National Lash Day: Celebrating the Beauty and Function of Eyelashes

Have you ever wondered why we have eyelashes? What are they for, besides making our eyes look more attractive and expressive? Well, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the role and history of eyelashes, and that’s why there is a special day dedicated to them: National Lash Day.

National Lash Day is celebrated every year on February 19th, and it aims to promote the importance of proper eyelash care and appreciation. Whether you have natural or false eyelashes, this day is a great opportunity to learn more about them and how to enhance their beauty and health.

In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about eyelashes, and give you some tips and tricks on how to celebrate National Lash Day in style.

What are eyelashes and what do they do?

Eyelashes are short, curved hairs that grow on the edge of the eyelids. They are made of keratin, the same protein that forms our nails, hair, and skin. Eyelashes have several functions, such as:

• Protecting the eyes from dust, dirt, and foreign objects that could cause irritation or infection.
• Preventing the moisture in the eyes from evaporating, which helps to keep them lubricated and comfortable.
• Shading the eyes from bright light and UV rays, which could damage the retina and cause vision problems.
• Sensing the presence of objects near the eyes, which triggers the blink reflex and helps to avoid eye injuries.
• Enhancing the appearance of the eyes, by creating contrast, definition, and expression.

How long are eyelashes and how fast do they grow?

Eyelashes vary in length and thickness depending on genetics, age, and health. The average length of eyelashes is about 10 millimeters, or 0.4 inches, but they can range from 5 to 12 millimeters, or 0.2 to 0.5 inches. The eyelashes on the upper eyelid are usually longer and fuller than the ones on the lower eyelid, and the ones in the middle are longer than the ones on the sides.

Eyelashes grow in three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the active growth phase, which lasts for about 30 to 45 days. The catagen phase is the transition phase, which lasts for about 15 days, and during which the eyelash stops growing and detaches from the follicle. The telogen phase is the resting phase, which lasts for about 100 days, and during which the eyelash falls out and is replaced by a new one. The average eyelash growth rate is about 0.16 millimeters, or 0.006 inches, per day.

How many eyelashes do we have and how often do we lose them?

The number of eyelashes we have depends on the size and shape of our eyelids, but the average is about 200 to 300 on the upper eyelid and 100 to 150 on the lower eyelid. That means we have about 300 to 450 eyelashes per eye, and about 600 to 900 eyelashes in total.

We lose eyelashes every day, just like we lose hair from other parts of our body. The normal eyelash loss rate is about 1 to 5 eyelashes per day, or 20 to 100 eyelashes per month. However, this can vary depending on factors such as stress, hormonal changes, aging, medication, illness, or trauma. If you notice excessive eyelash loss, you should consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

When did people start using eyelash cosmetics and enhancements?

The history of eyelash cosmetics and enhancements dates back to ancient times, when people used natural substances such as kohl, charcoal, or ashes to darken and thicken their eyelashes. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans were among the first civilizations to use eyelash makeup for both aesthetic and religious purposes.

The modern mascara, the most popular eyelash cosmetic product, was invented in France in 1913 by Eugene Rimmel, a perfumer and cosmetics entrepreneur. He created a cake mascara that consisted of a pressed powder made of coal dust and petroleum jelly, which was applied to the eyelashes with a moistened brush. The word “rimmel” still means “mascara” in many languages today.

The first false eyelashes, another common eyelash enhancement, were also created in France in 1916 by a film director named D.W. Griffith, who wanted to make the eyes of his actress more dramatic and expressive. He commissioned a wig maker to glue human hair onto a strip of gauze, which was then attached to the actress’s eyelids. The false eyelashes became a sensation and soon spread to Hollywood and beyond.

How can we take care of our eyelashes and keep them healthy and beautiful?

Eyelashes, like any other part of our body, need proper care and attention to stay healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips and tricks on how to take care of your eyelashes and keep them in tip-top shape:

• Clean your eyelashes daily with a gentle cleanser or makeup remover, and avoid rubbing or pulling them. This will help to prevent dirt, oil, and bacteria from clogging the follicles and causing infections or inflammations.
• Moisturize your eyelashes with a natural oil or serum, such as castor oil, coconut oil, or vitamin E oil, and massage them gently with your fingertips. This will help to nourish, hydrate, and strengthen your eyelashes and stimulate their growth.
• Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara, and avoid using heated or metal curlers that could damage or break your eyelashes. This will help to lift and shape your eyelashes and make them look longer and fuller.
• Apply mascara sparingly and evenly, and avoid using waterproof or expired mascara that could dry out or irritate your eyelashes. This will help to enhance and define your eyelashes and make them look more voluminous and dramatic.
• Remove your mascara and false eyelashes before going to bed, and avoid sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow. This will help to prevent your eyelashes from falling out or getting tangled or bent.
• Trim your eyelashes occasionally with a pair of scissors, and avoid cutting them too short or unevenly. This will help to remove any split ends or damaged hairs and keep your eyelashes healthy and neat.
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, and drink plenty of water. This will help to provide your eyelashes with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need to grow and thrive.

How can we celebrate National Lash Day and show our love for our eyelashes?

There are many ways to celebrate National Lash Day and show our love for our eyelashes, such as:

• Pamper your eyelashes with a DIY lash spa, and treat them with a homemade lash mask, scrub, or conditioner. You can use natural ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, or oatmeal to make your own lash products and give your eyelashes some extra TLC.
• Experiment with different eyelash styles and colors, and try out some new eyelash products or tools. You can use mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or glitter to create different eyelash looks, or use false eyelashes, extensions, or tinting to change your eyelash length, thickness, or color.
• Share your eyelash selfies and stories on social media, and use the hashtag #NationalLashDay to join the conversation. You can also follow and tag some of your favorite eyelash influencers, brands, or blogs, and get inspired by their eyelash tips and trends.
• Compliment someone else’s eyelashes, and spread the eyelash love and positivity. You can also give someone a gift of eyelash products or services, such as a mascara, a lash curler, or a lash lift, and make their day.
• Learn more about eyelashes and their history, culture, and science, and educate yourself and others. You can read some books, articles, or blogs about eyelashes, or watch some documentaries, videos, or podcasts about them, and discover some fascinating facts and stories.

National Lash Day is a fun and fabulous day to celebrate the beauty and function of eyelashes, and to show them some love and appreciation. Whether you have natural or false eyelashes, long or short eyelashes, thick or thin eyelashes, you can join the celebration and enjoy your eyelashes in your own way. Happy National Lash Day!