If you notice your eyelashes shedding or are on a journey to repair them after years of lash extensions, you may be asking yourself, "Will my eyelashes ever grow back?" Ahead is an expert guide to lash loss, growth, and how to care for your smallest assets by Trudi Brewer.
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Why do eyelashes shed?
Firstly, don’t panic. Eyelash shedding is a natural, regular occurrence; typically, we lose two to five lashes daily. But if you are noticing gaps or lash shedding, it is a thing. Known as madarosis, ophthalmologist Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo says it can be due to dozens of causes, from inadequate makeup removal to underlying health conditions. “These include autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, thyroid disorders and certain skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. Also, connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma and lupus can contribute to eyelash thinning or loss. At the same time, another common cause is blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids.” Dr. Hilal-Campo adds that bacterial or fungal infections can also damage hair follicles and lead to lash loss, as can “certain drugs, including chemotherapy agents.”
Lifestyle factors can increase lash loss.
The news is not all bad. While certain lifestyle practices can also contribute to shedding and lash breakage, they can be corrected once identified. Perhaps the most common is rough makeup removal. ”Vigorous rubbing or harsh removers can damage lash follicles. Leaving mascara on overnight can also make lashes brittle, leading to lash breakage, as can lash curlers, including heated lash when used after applying mascara.” Dr. Hilal-Campo says that eyelash extensions and excessive use of eyelash adhesives can cause lashes to fall out, too. Another is allergic reactions to makeup products, leading to inflammation and lash loss.
Can eyelashes grow back?
Luckily, the answer is (typically) yes. “As long as the roots are not dead, eyelashes typically regrow after loss,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. Who adds, “The timeline varies based on the cause and the health of the hair follicle.” The typical eyelash growth cycle lasts about three to four months, so while the regrowth process may seem lengthy, experts say be patient, as the likelihood of your lashes growing back is high. However, if lashes are pulled out or damaged from devices like eyelash curlers or improper removal of extensions, regrowth can take up to 12 weeks,” Dr. Hilal-Campo warns.
“Lash regrowth after chemotherapy can take eight to twelve weeks post-treatment, though this can vary depending on individual health factors,” she adds. “Conditions like alopecia or thyroid disorders can also affect lash regrowth, and in such cases, regrowth may take several months and often depends on the management of the underlying condition.”
But despite the myth that crying helps lash growth, dermatologist Marina Peredo says it’s untrue. “When you cry, you are usually stressed, and your body releases hormones like cortisol, but there’s no evidence to suggest that it will make your lashes grow longer.” The reason for the latest viral myth is that when your lashes are wet, they look longer; Dr Peredo agrees. Suggesting that social media is not necessarily where you can get all your beauty intel. “So while crying may not cause your lashes to grow, it can make them appear healthier and more lustrous.” However, lash serums do boost growth.
RevitaLash Advanced Sensitive, $159. LiLash Eyelash Serum, $135. Olaplex LashBond Building Serum, $138. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash And Brow Serum, $33.
Here’s how to prevent lash loss and keep lashes healthy
While knowing that your lashes will grow back is comforting, treating them with TLC during the regrowth period is best. “Always take off eye makeup before bed using a gentle remover,” Dr. Hilal-Campo says. “Avoid rubbing or tugging at your lashes, as this can cause breakage. A hot shower or warm compress on lashes with a mild cleanser can prevent buildup that can clog hair follicles and lead to lash loss.” Hilal-Campo also advises against using waterproof mascaras and, of course, heated ash curlers. For a more holistic approach, look to your diet. A balanced, nutritious diet always supports hair health.
The team’s go-to mascara for boosting length and fullness
MAC Cosmetics Extended Gigiblack Lash Mascara, $55.
Style director Louise Hilsz’s pick
I’ve been a die-hard fan of this mascara for years. Why? Its glossy, lustrous consistency, tiny precision brush that coats every lash evenly, and never flakes or clumps, make it a must-have.
NARS Climax Mascara, $47
Editor Trudi Brewer's pick
For me, it‘s all about the brush, and bigger is better. The bumper brush and jet-black formula coat, lift, lengthen, and curl lashes to give a brilliant, glossy result. It’s hands-down one of the best for creating full, glossy-looking lashes within seconds.
How to stop the shedding.