Did your eyelashes take a beating from mascara or extensions? Are they repetitively falling out, but you don’t know how to grow them back?
No need to worry—some simple tips and tricks can help you get your lashes back in shape. Whether natural remedies or products made specifically for the task, understanding what steps you need to take can make all the difference.
5 Tips to Regrow Eyelashes Longer and Thicker at Home
Try these techniques to rev up your lash growth and make them look fuller:
- Use a lash-boosting serum. Look for one with ingredients like biotin, peptides, and panthenol. Then, apply it to the base of your upper and lower lashes every night.
- Stimulate growth with oils and gels. Oils such as castor, vitamin E, and coconut can help promote regrowth. Petroleum works for some, too. You can also try gels with aloe vera or other natural ingredients. Simply dip a clean mascara wand or cotton swab into the oil, then apply it to your lashes before bed.
- Take a supplement. Biotin and omega-3 fatty acids aid eyelash growth. You can eat nuts, salmon, and eggs to get a good dose of these nutrients. You can also get your biotin from multivitamins.
- Massage your eyelids. Gently massage your eyelids for a few minutes each day to boost circulation for better lash growth.
- Try medication. Consider a doctor-prescribed medication that contains ingredients such as bimatoprost if natural remedies aren’t working. Latisse is a great example of this drug.
Originally made to cure glaucoma, Latisse is an FDA-approved drug that:
- Was discovered to thicken and darken eyelashes as side effects
- Works best when applied daily for two to three months
- Can be used as an ongoing treatment once desired results are achieved
- Has minimal side effects like stinging, itching, redness, and darkening of the iris
You can regrow your eyelashes with ease with these tips. But keep in mind that it may take several weeks or even months for you to see results. So, be patient and consistent in your efforts.
Listen In Q&A Format
How to Regrow Eyelashes
Vision Center Podcast
Do Eyelashes Grow Back?
Yes, eyelashes grow back. Just like the hair on your head, they go through growth cycles and shedding every one to two months.
So, don’t worry if you see your eyelashes fall out from time to time. It’s not necessarily an indication that something is wrong. But it may be time to take action if you notice your lashes shedding more than usual.
Eyelash Growth Cycle
It helps to understand the eyelash growth cycle before you can start regrowing them. Eyelashes go through three distinct phases:1
- Anagen (Growth) Phase. This is the longest stage where lashes grow 0.12 to 0.14 mm daily, which takes four to eleven months.
- Catagen (Degradation) Phase. During this short, transitional phase of two to three weeks, the lash growth stops, and the follicle shrinks.
- Telogen (Resting) Phase. This is the last stage, where new lash hairs begin to grow, eventually pushing out the old ones from the follicle. The telogen phase lasts between three and four months.
Eyelashes don’t usually grow longer than 12 mm. They don’t stay in the anagen phase for as long as the hair on your head does, so they don’t generally reach the same length.
How to Prevent Eyelash Loss
In addition to trying the above remedies, you can take preventive measures to reduce eyelash loss. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Give your lashes a break from extensions
- Keep your use of curlers to a minimum
- Stay away from harsh chemicals and products
- Gently comb your lashes regularly with an eyelash brush or clean mascara wand
- Always remove makeup before bedtime
- Use an oil-based and gentle remover to wipe away your mascara and eye makeup
- Be careful when applying and removing mascara
- Be mindful of how you apply eyelash extensions
- Consult your doctor if you experience unexpected eyelash loss or thinning
Reasons Eyelashes Fall Out
There are a few common reasons why your lashes may be thinning or falling out:2,3
- Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
- Certain medical conditions (alopecia, skin diseases)
- Certain medications (alpha-blockers and beta-blockers, chemotherapy drugs)
- Certain skin treatments (chemical peels, laser resurfacing)
- The natural aging process (eyelash follicles weaken over time)
- Eyelash mites or other organisms that can cause an infection
- Excessive use of eyelash curlers, extensions, and mascara
- Eyelash trauma (pulling, tugging, rubbing, etc.)
- Trichotillomania (a disorder that involves compulsive hair-pulling)
Irritation caused by makeup or eye drops
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