How Fast Do Lashes Grow:

What helps eyelashes grow faster?

by: Linda Robison

How fast do lashes grow? The good news - lashes grow back in a few weeks!

In this article, we'll cover:

  • How long does it take for eyelashes to grow
  • 4 stages of growth - the short answer
  • Common reasons for lash loss
  • The best way to prevent lash loss in the first place
How fast do lashes grow?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we have a between 90 to 150 eyelash hair follicles the upper eyelid and 70-80 on the lower eyelid.

And just like the hair growth cycle on other parts of the body, each eyelash growth cycle is in different stages, growing, maturing, and falling out - making room for new hairs.

How much do eyelashes grow in a week?

Basically, lashes can grow between 0.12 and 0.14 millimeters per day. Most of your eyelash growth happens during the Anagen phase, which we'll explain below.

Growth of eyelashes - entire eyelash growth cycle

How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back? For most people it can be as short as 4 weeks. Surprisingly the entire eyelash growth cycle is not that long.

The amount of time for a normal cycle for natural eyelashes is broken down into 4 stages:

  • Anagen Phase

Natural lashes have about a 4 to 8-week growth phase. The natural growth cycle of lashes starts with keratin-producing skin cells that come through the hair follicle on the upper and lower lashes. These cells harden and slowly become new eyelashes.

  • Catagen Phase

The catagen stage is the next phase is where the eyelash hair health reaches its full growth potential. If there is any damage of the follicle the lash falls out during this time and it won't grow back until this phase is completed. The catagen phase takes about 2 weeks.

This is the most important phase in terms of your beauty routine for fuller lashes. This is when nutrients to support eyelash growth can be very helpful.

This is an important time use your best eyelash growth serum, or castor oil, olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e, or any product with an active ingredient to support and strengthen hair growth.

You want to bathe your eyelashes with key nutrients to keep them healthy, prevent premature hair loss and help lashes reach their highest potential growth for longer eyelashes.

  • Telogen Phase

This is the resting phase. The lashes are no longer growing, the follicle is inactive and the hair will fall out after this transition phase is over. The more gentle you are in this stage (like using a gentle makeup remover), the longer you get to show off those pretty long eyelashes.

  • Exogen Phase

This is the start of the eyelash regrowth process, as they begin to fallout - making room for new lashes to form.

This lash loss and regrowth process is a perfectly natural process for the average adult. However, if you have any medical conditions like autoimmune disease, thyroid conditions or are taking chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, the hair replacement process might be slower.

In fact, side effects such as stunted growth or even permanent damage is possible for some underlying conditions.

What stimulates lash growth?

Can curling your eyelashes cause damage?

What helps your lashes grow? Well, because your lashes are all at different growing stages (otherwise they'd fall out all at once!) it's important to keep them healthy all the time, not just during the Catagen growth phase.

Some people do this by applying natural ingredients (whether it's plain old petroleum jelly or your favorite eyelash serum) to your lash line daily to support healthy hair growth.

And remember, since eyelashes are 90% protein, eating a healthy diet can help too.

What is the best over-the-counter Lash serum?

best over-the-counter lash growth serum before and after.

I can only speak from my own experience here. I've tried a lot of lash growth serums and even Latise (which is very expensive) and has some side-effects that are not very clear to understand. 

I've been using Liaison Lash Bond for over 5 months and my results are wonderful. I don't even use it daily (like the company suggests) and I'm still on my first tube, so it's very cost-effective.

If you click on the link above, you'll also get a 50% discount!

I use Liasion Lash Bond mascara too and my lashes have never been healthier. 

How can I thicken my eyelashes naturally?

How to grow thicker lashes naturally? Good makeup habits make for thicker lashes.

For longer lashes, it's important each hair has a chance to reach it's full potential before falling out. Try to practice good makeup habits for best results.

  • First thing, be gentle around the eye area when removing makeup.
  • Using eyelash extensions, false eyelashes, eyelash curler, and waterproof mascara on a regular basis can cause permanent eyelash loss.

Both fake eyelashes and waterproof formulas are hard to remove and can result in broken, stubby eyelashes.

  • Leaving eye makeup on at bedtime will cause my lashes to break off. 
  • Try to keep lashes moisturized and use an eyelash conditioner before applying mascara.

Do OTC lash serums work?

While lash serums don't actually increase how fast lashes grow, they can help improve lash strength so they can grow to their full potential. As a result, you'll have long lash around for a long time during the resting phase.

I always try to apply a natural serum for lashes to grow and to improve the flexibility of the hair fiber, and help keep them longer - especially for my upper eyelashes. It's a good idea to use serums that also contain lash conditioners.

Lash conditioners can also help keep your lashes around longer during the telogen phase (resting phase).

How Fast Do Lashes Grow - FAQ

Have any questions about how fast lashes grow? Please feel free to ask away here.

Q: Does crying help eyelashes grow?

A: No, unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, crying does not help eyelashes grow.  :-)

Q: How long does it take eyelashes to grow back after being pulled out?

A: It takes the same time as normal lash fall out takes. There are four stages for eyelash growth. And, aside from illness and medication like cancer and chemo, there is nothing we can do to make that phase move faster. But there are things you can do to keep what lashes you have!! 

Q: Does Vaseline help eyelashes grow?

A: In terms of speeding up the eyelash growth system, no Vaseline will not help. The eyelash growth cycle is not something you can control.

But, keeping your eyelashes healthy and strong can help, so they don't  become brittle and break-off faster than normal, can help.

So in this case, Vaseline or any moisturizing lash treatment can be helpful. 

The problem is, Vaseline is very heavy and could cause puffy eyes and clogged pores.

You would be better using a product that was made to hydrate and protect the delicate eyelash hair and not irritate your entire eye area.

What can help eyelashes grow naturally?

A: What can help eyelashes grow naturally? Eating more healthy protein. Getting basic nutrients. Eyelashes, like the hair on your head is made of the same protein. But you can try products to keep that hair health and     stay around longer. 

Q: Rodan and Fields Lash Boost vs Latisse - Which one is better?

A: It's important to understand that Rodan and Fields Lash Boost is an over-the-counter lash boost serum cosmetic product.

On the other hand, Latisse is a prescription product with FDA approval. It contains the active ingredient bimatoprost.

Latisse was originally formulated to treat glaucoma and it contains isopropyl cloprostenate which is a prostaglandin analogue. While this ingredient helped glaucoma issues it has potential side effects and allergic reactions and should be used with the approval of your eye doctor.

Rodan and Fields Lash Boost had a reputation for being an effective eyelash enhancement product, however, as an over-the-counter lash boost product, the price point of Fields' Lash Boost is not very good. Even compared to prescription Latisse.

Since everyone is different, when it comes to eyelash growth products, you really have to try and compare similar products and view the possible side effects of each one. And, evaluate which ones fit best with your budget, too.

Personally, I've tried the prescription Latisse, and it did work, but I suffered from the common side effects such as red eyelids and itchy eyes. Plus, it was expensive.

I'm now trying out a over-the-counter lash conditioner, and I'm very happy with my results. The key ingredient is a peptide complex, and I think it's a pretty good product. Its help enhance the appearance of lashes in a matter of weeks.

You can read more about it below:

Liaison Lash Bond The healthy way to get long curled lashes

Q: Does biotin help eyelashes and eyebrows grow?

A: From what I understand, biotin supplements help support healthy skin, nails and hair. But there isn't much research to prove that it will increase hair growth or support eyelash hair follicle growth.

However, if you're low on biotin, I'm sure it can't hurt to give it a try. Also, make sure you're getting enough protein, as amino acids help support hair growth too.

The best thing to encourage growth is to stop using false eyelashes and eyelash curlers until they resume a health growth. I know that's hard to do when your eyelashes are broken and spars, but remember, lashes grow back fast, in just a matter of weeks.

At the same time, consider trying eyelash growth serums that contain conditioners. I know they work!

Q: What is the best way to apply eyelash serum?

A: You only need to apply the serum to the upper eyelids, as if you were applying a liquid eyeliner. Just close one eye and run the wand across the upper lash line and then repeat on the other eye.

No need to apply the lash serum to your lower eyelid lash, the serum will naturally apply to the lower lash as you blink.

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