From make-up to extensions, dressing up our eyes is an important part of many people’s beauty routines. As such, it can be alarming if you’ve noticed your eyelashes shedding more than normal. In most cases, there is nothing abnormal about eyelashes falling out.
Just like the hair on our head, eyelashes will shed naturally, and new hairs will grow in their place.
If, however, you’ve experienced some lash-loss and you’re worried about when your eyelashes will grow back, we’ve got the low down on how regrowth works and what you can do to prevent losing excess lashes.
Why do eyelashes fall out?
Eyelashes have their own natural growth cycle. They’re shedding and growing all the time, even though you may have never noticed it before.
There are, however, a few things that can cause eyelashes to shed more frequently – we’re looking at you, eye-rubbers! Stress, illness and beauty treatments gone wrong can cause eyelashes to shed at a faster rate than normal.
Some people believe that removing eyelash extensions make your natural eyelashes fall out, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A reputable, professional lash technician will remove your extensions in a way that won’t cause any damage.
How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
Whatever the reason may be, if you’ve noticed that your eyelashes have shed more than usual, you may be wondering when the hairs will grow back.
The short answer is that it can take between one and six months, depending on how the eyelashes came out in the first place.
If it was because of natural shedding, regrowth will take around six weeks. If, however, your eyelashes fell out with force, the regeneration will take a lot longer.
To fully understand when you’ll be able to flaunt your new mascara to the max, you’ll need to appreciate the three stages of the eyelash growth cycle.
Stage one – Anagen
Also known as the growth stage, the Anagen part of the eyelash growth cycle usually lasts between 30 and 45 days. Not all of your eyelashes will be at this stage simultaneously, with around 15% of lower lashes and 40% of upper lashes hitting the Anagen stage at the same time.
Stage two – Catagen
Now that they’ve finished growing, the hairs will now spend between two and three weeks preparing to rest. Each hair follicle will start to reduce, but since the lashes are not yet settled in place, they are more vulnerable to being removed with force.
Premature shedding of the eyelashes at the Catagen stage can damage the hair follicle and make regrowth take longer – a perfect reason to always be gentle when it comes to your eye area!
Stage three – Telogen
Now it’s time for your eyelashes to rest – their work is done. By the time the little hairs have completed the Catagen stage and have moved onto the Telogen stage, the hair follicle has completely shrunk, and the lashes are full size and ready to flutter. And flutter they will, for up to 30 days, before they’ll naturally shed, and the cycle will start again.
Remember, all of your lashes will be at different points in their growth cycle, so don’t be alarmed if you do find a few lashes falling out at the same time. If you’re noticing excessive shedding and you’re concerned, speak to a dermatologist or doctor, who will be able to determine whether there is anything more complex going on.
How can I prevent eyelashes from falling out prematurely?
Of course, you’ll want to keep your lovely, fully-grown lashes for as long as possible, and thankfully, there are a few things you can do.
Try not to rub your eyes
Sometimes you just can’t help it, and only a good rub will cure an eye-itch, but you should be aware that rubbing the eyes is one of the most common reasons for premature eyelash shedding.
Remove eye make-up before you go to sleep
Mascara and the alike can dry out your eyelashes, making them brittle and more prone to breaking.
Clean your make-up tools regularly
Be honest, when was the last time you washed your make-up brushes? They’re a prime spot for bacteria growth and can lead to eye irritation, which will cause lashes to fall out.
Proven strategies for healthier, fuller eyelashes
There are a few tried-and-true methods to encourage your lash growth:
- Lash serums. A lash serum is one of the most effective ways to stimulate lash growth. These products often contain peptides, biotin, or other growth-promoting ingredients that nourish the lash roots and encourage healthier, stronger growth. However, choosing a serum that suits your skin type is essential to avoid any potential allergic reactions.
- Healthy diet. Nutritional intake plays a significant role in hair growth; the same applies to your lashes. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, vitamin E, and biotin, can improve lash health. Include foods like eggs, nuts, fruits, fish, and lean meats in your diet.
- Gentle Care. Be gentle with your lashes. Avoid excessive rubbing of the eyes, and be careful when removing makeup. A mild, oil-free makeup remover can help prevent damage to your lashes.
- Castor Oil. A natural remedy, castor oil has been used for years to stimulate hair growth. Applying a small amount of this oil to your lashes before bedtime can promote healthier and thicker lash growth.
With the proper care and patience, you can expect your natural lashes to re-emerge, healthier and stronger. While this process can take several weeks, sometimes even a few months, it’s crucial to know this is perfectly normal. Every person’s lash growth cycle varies slightly, with most falling between 1 to 2 months for a complete regrowth. A few factors can influence this timeline, including overall health, nutrition, and the degree of damage your lashes have sustained.
It’s worth noting that your eyelashes don’t all fall out at once like hair on your head. Instead, they grow in cycles, with some lashes growing while others are resting. Therefore, if you’ve noticed a few lashes falling out, there’s no need to panic. It’s a normal part of the process. However, if you’re experiencing excessive lash loss, it might signal you to revisit your beauty routine or consult a professional. Healthy eyelashes are within your reach — with a bit of time and patience, you’ll be back to batting those gorgeous eyes in no time.
