Long thick lashes have been a trendy craze for the longest time, and having naturally long lashes is the epitome of beauty and elegance rather than lash extensions. Genetics play a role in the size of your lashes, but you can manipulate them to grow a bit longer and fuller.
Growing your lashes long and thick is possible with the use of organic oils, growth serums, and good lifestyle choices. In this article, we will learn how to grow long and thick lashes and what causes thinning and home remedies.
How to Make Your Eyelashes Grow Faster
These methods are generally safe to use, but the eye area is highly sensitive; therefore, safety is essential. Do a skin patch test before trying any product on the eye area to ensure you are not allergic.
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Condition your eyelashes with organic oils
These oils are known to condition and strengthen hair. The fewer lashes that fall out, the fuller they’ll look. These oils are absorbed and slightly swell the hair strands making them look fuller.
Directions
- Clean your face
- Soak a cotton swab or a clean mascara brush every night in your desired organic oil and apply on your eyelashes, avoiding the eyes
- Keep it on overnight and wash it off in the morning with warm water.
Some of these oils include;
Castor oil
Castor oil contains Ricinoleic acid, which prevents hair loss, therefore helping in maintaining thick lashes.
According to this study, castor oil can cause hair matting due to its high viscosity, so a little goes a long way. You can also substitute castor oil with other oils suggested in this article.
Coconut Oil
Natural hair gurus swear by coconut oil’s ability to nourish and strengthens hair for longer. In theory, it will do the same for eyelashes. Coconut oil has fatty acids that reduce protein loss, which can cause weak eyelash strands.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an emollient that moisturizes and softens hair strands, prevents weakness, and reduces breakage. It contains hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleuropein, which give it antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Emu Oil
Emu oil is highly anti-inflammatory and moisturizing with healing properties. It also contains essential fatty acids that promote eyelash growth. You can get some Emu oil here.
Check this too: What is the best oil to grow eyelashes?
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Vitamin E
Due to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E triggers eyelash growth and prevents hair breakage by removing free radicals from hair follicles－according to this medical article.
Vitamin E can be used topically as oil on its own or mixed with olive, coconut, or castor oil. It can also be consumed orally as a supplement, but consult your doctor on dosage. People who are allergic to concentrated Vitamin E can use castor oil as a substitute since it contains Vitamin E in safe quantities.
Massage the eyelids with Vitamin E oil overnight for good results.
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Eyelash Growth Serum
There are a variety of eyelash growth serums in the market, prescribed and over-the-counter, that are incredibly effective. Latisse (Bimatoprost 0.035%) is the only FDA approved treatment proven for safe eyelash enhancement and needs a doctor’s prescription. With repeated use, you can see results in Latisse in four to six weeks.
You can also use OTC eyelash serums, which contain isopropyl cloprostenol somehow similar to Latisse, but they are not FDA approved. For example, LASHFOOD Phyto-Medic Eyelash Enhancer claims to prevent hair loss and trigger natural regrowth of lashes using herbal extracts.
Unfortunately, like any other medication, eyelash serums do have side effects. You may experience the following:
- Darkening of the iris.
- Red and itchy eyes.
- Drying of the eyes.
Directions
- Always read the instructions before using any serums.
- Clean your face and eyes thoroughly.
- Dip the applicator brush in the serum and remove the excess.
- Apply a very light layer of the serum along the upper eyelash line only.
- Wait for at least 90 seconds before applying make-up or sleeping with your serum.
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Eyelash accelerator mascara
You can use a lash serum that doubles up as a mascara. A lash accelerator is a peptide-based mascara and has other active ingredients that claim to boost eyelash length with repeated use. Many have also sworn by the effectiveness of Rimmel Lash Accelerator.
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Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is known to be moisturizing and hydrating; these properties may prevent eyelash breakage from excess drying. However, no research proves petroleum jelly makes lashes grow, but reduces brittleness and gives them lusters.
Using a Q-tip, apply a rice-size amount of unscented petroleum jelly on the lash line at night.
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Green Tea
Green tea boasts of polyphenolic compounds, which are rich antioxidants that act as hair loss treatment, hence making eyelashes dense. It also has a variety of amino acids and vitamins that improve the vitality of hair follicles.
Brew a cup of green tea and wait for it to cool. Soak a cotton ball in the tea, dab the liquid on your eyelashes for five minutes, and leave it overnight. You should also drink green tea twice daily for better results.
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Biotin Supplement
Biotin is also called Vitamin H or B7. Biotin supplements may be helpful if you are deficient in specific vitamins and minerals that cause temporary hair loss and hair thinning. This deficiency may also affect your eyelashes. However, there is limited evidence that biotin supplement helps in eyelash growth. Professionals also argue that biotin deficiency is rare and is contained in everyday foods such as eggs and spinach, leading to overdosing on the supplement.
Over-consumption of biotin can lead to:
- Skin rashes.
- It makes it difficult for the body to release insulin.
It’s best to consult a doctor before using biotin as it may interact with other medications.
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Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein, vitamin B, and biotin, adding to hair length and health.
Beat one egg and using a cotton ball, apply some on the lashes. Wait for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. You can also add some glycerin for added moisture. Mix one part egg and one part glycerin, apply on the eyelashes, and wash off after 15 minutes. Repeat this three times a week for a couple of months.
Tips and Tricks for Growing your Eyelashes Faster
A couple of behavioral changes can also go a long way into giving you longer and fuller eyelashes. Here are the top things to consider:
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Brush your eyelashes often
Using a clean mascara brush, comb your eyelashes twice daily to achieve a fuller look. Combing your lashes stimulates blood flow to the root area, promoting eyelash growth. It also helps to remove dirt around the eyelashes, which can cause eyelashes to fall off.
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Massage your eyelids with oil
Massaging the eyelids and the areas around the eyes gently with a little coconut or castor oil improves blood circulation and stimulates eyelash growth.
Remember to use clean hands.
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Avoid rubbing your eyes
Rubbing and tugging your eyes can pull out your hair lashes and cause thinning since eyelash roots are not very firm. The eyelids are also very thin, so this can cause early aging like wrinkling of the skin. Rubbing your eyes can also transfer bacteria from your hands to the eyes, causing infections.
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Maintain proper hygiene
Mascara, oils, and dust can clog your pores on the lash line if left on for too long. It may prevent the growth of new eyelashes and cause early falling out by weighing the strands down. Clean off your eye make-up before going to bed by gently patting down using a cotton pad and an oil-based cleanser.
Remember to also use clean brushes on your eyelashes, do not use your mascara for more than a year.
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Avoid eyelash extensions
It is not entirely wrong to use eyelash extensions, but moderation is key. Applying eyelash extensions will cause thinning and shortening of your natural eyelashes over time. It is due to the chemical glue and also stresses from the constant tugging of removing them. If you have to wear them, remove the extensions using an oil-based cleanser that loosens the glue.
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Be gentle with your eyelash curler
When used correctly, an eyelash curler can help elongate your eyelashes. However, when you apply too much force, it can pull out your eyelashes and damage the hair follicles. The eyelash roots are very tender; therefore, even the slightest pulling can cause some damage.
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Avoid eye make-up
You have the option of avoiding eye make-up altogether or observing minimal use. Poor quality make-up may contain harmful chemicals that clog or damage hair follicles and prevent hair from growing out.
How to Make Your Eyelashes Grow Longer and Thicker Naturally
There are other natural changes you can make to accelerate the rate at which your eyelashes grow. Here are the top considerations:
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Good nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in nutrients that promote hair growth and strength. Taking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also beneficial to the health of the skin and hair, including eyelashes.
- Proteins provide keratin and help in eyelash length.
- Omega-3 fatty (seafood, salmon) acids prevent brittle eyelashes.
- Iron keeps the lashes healthy and prevents falling off too soon.
- Vitamin B (whole grains, eggs) prevents brittle hair strands and helps in follicle cell growth and repair.
- Vitamin C (broccoli, oranges, sweet potatoes) promotes collagen production and repairs follicle damage.
- Vitamin E (almonds, avocado, spinach) protects your eyelashes from oxidizing stress.
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Homemade eyelash serums
You can make a homemade concoction with your favorite oils that help in thickening eyelashes. Mix an oil base of your desire like coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil and add some drops of essential oils like Vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and lavender oil for nourishment.
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Coconut milk
Coconut milk is also an excellent natural solution to grow your eyelashes thick. It contains necessary fats and proteins which are best for the growth of eyelashes. Soak a cotton ball in some coconut milk, and gently apply it on your eyelashes. Leave it for few minutes and then wash it with warm water.
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Aloe vera mask
Fresh aloe vera gel is nourishing and conditioning to the eyelashes.
Gently apply some aloe vera gel on the eyelashes using a clean mascara brush. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning. Over time, the lashes will grow thicker.
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Hot Compresses
Every night before bed, place a warm washcloth over the eyes for five minutes to help keep your eyelids clean and soothe any inflammation caused by dust, dirt, and eye make-up.
Can I Grow My Eyelashes Overnight?
The short answer is no. Just like regular hair, eyelashes go through phases of growth. Eyelashes take about 30 to 45 days to grow to full length.
If you want them overnight, you will have no option but to shelf the dreams of long natural lashes and go for eyelash extensions.
Eyelash growth varies on a case to case basis. Natural methods may take longer than lash serums, but they do make your eyelashes stronger over time. Even with the best serums, it takes longer than three days to grow your lashes.
Additionally, depending on how your body responds to the serums, some people may take a week, some months, and others never. Some health conditions and medications may also damage the hair follicles entirely and prevent regrowth.
Do Eyelashes Stop Growing?
Yes. Simply like balding, it is part of the aging process for eyelashes to stop growing back for both men and women. As earlier mentioned, eyelashes go through growth cycles, and hair follicles naturally stop producing new lashes as we grow older. However, it is good to consult your doctor as the unexpected loss of eyelashes can be connected to other factors like stress, medical conditions, poor eyelash care, hygiene, and hormonal imbalances.
Why Do Eyelashes Get Shorter and Thinner?
There are several reasons why your eyelashes are growing shorter and thinner, some of these reasons include;
Poor nutrition
Insufficient intake of protein, iron, folate, and Vitamin C can cause brittle, dry hair strands. With proper nutrition with foods like nuts, whole grains, leafy greens, and seafood, it can speed up eyelash growth and repair. Also, supplement your balanced diet with multivitamins.
Aging and menopause
As we age, so do our hair follicles, making them lose the germ cell, and as a result, they produce fewer lashes. Hormonal imbalances during menopause also cause thinning of eyelashes. Changes in diet and medical prescriptions may help with eyelash thinning caused by hormonal imbalance.
Medical condition
In some cases, thinning of eyelashes can be due to medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, eye infections, eczema, psoriasis, malnutrition. These conditions will have to be treated and managed. If you notice sudden changes in your eyelash density, it is best to seek medical consult.
Stress
Stress can lead to the thinning of your hair and eyelashes since it affects metabolisms and Cortisol levels. Dealing with your stress triggers and medication for hair rejuvenation can help exacerbate the problem.
Allergic reaction
Your eyelashes can thin out as an adverse reaction to mascara. Mascara can contain chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. Sensitive skin can also contract eye infections such as conjunctivitis and dermatitis.
Poor eyelash care and hygiene
Excess tugging and leaving your eye make-up overnight can weigh down your eyelashes and pull them out. Use an oil-based cleanser to remove your lash strips and always clean your face and eyes before sleeping. Regularly clean and change your eye brushes to avoid infections.
If you condition your lashes with oils, go easy on the eyelash curler and eye make-up, maintain good hygiene, and proper nutrition, you can grow your lashes thicker and longer over time. These methods require consistency and patience. Remember to consult with a dermatologist before using anything around your eye area because the skin there is very delicate.