Losing a few eyelashes is completely normal—but when lash loss becomes more noticeable, it’s natural to wonder how long they might take to grow back. In most cases, lashes regrow within 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the cause and your overall health. An eye exam can help identify the cause and guide your next steps for protecting your eye health.
By understanding the eyelash growth cycle and supporting healthy regrowth, you can encourage stronger, fuller lashes over time. However, if lash loss continues, it may be time to consult your optometrist.
Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle
Like all hair on the body, eyelashes grow and shed as part of a natural cycle made up of 3 distinct phases:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active growth stage, which lasts between 4 and 10 weeks. During this time, the lashes grow to their full length before stopping.
- Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): Once lashes reach their full length, they enter a short transition period lasting about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Telogen Phase (Resting & Shedding Phase): In this final stage, lashes rest for approximately 3 to 4 months before naturally shedding, making room for new growth.
Because each eyelash is in a different phase of the cycle, you may not notice any shedding at first. However, if a large number of lashes fall out at once, it can take several months for them to fully regrow.
How Long Do Eyelashes Take to Grow Back?
In most cases, lost eyelashes grow back within 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the cause of lash loss and overall health.
- If eyelashes were naturally shed: They typically regrow within about 6 weeks as part of the normal hair cycle.
- If eyelashes were pulled out: Plucking or frequent rubbing can damage the follicle, and regrowth may take 2 to 3 months.
- If eyelashes were lost due to extensions: Regular use of lash extensions can weaken your natural lashes. It may take up to 16 weeks for full regrowth.
- If eyelashes were lost due to medical conditions: Chemotherapy, hormonal changes, or autoimmune disorders can lead to prolonged lash loss. In these cases, regrowth may take several months to over a year, depending on the underlying cause.
While eyelash regrowth is typically automatic, the speed and thickness of new lashes can vary based on factors like age, genetics, and overall health.
What Causes Eyelash Loss?
Losing a few eyelashes each day is completely normal. But if you’re noticing unusual or excessive lash loss, there could be an underlying reason worth exploring.
Common Reasons for Eyelash Shedding
- Aging: Hair growth naturally slows with age, including the growth of eyelashes.
- Waterproof mascara & lash curlers: These can weaken lashes over time, making them more prone to breakage.
- Eyelash extensions: Repeated use and strong adhesives can place stress on the lash line, leading to thinning or loss.
- Improper makeup removal: Rubbing or tugging at the eyes can damage lash follicles and affect regrowth.
- Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, alopecia, and chemotherapy treatments are all linked to lash loss.
- Blepharitis: This common eyelid condition can block lash follicles, preventing healthy growth and leading to lash shedding.
How to Support Healthy Eyelash Regrowth
While eyelashes generally regrow on their own, there are steps you can take to support the process and encourage stronger, healthier lashes.
Tips for Supporting Lash Growth
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Include foods high in biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy hair growth—including your eyelashes.
- Be gentle with eye makeup. Avoid harsh rubbing when removing mascara or eyeliner. Use oil-free, gentle cleansers to protect the delicate lash follicles.
- Limit lash extensions & mascara use. Taking breaks from heavy mascara and frequent lash extensions can help prevent breakage and reduce stress on the follicles.
- Consider a lash growth serum. Peptide-based serums may help nourish lashes and support thicker, stronger regrowth.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Repeated friction can loosen or damage lashes, leading to unnecessary shedding.
When to See an Optometrist About Eyelash Loss
Conditions like chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), alopecia, autoimmune disorders, or hormonal imbalances such as thyroid conditions can all impact lash growth. In some cases, bacterial or fungal infections affecting the eyelids may also contribute to lash loss.
An optometrist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether an eye health concern is playing a role in your eyelash loss. Identifying the cause early can help prevent further lash loss and may reveal other issues that need attention.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance lash regrowth, ask your optometrist if Latisse® is right for you. Latisse® is a Health Canada approved prescription treatment that can help improve lash growth, making them longer, fuller, and darker over time.
Book an Eye Exam for Lash Loss Concerns
Whether your lash loss is temporary or ongoing, knowing what’s normal—and what’s not—can help you care for your eyes with confidence. Eyelashes play a bigger role in eye health than many people realize.
If you’re concerned about thinning lashes or delayed regrowth, the team at Red Deer Eye Care is here to help. We offer personalized treatment options, like Latisse®, to support natural eyelash growth where appropriate.
Book an eye exam today to get to the root of the issue and support your long-term eye health.
