The lash-growing tips you’ve been asking for
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Admit it: You want longer, fuller lashes. Who doesn’t? And if you’re anything like me, you may have gotten impatient and resorted to throwing some falsies on those eyes to quickly achieve the lashes of your dreams. Or, perhaps you spend up to four hours each month (or longer) in a salon getting lash extensions installed. Regardless, if you’re a false eyelash kinda gal, welcome to the club. And also … how are your natural lashes doing?
I had to ask! Because let’s also admit it: If you’re constantly gluing false lashes on, chances are, your natural lashes could really use some TLC. While lash extensions and falsies will likely not ruin your natural lashes, they may suffer if they aren’t applied or appropriately removed.
“Most eyelashes have a relatively short growth cycle of hair – this is why our lashes are about one-fourth of an inch long rather than inches or feet like hair on our scalp,” Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon told InStyle. “However, eyelash hairs have a long pause cycle before they move to the shedding cycle, called telogen. Stress on the hair follicle may shift follicles prematurely into the shedding cycle.”
In other words, if your eyelashes experience any type of stress from the falsies, they can (and will) shed. What’s worse? The lashes that grow back can be finer and shorter than before.
Sigh. Alas, I confess: My natural lashes are pretty dang stubby. Ten years of gluing dramatic, fluffy false eyelashes onto my eyes and aggressively ripping them off (especially after a few glasses of wine) will do that to ya. But what do I do? I continue to glue more on because, well, my natural lashes aren’t thriving. Also, I can’t say sayonara to my falsies. And I probably never will.
But this is all about to change because one of my New Year’s resolutions was to grow my natural lashes. And although I’ve already failed at keeping some of my other resolutions, like cooking every day (s/o to my husband for feeding me nightly) and hitting the gym more (😅), I’m not going to let my lashes down.
Plus, there’s no better time than today to have this chat. February 19 is National Lash Day, AKA a U.S. holiday created by House of Lashes as a day to “…notice and appreciate both true and false eyelashes for the beauty they add to every look.”
So, without further ado, here are some things I’ve been implementing into my daily routine to grow my natural lashes.
Removing mascara and falsies with R-E-S-P-E-C-T
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One thing I’ve really been working on is being kinder to my lashes; no tugging, rubbing, pulling, or picking. “The skin here is sensitive and the thinnest on the body,” New York City-based dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg told Real Simple. “[Rubbing your eyes too hard] can result in a low-grade inflammation that can cause skin irritation, damaged collagen, and promote premature aging of the eyelid skin,” adds New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.
And when it comes to those falsies? You’ll want to use a gentle eye makeup remover and resist the urge to pull them off without any prep work. Ahem, I learned this one the hard way. Any pulling of the lashes will, naturally, result in eyelash loss. So, removing any eye product with respect is essential in keeping those eyelashes fluttery and fabulous.
Try an eyelash serum morning and night
Lash serums are an excellent option for those needing help in the lash department. “Lash serums are growth-enhancing formulas that stimulate lash growth,” Triple board-certified dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling told Byrdie. “When applied regularly, the lash serum extends the telogen phase of growth, lengthening the lash growth cycle. This will keep lashes thicker and stronger.”
Lash serums are safe, effective, and easy to use. So, when Sugarbear sent me their LashCare Vegan Vitamin-Infused Lash Serum, of course, I had to give it a shot. And so far, so good! Since it takes a good three to four months of using the lash serum daily to see major results, I have nothing to report as of yet. However, it’s only one extra self-care step in my morning and night skincare routine that I think will be worth it.
If you want to skip the lash serum, give castor oil a try
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If you’re not interested in investing money in lash serums, no worries — there are some natural oils, like castor oil, you can try. Granted, I have to warn you: “There is little evidence to suggest that oil can cause lashes to grow,” dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick told The Zoe Report. “That said, it can help to moisturize your lashes, giving them a healthier, thicker, and stronger appearance.”
Perhaps you aren’t necessarily looking for lash growth and just need some extra moisture or fluffiness. In that case, this is a helpful (and cheaper) alternative to serums.
To apply castor oil to your lashes, dip a Q-tip in the oil and run it along your lashes before bed. By morning, gently wash your face or run a cotton pad with micellar water along your lash line to remove it. Do this every single night before bed for best results! Check out this castor oil on Amazon, which has nearly five stars out of an impressive 5,072 reviews.
Regularly brushing the lashes
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Just like you should brush your hair and teeth every day, gently combing the lashes is also a good idea. Not only does it stimulate lash growth, but according to Healthline, combing the lashes also rids them of dirt and debris, which is essential in keeping them healthy. I do this twice a day, in the A.M and P.M.
This 100-pack sold on Amazon is my go-to purchase. Plus, they are oh-so-cute! Sparkly pink? Say less. I comb through my lashes before hitting them with a serum.
Long lashes don’t happen overnight. In the meantime, I’ll be hitting these lashes with an eyelash curler, throwing on a few coats of lengthening mascara, and popping on a pair of falsies. The road to gorgeous natural lashes isn’t quick, and I’m def taking my prized possessions with me!
