Key Takeaways
- Lashes follow a natural schedule of resting and growing.
- Rough habits and health conditions can contribute to lost hairs.
- If the follicle remains healthy, a new eyelash may begin growing within several weeks, although complete regrowth can take several months.
- A diet rich in vitamins can support hair growth.
- Professional treatment options like Latisse® can help stimulate growth in some people.
Understanding Eyelash Regrowth
Maybe you look in the mirror and notice a gap in your lash line, or maybe you damaged your lash line recently. If a few fallen hairs resting on your cheek are worrying you, our team at The Eye Care Centre can help. From your everyday habits to professional treatments, our eye care team can walk you through your options for regrowth.
Eyelashes can regrow naturally when the follicle remains healthy. Just like most hair follicles, eyelashes follow a continuous cycle of sprouting, resting, and shedding over several weeks.
The Natural Eyelash Life Cycle
General Phases
Even if you don’t notice it, your body works quietly behind the scenes to help maintain all of the hair on your body. There are generally 3 phases of hair growth, and this applies to your eyelashes as well.
During active growth, sometimes called the anagen phase, your hair follicles are dividing rapidly, pushing hair up to where you can see it. Generally, it lasts for 4 to 10 weeks before the hair reaches its full length.
Then your follicle will enter a transitional period, sometimes called the catagen phase. During this phase, the follicle shrinks while resting to prepare for a new sprout. Finally, the last phase, the telogen phase, is where your follicle rests. During this phase, your lashes will rest before falling out naturally to make room for a fresh hair.
Common Reasons for Eyelash Loss
Accidental Damage and Habits
Eyes and eyelashes are sensitive, so physical stress can take a toll. Friction is one of the biggest factors, as it can pull hairs out before they finish their resting phase. Here are a few habits that can impact lash growth:
- Pulling out your eyelashes can disrupt the natural cycle and delay new growth.
- Heavy lash extensions place weight on delicate follicles and contribute to premature shedding.
- Rough rubbing or leftover makeup can lead to lash breakage.
Health Conditions and Treatments
Your overall health affects hair retention. Certain medical conditions can disrupt the natural cycle of growth and replacement throughout your body. This might include:
- Certain chemotherapy treatments, which can lead to widespread hair loss across your body.
- Thyroid conditions that can disrupt hormones linked directly to hair health.
- Eyelid infections, which can block oil glands near your lashes and create irritating inflammation.
The Timeline for Lash Regrowth
After Natural Loss
A hair that falls out on its own leaves behind a ready and active base, so the body will already be working on a replacement. If you have a healthy lash line, you likely won’t notice any bald spots along your lash line.
Generally, if the follicle is still healthy, a new eyelash can begin growing within several weeks, though it may take a few months to see full regrowth.
Recovery from Pulled or Damaged Lashes
If your eyelash has been forcibly removed, your body will have to work to repair the follicle before sprouting a new hair. Trauma to the area can mean extra energy and, therefore, more time for recovery.
If you’ve experienced eyelash loss from trauma, it may take several months to return fully to their original length.
Vitamins and Nutrients for Lash Health
Foods to Support Your Lashes
A well-balanced diet can support your whole body, and that includes your eyelashes. Eating a diet rich in lean proteins, green leafy vegetables, and healthy fats can support your eyes, as well as your hair strength and structure.
Helpful Daily Supplements
Sometimes having a busy schedule can lead to missing a few specific nutrients. For some people, adding specific vitamins to their routine can provide the support they need in filling those gaps.
Some individuals may notice that these supplements help with their hair:
- Biotin, which may help with faster hair growth in people who are deficient.
- Vitamin C, which plays a role in collagen production and overall tissue health.
- Vitamin A, which helps support the health of the skin and glands around the eyes.
Safe Treatments for Lash Stimulation
Some people may be looking for help with stimulating their eyelashes for a number of reasons. Maybe you want fuller, thicker-looking lashes, or maybe you’re interested in helping support their growth after damaging them. Either way, professional-grade options are available.
Latisse® Serum for Lash Growth
Latisse® is a prescription eyelash enhancement product that supports the growth of darker, thicker, longer eyelashes. Everyone is different, but you may begin to notice results in around 8 weeks of using the product, and full results are often seen by roughly 16 weeks.
Not every home remedy or over-the-counter lash serum has been tested as Latisse® has. That’s why our eye care team is here to help you learn about the product and see if it may be right for you.
Professional Eye Care
A visit to a local clinic can help identify why you may be noticing missing lashes. Our clinic setting provides a clear picture of your eye health, which helps detect potential eye problems early.
Our eye doctor can provide tailored advice for your entire family, check for underlying health conditions that may be affecting your eyelashes, and teach you how to care for your eyelids.
We understand that losing your lashes can feel alarming. Fortunately, your body has an internal system that replaces those tiny hairs over time. A balanced diet and gentle cleaning habits go a long way in supporting a full, healthy lash line.
Book Your Visit
Our team at The Eye Care Centre is ready to evaluate your eye health and discuss safe options, such as Latisse®, to support your goals. If you’ve noticed your eyelashes looking a little sparse, we’d love to talk about what may be going on. Book an appointment today.
