If you’ve already exhausted all the long-lash alternatives (see: lash lifts, lash extensions, falsies, and the likes), you might be ready to get to the literal ~root~ of your eyelash growth issue and figure out how to grow your lashes, not just fake the length.
There is a whole world of lash growth products; you just have to know which ingredients actually work (remember, we are talking about your freakin’ eyes, after all).
But before you get into the nitty-gritty of how to get extra-long natural eyelashes, let’s revisit the basics that you probably never knew affect the growth of your eyelashes.
Factors that Affect your Eyelash Growth
According to psychologists, long eyelashes can make eyes appear larger and more attractive by creating a contrast between them and the eyelids (we all yearn for that movie-star look.) But from a biological standpoint, eyelashes shield our eyes from dirt, dust, and other irritants in the environment and the air.
In fact, one to five lashes can drop out daily. Note the usual lifespan of a lash ranges between 90 and 180 days, and it may take one to three months for lashes to regenerate and lengthen fully. If you weren’t born with magically long lashes, it’s essential to understand why actually growing out your eyelashes can take a sec. Here are some of the factors affecting the growth of your eyelashes:
Genetics
Cosmeticians will probably not agree, but scientists argue that eyelashes have an optimal length: a third of the eye’s width. This length helps your eyes stay moist and clean. It also implies that your eyelashes may be longer if you have bigger eyes.
There is also a “standard” length of 12mm in the definition of longer lashes called eyelash trichomegaly.
Eyelash trichomegaly is the term used to describe eyelashes that are 12mm long or more, curlier, darker, or thicker. Various causes of trichomegaly include congenital disorders, acquired conditions and drugs. It may appear at birth or later in life.
If your parents have long eyelashes, you are likely to inherit them due to a mutated FGF5 gene. This gene produces a protein that prevents the growth of extra hair.
So, if the FGF5 gene gets mutated, it can’t produce its protein. And if the protein is absent, your hair will continue growing!
Age and Menopause
FYI, your lashes thin as you age, but that shouldn’t overly concern you. Your eyelashes resemble the hair on your head—it grows, pauses (rests), sheds, and regrows. The growth process slows down as we age.
The lashes become thinner in dimension and density. They get shorter, straighter, and with less of an outward and upward curve. Of course, you can expect the loss of pigment, but this may take a while because your lashes are the most pigmented hair on your body. Finally, the density is frequently irregular.
So, why do eyelashes become thinner and less dense as we age?
Remember that eyelashes grow from lash follicles. The follicles become weaker with age and changes in oestrogen, resulting in lighter, shorter, thinner, and less dense lashes. Up until the mid-30s, eyelashes look their best because of optimal oestrogen levels.
Ethnicity
Your eyelashes’ length is unaffected by your ethnicity. The distinction is in the shape of the eyelashes; while individuals from China, Spain, and Eastern European typically have straight eyelashes, others have curlier ones.
Straight lashes result from the absence of double eyelid creases. If you have a monolid, your lashes will grow downward and out rather than out and upwards.
Nutrients Deficiency
Minerals and vitamins are crucial nutrients for various bodily functions. If you have a vitamin deficiency, you might notice that the lack of a particular nutrient really affects your body. According to studies, vitamin shortages may also result in thinning eyelashes.
Zinc deficiencies, such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, can lead to the loss of eyelashes. Hair loss may also result from other nutritional deficiencies, including biotin and iron.
It’s crucial to ensure you’re receiving enough of these nutrients but eating a balanced diet should generally help. If necessary, discussing the best multivitamin or supplement with your doctor might also help you fill in the gaps.
Health Conditions
Your general health and well-being can manifest physically in various ways. Your general health and well-being can manifest physically in various ways. From hair growth to hair loss, broken nails, skin issues, and beyond, what goes on inside your body often reflects on the outside.
So, while loosing a few eyelashes is normal, some medical conditions can cause slow eyelash growth or noticeable eyelash loss. These include:
· A thyroid disorder: The thyroid gland in the neck regulates your hormones and plays a crucial role in the growth and maintenance of hair follicles. Any thyroid disorder, including hyperthyroidism (excess hormone production) and hypothyroidism (insufficient hormone production), can cause hair loss, including loss of eyelashes. Depending on the type of thyroid problem you have, treatment options may include medication or surgery.
· Alopecia is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the head, body, face, and even eyelashes. Treatment options include corticosteroid injections or topical medicines.
· Blepharitis. Inflammation of the eyelids and eyelashes is a defining feature of this illness. t can result in eyelash loss or irregular development, as well as red, itchy, and irritated eyes. There is no known treatment for this illness. However, measures like using an eye dropper or a warm compress can aid with symptoms.
Cosmetics
There are various life-saving cosmetics on the market that can assist you in lengthening your eyelashes. One of them is lash serum. When choosing the serum, ensure they have active ingredients (peptides), DHT blockers (clover), nutrition (biotin, arginine), and non-irritating formula.
How do you Grow Your Eyelashes?
As far as growing your lashes, don’t expect overnight miracles—at most, you’ll see some extra shine and strength at the beginning. That said, there’s nothing wrong with adding natural conditioners and oils to your lash routine. Sure, they may not exactly grow your eyelashes, but they can help create a strong and healthy foundation that helps boost your eyelash growth. Avoid using questionable brands or potentially dangerous prostaglandin drug-based cosmetics, and always examine the product’s contents and manufacturing location to ensure the serum is of the highest quality.
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