How to Grow Lashes: Tips for Longer, Fuller Lashes
Lashes have always been an essential feature that enhances the eyes and creates a more youthful, vibrant look. Long, full lashes are often associated with beauty and femininity, leading many people to seek ways to grow their lashes naturally. While genetics play a significant role in determining the length and thickness of your lashes, there are several methods and lifestyle changes that can promote lash growth over time. From natural remedies to professional treatments, here's an in-depth guide on how to grow longer, fuller lashes.
1. Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle
Before diving into methods to grow your lashes, it’s essential to understand how the lash growth cycle works. Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through different phases of growth, resting, and shedding. The cycle consists of three phases:
Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase where the hair follicles produce new lashes. It lasts between 30 to 45 days, and the length of this phase largely determines how long your lashes will grow.
Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): This phase occurs when the hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle. It lasts about two to three weeks, and during this time, the lash is no longer actively growing.
Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): During this phase, the hair follicle is dormant, and the lash eventually sheds. This phase can last up to 100 days before the cycle starts over with a new lash growth.
Understanding the natural growth cycle helps set realistic expectations, as growing longer lashes doesn’t happen overnight. However, by taking the right steps, you can support healthy lash growth and maintain fuller lashes.
2. Nourish Your Lashes from the Inside Out
Healthy hair growth, including eyelashes, starts with proper nutrition. The same nutrients that benefit your hair and skin also support lash growth. Here are key vitamins and nutrients to incorporate into your diet to promote healthier lashes:
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is one of the most important vitamins for hair growth, including eyelashes. It helps strengthen keratin, the protein that makes up hair, and promotes the growth of stronger, thicker lashes. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, and salmon, or take a biotin supplement.
Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps improve blood circulation, which in turn stimulates the growth of hair follicles. Vitamin E also protects your lashes from damage caused by free radicals. You can find it in foods like spinach, almonds, and avocados.
Vitamin C: Another antioxidant that plays a crucial role in collagen production, Vitamin C helps protect your lashes from oxidative stress and keeps them healthy. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries are rich sources of Vitamin C.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids nourish hair follicles and promote hair growth, including lashes. You can find omega-3s in foods like fish (especially salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Iron and Zinc: These minerals are essential for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. If you’re deficient in iron or zinc, you may experience thinning lashes or hair. Red meat, lentils, beans, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of both minerals.
By maintaining a balanced diet rich in these vitamins and nutrients, you can create a solid foundation for healthier, longer lashes from within.
3. Gentle Lash Care Routine
Just like the hair on your head, your lashes need proper care and attention to grow strong and healthy. Implementing a gentle lash care routine can help prevent breakage and encourage growth. Here are some tips for taking care of your lashes:
Avoid Harsh Eye Makeup: Waterproof mascara, lash glue, and heavy eyeliner can weaken your lashes and make them prone to breakage. Use gentle, non-waterproof mascara and avoid over-applying eyeliner to reduce strain on your lashes.
Remove Eye Makeup Carefully: One of the most common causes of lash damage is improper makeup removal. Always use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover to dissolve mascara and eye makeup without tugging on your lashes. Use a cotton pad or soft cloth, and wipe gently in a downward motion to avoid pulling out lashes.
Use a Lash Comb: Brushing your lashes with a clean, soft lash comb helps remove debris and evenly distribute natural oils along the lashes, keeping them moisturized and less prone to breakage.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Rubbing your eyes can weaken and pull out lashes. If you have itchy eyes due to allergies or irritation, use eye drops or gently tap your eyelids to relieve discomfort.
4. Natural Oils for Lash Growth
Many natural oils are known for their ability to promote hair growth, including eyelashes. These oils are rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that nourish and strengthen the lashes, making them less prone to falling out prematurely. Some of the best oils for lash growth include:
Castor Oil: Castor oil is a popular remedy for promoting hair growth and has been used for centuries to thicken eyelashes. It contains ricinoleic acid, which helps prevent hair loss and encourages thicker lash growth. Apply a small amount of cold-pressed castor oil to your lashes using a clean mascara wand or cotton swab before bed, and wash it off in the morning.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is excellent for nourishing and moisturizing lashes, preventing breakage. It contains fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft and keep lashes soft and strong. Apply a small amount of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil to your lashes before bed.
Olive Oil: Rich in vitamins E and K, olive oil helps stimulate hair growth and strengthens lashes. Like castor and coconut oils, olive oil can be applied to the lashes before bed to promote longer, healthier lashes.
Vitamin E Oil: Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties that repair damage and promote healthy hair growth. You can either buy pure vitamin E oil or break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to your lashes using a clean brush.
5. Use a Lash Growth Serum
Lash growth serums are specifically formulated to stimulate lash growth and improve lash density. These serums usually contain ingredients like peptides, biotin, and hyaluronic acid that nourish the hair follicles and enhance lash growth.
Prescription Lash Serums: The most well-known prescription lash serum is Latisse, which is FDA-approved for growing longer, thicker lashes. Latisse contains bimatoprost, a compound that extends the anagen phase of the lash growth cycle. While effective, Latisse requires a prescription from a doctor and may cause side effects like eye irritation or darkening of the eyelids.
Over-the-Counter Lash Serums: There are many over-the-counter lash serums that contain natural ingredients to boost lash growth. These serums often contain peptides, which strengthen the lashes, and hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and prevents lash breakage. Some popular options include GrandeLASH-MD and RevitaLash.
When using a lash serum, consistency is key. Apply the serum to your lash line daily, following the product’s instructions, and be patient—it may take several weeks or even months to see noticeable results.
6. Lash Conditioning Treatments
In addition to oils and serums, there are lash conditioners available that hydrate and protect your lashes from damage. Lash conditioners are similar to hair conditioners, as they provide moisture and nutrients to strengthen the lashes and promote growth.
Conditioning Mascaras: Some mascaras are formulated with conditioning ingredients like keratin, biotin, and vitamin E to protect and nourish your lashes while you wear them. These mascaras help keep your lashes hydrated and less prone to breakage.
Lash Primers: Lash primers can be used before applying mascara to add an extra layer of protection. They often contain nourishing ingredients that coat and strengthen the lashes, reducing the likelihood of breakage when applying mascara.
7. Professional Lash Treatments
If you’re looking for more immediate results, there are professional lash treatments that can enhance the appearance of your lashes while supporting long-term growth.
Lash Lifts: A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that curls and lifts your natural lashes, making them appear longer and fuller. Lash lifts can last up to six weeks and give your lashes a more dramatic appearance without the need for extensions.
Lash Extensions: While lash extensions provide instant length and volume, they should be used sparingly. Frequent use of lash extensions can weaken your natural lashes over time, especially if not applied or removed properly. If you decide to get extensions, make sure to go to a reputable technician who uses high-quality materials.
8. Patience and Consistency
Growing longer, fuller lashes takes time and patience. Whether you’re using natural oils, serums, or professional treatments, consistency is key. It’s important to remember that results won’t happen overnight, but with regular care and the right approach, you can achieve healthier, longer lashes over time.
By combining a healthy diet, gentle lash care routine, natural oils, and lash-enhancing products, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the long, beautiful lashes you desire.
