If your lashes are looking a little thin and sparse, don’t worry! There are several tried-and-true ways to get longer and thicker eyelashes. This article explores the various methods, from safe and proven techniques to unverified home remedies, to help you achieve the lashes you desire.
If you notice that your eyelashes are thinning, sparse, or not growing as they should, this could be a sign of “eyelash hypotrichosis.” This condition refers to thinning lashes and can be caused by various factors:
It’s important not to confuse eyelash hypotrichosis with alopecia, where hair that was once growing falls out. Unlike the natural thinning or loss of hair that occurs with age, hypotrichosis refers to a condition where there was never significant hair growth in the first place. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and effective methods to help you achieve longer, thicker eyelashes!
Your eyelashes aren’t just for enhancing your eyes’ appearance-they serve a crucial protective role. They act as a barrier, shielding your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, wind, dust, foreign particles, and even sweat. Much like a cat’s whiskers, eyelashes are sensitive to touch, alerting you to objects approaching your eyes. This natural warning system triggers a reflex that causes your eyes to close, helping to protect them from potential harm.
If your natural lashes are thin, they may not provide the same level of protection, making your eyes more vulnerable and struggling to effectively shield the eyes from potential harm, causing an increased risk of dryness, irritation, or even eye infections.
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Human eyelashes are fascinating little features, and they vary quite a bit from person to person! On average, the upper eyelid has 90 to 160 lashes, while the lower lid has about 75 to 80. These lashes grow in uneven rows-5 to 6 on the upper lid and 3 to 4 on the lower lid.
Just like the hair on your head, our natural lashes go through a lash growth cycle, which lasts anywhere from 4 to 11 months. Healthy lashes can grow up to 12 millimeters, while lower lashes typically stay around 6 to 8 millimeters. They grow at an average rate of 0.12 to 0.14 mm per day, and they have a natural curve that can vary depending on your ethnicity.
A quick searching for “how to get longer and thicker eyelashes” will give you a long list of home solutions. However, many of these are not scientifically proven and could even cause harm to your eyes. Some common unverified techniques that aren’t proven to lengthen eyelashes include:
While some claim these remedies promote lash growth, there's limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Some may offer moisturizing benefits, potentially making lashes appear healthier, but they are unlikely to significantly increase length or thickness.
Here are some proven methods to help you achieve longer, thicker eyelashes safely:
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Lash extensions are a quick and effective way to achieve fuller, longer, and thicker eyelashes in just 1.5 to 2 hours. These lashes are applied to your natural lashes, providing instant results without the need for mascara or DIY methods. At Charmlash, their lash extensions are made of top PBT fiber imported from Germany, Korea and Japan certified by the most reputable organizations - MSDS, CoA & FDA, which is safe, cruelty-free, and no animal testing.
With thin natural lashes, applying lightweight lashes (such as 0.03mm or 0.05mm) is an ideal option to achieve longer and thicker eyelashes, while maintaining lash health. The subtle effect enhances the eyes without overwhelming your natural lash line, offering a balanced, voluminous look. Lash extensions are non-irritating and long-lasting (typically 2-3 weeks) with proper care. When applied by a professional, lash extensions won’t damage your natural lashes health and can be customized to suit your desired length and curl, allowing for a personalized result that enhances your eyes’ shape and overall appearance.
Bimatoprost, known as Latisse, is the medication scientifically proven by the FDA that helps to grow longer and thicker eyelashes. It’s an effective lash growth treatment according to many pros, but it requires a prescription. Your doctor can prescribe Latisse, applying daily to the upper eyelid lash line (never on the lower eyelid). Full results typically appear after two months of consistent use.
Once you start using Latisse, it’s essential to continue using it regularly to maintain the results; otherwise, your eyelashes will return to their previous state.
Latisse is generally safe and effective for most people, with only a few minor side effects. Some potential side effects include:
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Important Note: It’s essential to keep eyelash growth products and any other substances out of your eyes. Eyes are super sensitive, and foreign substances can cause serious issues, from irritation to, in extreme cases, blindness. While this treatment can be help you get longer and thicker eyelashes effectively, they take time to show results and don’t offer instant effects.
Make sure to gently remove your eye makeup at the end of each day using a mild makeup remover, like micellar water. Soak a cotton pad in the solution, press it onto your eyelid for about 10 seconds, and then gently wipe away the makeup-without tugging at your lashes. If makeup and dirt build up, it can irritate your lashes and lead to issues like dryness, eye infections, or even lash loss. Washing your face daily is a great way to help your eyelashes thicker and always looking their best.
To remove false eyelashes, soften any adhesive with eye makeup remover. Pinch the outer edge of the false eyelash strip and gently pull away from the lash line. Keep your reusable false lashes clean by removing any lingering adhesive with makeup remover.
Take a clean spoolie or mascara wand and brush your lashes with soft, upward strokes. This helps untangle them, promoting straight lash growth, and removes any dust or debris. Regular brushing keeps your lashes healthy and clean! Using an eyelash comb every day will help to remove dirt and debris from the lashes, keeping the follicles unclogged.
For healthy, thicker eyelashes, aim to eat around 25-30 grams of protein every morning. Since lashes are made of hair, eating a diet rich in protein is essential for their growth. Here are some protein-packed foods that help support your lashes:
Make sure you’re eating enough protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats to support healthy hair growth.
When you’re trying to grow out your eyelashes thicker and longer, the best thing you can do is go easy on them. Pick a gentle makeup remover and choose a mascara that’s easy to rinse off. As nice as waterproof formulas are for some occasions, the removal process isn’t great for them. Too much rubbing or friction will stall growth, irritate the base of the lashes, and could also contribute to losing a few precious hairs in the process.
If you’re giving your lashes all the care they need but still not seeing the results you want, consider cutting back on makeup for a bit. Giving your lashes a break allows them to recover and grow without any added stress.
Check your makeup! Avoid anything with fragrances or perfumes that could irritate your lashes. Glitter and metallic formulas can cause damage due to their texture, and ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), formaldehyde, and benzalkonium chloride (BAK) should also be avoided. You may also want to limit the use of waterproof mascara, as it can block the glands around your eyes, making it harder for your lashes to grow and requiring more force during removal.
“Using eyelash serums such as Revitalash daily will help nourish and strengthen the lashes, which also helps them grow,” says Herbert. “You can even apply the serum on top of your lash extensions if you have them, to minimize the risk of any potential damage.” Wear the serum under your makeup for best results.
The #1 topical thing you can do to grow longer lashes is to use a good lash serum near the hair follicle. Eyelash serums have taken the world by storm in the last few years because they work! Latisse was the first but it’s a pharmaceutical and the ingredients are absorbed into your bloodstream and need to be processed by your liver, so I don’t recommend it. Newer over-the-counter lash serums are mostly peptide formulas with vitamins to strengthen your lashes, allowing them to grow longer.
TIP: I think we should avoid lash serums with synthetic prostaglandin analogs like those found in Latisse, because they can cause significant side effects. These side effects may include darkening of the eyelid skin, changes in iris color, eye irritation, and even potential long-term issues like thinning of the eyelid skin or changes in lash texture.
Moisturizing is the other step you can’t skip in your routine, as it helps keep lashes healthy. “My recommendation will always be Beary Chococare, which contains antioxidants and amino acids that nourish thoroughly, especially after a lash lift.” Other ways to moisturize? Vaseline, Aquapor, or castor oil, all of which have moisturizing effects. Apply before bed to reap the benefits of silky, stronger lashes. You can then moisturize your lashes with Vitamin E, castor, or almond oil to keep them soft and pliable.
Vaseline or Aquaphor can help them appear more lush. It can also nourish them, which helps prevent breakage in the long run and, in turn, may contribute to lashes appearing longer. For a non-petroleum alternative, apply Castor oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or argon oil to the lashes with a spoolie before bed. Or, try a pro-peptide serum formulated with biotin.
According to Maldonado, your lashes’ worst enemy is the eyelash curler. Sorry, but she says you may have to give it a rest to keep your lashes from falling out-especially if you’re the type who doesn’t leave the house without using it. “I prefer to apply a waterproof mascara like MAC Cosmetics’ Mac Black Stack, which is strong enough to hold lashes up without the need for a spoon or a curler,” Maldonado says. “However, the best option will always be a lash lift, which is a great way to keep lashes open without having to curl them or use a spoon.”
An eyelash lift is a treatment that lengthens and lifts the curvature of the lashes. Although a good treatment can take up to 2 hours, the end result is well worth it. The technique creates a more open appearance for the eyes and keeps the eyelash curled for up to eight weeks.
Eyelash lifts do require committing to some post-treatment care: You much brush your lashes carefully after showering or washing your face, and avoid the use of daily mascara. A lash lift can give you the results of eyelash extensions with your own natural lashes. It’s kind of like a perm for your eyes. A lash lift is a 45-minute procedure. An aesthetician will use adhesive and a curling tool to press your eyelashes up, making them look longer and thicker.
Some health conditions can also result in poor eyelash health, including:
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that can lead to clogged glands at the root of the lash, preventing the eyelash from living out its full life cycle. You may also notice itchiness and inflammation around the eyelid. Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss in a specific area of the body, which can include the eyelid.
Thyroid conditions can lead to eyelash loss, including:
Some medications may also encourage eyelash loss, including:
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchiness. Itchiness can lead to excessive rubbing, which can irritate the area surrounding the eyelashes. Excessive stress can also lead to eyelash loss.
If you suspect a more serious condition is contributing to eyelash loss, it’s important to speak with a medical professional. If you experience sudden or ongoing eyelash loss, see your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
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