Can Eyelashes Grow Back? (And How Long Will It Take?)

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Find out if lashes can recover after chemo, extensions, & more
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Losing eyelashes can be a bit scary, whether you accidentally ripped a few off with a fake lash or woke up to find a couple on your pillow. But before you panic, know that eyelash shedding is completely normal. Like the hair on your head, eyelashes shed and regrow all of the time (it’s just not as noticeable!). So, if you’ve lost some lashes, know that they’ll grow back with time. But…how much time? Read on to learn the typical lash growth timeline and how to help them grow faster!

How long do eyelashes take to grow back?

Most eyelashes grow back within 6 to 12 weeks, including after extensions or chemo. Lashes also shed and grow back naturally, so don’t be alarmed if a couple fall out here and there. In rare cases, lashes may not grow back when the hair follicle is damaged, e.g., if a lash is burned or pulled out multiple times.

Section 1 of 7:

Do eyelashes grow back?

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  1. Yes, eyelashes usually grow back! It’s 100% normal to lose or shed eyelashes—you typically lose 1 to 5 lashes a day. It’s all a part of the natural growth process of your lashes. However, that being said, if you’re losing more than 1 to 5 lashes a day or they’re shedding constantly, it may be because of an underlying issue. [1]
    • Do eyelashes grow back if they’re pulled out from the root? Not always. If you accidentally pull them out once, they’ll most likely grow back. If you repeatedly pull out your eyelashes, they’ll likely grow back slower or eventually not grow back at all due to damage to the hair follicles. [2]
    • Do eyelashes grow back if burned? Yes, as long as the hair follicle isn’t burned or damaged, singed eyelashes will grow back with time.
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Section 2 of 7:

How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?

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  1. It typically takes 6 to 12 weeks for eyelashes to grow back. Losing eyelashes is completely normal—it happens to everybody! So, if you’ve lost a few, don’t panic: they most likely will grow back. [3] In fact, there are three stages to the eyelash growth cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting and shedding) phase. The first phase, during which your lashes are growing, lasts about 4 to 10 weeks. After that, they stop growing for 2 to 3 weeks before naturally shedding within 3 to 4 months. Then, the cycle starts all over again! [4]
    • How long do eyelashes take to grow back after extensions? It can take 6 to 12 weeks for eyelashes to grow back after extensions, but it all depends on your overall health and how fast your hair naturally grows.
    • How long do eyelashes take to grow back after chemo? If you lost your eyebrows due to chemotherapy, know that they’ll likely start to grow back several months after stopping treatment. [5]
Section 3 of 7:

Why do eyelashes fall out?

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  1. Eyelashes often fall out because of age or excessive cosmetic use. It’s completely natural for eyelashes to fall out—people lose 1 to 5 eyelashes a day on average—but excessive eyelash loss may be caused by other forces. The most common reasons for eyelash loss include: [6]
    • Aging: Hair growth naturally slows as you get older.
    • Excessive use of mascara or lash curlers: Mascara and lash curlers can weaken and break lashes.
    • Eyelash extensions: Frequent eyelash extensions can cause the natural lashes to thin. [7]
    • Removing makeup: Not removing your eye makeup properly could cause lashes to break or fall out.
    • Medical conditions: Certain conditions can cause hair loss, such as alopecia, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune disorders.
    • Medications: Lash loss can be a side effect of some drugs, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    • Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid can lead to lash loss.
    • Burns: Eyelashes singed off can still grow back if the hair follicle is undamaged.
    • Knowing why your eyelashes may be shedding can help you determine the best way to speed up their growth.
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Section 4 of 7:

How to Help Eyelashes Grow Faster

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  1. 1
    Wash your face gently. Avoid aggressively scrubbing your eyes or the area around your eyes. Instead, use gentle, circular motions to cleanse the skin. Opt for a gentle cleanser or soap that’s fragrance-free to promote skin and hair health. [8]
  2. 2
    Go easy with the eyelash curler. If you curl your eyelashes, you might want to take a break from doing so until your eyelashes grow back. An eyelash curler can bend and break your lashes, making them more brittle. Experts recommend not using a curler every day. Instead, they suggest only curling your lashes for special occasions to keep your eyelashes as healthy as possible. [9]
  3. 3
    Remove eye makeup gently. While it’s important to remove your makeup every night, it’s also just as important to remove it gently. Rubbing your lashes to remove makeup can cause them to fall out more. So, use a gentle hand when taking off your makeup. [10]
  4. 4
    Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. If you sleep on your side or stomach, help protect your lashes by sleeping with a satin or silk pillowcase . Satin and silk allow the hair and skin to glide without damage, helping your lashes grow stronger. [12]
    • Similarly, you can also use a silk eye mask for an extra layer of protection.
  5. 5
    Eat a healthy and nutritious diet. While it may seem cliche, maintaining a healthy diet can help promote eyelash growth. A diet rich in proteins, fruits, and vegetables is ideal for healthy hair and skin. [13]
    • For long, full eyelashes, focus on getting enough iron in your diet. Try eating more salmon, nuts, and legumes. [14]
  6. 6
    Limit how often you get lash extensions. Getting your eyelashes done repeatedly could be causing your natural lashes to fall out. Try giving your lashes a break and going all natural to prevent breakage and repair the hair follicles.
    • Lash extensions typically last 6 to 8 weeks before needing a refill. [15]
  7. 7
    Use an eyelash serum. There are many eyelash serums on the market that claim to help your lashes grow faster and thicker. However, it’s best to use caution with these products. While they can create the desired effects, they can also cause undesirable side effects, like eye redness and irritation. [16]
    • Always read the ingredients and instructions of eyelash serum carefully and only use it as directed.
    • Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription eyelash growth treatment that’s been clinically studied and recommended. [17]
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Section 5 of 7:

Can lash loss be permanent?

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  1. In some cases, eyelash loss can be permanent. In most cases, eyelashes grow back without treatment or attention. But if the lash loss is caused by an underlying medical issue or stems from hair follicle damage, the loss could be permanent. These conditions could cause permanent eyelash loss:
    • Scarring madarosis: When lashes fall out due to trauma or destruction, resulting in scarring and damage to the hair follicles. [18]
    • Alopecia areata or alopecia adnata: Eyelash loss due to autoimmune complications. [19]
    • Trichotillomania: The repetitive behavior or habit of pulling out hair, resulting in damage to the hair follicles. [20]
Section 6 of 7:

Why are eyelashes important?

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  1. 1
    Eyelashes protect your eyes from debris. Eyelashes are more than a pretty feature; they serve a purpose in your overall health. These delicate hairs act as a natural barrier between your eye and debris and dust. Think of them like miniature shields. Eyelashes keep dust, dirt, and other small debris from entering your eye; therefore, lowering the risk of infection or irritation. [21]
  2. 2
    Eyelashes trigger your blink reflex. You likely don’t think about every time you blink; it’s an involuntary reflex. Your body naturally blinks when the eye needs moisture. Eyelashes can also trigger this reflex to help protect your eye from potential harm or injury. [22]
  3. 3
    Eyelashes help filter light. Eyelashes are more than just a shield from debris. They’re also a protective shield against light. Eyelashes help filter light from being too bright in your eyes. While they don’t completely protect you from brightness, they help minimize the overall impact. [23]
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Section 7 of 7:

When to See a Doctor

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  1. See a doctor if you experience pain or excessive lash loss for no clear reason. Losing eyelashes is normal, but losing them rapidly or constantly could be a sign of an underlying condition. Talk to a healthcare professional if: [24]
    • Lash loss is happening on both lids.
    • You’re also losing hair on your eyebrows and/or scalp.
    • You’re experiencing skin changes, like itching, redness, or scaling.
    • You feel pressure around your eyes.
    • You have vision loss.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      2. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder-eyelashes
      3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6147748/
      4. ↑ https://www.plumescience.com/blogs/news/the-lash-growth-cycle-why-some-people-see-faster-growth-than-others
      5. ↑ https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/hair-loss/eyebrows-eyelashes-chemo
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      7. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      8. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      2. ↑ Alicia Ramos. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      4. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      5. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/foods-high-in-iron
      6. ↑ https://www.universebeautylashes.com/blogs/news/how-often-should-you-get-lash-refills-your-ultimate-guide-to-perfect-lashes
      7. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/latisse
      8. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24820-madarosis
      10. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884829/
      11. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/trichotillomania-hair-pulling-disorder-eyelashes
      12. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/eyelashes
      13. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/eyelashes
      14. ↑ https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-we-need-eyelashes/
      15. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out

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