How To Grow Eyelashes: Top Tips For Longer, Fuller Lashes

If your lashes are thinning, breaking, or just not growing as they should, you're not alone. There are plenty of reasons for this—makeup overload, damage from falsies and extensions, poor diet, and stress can all impact lash health. Sometimes, it’s just genetics; some people are naturally blessed with thick lashes, while others have to put in a bit more effort.

The great news is, there's hope! In this guide, we’ll share practical and effective tips on how to grow your eyelashes, helping you achieve those longer, fuller, and healthier lashes you’ve been dreaming of.

Why is it important to look after your lashes?

Your eyelashes aren’t just for decorative purposes, they act as a barrier, preventing dust, dirt, and other small particles from getting into your eyes and causing irritation or injury. When something comes close to your eyes, your lashes also help trigger a reflect to blink, providing an extra layer of protection while reducing airflow to the surface of your eyes, which can help prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

 

As we’ve explained, eyelashes have a life cycle just like any other hair on your body. Taking care of them not only helps them look great but also keeps them doing their job effectively. So, while we love making our lashes look beautiful, remember they’re also there to protect those pretty eyes of yours!

How to grow your eyelashes naturally: top tips

Growing your eyelashes naturally is all about a mix of good habits, nourishing treatments, and a bit of... patience! Here are some easy and effective ways to help your lashes grow longer and stronger without needing extensions or heavy makeup.

 

Eat a healthy, varied diet

Biotin, Vitamins A, C, and E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Proteins are essential for hair growth, including your eyelashes. Including foods rich in these nutrients can make a big difference:

• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and broccoli are packed with vitamins and minerals
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseed provide healthy fats and biotin
• Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Eggs: A great source of protein and biotin
• Fruit: Berries, oranges, and avocados are high in vitamins A and C

To further support lash growth, you might consider taking biotin supplements or using eyelash serums. These can help sustain the natural growth cycle and improve lash retention.

Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum is an excellent choice. This lightweight serum delivers hydrating hyaluronic acid and biotin to the lash line leading to healthier looking lashes in as little as 2 weeks and longer, fuller lashes in 4 weeks.

Use natural oils

 

If you’re looking to naturally boost your lash game, castor oil and coconut oil are frequently recommended. Castor oil, in particular, is well-known for its hair growth properties because it’s rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps moisturise and strengthen your lashes. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that nourish and protect your hair, promoting stronger and healthier lashes.

 

Just apply a small amount of either oil to your lashes before bed using a clean mascara wand or your (clean) fingertips.

 

If you want something more targeted, eyelash serums with natural ingredients like peptides, biotin, and panthenol are becoming super popular. They support lash growth and strengthen your natural lashes.

 

For example, RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner promotes strand strength, resilience, and suppleness, minimising the likelihood of breakage and addressing the visual signs of eyelash ageing, stress, and fragility. The high-impact BioPeptin Complex, a cocktail of peptides and botanicals, saturates each lash with moisture.

 

So, whether you're going the natural route with oils or trying out the advanced formulas like RevitaLash, there are plenty of ways to get those gorgeous, healthy lashes.

Regular brushing

 

If you’ve ever had lash extensions, you know they need regular brushing with a spoolie to stay in great shape. So, why wouldn’t you treat your natural lashes to the same TLC?

 

Just like brushing your hair stimulates the scalp and distributes natural oils, brushing your lashes can stimulate the lash line and ensure natural oils are evenly spread. This helps nourish and strengthen your lashes.

 

Make sure the spoolie you use is clean and brush your lashes gently from the base to the tip. Be careful not to pull or tug, as this can cause damage. Make this a part of your daily beauty routine, ideally after you’ve cleansed your face and applied any lash serums or oils.

Be kind to your lashes

Makeup and dirt can irritate and dry out your lashes, so it’s super important to use a gentle, oil-free eye makeup remover daily if you wear mascara or other eye makeup.

Look for a makeup remover that's gentle and oil-free to avoid clogging your pores and causing further irritation. It should be effective in removing makeup without being harsh on your lashes.

 

One of our all-time favourites at Dermacare Direct HQ is the Eminence Organic Herbal Eye Makeup Remover. It's packed with goodies like cucumber, lavender, calendula, Vitamin E, and chamomile. These ingredients work together to gently remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup while keeping your skin hydrated. Plus, it has green tea extract, which is known for its hair growth benefits thanks to the polyphenols called epigallocatechin-3-gallate. These are supposedly great for stimulating hair growth.

 

And one more thing—try not to rub your eyes! I know it's tempting, especially when you're tired, but rubbing can weaken and damage your lashes over time. So, be gentle and give your lashes the love they deserve.

Eyelash massage

Just like massaging your scalp can promote hair growth, gently massaging your eyelids along the lash line for a couple of minutes a day can stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy lash growth. Just remember to be gentle and make sure your hands are clean to avoid transferring any dirt or bacteria to your eyes.

Avoid extensions and heavy mascara

It's really important to give your lashes a break from extensions and heavy mascaras every now and then to reduce stress on the hair follicles. Trust me, they'll thank you for it!

 

We absolutely love the award-winning RevitaLash Cosmetics Volumising Primer and Mascara that gives you amazing colour intensity and definition while conditioning, smoothing, and protecting your lashes. Plus, it's oil-free, hypoallergenic, and free from parabens and phthalates. So, it's perfect for achieving gorgeous, richly pigmented, luxurious lashes without the harsh ingredients.

 

Another one of our absolute faves is the Jane Iredale Purelash Extender, Conditioner, and Primer. This little gem is packed with algae extracts that condition and protect your lashes, preventing them from drying out and splitting. This primer does such a great job that you’ll find you don’t need to pile on the mascara. Just apply one coat before your mascara to strengthen, lengthen, and thicken your lashes.

 

Stay hydrated

 

There are so many reasons to stay hydrated, and hair health is a big one. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your lashes hydrated from the inside out.

 

For an extra hydration boost, try a lash masque like the Revitalash Lash and Brow Masque. This product is amazing because its scientific formula features nutrient-dense ingredients that repair and restore lash and brow health. It delivers lightweight hydration that repairs moisture levels, making hair less prone to breakage.

Look after yourself

 

Getting enough sleep is fab for your overall health, including cell regeneration and hair growth. When you sleep, your body goes into repair mode. This is when cell regeneration happens, which is crucial for hair growth, including your lashes.

 

So, make sure you’re prioritising your beauty sleep as much as possible, aiming for 7-9 hours of good-quality sleep each night. Your lashes (and the rest of you) will thank you for it!

 

High stress levels can also negatively impact hair growth. To keep your stress in check and support healthy lash growth, try stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation and regular exercise.

 

How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?

 

Typically, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a new eyelash to start growing back after it has fallen out or been removed. But it can take around 3 to 4 months to reach a noticeable length.

 

Eyelashes, like all hair, go through a natural growth cycle consisting of three phases:

 

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase of the lash cycle and lasts between 30 to 45 days. During this time, the hair follicle is actively producing hair.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): This phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. The hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, signalling the end of active growth.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): This can last around 100 days. The eyelash remains in the follicle until it eventually falls out and a new anagen phase begins.

 

This timeline can be influenced by age, overall health, or if the lashes are lost due to damage or trauma, the follicle may take longer to recover and start a new growth cycle.

 

Is it normal to lose eyelashes every day?

 

It’s completely normal to lose 1 to 5 eyelashes per day. This shedding is part of the natural renewal process, just like how we lose strands of hair from our scalp.

 

Eyelash loss, however, can be made worse by age, poor diet, stress, health conditions, using heavy mascara or harsh makeup removers, and rubbing your eyes or using eyelash curlers too vigorously.

 

If you notice excessive lash loss or other unusual symptoms, it might be worth consulting a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions. Excessive shedding could be a sign of a more serious issue that needs attention.

Do eyelash extensions damage your eyelashes?

 

Eyelash extensions can look amazing, but they can also cause some damage if they're not applied or taken care of properly. If you do opt for them, you should make sure you go to a professional who knows how to apply them correctly and stick to the aftercare guidelines given by your lash technician. This usually includes avoiding oil-based products and being gentle with your lashes.

 

It’s also super important to give your natural lashes a break every now and then. This allows them to recover and grow back stronger. Think of it as giving your hair a break from heat styling – your lashes need some downtime too!

Does vaseline grow eyelashes?

 

When you apply Vaseline to your eyelashes, it helps to lock in moisture, keeping your lashes hydrated and conditioned. This can make them look healthier and potentially reduce breakage.

 

While Vaseline has some great benefits, there is no specific evidence to support that Vaseline can stimulate eyelash growth and it doesn’t have any active ingredients that can influence the hair growth cycle.

 

If you’re looking to make your lashes longer, it’s better to invest in products specifically designed for this purpose. Eyelash serums with proven active ingredients like peptides, biotin, and panthenol are much more effective at promoting lash growth and strength.

What causes eyelash thinning and loss?

 

Understanding the root cause of your eyelash thinning and loss can help you take steps to address the issue. Whether through lifestyle changes, improving your beauty routine, or seeking medical advice, there are ways to support the health and growth of your eyelashes.

Aging

 

As we get older, our hair growth cycles slow down, and this includes our eyelashes. This can make them thinner and more brittle. The reduced production of new hair follicles means that your lashes can become more prone to falling out. So, it’s super important to give them extra care as we age.

Medical conditions

 

Certain medical conditions can cause your lashes to thin or fall out. Conditions like thyroid disorders, alopecia, and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can really affect hair growth and disrupt the normal cycle of your eyelashes.

 

If you’re dealing with any of these, it’s important to manage them properly to help keep your lashes as healthy as possible

Hormonal changes

 

Hormonal changes can really impact your lash growth cycles. Things like pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal treatments can lead to fluctuations that might result in your lashes thinning out. These changes in hormone levels can disrupt the normal cycle of hair growth, including your eyelashes, making them more prone to shedding.

 

So, if you're going through any hormonal changes, it’s totally normal to notice a difference in your lashes.

Nutritional deficiencies

 

If you’re not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, vitamins A, C, D, and E, it can lead to weakened hair follicles and hair loss, including your eyelashes. These nutrients are essential for keeping your lashes strong and healthy.

 

So, make sure you're eating a balanced diet to support your lash growth and overall hair health.

Stress

 

High stress levels can seriously mess with your hair growth cycle, leading to more shedding and slower regrowth. Chronic stress can cause hair, including your lashes, to fall out faster than usual. It's super important to manage your stress to keep your lashes (and your whole self) healthy.

 

Also, there are conditions like trichotillomania, where people compulsively pull out their hair, including their eyelashes. This can obviously lead to significant lash loss, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, make sure to seek help and find ways to manage your stress better.

 

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.

 

Poor beauty practices

 

Using heavy mascara and eye makeup frequently can really weigh down your lashes, making them more prone to breakage. And, if you're not careful when removing your makeup, harshly scrubbing or using abrasive cleansers can damage those delicate lash follicles.

 

Also, remember that the adhesives used for eyelash extensions and false lashes can cause some damage too, especially if they’re not applied or removed properly. So, always be gentle with your lashes and give them some TLC to keep them healthy and strong.

Infections

 

Eye infections, like conjunctivitis, can cause inflammation that might lead to lash loss. When your eyes are infected and inflamed, the delicate follicles that hold your lashes can be affected, causing your lashes to fall out.

 

If you notice any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge, make sure to see a doctor right away to get the right treatment.

Medications

 

Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect, and that includes your eyelashes. Drugs like chemotherapy treatments, blood thinners, and retinoids are known to impact hair growth. Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which unfortunately includes hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Blood thinners can affect the circulation to hair follicles, and retinoids, often used in acne treatments, can disrupt the growth cycle of hair.

 

If you’re on any of these medications and notice your lashes thinning, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. They might be able to suggest alternatives or ways to manage this side effect. Taking care of your health is the most important thing, but there might be ways to support your lash health, too.

 

Genetics

Some of us are just genetically predisposed to have thinner hair, and that includes our eyelashes. If you notice that eyelash thinning and loss run in your family, you might be more likely to experience it too. It's all in the genes!

While we can't change our genetics, understanding this can help us take extra steps to care for our lashes and do what we can to keep them healthy and strong. Remember, even if you’re genetically predisposed to have thinner lashes, there are still plenty of ways to support their growth and health.

Keep your lashes healthy and beautiful

 

Taking care of your lashes doesn’t have to be complicated. Just by incorporating gentle cleansing habits, using nourishing treatments, and understanding why your lashes might be thinning, you can keep them strong and healthy.

 

Remember:

 

1. Always be gentle when removing your eye make up;
2. Use products like lash serums or natural oils to nourish your lashes and promote growth;
3. Understand that factors like ageing, stress, and even certain medical conditions can cause lash thinning.

 

Your eyelashes aren’t just for decoration; they protect your eyes from debris and dirt, so it’s super important to give them the care they deserve.

 

If you have any questions or need personalised advice on how to grow your lashes, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our beauty experts are here to help you achieve your lash goals.