Every day, we normally lose a few strands of hair which will then grow back after a while. Like the hair on the scalp, eyelashes also follow a growth cycle. However, accidents may happen which could cause most of the eyelashes to fall out.
But do not worry. It may take a while, but eyelashes will eventually grow back. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out?
Here are some causes of eyelash loss:
Accidents
Accidental burns and cutting may rip the eyelashes off. The good news is, eyelashes usually grow back within 6 weeks if the hair follicles are still intact. Unfortunately, if the hair follicles were severely damaged, the eyelashes may no longer grow back.
Chemotherapy
Some medications can cause hair including the eyelashes to fall out. Normally, eyelashes will start to grow back quickly after discontinuing chemotherapy.
Pulled out
Trichotillomania is a psychological impulse to pull hair out. This impulse can pluck out hair anywhere on the body. Eyelashes that have been pulled out may take several months to grow back.
Lash extensions
Lash extensions can rip the eyelashes as they fall off after being glued to the natural eyelashes. It may take months before lashes can grow back after losing them from lash extensions.
Thyroid conditions
Thyroid imbalance can cause several symptoms, including hair loss. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism could lead to eyelash loss. Eyelashes typically grow back after treating the thyroid imbalance.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. There is currently no cure for alopecia, but there are treatments available to reduce symptoms.
How to Make Eyelashes Grow Back
In many cases, eyelashes lost from chemotherapy or light burns regrow over time. For eyelash loss caused by a thyroid condition or autoimmune disease, it is required to treat the underlying health problems first before you could stop losing eyelashes.
Certain medications such as bimatoprost in eye drop form may also be prescribed to regrow eyelashes. There are also home remedies you could try to speed up eyelash growth such as applying olive oil, massaging eyelashes, and applying biotin products.
However, home remedies and biotin lack scientific evidence that they can promote eyelash growth.
How to Prevent Eyelashes From Falling Out
Dry lashes may break and fall out prematurely which is why washing eye makeup off before going to bed is highly suggested. Other precautions to follow include:
Healthy diet. Malnutrition and deficiencies can contribute to hair loss which may affect the eyelashes. Nutrients that could be vital in hair health include:
- vitamin B
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
- iron
- protein
- zinc
Avoid eyelash curlers. People who use eyelash curlers are more prone to accidentally tugging off the eyelashes and damage the hair follicles.
Do not rub eyes: Rubbing the eyes too roughly can damage the delicate eyelashes, so be gentle when rubbing your eyes.
Remember, the loss of a few eyelashes is normal. However, extensive eyelash loss can prevent your eyelashes from growing back. You could try some medications or home remedies to speed up eyelash growth, but none of these are proven to be 100% effective.
If you experience extensive eyelash loss and are unsure why this is happening, speak to your doctor immediately.
