Why can I raise one eyebrow and not the other?

Why can I raise one eyebrow and not the other?

Around 30 - 40 per cent of people can raise one eyebrow.

Save 40% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine!
Published: April 14, 2023 at 10:00 am

There isn’t much of a consensus on this. Some people think it’s due to greater muscle dexterity on one side of the face, others say one eyebrow is dominant in the way that one hand is dominant, while others argue that there’s a genetic component to it.

It might be a combination of all three of these factors, or perhaps none of them at all – there’s no definitive answer, unfortunately. However, if it’s a skill you’d like to improve, with a bit of practice, you can apparently learn to raise both eyebrows independently.

Read more:

Asked by: Jennifer Bruce, via email

To submit your questions email us at questions@sciencefocus.com (don't forget to include your name and location)

©Lorenzo Ranieri Tenti