The Eyelash Growth Cycle : The 3 Easy Steps

You have to remember that even if you eat properly and have all the nutrients you need to grow beautiful eyelashes, you will still lose your eyelashes naturally due to the nature of their growth cycle, which includes three phases. 

Phase 1: The Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is known as the growth phase. This is the first phase of the eyelash growth cycle. This is where the eyelashes actively develop over the course of 30 to 45 days.

During this stage, the lashes will not fall out unless they are forced or plucked.

To keep us from having all of our eyelashes fall out at the same time, only about 40% of the upper eyelashes and 15% of the lower lashes will ever be in this phase at once. 

Phase 2: The Catagen Phase

This phase is also known as the transitional phase, this is where the lashes have reached their desired length and stop growing.

Over time, the hair follicles begin to shrink.

If a lash is removed at this time, it will not grow back until the time when it would have completed this phase. In general, this phase lasts about 3 to 4 weeks. 

Phase 3: The Telogen Phase

This phase is called the “resting phase.” It’s the longest phase by far, and typically lasts more than 100 days.

During this period, the eyelash will fall out, and new growth will begin, usually between four and eight weeks later.

Since we have all of our lashes in different phases of the eyelash growth cycle at any given time, it’s perfectly natural for a few to fall out each day.

Not only do every person’s eyelashes follow this specific growth cycle, but every person is born with a certain number of follicles on their eyelid.

In general, there are about 90 to 150 eyelashes on the upper part of the eyelid, while the lower lids have about 70 to 80. Every single eyelash is designed to reach a certain length (3/8 inches on average), after which it falls off and then grows again. 

While we all love our eyelashes for their beautifying capabilities, it’s important to remind ourselves that these hairs are actually there to keep dust, debris, and dirt from getting into our eyes. In fact, their main function is to serve as sensors, activating our blink reaction whenever something tries to get in.  

Tips to Prevent Eyelash Thinning

To help your eyelashes stay in the best shape and to resist thinning whenever possible, you can follow these simple tips: 

• Do not sleep with your mascara on. Mascara stiffens eyelashes over time. It’s OK for daily wear, but it can lead to hardness and breakage during sleep. 
• Use natural oils to promote the growth of your eyelashes. Check our article here.
• Avoid wearing waterproof mascara (especially with extensions)! Waterproof mascara brands tend to contain chemicals that dry your lashes and lead to breakage. Go with more natural brands such as this one on amazon.
• Use a gentle eye makeup remover, not one that contains harsh chemicals. ( we love this one on amazon)

All things considered, also rememeber you can drastically increase the health of your eyelashes by making some very basic (and often very delicious) changes to your diet. Feel free to have a look at our article about the foods to add to your diet to help your eyelashes.

All of this will be for naught, however, if you’re not treating your eyelashes with care, keeping them clean, and using natural products that nourish your lashes instead of coating them with chemicals.