How Many Eyelashes Do You Lose a Day? Everything You Need to Know

By Your Beauty Plug
January 9, 2024

Have you ever wondered how many eyelashes do you lose a day? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to your lashes until you notice one or two falling out. But is that normal? Should you be worried about losing your lashes? In this blog post, we’ll answer all your questions about lash loss and give you some tips on how to keep your lashes healthy and beautiful.

How Many Eyelashes Do You Have?

Before we get into how many eyelashes do you lose a day, let’s first talk about how many eyelashes do you have in the first place. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the average person has between 200 and 300 eyelashes per eye. However, this number can vary depending on your genetics, age, and other factors. Some people may have as few as 80 lashes per eye, while others may have as many as 500.

How Many Eyelashes Do You Lose a Day?

Now that you know how many eyelashes you have, let’s move on to how many eyelashes do you lose a day. The answer is: it depends. The normal range of lash loss is between one and five lashes per day, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This is because your lashes go through a natural growth cycle, which consists of three phases:

Anagen phase: This is the active growth phase, where your lashes grow longer and thicker. This phase lasts for about 30 to 45 days.
Catagen phase: This is the transition phase, where your lashes stop growing and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for about 15 to 20 days.
Telogen phase: This is the resting phase, where your lashes fall out and make room for new ones. This phase lasts for about 100 days.

As you can see, losing a few lashes a day is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice that you’re losing more than five lashes a day, or that your lashes are thinning or falling out in clumps, that could be a sign of a problem.

What Causes Excessive Lash Loss?

There are many possible causes of excessive lash loss, ranging from harmless to serious. Some of the most common ones are:

Friction: Rubbing your eyes too hard, sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow, or wearing tight-fitting eyeglasses or sunglasses can cause your lashes to break or fall out prematurely.
Mascara: Wearing mascara, especially waterproof mascara, can dry out your lashes and make them brittle and prone to falling out. Removing mascara incorrectly, such as by pulling or tugging on your lashes, can also damage them and cause them to fall out.
Eyelash curler: Using an eyelash curler can give your lashes a nice curl, but it can also weaken them and cause them to break or fall out. This is especially true if you use a curler after applying mascara, which can stick to the curler and pull out your lashes.
Eyelash extensions: Eyelash extensions can make your lashes look longer and fuller, but they can also weigh down your natural lashes and cause them to fall out. Eyelash extensions can also damage your natural lashes by causing allergic reactions, infections, or inflammation.
Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can affect your lash growth and cause them to fall out. These include thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, blepharitis, and eyelid tumors. Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also cause lash loss as a side effect.
Stress: Stress can affect your body in many ways, including your lash growth. Stress can cause hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies, which can all lead to lash loss. Stress can also trigger a condition called trichotillomania, which is a compulsive urge to pull out your own hair, including your lashes.

How to Prevent and Treat Lash Loss?

If you’re experiencing excessive lash loss, the first thing you should do is consult your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, the treatment may include medication, surgery, or therapy.

In addition to seeking medical help, there are some things you can do at home to prevent and treat lash loss. Here are some tips:

Be gentle with your lashes: Avoid rubbing, pulling, or tugging on your lashes. Use a gentle eye makeup remover and a soft cotton pad to remove your mascara. Avoid using waterproof mascara, as it can be harder to remove and more drying to your lashes. Use an eyelash curler sparingly and gently, and never use it after applying mascara. If you wear eyelash extensions, make sure to have them applied and removed by a professional, and follow the aftercare instructions carefully.
Moisturize your lashes: Just like your skin and hair, your lashes need moisture to stay healthy and strong. You can use natural oils, such as coconut oil or castor oil, to nourish and condition your lashes. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your lashes with a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab before going to bed. You can also use a lash serum, which is a product that contains ingredients that can stimulate lash growth and prevent lash loss. Look for a lash serum that contains biotin, peptides, or vitamins, and avoid ones that contain harsh chemicals or preservatives.
Eat a balanced diet: Your diet plays a big role in your lash health, as well as your overall health. Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin C, which are all essential for hair growth. You can also take a multivitamin or a hair supplement to boost your nutrient intake and support your lash growth.
Reduce stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your lash health, as well as your mental and physical health. Try to reduce stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. You can also engage in hobbies that make you happy, such as reading, listening to music, or gardening. If you have trichotillomania, seek professional help from a therapist or a support group.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about lash loss and lash health.

Q: How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?

A: It depends on the cause and severity of your lash loss, but in general, it can take anywhere from six to eight weeks for your lashes to grow back. However, some factors, such as age, genetics, and health conditions, can affect your lash growth and make it slower or faster.

Q: How can I make my eyelashes grow faster?

A: There is no magic formula to make your eyelashes grow faster, but there are some things you can do to support your lash growth and prevent lash loss. These include moisturizing your lashes, eating a balanced diet, reducing stress, and avoiding harsh products or treatments that can damage your lashes.

Q: Can I use eyelash glue to reattach my fallen lashes?

A: No, you should not use eyelash glue to reattach your fallen lashes. Eyelash glue is meant to be used for eyelash extensions, not for natural lashes. Using eyelash glue on your natural lashes can cause irritation, infection, or further lash loss. If you lose a lash, just let it go and wait for a new one to grow in its place.

Q: Can I wear false eyelashes if I have lash loss?

A: Yes, you can wear false eyelashes if you have lash loss, as long as you use them correctly and safely. False eyelashes can be a great way to enhance your look and boost your confidence, but they can also cause damage to your natural lashes if you use them too often or incorrectly. Here are some tips on how to wear false eyelashes safely:

Choose a pair of false eyelashes that suits your eye shape and size, and trim them to fit your lash line.
Use a high-quality eyelash glue that is hypoallergenic and latex-free, and apply a thin layer along the band of the false eyelashes.
Wait for a few seconds until the glue becomes tacky, and then apply the false eyelashes as close as possible to your natural lash line, starting from the outer corner and working your way in.
Press the false eyelashes gently with your fingers or a tweezer to secure them in place, and then curl them with your natural lashes using an eyelash curler.
Remove the false eyelashes at the end of the day by gently peeling them off from the outer corner, and then use an eye makeup remover to get rid of any glue residue.
Clean the false eyelashes with a mild soap and water, and store them in a clean and dry container.
Do not wear false eyelashes every day, as they can cause your natural lashes to become weak and brittle over time.

Conclusion

Losing a few eyelashes, a day is normal and nothing to worry about, as it’s part of the natural lash growth cycle. However, if you notice that you’re losing more than five lashes a day, or that your lashes are thinning or falling out in clumps, that could be a sign of a problem. In that case, you should consult your doctor to find out the cause and the best treatment. You can also follow the tips in this blog post to prevent and treat lash loss and keep your lashes healthy and beautiful.