Unibrows & Genetics

How it works

No one is quite sure why our eyebrow hairs grow in particular patterns—or the reason why some people have unibrows. But initial findings offer some clues.

The genetic link

23andMe researchers have identified more than 50 genetic variants associated with having a unibrow. Two of those genetic variants are in or near the PAX3 and EDAR genes, which have also been associated with unibrow growth by other researchers. The PAX3 gene influences the development of pigment-producing skin cells. The EDAR gene plays a big role in our hair growth, along with the development of our sweat glands and teeth.

Did you know?

Whether you’re angry, sad, or on the verge of a giggle fit, eyebrows help communicate how you feel. Studies have also found that people have trouble recognizing faces that are missing their usual eyebrows. These findings suggest that the shape of our eyebrows may also help others recognize us.

Explore more

Wonder what your genes have to say about your eyebrows? 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service can give you insight into the genetic variants that make you more or less likely to have a unibrow.

References

23andMe Blog (2017, June 8). “Unibrows And The Study of Human Variation.” Retreived October 21, 2018, from https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/unibrows-and-beards-and-the-study-of-human-variation/.

Adhikari K et al. (2016). “A genome-wide association scan in admixed Latin Americans identifies loci influencing facial and scalp hair features.” Nat Commun. 7:10815.

Ekman P. (1979). “About brows: emotional and conversational signals.” In Human Ethology. Cambridge, 1979.

Elder, M. (2010). “Where the unibrow reigns.” PRI.

Kubic JD. (2008). “Pigmentation PAX-ways: the role of Pax3 in melanogenesis, melanocyte stem cell maintenance, and disease.” Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 21(6):627-45.

Monsoro-Burq AH. (2015). “PAX transcription factors in neural crest development.” Semin Cell Dev Biol. 44:87-96.

Mou C et al. (2006). “Generation of the primary hair follicle pattern.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.103(24):9075-80.

Pers et al. (2015). “Biological interpretation of genome-wide association studies using predicted gene functions.” Nat Commun. 6:5890.

Sadr J et al. (2003). “The role of eyebrows in face recognition.” Perception. 32(3):285-93.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018). “EDAR gene.” Genetics Home Reference.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018). “PAX3 gene.” Genetics Home Reference.