shaven side with any consistency. One female patient with sparser, lighter-colored brow cilia waited longer than the other patients for full brow regrowth.
Conclusion:
This small study demonstrates for the first time that full brow cilia regrowth is possible after completely shaving an eyebrow.
Related Concept Videos
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
Unrenewable Cells
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

