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Have you ever wished to gain insights from a beauty editor? Or sought advice on beauty products from someone who’s tested them all? Look no further. In this series, beauty editor Hana Hong tackles your most pressing skincare, hair care, and makeup queries, all submitted by Mytour readers. Join us every Tuesday and share your beauty questions here for a chance to be featured.
Reader question: My lashes are damaged from years of lash extensions. How can I encourage faster lash growth? - Laura Irene
Achieving long lashes can seem like an endless struggle for those not naturally gifted with lush lashes. While options like eyelash extensions or falsies exist, they often lead to natural lash damage, breakage, and dryness. Instead of relying on temporary fixes, you’re aiming to address the root cause and truly enhance your lash growth, not just mimic it.
Fortunately, you can nurture your lashes with proper care. Be cautious of unverified remedies (yes, lemon juice, I’m talking about you), as experimenting near your eyes can be risky. Many of these methods are ineffective and potentially harmful. Below, you’ll find dermatologist-recommended strategies that are safe, effective, and beneficial for long-term lash health. Here’s how to promote faster lash growth.
1. Always Cleanse Your Lashes Before Bed
Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, emphasizes treating your lash routine as a blend of skincare and hair care. Cleanse your lashes nightly, particularly after wearing makeup. Leaving mascara on overnight can lead to lash breakage, so always remove it before sleeping.
Just as you wouldn’t apply moisturizer to dirty skin (hopefully!), always use lash treatments on clean, dry lashes. "Think of your lash routine as an extension of your nighttime skincare regimen," advises Graf.
2. Brush Lashes Regularly
Similar to how you wouldn’t sleep with tangled hair to avoid damage, your lashes need daily brushing to remove tangles and stimulate follicles. After cleansing your lashes at night, use a clean spoolie or lash comb to gently brush them. Clean spoolies, like those from mascara wands, are available at beauty supply stores or online.
Take your brush and, starting at the lash base, gently roll or brush the spoolie upward in a back-and-forth motion to the tips. Be very gentle—avoid pulling too hard to prevent lash loss. Brushing your lashes daily can stimulate follicles and encourage growth.
3. Use Conditioning Lash Serums
You’ve likely heard about natural ingredients like castor oil, vitamin E, and coconut oil for lashes. While these can hydrate and condition, they don’t actually promote growth. That said, they’re still worth using—strong, shiny lashes are always a plus, right?
Lash conditioners fortify hair to minimize breakage, aiding your journey to fuller-looking lashes. Graf suggests LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum (amazon.com), which combines antioxidants, castor oil, and almond extracts to enhance absorption and promote healthy lash growth.
4. Carefully Consider a Lash Growth Serum
Lash growth serums include active ingredients that encourage new hair growth. However, be cautious: Latisse is the sole FDA-approved lash growth treatment available. Initially a glaucoma medication, its side effect of longer lashes, due to bimatoprost, was discovered later. For guaranteed results, a prescription is required.
Over-the-counter (OTC) lash serums, often promoted by influencers for longer, thicker lashes, may contain ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, similar to bimatoprost.
OTC growth serums lack FDA regulation or approval, so thorough research—or consulting a doctor or dermatologist—is essential before application. Avoid them entirely if you’re pregnant or nursing.
5. Pay Attention to Your Diet
A balanced diet is key to healthy hair growth, including your eyelashes. To support lash growth, ensure you consume enough protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts. Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for overall health and cholesterol maintenance, also promote lash growth. Foods rich in omega-3s include salmon, oysters, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.
If your diet lacks sufficient nutrients, consider supplements. Collagen and biotin are well-known for promoting longer, healthier hair, as well as strengthening nails and improving skin health. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplements to ensure they’re safe for you.
6. Be Patient
Eyelash growth occurs in three phases: catagen (dormant), telogen (shedding), and anagen (growth). Graf notes that lashes spend most of their time in catagen and telogen, making the growth phase slower. Even with proper care, natural lash growth can take up to three months.
If you don’t see immediate results, don’t lose hope—your lashes may need time to reach the right growth phase. For instant results, skip lash extensions and consider a lash lift instead.
7. Contact Your Doctor if Needed
Similar to scalp hair, eyelashes shed and regenerate in a cycle lasting six to 10 weeks. Losing one to five lashes daily is normal. Thinning lashes are also a natural part of aging, so don’t stress if they’re not as long or full as before.
While some shedding and thinning are natural, brittle or fragile lashes can result from improper eye products, new medications, or health issues. If you notice significant lash loss, consult your doctor.
