How Fast Do Lashes Grow?

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

Have you ever wondered: How fast lashes grow?

Eyelashes grow about 0.12 to 0.14 millimeters per day, adding up to 1/8 to 1/4 inch over their 4 to 8-week growth phase. 

Typically, lashes grow back within 4 to 6 weeks. Understanding this natural cycle can help you nurture stronger, longer lashes.

How fast do lashes grow?

Eyelash Growth Cycle: How Lashes Grow

Eyelashes follow a natural cycle, growing and shedding at different times. Understanding this cycle helps you support stronger, fuller lashes.

Growth Cycle Breakdown

Here's a quick breakdown of each stage:

  • Anagen (Growth Phase) – This is the active growth period where lashes can grow up to 0.12-0.14 mm per day.
  • Catagen (Transition Phase) – Growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks.
  • Telogen (Resting Phase) – The lash rests before naturally shedding.
  • Exogen (Shedding Phase) – New lashes start growing as older ones fall out.

By understanding this natural cycle, you can better care for your lashes and help maintain their health over time.

How to support lash health at each stage

Anagen Phase (Active Growth) 

To promote stronger lashes consider:

  • Biotin rich foods (think eggs, nuts, and leafy greens)
  • Vitamin E, and Vitamin C to support follicle health
  • Oils or serums for lash nourishment

Catagen and Telogen Phases (Resting and Shedding)

Lashes may not be actively growing, but you can protect them by: 

By caring for your lashes during all phases, you can support healthier, fuller growth over time.

What affects lash growth?

Lash growth varies from person to person. On average, eyelashes grow about 0.12 to 0.14 mm daily, but several factors influence the speed and thickness of growth:

  • Age: Lash growth slows as we age, leading to shorter, thinner lashes.
  • Genetics: If your family has long thick lashes, you’re likely to have the same!
  • Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances, can speed up or slow down growth.
  • Environment: Pollution, sun exposure can weaken lashes, making them more prone to breakage. Who knew that too much can sun weakens hair follicles?

Understanding these individual factors helps set realistic expectations when for how fast your lashes regrow and change over time.

Blame it on hormones!

In addition to genetics, age, hormones play a major role in lash length and thickness.

đź’ˇA study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that hormonal fluctuations can speed up or slow down lash growth and thickness.

This could explain why some people (especially women) struggle to grow lashes faster than others!

Lifestyle & habits that support lash growth

Your genetics and age can’t be changed, but healthy lifestyle choices can support lash strength and longevity.

  • Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress, slowing hair growth.
  • Manage Stress: High stress disrupts hormones leading to thinner lashes. Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water nourishes follicles, promoting stronger, healthier lashes.
  • Healthy Diet: Eating foods rich in biotin, Omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E supports lashes grow. 

These habits can create the best environment for your healthy strong and healthy.

What stimulates lash growth?

Some eyelash serums help lashes grow, while others just condition them. Latisse (bimatoprost) is the only FDA-approved ingredient proven to lengthen lashes.

OTC serums use ingredients like peptides, growth factors, and oils, but research on their effectiveness is limited.

Let’s look at what actually works—and what doesn’t.

Can curling your eyelashes cause damage?

Eyelash Serums: What works & what doesn’t

Most OTC eyelash serums claim to boost lash growth, but research is limited.

Ingredient Effectiveness: (The grades below are based on scientific evidence)

  • Grade D (Little to no evidence for eyelash growth): Pumpkin Seed Oil, Jarilla Coffea Extract, Castor Oil, Ginseng, Panthenol, Proline, Peptides.
  • Grade C (Some positive results, but more studies needed): Growth Factors.
  • Clinically Proven (FDA-approved): Latisse (bimatoprost).

Concerns/Side Effects:

Some serums contain ingredients that may cause eye irritation or discoloration. Many work for scalp hair but lack safety data for eyelashes.

Bottom Line:

Latisse is the only proven option for longer lashes. Most OTC serums lack strong research and may not deliver results. Source: Wiley Online Library

Note: While oils won't make lashes grow longer, they can help protect them and keep them healthy. There are also ways to "fake" the look of longer eyelashes too. For more tips, check out our tips for long lashes.

Q & A

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

Question: Does crying help eyelashes grow?

Answer: No, crying or tears does not promote lash growth.

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

Answer: Lashes grow back in the same amount of time as normal lash shedding—typically 4 to 8 weeks, unless affected by illness or medications like chemotherapy.

Question: Does Vaseline help eyelashes grow?

Answer: No, Vaseline does not speed up lash growth. However, it moisturizes lashes, preventing breakage and keeping them healthy.

Question: What can help eyelashes grow naturally?

Answer: Eating protein-rich foods, getting proper nutrients, and using conditioning treatments can support lash health.

Question: Does biotin help eyelashes and eyebrows grow?

Answer: Biotin supports overall hair health, but there's limited research proving it directly increases lash growth.

💡 ABZ Tip: If you’re biotin-deficient, supplementing can help. But eating enough protein is just as important for healthy lashes.

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

Answer: Apply only to the upper lash line, just like liquid eyeliner. No need to apply to the lower lashes—the serum naturally transfers as you blink.

Final Takeaway: How Fast Do Lashes Grow

Eyelashes follow a natural cycle, and while you can’t speed up their growth, you can support their health by:

  • Eating nutrient-rich foods
  • Using gentle eye products
  • Staying hydrated and well-rested
  • Avoiding stressors like lash curlers and false lashes

By following these steps, you can maintain beautiful, healthy lashes naturally!

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