Like all body hair, fine eyelashes regenerate naturally. This is a good thing, because we lose our eyelashes from time to time. Individual lashes fall out when applying or removing makeup. As you might expect, eyelashes grow back after a certain period.
Everyone has between 300 and 450 eyelashes on each eye, with the upper eyelid having significantly more eyelashes than the lower. Only 150 eyelashes are found here. The length of a person's eyelashes also depends on whether they are on the upper or lower part of the eye. The length of the upper eyelashes is approximately between 8 and 12 millimeters, while the eyelashes on the lower eyelid are only about 6 millimeters long.
If you lose a few eyelashes, don't worry, they will grow back.
Key points at a glance
- Eyelash density and length are determined by genes and vary from person to person.
- Eyelash growth: Eyelash hairs on the upper eyelid can reach a length of 13 mm. Eyelashes on the lower eyelid can grow up to 8 mm long.
- Between 90 and 160 eyelashes are produced on the upper lash line. On the lower lash line, there are 50 to 100 eyelashes.
Why do eyelashes fall out?
There can be numerous reasons and causes for your eyelashes falling out.
- Inflammation of the eyelid margin: Bacterial skin infections, allergies, or parasitic infestations can cause inflammation of the eyelid margin. The edge of the eyelid turns red. It can itch and burn.
- Some skin diseases, such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, or herpes viruses in the eyes, can cause eyelashes to fall out.
- Hormonal imbalances can affect more than just your scalp hair – they can also lead to eyelash loss. Hypothyroidism, for example, not only causes thinning hair but can also lead to eyelashes falling out. Also, during pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body can affect eyelashes, causing them to thin or fall out.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: If you have an unbalanced diet, your eyelashes can suffer. The trace elements magnesium and iron, as well as vitamins A, B, E, and biotin, are necessary for the health of the tiny hairs.
- Mascara is a cosmetic product that can enhance the appearance of your eyelashes. It can make them look stronger and thicker. However, if you don't remove it properly before bed, mascara can damage your eyelashes.
- Can medication cause hair loss? Yes, some medications carry the risk of hair loss as a side effect, which also includes eyelashes, as they are part of body hair growth. Chemotherapy is one example, but radiation therapy can also lead to eyelash loss.
Eyelash regrowth – how long does it take?
Just as the hair on your head falls out, so do your eyelashes. The average person loses one to three eyelashes per day. Even if you've had an accident with an eyelash curler or another beauty product, don't worry – they will grow back, even if you accidentally pulled them out.
On average, eyelashes grow about 0.15 millimeters per day, meaning just under half a centimeter per month during the growth phase. However, depending on genetic predisposition, this value can vary from person to person. After two to three months, the hairs reach their full length and enter a resting phase until they finally fall out again.
Do eyelashes grow back after eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are individually glued to your real eyelashes. They stay there until the hair naturally falls out, taking the extension with it. The following rule should be observed: Only one artificial eyelash per natural hair. If the treatment is not performed correctly, it can damage the eyelashes or lead to eyelash loss.
According to many experts, the hair follicles are not damaged during eyelash treatments. Since the extensions are only attached to your natural eyelashes, eyelash extensions have little effect on the growth cycle of your eyelashes. However, if an accident happens, please do not rush to the nearest beauty salon. Wait until your eyelashes have grown back before continuing. Without healthy eyelashes, extensions unfortunately cannot be successfully applied.
Eyelash growth – the three phases
1. Anagen phase
The eyelashes develop in the first phase, where they primarily grow in length. The growth phase lasts about 30 to 45 days. At the end of the growth phase, the eyelashes have a length of up to 13 millimeters. The first phase and also the length of the eyelashes are determined by a variety of circumstances such as gender, age, and food intake.
2. Catagen phase
In the second phase, eyelash growth stops. Cell production ceases and the hair root anchors itself firmly in the eyelid.
3. Telogen phase
The third phase is more of a pause or resting phase. In the following 100 days, the hair root will regenerate and grow a new eyelash. The old eyelash will then be pushed out and fall off. The growth process essentially begins anew in the first phase.
How can you accelerate eyelash growth?
Our eyelashes have to endure a lot. Daily makeup application and removal make it difficult for our eyelashes to stay healthy and shiny. Perhaps you are looking for a way to strengthen your eyelashes? An eyelash accident that causes bald spots around the eye is no fun, but fortunately, the hairs usually grow back quickly. The length of your eyelashes is determined by genes and cannot be changed. But to prevent your eyelashes from breaking or falling out prematurely, there are a few things you can do.
1. Eyelash serum
Eyelash serums have been all the rage for some time now. Similar to how a serum cares for the skin, an eyelash serum provides intensive care for the eyelashes. Eyelash serums are said to primarily lengthen the growth cycle of the eyelashes, thus ensuring fuller and denser lashes. Although they cannot accelerate hair growth, they can strengthen it. After about six weeks of use, you will notice a difference.
2. Nutrition
Foods rich in biotin, such as eggs, salmon, bananas, carrots, and nuts, not only strengthen eyelashes but also prevent hair from falling out prematurely.
3. Eye massage
A regular massage of your eyelids for 1-2 minutes a day improves blood circulation to the eyelash roots and allows them to grow healthier. Also, brushing your eyelashes (for example, with an eyelash brush) is a soothing massage for the eye.
4. Eyelash primer
Hair breakage can affect any part of the body. If your eyelashes are brittle or over-stressed by mascara, they can also break. An eyelash primer is beneficial. Most of these primers contain moisturizing chemicals like jojoba oil and are usually white or transparent. Lash primer is applied before mascara and serves as a protection for your eyelashes. You can also apply it after removing makeup to further nourish your eyelashes. The fabulous thing about lash primer is that it adds extra volume to the lashes and creates a stunning XXL eye look.
5. Castor oil
Most of us are familiar with castor oil as a laxative. However, it can perform a variety of tasks. It can also be used as a natural eyelash serum or to promote eyebrow growth. So, if you don't want to spend hundreds of euros on eyelash serums, you should use this inexpensive remedy from the pharmacy instead. Castor oil not only stimulates but also nourishes your follicles. In this way, it promotes the growth of shiny and voluminous eyelashes. It also helps to combat microorganisms that stand in the way of achieving eyelash dreams.
6. Brushing eyelashes
We should brush our eyelashes daily with a special eyelash brush, because we need to care not only for our hair but also for our eyes. This removes deposits and dust that accumulate between the eyelashes, clog the lash line, and, in the worst case, can cause inflammation. Not only that, but the growth of your eyelashes can also be inhibited by particles, and existing eyelashes fall out faster. The care unit with the eyelash brush simultaneously stimulates blood circulation and has a similar effect to an eyelid massage. A real win-win!
How can you prevent eyelash loss?
Always remove your makeup before going to bed, otherwise, your eyelashes can break. Oil-based makeup removers work best. Apply a nourishing oil or eyelash serum to the lash line. You should forgo mascara more often. This allows the eyelashes to regenerate and provides them with moisture and nutrients for healthy hair growth. Don't apply too much mascara to your eyelashes! Never pluck your eyelashes. This increases the risk of the hairs falling out sooner. If you are in a hurry and can't wait for oils, serums, and the like to work, fortunately, there are eyelash extensions.
