Do you want longer, fuller eyelashes? Who doesn’t, right? Unfortunately, not everyone is born with naturally long and lush lashes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the look you desire. There are plenty of simple and effective DIY tricks that can help boost eyelash growth. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best techniques to help your lashes reach their full potential.
Causes of Short Eyelashes
Long, thick lashes can be both enticing and sticking compared to short and thin eyelashes. Below are the main causes of short and thin eyelashes.
Aging
As we age, our eyelashes get thinner and shorter. Eyelashes grow in four distinct stages throughout one’s lifetime – growth, resting, shedding and re-growth. As you advance in age, your eye follicle can slow or stop producing new eyelashes. Over time, your eyelashes will start reducing in length and thickness and even start changing their colours.
Like the hair on the head, eyelashes grow, rest, shed, and re-grow. This process (cycle) tend to slow down as one age. The loss of eyelashes due to ageing is mainly a result of hormonal imbalances that affect the normal growth cycle of the follicle.
Genetics
Your genes play a major role in determining the length and thickness of your eyelashes. If you have family members with naturally long lashes, you may also be lucky enough to inherit their beautiful lashes.
Naturally, there are two types of eyelashes that you can inherit from your parents – long eyelashes and short eyelashes. The gene responsible for the long lashes is dominant hence in case one of your parents has short lashes and another parent has long lashes, chances are high that you will inherit the long eyelashes. If you however inherit the genes for short lashes, you may end up with short, thinner lashes.
Genes can also lead to differences in morphology and growth characteristics of lashes among different races like among Caucasian and Asian women. Asians have fewer lashes compared to Caucasians but their eyelashes have thicker strands compared to those of Caucasians. In addition, Asian lashes are usually straighter with downward distal ends while Caucasian lashes are usually sharply curved with upward distal ends.
Lifestyle Habits
The lifestyle you live can also affect the length of your eyelashes. Those who smoke, drink too much alcohol, and stay up very late night may find that their lashes are not as long as they should be. Also, people who don’t have a healthy diet or lack essential vitamins and minerals in their diet can experience shorter than normal lashes.
Lifestyle habits like poor nutrition can lead to short, think eyelashes while improving your diet can help improve the length and size of your lashes. Furthermore, some beauty products can lead to longer, thick lashes while others will make your eyelashes short and thin. Some beauty products may even cause your lashes to start falling off.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormones are responsible for controlling almost all body processes, including the growth cycle of eyelashes. An imbalance in hormones can cause the eyelash growing cycle to slow down or even stop altogether resulting in short and thin eyelashes. If your body is not producing enough hormones, it will affect the normal growth cycle of your eyelashes and they may grow slower or stop growing altogether.
Psychological Stress
Stress can also affect the length and thickness of your eyelashes. When you’re stressed, your body produces hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can disrupt the normal growth cycle of eyelashes. These hormones can cause the hairs to fall out faster than usual resulting in shorter lashes.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also cause short and thin eyelashes. If you’re constantly exposed to wind, dust, or extreme temperatures, your lashes could become damaged and start falling out. Additionally, air pollution from car exhaust fumes contains toxins that can damage the protective layer of your lash follicles leading to breakage and shedding.
Eye Diseases
Eyelash length can also be impacted by certain medical conditions like conjunctivitis and blepharitis. Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye’s outer membrane that can lead to short, thin eyelashes while blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause the lashes to become brittle and fall out faster than normal.
DIY Tricks for Boosting Eyelash Growth
Fortunately, there are some simple yet effective DIY tricks you can use to help boost eyelash growth. Here are a few:
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil has been used as a natural remedy for boosting hair growth since ancient times. It contains ricinoleic acid which helps nourish the lash follicles and strengthen the lashes. Apply some castor oil to your lashes before bed every night and leave it on overnight, then rinse it off in the morning.
Applying castor oil to your eyelashes daily is an easy way to promote growth. Its rich nutrient content provides nourishment and helps make them longer and stronger over time. Ricinoleic acid, the primary component accounting for 90 percent of castor oil, is known for helping with hair loss.
This attribute makes it ideal for maintaining the thickness of eyelashes.
Despite its potential for reducing hair loss, more scientific research is needed to prove its usefulness in improving your eyelashes.
However, castor oil should be used with care and under the guidance of a dermatologist as it is sometimes too oily for some people and can also lead to some negative side effects. To do your own DIY eyelash growth, it is advisable to mix aloe vera with castor oil. This recipe helps stimulate hair growth and makes the lashes dense. It makes your eyelashes grow thicker.
Pros of Castor Oil
- It is hypoallergenic and safe to use.
- It is a natural remedy with no side effects.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation and itching of the eyes.
- It helps nourish eyelash follicles, strengthening the lashes and making them grow longer and thicker.
Cons of Castor Oil
- If used in excess, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions on the eye area.
- Castor oil may also clog pores, resulting in breakouts around the eyes.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been found to be an effective way to naturally boost the growth of eyelashes. It contains fatty acids and vitamin E which helps nourish and strengthen your lashes, as well as prevents breakage.
Coconut oil is used in hair treatment thanks to its penetrating effect, which prevents the loss of protein used for hair growth. This attribute makes it ideal for the treatment of thinning and damaged eyelashes as well as stimulating lash re-growth.
Simply massage a little bit of coconut oil onto your eyelashes before going to bed every night and rinse it off in the morning. Doing this daily can help you achieve longer, thicker lashes over time.
Pros of Coconut Oil
- It is antibacterial and antifungal, so it can help prevent any infections on the eyelids or lashes.
- It hydrates and moisturizes the skin around the eyes so it can help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
- It is a natural remedy with no harsh chemicals, so it’s much safer than using conventional lash-growing products.
Cons of Coconut Oil
- If used in excess or for extended periods, coconut oil can cause clogged pores and lead to breakouts.
- It may also irritate the eyes if not used correctly.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps nourish and strengthen your lashes so they can grow longer and thicker over time. You can take vitamin E supplements orally or apply it directly onto your lashes.
Take vitamin E capsules orally to get the maximum benefits for boosting lash growth, or you can puncture the capsule and apply it to your eyelashes every night before going to bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water. Doing this daily will help make your eyelashes appear fuller and stronger over time.
Pros of Vitamin E
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved.
- It can help nourish and strengthen your lashes, which helps make them look fuller.
- It helps protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Vitamin E
- Too much vitamin E can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- Some people may be allergic to vitamin E supplements, so it is always best to consult a doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants that can help nourish and strengthen your lashes, making them look fuller and healthier. Applying green tea directly to the eyelashes will help stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
To use green tea for boosting lash growth, steep a teaspoon of green tea leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Then strain the liquid into a bowl or cup and apply it onto your eyelashes with a cotton swab. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Doing this twice a week will help you achieve thicker, longer lashes over time.
Pros of Green Tea
- It helps nourish and strengthen your lashes which makes them look fuller over time.
- It contains antioxidants that help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- It helps stimulate hair follicles which can promote lash growth.
Cons of Green Tea
- If used in excess, green tea may irritate the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- It is not recommended for people with sensitive skin as it can cause allergic reactions.
5. Lemon Peel Oil
Lemon peel oil is a natural remedy that can help promote eyelash growth. It contains vitamin C which helps nourish and strengthen the lashes, making them look fuller and healthier.
Simply add a few drops of lemon peel oil to your fingertips and massage it onto your eyelashes before going to bed every night. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with warm water. Doing this daily will help make your lashes appear longer, thicker, and darker over time.
Pros of Lemon Peel Oil
- It helps nourish and strengthen your lashes making them look full and healthy.
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved in its use.
- It contains vitamin C which helps protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Lemon Peel Oil
- If used in excess or for extended periods, lemon peel oil can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
6. Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
Vaseline or petroleum jelly is another DIY trick to help promote eyelash growth. It helps moisturize and nourish the lashes, making them appear thicker and fuller over time.
Simply apply a small amount of Vaseline onto your eyebrows with a cotton swab every night before going to bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water. Doing this daily will help make your lashes look longer, thicker, and darker over time.
Pros of Vaseline
- It helps moisturize and nourish the lashes which makes them look full and healthy.
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved in its use.
- It can help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Vaseline
- If used in excess or for extended periods, Vaseline can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
7. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural remedy that can help promote eyelash growth. It helps nourish and strengthen the lashes, making them look fuller and healthier.
Simply apply a small amount of shea butter onto your eyebrows with a cotton swab every night before going to bed. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water. Doing this daily will help make your lashes appear longer, thicker, and darker over time.
Pros of Shea Butter
- It helps nourish and strengthen your lashes which makes them look full and healthy.
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved in its use.
- It contains vitamins A & E which help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Shea Butter
- If used in excess or for extended periods, shea butter can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another natural remedy that can help promote eyelash growth. It helps nourish and strengthen the lashes, making them look fuller and healthier.
Simply apply a few drops of olive oil onto your fingertips and massage it into your eyelashes before going to bed every night. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water. Doing this daily will help make your lashes appear longer, thicker, and darker over time.
Pros of Olive Oil
- It helps nourish and strengthen your lashes which makes them look full and healthy.
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved in its use.
- It contains fatty acids which help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Olive Oil
- If used in excess or for extended periods, olive oil can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
9. Massage
Massaging your eyelids and lashes can help promote eyelash growth. Gently massage your eyelid area in a circular motion for a few minutes before going to bed every night. Doing this daily will help stimulate blood circulation to the area, which can help make your lashes appear fuller and healthier over time.
Pros of Massage
- It helps stimulate blood circulation to the area which can help make your lashes look full and healthy.
- It is a natural remedy so there are no harsh chemicals involved in its use.
- It helps protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Massage
- If done incorrectly or for extended periods, massage can cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
10. Use eyelash serums
Eyelash serums are a great way to help promote eyelash growth. These products contain nourishing ingredients that can help make your lashes look fuller and healthier over time. Simply apply the product onto your eyelashes every night before going to bed and it will work its magic overnight!
Pros of Eyelash Serums
- It helps nourish and strengthen your lashes which makes them look full and healthy.
- It is an easy and convenient way to boost eyelash growth.
- It contains vitamins A & E which help protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons of Eyelash Serums
- If used in excess or for extended periods, these products may cause irritation to the eyes or skin around the eye area.
- People with sensitive skin may be more prone to allergic reactions when using this remedy.
Conclusion
These simple DIY tricks can help you achieve longer, thicker lashes without breaking the bank. While there are many products on the market that promise to improve your eyelash growth, these tips are easy to do at home and won’t cost you a fortune. With regular use of castor oil, an eyelash curler, a lash serum, proper cleansing, and a balanced diet – you’ll be able to give your natural lashes a boost in no time.
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