Like all body hair, fine eyelashes regenerate naturally. And that's a good thing, because we lose our eyelashes from time to time. Individual lashes fall out when applying or removing make-up. As you might expect, eyelashes grow back after a certain amount of time.
Each person has between 300 and 450 eyelashes on each eye, with the upper eyelid having significantly more eyelashes than the lower eyelid. Only 150 eyelashes can be found here. The length of a person's eyelashes also depends on whether they are on the top or bottom of the eye. The length of the upper eyelashes is approximately between 8 and 12 millimetres, while the eyelashes on the lower eyelid are only around 6 millimetres long.
If you lose a few eyelashes, don't worry, they will grow back.
The most important facts in brief
- Eyelash density and length are determined by genes and vary from person to person.
- Eyelash growth: The eyelash hairs on the upper eyelid can reach a length of 13 mm. The eyelashes on the lower eyelid can grow up to 8 mm long.
- Between 90 and 160 lashes are produced on the upper lash line. Between 50 and 100 lashes are produced on the lower lash line.
Why do eyelashes fall out?
There can be numerous reasons and causes for your eyelashes to fall out.
- Inflammation of the eyelid margin: Bacterial skin infections, allergies or parasite infestations can cause inflammation of the eyelid margin. The edge of the eyelid becomes red. It may itch and burn.
- Some skin diseases, such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis or herpes viruses on 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. An underactive thyroid, for example, not only causes thinning hair, but can also cause eyelashes to fall out. Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can also affect the 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 you can use to improve the appearance of your eyelashes. It can make them look stronger and thicker. However, if you don't remove it properly before going to bed, the mascara can damage your lashes.
- Can medication cause hair loss? Yes, with some medications there is a risk of hair loss as a side effect, which includes eyelashes, as they are part of the body's hair growth process. One example of this is chemotherapy, but radiotherapy can also cause eyelashes to fall out.
How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
Just as the hair on your head falls out, so do your eyelashes. The average person loses one to three eyelashes a day. Even if you have an accident with an eyelash curler or other beauty product, don't worry - they will grow back even if you accidentally pull them out.
On average, eyelashes grow about 0.15 millimetres per day, i.e. just under half a centimetre 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 have reached 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 remain there until the hair falls out naturally and takes the extension with it. The following rule should be followed: Only one artificial eyelash per natural hair. If the treatment is not carried out correctly, it can damage the lashes or lead to lash loss.
According to many experts, the hair follicles are not damaged during eyelash treatments. As the extensions are only attached to your natural eyelashes, eyelash extensions have hardly any effect on the growth cycle of your eyelashes. However, if a mishap occurs, please do not rush to the nearest beauty salon. Wait until your lashes have grown back before continuing. Unfortunately, the extensions cannot be applied successfully without healthy eyelashes.
Eyelash growth - the three phases
1st anagen phase
The eyelashes develop in the first phase, in which they mainly grow in length. The growth phase lasts around 30 to 45 days. At the end of the growth phase, the eyelashes are up to 13 millimetres long. The first phase and also the length of the eyelashes are determined by a variety of circumstances such as gender, age and food intake.
2nd catagen phase
In the second phase, eyelash growthcomes to a standstill. Cell production stops and the hair root becomes firmly anchored in the eyelid.
3rd 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 is then pushed out and falls off. So basically, the growth process starts all over again in the first phase.
How can you accelerate eyelash growth?
Our eyelashes have to withstand a lot. Daily make-up and make-up removal makes 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 patches on the eye is no fun, but luckily the hair usually grows back quickly. The length of your eyelashes is determined by your genes and cannot be changed. But there are a few things you can do to prevent your eyelashes from breaking off or falling out prematurely.
1. eyelash serum
Eyelash serums have been all the rage for some time now. Similar to a serum that cares for the skin, an eyelash serum provides intensive care for the eyelashes. Eyelash serums are said to extend the growth cycle of the eyelashes and thus ensure fuller and thicker eyelashes. Although they cannot accelerate hair growth, they can strengthen it. You will notice a difference after about six weeks of use.
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
Regularly massaging your eyelids for 1-2 minutes a day improves blood circulation to the roots of the eyelashes and helps them grow healthier. Brushing your eyelashes (for example with an eyelash brush) is also a soothing massage for the eye.
4. eyelash primer
Hair breakage can affect any part of the body. If your eyelashes are brittle or have been overused with mascara, they can also break. An eyelash primer is beneficial. Most of these primers contain moisturizing chemicals such as jojoba oil and are usually white or transparent. Lash primer is applied before mascara and serves as protection for your lashes. You can also apply it after removing your make-up to give your lashes extra care. The fabulous thing about Lash Primer is that it gives your lashes extra volume and creates a breathtaking XXL 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 fight microorganisms that stand in the way of your eyelash dreams coming true.
6. brush eyelashes
We should brush our eyelashes daily with a special eyelash brush, because we not only need to take care of our hair, but also our eyes. This removes debris and dust that can build up between the lashes, clog the base of the lashes and, in the worst case, cause inflammation. Not only that, but the growth of your eyelashes can also be inhibited by particles and existing eyelashes fall out more quickly. The care unit with the eyelash brush also stimulates blood circulation and has a similar effect to an eyelid massage. A real win-win situation for both sides!
How can you prevent eyelash loss?
Always remove your make-up before you go to bed, otherwise your eyelashes may break. Oil-based make-up removers work best. Apply a nourishing oil or eyelash serum to the lash line. You should avoid using mascara more often. This allows the lashes to regenerate and provides them with moisture and nutrients for healthy hair growth. Do not 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 take effect, there are fortunately eyelash extensions.
