Eyelash Growth Tips: How to Grow Longer and Healthier Eyelashes Naturally

Eyelashes are not only a beautiful feature of our eyes, but also a protective barrier that keeps dust and debris away from them. However, many factors can affect the health and growth of our eyelashes, such as makeup, curlers, allergies, infections, and medical conditions. In this blog post, we will share some Eyelash Growth Tips on how to get longer and healthier eyelashes naturally, without resorting to expensive or harmful treatments.

What Causes Eyelash Loss or Damage?

The most common causes of eyelash loss or damage are:

• Makeup: Some makeup products, especially waterproof or long-lasting ones, can dry out, irritate, or clog the eyelash follicles, leading to excessive shedding or breakage. Also, applying or removing makeup too roughly or frequently can pull out or weaken the eyelashes.
• Curlers: Using eyelash curlers with too much force or heat can damage the eyelash shafts and make them brittle or prone to falling out.
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in makeup products, such as preservatives, fragrances, or dyes, which can cause inflammation, itching, or swelling of the eyelid margins and affect the eyelash growth cycle.
• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections, such as blepharitis, can inflame and clog the eyelash glands, preventing them from producing enough oil to nourish the eyelashes. This can result in eyelash loss, thinning, or stunted growth.
• Medical conditions: Some health issues, such as thyroid disorders, alopecia, eczema, or stress, can affect the hormonal balance or immune system and cause eyelash loss or poor growth.

How to Prevent Eyelash Loss or Damage?

The best way to prevent eyelash loss or damage is to practice good eyelash hygiene and care. Here are some tips to follow:

• Use a gentle makeup remover: Choose a mild, oil-based, or micellar makeup remover that can dissolve the makeup without rubbing or tugging the eyelashes. Use a soft cotton pad or a reusable cloth to gently wipe the eyelashes from the base to the tip. Avoid using makeup wipes, as they can be too harsh or abrasive for the delicate eyelash area.
• Avoid waterproof or long-lasting makeup: These types of makeup products can be difficult to remove and may require more rubbing or scrubbing, which can damage the eyelashes. They can also dry out or clog the eyelash follicles, affecting their health and growth. Opt for water-resistant or natural makeup products instead, and remove them as soon as possible after wearing them.
• Use a lash comb or brush: A lash comb or brush can help separate the eyelashes and remove any clumps or excess mascara. This can prevent the eyelashes from sticking together or weighing down, which can cause them to break or fall out. Use a clean lash comb or brush to gently comb the eyelashes from the base to the tip, preferably before and after applying mascara.
• Moisturize your eyelashes: Just like your skin and hair, your eyelashes need moisture to stay healthy and strong. You can use a natural oil, such as castor oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, to hydrate and condition your eyelashes. Apply a few drops of oil to a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab and gently coat the eyelashes from the base to the tip. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. You can also use a commercial eyelash conditioner or serum that contains moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol.
• Take breaks from makeup and curlers: Giving your eyelashes some rest from makeup and curlers can help them recover and grow better. Try to go makeup-free and curler-free at least once or twice a week, or more if possible. This can allow your eyelashes to breathe and receive more oxygen and nutrients from the blood circulation.
• Eat a nutritious diet: Your diet can also affect the health and growth of your eyelashes, as they need vitamins, minerals, and proteins to thrive. Some of the best foods for eyelash growth are:
  • Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein, biotin, and vitamin B12, which are essential for hair growth and strength.
  • Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and selenium, which can moisturize and protect the eyelashes from damage and inflammation.
  • Salmon: Salmon is another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein and vitamin D, which can stimulate the eyelash follicles and promote growth.
  • Avocado: Avocado is loaded with healthy fats, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which can nourish and hydrate the eyelashes and prevent them from breaking or falling out.
  • Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are packed with iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which can boost the blood flow to the eyelash area and support the production of collagen and keratin, the main proteins of hair.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about eyelash growth and care:

• How long does it take for eyelashes to grow?Eyelashes have a growth cycle that consists of three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). The anagen phase lasts for about 30 to 45 days, during which the eyelashes grow about 0.15 millimeters per day. The catagen phase lasts for about 15 days, during which the eyelashes stop growing and the follicles shrink. The telogen phase lasts for about 100 days, during which the eyelashes fall out and are replaced by new ones. The average eyelash length is about 10 millimeters, but it can vary depending on genetics, age, and health.
• Can eyelashes grow back?Yes, eyelashes can grow back, unless the follicles are damaged or scarred by trauma, infection, or disease. However, the speed and quality of eyelash growth may depend on the cause and extent of eyelash loss, as well as the individual’s eyelash growth cycle. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for eyelashes to grow back fully.
• Do eyelash serums work?Eyelash serums are products that claim to enhance the growth, length, thickness, or darkness of eyelashes. There are two types of eyelash serums: prescription and over-the-counter. Prescription eyelash serums, such as Latisse, contain bimatoprost, a drug that was originally used to treat glaucoma and was found to have a side effect of increasing eyelash growth. Bimatoprost works by extending the anagen phase of the eyelash growth cycle and increasing the number of eyelashes that grow. Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash serum that has been clinically proven to be effective and safe, but it may also cause some side effects, such as eye irritation, redness, itching, dryness, or darkening of the eyelid skin or iris. Over-the-counter eyelash serums, such as RevitaLash, RapidLash, or GrandeLash, contain various ingredients, such as peptides, biotin, vitamins, or natural extracts, that claim to nourish, condition, or stimulate the eyelash follicles. However, these products are not regulated by the FDA and their efficacy and safety have not been scientifically verified. Some of them may also contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or irritation. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any eyelash serum and to do a patch test before applying it to the eyelashes.
• Are false eyelashes or extensions bad for your eyelashes?False eyelashes or extensions are artificial lashes that are attached to the natural lashes with glue or adhesive. They can enhance the appearance of the eyelashes by making them look longer, thicker, or more curled. However, they can also damage the natural eyelashes by causing them to fall out prematurely, break, or thin out. This can happen due to the weight, tension, or friction of the false lashes or extensions, the chemicals or allergens in the glue or adhesive, or the improper application or removal of the false lashes or extensions. To prevent or minimize eyelash damage from false lashes or extensions, it is recommended to:
  • Choose lightweight, natural, or synthetic lashes or extensions that match the length and thickness of your natural lashes.
  • Use hypoallergenic, latex-free, or formaldehyde-free glue or adhesive that is suitable for your skin type and sensitivity.
  • Apply the false lashes or extensions as close to the lash line as possible, without touching the eyelid skin or the eye itself.
  • Remove the false lashes or extensions gently and carefully, using a cotton pad soaked in oil-based or micellar makeup remover. Do not pull, tug, or rub the eyelashes, as this can cause them to break or fall out.
  • Take breaks from wearing false lashes or extensions, and give your natural lashes some time to rest and recover. Do not wear false lashes or extensions for more than six weeks in a row, and avoid wearing them every day.
  • Treat your natural lashes with a moisturizing oil or serum after removing the false lashes or extensions, to replenish and repair them.

Conclusion

Eyelashes are an important part of our eye health and beauty, but they can also suffer from various problems that can affect their growth and appearance. By following some simple tips and precautions, we can prevent or minimize eyelash loss or damage and promote their natural growth. We can also use some natural or commercial products that can enhance the length, thickness, or darkness of our eyelashes, as long as we are careful about their ingredients and side effects. However, we should also remember that eyelashes are not the only factor that determines the beauty of our eyes, and that we should appreciate and embrace our natural eyelashes, whatever their shape or size. After all, the eyes are the windows to the soul, and the eyelashes are the curtains that frame them. 😊

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day! 🌞