Can You Grow Lost Eyelashes Back? Here's What To Know

Though this may seem surprising to read, losing your eyelashes is actually totally normal. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the average person sheds around one to five eyelashes every single day without cause from concern. On top of that, as part of the aging process, lashes grow shorter, and thinner over time. In other words, there's no need to panic if you spot a random lash on your pillowcase or your undereye.

However, if you're losing more than a few lashes here and there, you may need to visit your doctor to check that there's not an underlying health issue. Blepharitis, Trichotillomania, and even skin cancer have all been linked to losing large quantities of eyelashes. But, for most people, the cause is often less serious. From irritation caused by cosmetics, like eyeliner or mascara, to eyelash glue that pulls too hard when you remove it (Remember, there are much safer methods to removing falsies). 

Still, whether you lost your eyelashes due to human error or natural causes, you've probably worried about if they'll ever grow back. Well, the answer is yes, but with an asterisk. For most healthy people, eyelashes should grow back in just a few weeks, as long as  there is no damage to either the hair follicle or the eyelid. But how long the process takes may depend on a few factors.

If you lost an eyelash but didn't damage the follicle (i.e. you accidentally cut your lash off with a curler), you can expect it to grow back within six weeks, Dr. Rona Z. Silkiss, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, told the AAO. However, if you pulled the entire eyelash out, accidentally or otherwise, then you could be in for a longer wait time. That's because our eyelashes have a life span of between four and 11 months, during which time it goes through the growth phase, the degradation phase, and the telogen phase. Yanking a lash before it reaches the end of its cycle means you'll need to wait for the follicle to complete the remaining stages before you notice growth. The AAO reports that cycles usually takes between six and 10 weeks. You may also find it takes longer for your lashes to grow back if the loss was due to a taking a particular medication or as a result of a physical trauma, such as an eye injury.

Unfortunately, there's always a chance that your lashes may not be able to grow back at all.  So, if you're worried about the state of your lashes, see your doctor for personalized and professional medical advice.

If you're tired of playing the waiting game when it comes to lash regrowth, there are a few things you can to try and speed the process. First, you can give a lash serum a try. There are plenty on the market, but the Food and Drug Administration has approved Latisse, as it claims to help lashes grow longer and darker. The prescription-only treatment contains the active ingredient Bimantoprost, which prolongs the growth phase of your lashes' lifespan, allowing them to grow longer. 
Of course, before applying anything new to the skin, always be sure to do a patch test first. TheAAO notes Latisse can potentially cause soreness and darken the iris or the skin around the eye.

The second step you can take is to modify your diet. The AAO recommends a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, plus protein and iron to preserve your lash health. Increasing your intake of a vitamin known as Biotin may potentially help because of the way it aids healthy hair, skin and nails. However, keep in mind that Healthline reports the jury's still out on just how effective this really is for lash growth. Biotin supplements also have their own side effects, so do your research first. Of course, not touching your eyes, and refraining from mascara or eyelash glue can also go a long way in preserving your lash health.