Fallen eyelashes are not uncommon. There could be many reasons behind your eyelashes falling off, including if you rub them too often.
However, if you’ve been experiencing unusual eyelash fall for some time, you may be thinking about how long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
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How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
Eyelashes usually grow back in six weeks. The fallen eyelashes go through three phases. After the last phase has passed, eyelashes begin to grow again. It is applicable for specific medical conditions, chemotherapy sessions, or just natural eyelash regrowth.
For eyelash regrowth that goes into months, there might be some underlying issues or medical problems.
Why do eyelashes fall out?
Eyelashes have their own natural growth cycle. Even though you may not have noticed, they shed and grow constantly. However, a few things can cause eyelashes to shed more frequently:
- Stress. According to board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D., stress is very much a component in eyelash loss. In the same way that stress leads to increased hair loss, stress can increase lash shedding. Stress puts hair follicles into the telogen phase, which can cause eyelash loss.
- Irritation from false eyelashes or lash extensions. False eyelashes rarely cause irritation on their own, but if you keep putting glue on your sensitive lash line, you might lose some lashes.
- Trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a disorder in which people have strong urges to pull out hair from their head, eyebrows, or eyelashes. It's complicated, and not every case is the same, but stress is sometimes a factor.
- Rubbing your eyes. Most of the time, scratching an itch won't do much damage. However, pulling on your eyes all the time, whether with your hands, makeup remover, or even a lash curler, can damage the skin on your lids and cause eyelashes to fall.
- Underlying health conditions. Board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., FAAD, mentions hypothyroidism and alopecia areata, which causes circular hair loss (where you can lose the last third of your eyebrows). According to her, she has seen patients who lost some lashes in both circumstances.
- Sleeping in your makeup. Even the creamiest, most moisturizing mascara can dry out your lashes overnight, which can cause them to break and make them sparse. Especially if you slam your face into your pillow while you sleep, because the stiff mascara can "crunch" your eyelashes against the fabric.
- They shed naturally. Just like the hair on your head, eyelashes go through a hair growth cycle. At any given time, some of your lashes are in the shedding (or telogen) phase, which is why it's normal to see an eyelash or two in your sink from time to time.
How long do eyelashes last?
Do eyelashes last for a long time, or do they fall quite often?
The average lifespan of an eyelash could be anywhere from a few weeks to even a month.
Note that other factors could affect the average age of eyelashes before they fall. These could include fake eyelashes or other medical conditions such as underlying diseases or using medicines.
How do eyelashes grow back?
Is it possible to grow eyelashes instantly?
Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through some phases too. So at the end of the day, how long does it take for eyelashes to grow back really depends on how fast your body enters these stages.
It’s easy for an eyelash to grow back, but the process is transitional. You would have to wait for it to occur after three steps have passed. Here’s how it happens.
First phase (Growth):
You’ll be surprised at how your eyelashes grow. Each eyelash on your upper and lower lid can produce a few millimeters. This growth is usually between 0.12 to 0.14 millimeters per day.
Second phase (Degradation):
After your eyelashes have grown to their maximum length, you would expect the follicles to become narrower. However, after this happens, your eyelashes begin to shrink before they eventually fall.
Third phase (Resting):
During this phase, you would expect a few of your eyelashes to fall out. However, the regular quantity of eyelashes falling could be anywhere between 1 to 5 eyelashes daily.
The above phases are typical for everyone as they make up the life cycle of an eyelash. If your eyelashes haven’t been growing, it may mean that the follicles or eye glands may have been damaged.
Should you get eyelash extensions if your eyelash isn't growing?
What if your eyelashes don't grow back as they should??
Many people resort to using eyelash extensions when their eyelashes don’t grow back. Here are some reasons why you should (and shouldn’t) use eyelash extensions.
Why you should use eyelash extensions:
- Many options are available, making it easy for you to choose from various styles and often change too.
- A more convenient choice if you’re a busy person and don’t usually have time for makeup.
Why you shouldn’t use eyelash extensions
- Good quality eyelash extensions are expensive.
- Eyelash extensions are high maintenance. You will have to take care to not use makeup removers or other lotions that could damage the fake eyelashes.
- They may cause eye infections.
- They might not be suitable for sensitive eyes and skin.
- It can take very minimal pressure and can fall off with excess force.
Our take? Go natural. Find an effective Eyelash Growth Serum like ours and trust your body.
Do eyelashes grow at the same rate for everyone?
Medical conditions or habits may affect how long does it take for eyelashes to grow back.
Regardless of the average lifespan of an eyelash, some other factors could influence your eyelashes to fall earlier or at a faster rate. And the same reasons or conditions could also affect the rate at which eyelashes grow back.
What factors affect how long your eyelashes will grow back?
Eyelashes falling isn't always natural.
So are there any external factors that could influence the time it takes for eyelashes to grow back? Naturally, the average 1 to 5 eyelashes falling per day means that you don’t have to worry much.
However, suppose you notice many eyelashes on your pillow or bed after you wake up. In that case, there are some other medical and non-medical conditions that could cause eyelashes to fall earlier and also delay the time that it takes them to grow back.
- Medications: If you’ve been on medicines like finasteride or minoxidil, the side effects may prevent eyelashes from growing back.
- Injuries: This may include any physical injuries on the eyes that you may have had in the past. Especially if it’s the follicles that were affected the most.
- Madarosis: This is a medical condition that causes excessive loss of eyelashes. It may even cause eyebrow hair loss and thinning.
- Blepharitis: it is a type of medical condition in which the oil glands in your eyelids become dysfunctional. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as itching and red eyes. Taking proper care of your eyelashes can avoid blepharitis, and using an antibiotic can treat it.
- Stress: Whether it’s physical or emotional, stress could damage your eyelashes and cause excessive eyelash fall.
- Makeup habits: Using too much eye makeup or keeping makeup on for too long is not a good idea. Whether that’s eyeshadows, mascara, or eyeliner - any kind of eye makeup shouldn’t be applied for long durations, especially left overnight. Moreover, never use expired makeup products on your eyelashes.
- Alopecia areata: In this medical condition, excessive and early hair fall is expected. Although it may include balding on the head, hair loss from other body parts is common too.
- Hormonal imbalances: Some hormones can enhance body hair growth, and this includes eyelashes too. Some others might inhibit hair growth (read more on our creatine and hair loss article)
Apart from the above conditions, your eyelashes may fall due to genetic reasons as well, although it’s not necessary. Any condition may not display symptoms at first, so if you notice an unusual fall in your eyelashes, it’s best to consult the doctor.
How should you take care of your eyelashes?
Eyelash care is not only limited to applicable serums!
Taking care of your eyelashes is the first step to minimize eyelash fall and accelerate proper eyelash regrowth.
Remove eye makeup:
If you use mascara, it could cause more damage during the night. While sleeping, the friction against the pillow may cause your eyelashes to break and fall. Never rub or tug onto your eyelashes while you have mascara on, as the damage can be both.
Clean eyelashes regularly:
When you’re washing your face, take some soap and put it around your eyelids too. Make sure it’s highly diluted and not concentrated before you do so. Be mindful not to poke your fingers into your eyes!
Avoid applying heavy products:
Using heavy skin products such as creamy moisturizers is never a good idea. Especially when you’re putting it on and around your eyelids, it can damage the glands by clogging, causing eyelashes to fall heavily.
Give your eyelashes a gentle massage:
Instead of using heavy moisturizers or creams, gently apply oil to your eyelashes. Castor and jojoba oil are good choices because they can support eyelash regrowth process. These oils can also help make the eyelashes softer and healthier.
Keep a healthy and nutrient-rich diet:
The essential nutrients for proper lash regrowth are iron, biotin, fatty acids, and protein. Eat a healthy diet according to your daily requirements and your eyelashes will cooperate.
Decrease stress levels:
Not taking enough time out for yourself is one of the leading causes of stress. Take some time off from work and lower your levels of excursion.
For example, you could try meditating, yoga, picking up a hobby, or engaging in exercise.
Use eyelash growth serums:
If "how long does it take for eyelashes to grow back" is a perpetual question on your mind, eyelash growth serums are definitely your best friend.
These serums usually have bimatoprost as an active ingredient. A good lash serum will have plant-based, vegan and effective ingredients.
Read our research on the effectiveness of eyelash serums in general.
Formulated with the same principles as our award-winning hair growth serum, Scandinavian Biolab's eyelash growth serum is definitely going to your final destination to long and healthy lashes.
And if you want to make it at home (which will have lower efficacy), we also have a recipe for DIY eyelash growth serums!
Recap: How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
So how long does it take for eyelashes to grow back? It depends on whether your eyelashes are falling naturally or it’s happening due to underlying medical conditions.
Eyelashes take a lot of time to grow back - anywhere from weeks to months. After that, the resting phase takes place, in which eyelashes begin to fall.
If you’ve been looking for solutions to grow back your eyelashes fast, our eyelash growth serum is the perfect fit for you. Made of natural ingredients, it won’t cause any side effects such as irritation or even the negative impact of eyelash extensions.
How fast do eyelashes grow?
Eyelashes are an important part of our bodies and serve a number of important functions, including protecting the eyes from dirt and debris and helping to regulate the flow of tears. But how fast do eyelashes grow, and what can you do to encourage healthy eyelash growth?
On average, eyelashes grow at a rate of about 0.12 millimeters per day, or about 0.5 inches per month. This can vary from person to person based on factors such as age, genetics, and overall health. There are a number of things you can do to encourage healthy eyelash growth, including:
- Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated
- Avoiding rubbing or pulling on your eyelashes
- Using a nourishing eyelash conditioner or oil
- Using a clean, gentle mascara and removing it before bed
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
If you're concerned about the health or growth of your eyelashes, it's a good idea to speak with a dermatologist or eye specialist who can help you determine the cause and recommend treatment options.
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Read more:
- The Best DIY Eyelash Growth Serum Recipe
- How Long Does It Take For Hair To Grow Back?
- Mature Hairline: What Is It & How To Handle