Your lashes do more than enhance your look—they protect your eyes from dust, debris and irritants. When they start to thin or fall out (often due to stress, harsh products or medical conditions), it can be alarming. As a brand whose core mission is hair enhancement, we’re often asked: Can eyelashes grow back?
Thankfully, we have good news. In most cases, the answer is yes! Let’s dive into the details with board certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist Dr. Leslie C. Scarlett to better understand how eyelashes grow and how to encourage healthy renewal following lash loss.
Understanding Eyelash Growth Cycles
Some lash shedding is normal because, just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes grow in a natural cycle. This cycle consists of three phases:
1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase):
During this phase, your eyelashes are actively growing. This phase typically lasts 4-6 weeks.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase):
In this short phase, the lash stops growing and prepares to shed.
3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase):
This is when your lash naturally falls out, making room for a new lash to grow in its place.
“The lash cycle's three phases (anagen, catagen, telogen) can take between 4 and 11 months to complete, most often occurring every 2-3 months. After the telogen phase, the lash falls out and the cycle begins again with a new lash in the anagen phase. Thus, the average person loses up to 20% of their natural lashes every two weeks, with constant new hair growth,” explains Dr. Scarlett. Unless the hair follicle is permanently damaged, eyelashes can and often do grow back.
Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out?
While it’s natural to lose lashes during the telogen phase, more frequent lash loss or breakage can often be attributed to lifestyle or medical factors. Understanding the root cause of lash loss is the key to determining the best steps for regrowth. Dr. Scarlett sheds light on some of the common offenders.
“Lash growth can vary, depending on factors like genetics, age, overall health, environment, and lifestyle. One of the easiest ways to damage your lashes and stunt their growth is by leaving mascara on your lashes overnight, causing them to become dry and brittle. This is the perfect recipe for lash breakage,” says Dr. Scarlett.
Internal health is as important as your daily habits. “A nutrient-deficient diet has also been linked to lash loss. A lack of vitamin D, zinc and iron, as well as a lack of essential fatty acids, is often the culprit. In addition, medical conditions such as blepharitis and alopecia areata can also affect growth,” she continues.
Overuse of Extensions
The unnatural added weight of heavy or improperly applied lash extensions can put unnecessary stress on your natural lashes.
Harsh Makeup Practices
Waterproof mascaras and aggressive removal can weaken and cause lash breakage. It’s best to stick to washable formulas and use a gentle hand when removing eye makeup.
Medical Conditions
Various health conditions like alopecia and thyroid disorders can impact natural lash growth.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients like biotin or iron may lead to lash thinning but a proper diet with doctor-recommended supplements can help.
Treating your lashes with care is key. “Eyelash loss can sometimes stem from allergies to mascara or even from the glue used to apply eyelash extensions. Removing lash extensions can be equally damaging, as well as using heated or non heated eyelash curlers,” explains Dr. Scarlett.
Can Eyelashes Grow Back, Naturally?
Yes! As long as the hair follicle is still intact, your eyelashes can grow back naturally. Natural regrowth can take time, but it’s worth the wait. A complete lash cycle can take several months and there are actions you can take to support healthy regrowth. Ready to restore your flutter to its original glory?
How to Support Eyelash Renewal
If you're eager to get your lashes back, these tips can help accelerate the process.
1. Use a Proven Lash Enhancing Serum
We believe in targeted treatments but they’re not all created equal. Your go-to should be clinically proven for safety and effectiveness. Our cult-favorite LASH Follicle Fortifying Serum is formulated to deliver longer, thicker, fuller looking lashes in 6 weeks with double the results in 12. Our proprietary blend of biodesigned peptides and proteins supports all stages of the natural growth cycle while strengthening, nourishing and firmly anchoring your lashes to help reduce shedding and fall out.
2. Go Easy on Your Eyes
Some seemingly harmless habits could actually be wreaking havoc on your lashes. Things like rubbing your eyes after a long day or regularly tugging on your lashes can lead to irritation, breakage and premature fall out. If you wear eye makeup most days, it’s a good idea to switch to clean and gentle products and remove them with a soft touch. Harsh, waterproof formulas and aggressive scrubbing in the evening may be working against your lash goals. Prevent long term damage by being kind to your eyes.
3. Cancel Your Lash Extensions
When your skin flares up, do you pile on makeup to cover it up, or do you baby it and let it breathe? If you went with the latter, you’re spot-on and your lashes deserve the same treatment. It can be tempting to mask sparse lashes with falsies and extensions but the added weight can actually exacerbate the problem. Give yourself a break to let your natural lashes recover. A light hand with an eyelash curler and a gentle mascara will do the trick until they reach “wow” status again.
4. Rule out Hidden Health Conditions
If your lash loss is severe or persistent, consult your doctor, dermatologist or ophthalmologist to rule out underlying medical conditions. It’s a good idea to keep your annual checkup appointments – health shines from the inside out!
The Role of Science in Lash Regrowth
Science has made significant strides in understanding how to support lash growth. Products like our LASH Follicle Fortifying Serum leverage cutting-edge elastin replenishment technology to help repair and anchor lashes for long term impact. By helping to strengthen the hair follicle, certain lash serums offer visible results, helping you regain confidence with lush, healthier looking lashes.
To keep your lashes healthy, Dr. Scarlett recommends thoroughly removing mascara with micellar water or oil-free cleanser, avoiding waterproof eye makeup, and being cautious when using a lash curler. Try not to rub your eyes or tug on your lashes and stay consistent with your strengthening lash serum for resilience against breakage.
The LASH Word
So, can eyelashes grow back? Absolutely! By supporting your lashes with proper care, nutrition and high-quality products, you can accelerate regrowth and enjoy the full, fluttery lashes you love.
Whether you’re recovering from a lash mishap or simply want to enhance your natural beauty, remember: healthy lashes rely on consistency and the right tools. If you’re ready to start your lash regrowth journey, experience NULASTIN for proven results.