How to Grow Eyelashes: Expert Tips for Longer, Fuller Lashes
The ultimate expert-backed guide to safely boosting eyelash growth, choosing serums, and building your healthiest lashes ever.
If you find yourself envying the lush, fluttery lashes of babies or celebrities and wish your own eyelashes were longer, fuller, and healthier, you’re not alone. For many, even the best mascaras and the trendiest lash lifts or extensions don’t quite provide that naturally lash-rich look. Fortunately, eyelash growth is a science-backed process, and a blend of appropriate care, expert-recommended products, and realistic expectations can make a visible difference. Here’s everything you need to know about growing your eyelashes—including what actually works, what’s just hype, and how to safely support healthier lashes.
Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle
Before exploring growth techniques, it’s crucial to understand how eyelashes grow. Eyelash hairs, like the rest of our hair, develop and shed in predictable cycles:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth period for each lash and lasts about 30–45 days. Only a percentage of your lashes (about 40% of upper lashes and 15% of lower) are in this stage at any moment.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasting 2–3 weeks, this is a brief dormant stage where the follicle shrinks and the lash stops growing. If a lash falls out during this phase, it won’t start regrowing until this stage is over.
- Telogen (Shedding/Resting Phase): This phase lasts more than 100 days before the lash naturally sheds and the process repeats.
Given this cycle, it takes about three months for your eyelashes to complete a full growth cycle. As a result, instant growth is impossible and any real change takes time and consistency.
What Actually Helps Your Eyelashes Grow?
There’s a significant difference between products or tricks that condition and strengthen lashes and those that actively stimulate new growth. Here’s what works, what doesn’t, and what to beware of:
Latisse: The Only FDA-Approved Lash Growth Serum
If you’re looking for a product clinically proven to stimulate eyelash growth, Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is currently your only FDA-approved option.
- Originally developed as a glaucoma treatment, users noticed longer, fuller lashes as a side effect—eventually leading to its approval and branding for lash growth.
- How it works: Latisse extends the anagen (growth) phase and promotes follicle activity to create longer, thicker, and darker lashes over time.
- Timeline: Expect visible results in about 4–6 weeks, with maximum results appearing after 12–16 weeks. Ongoing use is necessary for maintenance.
- Important Note: Latisse is available by prescription only, requiring evaluation by a doctor or dermatologist to ensure it’s suitable and safe for you.
Do Over-the-Counter (OTC) Eyelash Serums Work?
The market is full of serums promising dramatic lash growth. Some contain ingredients similar to those in Latisse (such as isopropyl cloprostenate), but these are not FDA-approved or regulated for safety and efficacy.
- Potential Effectiveness: Some users report longer, fuller lashes with these serums, but results are variable and side effects can occur (e.g., eye irritation, discoloration).
- Risks and Regulation: Since these are unregulated, quality and safety can vary widely. Proceed with caution, patch test before full use, and stop if you experience redness, itching, or irritation.
Debunking Natural Lash Growth Remedies
Many turn to home remedies in hopes of longer lashes, including castor oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and olive oil. But can these natural ingredients make your lashes grow?
- Moisturizing and Conditioning: Oils and natural serums can help condition lashes, minimize breakage, and create a healthier environment—making lashes appear thicker and shinier.
- Scientific Evidence: There’s no conclusive research proving that oils stimulate new lash growth. They provide hydration, not follicle activation.
- Best Use: Use these safe oils to supplement lash health, prevent brittleness, and prolong retention—not as standalone growth solutions.
Recommended Natural Lash Conditioners
- Castor Oil: A favorite for hair hydration, scalp health, and potentially promoting stronger lashes by reducing breakage.
- Vitamin E Oil: Known for antioxidant properties and supporting hair health overall.
- Argan and Marula Oil: Lightweight, rich in nutrients, and suitable for moisturizing both lashes and the delicate eye area.
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Other Expert-Recommended Ways to Support Eyelash Growth
Strong, beautiful lashes rarely come from a single product. A balanced approach is best:
- Be gentle around your eyes: Avoid aggressive tugging, rubbing, or pulling while removing eye makeup.
- Skip the heavy-duty lash curlers: Overuse or harsh curling can weaken lash roots and lead to premature shedding.
- Always remove mascara before bed: Sleeping in eye makeup can dry out lashes and increase breakage risk.
- Limit false lashes and glue: Frequent use of false lashes and adhesives can stress lash follicles and potentially permanently damage the lash line.
- Consider a conditioning serum (even if not strictly a growth serum): These help reinforce existing lashes and minimize everyday breakage.
Best Practices: Building a Lash-Boosting Routine
Ready to nurture stronger, healthier lashes? Here’s a practical, expert-approved routine:
- Cleansing: Use a gentle, fragrance-free eye makeup remover or micellar water daily to carefully cleanse the lash line.
- Conditioning: Swipe a lash conditioner or natural oil across clean lashes nightly to help retain moisture and flexibility.
- Prescription Serums: Apply Latisse as directed by your doctor if you have a prescription, using sterile applicators and following all hygienic steps closely.
- Protection: Avoid rubbing your eyes and use a satin pillowcase to minimize lash friction overnight.
Consistency is key—stay patient for at least three months before expecting visible changes.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Lash Serums and Conditioners
Whether you choose a prescription or an over-the-counter formula, some ingredients stand out in supporting lash health:
| Ingredient | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bimatoprost | Increases hair growth duration, follicle stimulation | FDA-approved in Latisse (Rx only) |
| Biotin | Supports overall hair health | Common in OTC serums; evidence for direct lash growth is mixed |
| Peptides | Conditioning, breaks down protein deficiencies | May increase lash strength & minimize breakage |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Hydration & shine | Common in conditioners; strengthens shaft |
| Isopropyl Cloprostenate | Mimics prostaglandin analogs (lash growth stimulators) | In some OTC serums; NOT FDA-approved |
Lash Growth: Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Applying oil makes lashes grow longer.
Fact: Oils condition and protect existing hairs, but don’t stimulate new growth. - Myth: Lash serums work overnight.
Fact: Most require at least 6–12 weeks of daily, consistent use for visible results. - Myth: Over-the-counter serums are just as effective as prescription ones.
Fact: Only Latisse is FDA-approved with proven efficacy for lash growth. - Myth: Lash extensions make your natural lashes grow.
Fact: Extensions create instant volume, but overuse can strain and weaken natural lashes.
Common Questions about Eyelash Growth
How long does it really take for my eyelashes to grow naturally?
On average, it takes about three months for new lashes to go from the growth phase to full length and then shed naturally. Significant visible improvement requires several weeks to a few months, regardless of the products used.
Are lash extensions or falsies bad for my natural lashes?
When used occasionally and properly applied, they’re generally safe. However, frequent or improper use of glue, heavy extensions, or aggressive removal can damage the lash follicle and thin your natural lashes over time.
What side effects should I watch for when using lash growth serums?
Common side effects include eye irritation, redness, itching, or skin darkening at the lash line. More rarely, some prostaglandin analog serums may temporarily alter iris color. Always follow instructions closely and consult a doctor with any concerns.
Can diet or supplements help my lashes grow?
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes protein, biotin, and vitamins (like A, C, E, and B-complex) supports overall hair health. However, there’s little direct evidence linking supplements to increased eyelash length, unless you have a deficiency.
Will my lashes stop growing as soon as I stop using a serum?
Yes—for most serums, especially Latisse, lash growth will gradually revert back to your baseline over several growth cycles once you discontinue use.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Long, Healthy Lashes
- Always remove eye makeup gently and thoroughly every night.
- Be wary of excessive heat from eyelash curlers. Use only on clean lashes and avoid too much repetition.
- Incorporate a conditioning oil or serum for regular care—even if it’s not a proven growth solution, it’ll help safeguard what you’ve got.
- Limit your use of waterproof mascaras, adhesives, and removers—these can dry out and stress the lashes.
- If using a growth serum, stick to the full course as recommended for safe, gradual results.
- Consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist if you have any eye or skin conditions, or if you experience side effects from lash products.
Summary Table: Lash Growth Options and Results
| Method | Growth Potential | Timeframe | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latisse (Prescription) | High – proven efficacy | 4–16 weeks for visible results | Requires doctor’s prescription; possible side effects |
| OTC Lash Serums | Variable | 4–12 weeks (results vary) | Not FDA-regulated; some risk of irritation |
| Natural Oils & Conditioners | Low – primarily strengthens | Ongoing use for conditioning | Safe, inexpensive, supports lash health but not growth |
| Lash Extensions | Instant volume (not real growth) | Immediate | Professional application needed, potential for damage |
If You Want Longer Lashes, Remember:
- Growing healthier, longer lashes is possible, but requires patience and consistency.
- Focus on a regimen that minimizes breakage and encourages a healthy lash environment.
- Prescription products provide the most dramatic, scientifically proven results—but should be used under medical supervision.
- Natural conditioners support, not stimulate, growth.
- Your existing lashes can be made to look their absolute best with good habits and safe, proven products.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/21949-eyelashes
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a27480562/how-to-grow-eyelashes/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/bodycare/a40229951/how-to-grow-lashes/
- https://drlaradevgan.com/blogs/doctors-notes/dr-devgan-s-platinum-long-lash-steals-the-show-at-cosmo
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