How to Grow Your Eyelashes Naturally, According to a Dermatologist

Long, thick eyelashes have long been a coveted beauty trait. But beyond having good eyelash genes, finding the right mascara, or opting for extensions, is there anything else we can do to improve our eyelashes naturally? According to Marisa Garshick MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, treating eyelashes with care similar to hair can help enhance eyelash health and appearance.

Why Your Lashes Aren't Growing

Eyelashes are similar to the hair on our heads in many ways, including growth patterns. "Similar to hair on the scalp, eyelashes exist in three different phases, including a growth phase, a resting phase and the catagen phase, which is a transition phase when the lashes may stop growing and fall out," Garshick explains.

The lifespan of eyelashes can range anywhere from 4 to 11 months. If your lashes are thinner during a certain time of year, this may be due to your lashes' natural lifecycle.

It's true that genetics play a role in how long and thick your eyelashes are. However, according to Garshick, external factors also influence the health of our lashes. "Eyelash growth may be impacted by medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress as well as external trauma," Garshick explains. You may have heard of losing hair due to prolonged periods of stress. Eyelashes are also susceptible to this, so managing stress effectively and eating a healthy diet are two of the easiest ways to support your lashes' natural growth pattern.

Handling your eyelashes with anything other than gentle care can also negatively impact eyelash growth. "It is important not to be too aggressive when removing eye makeup, as excessive trauma on the lashes may weaken the eyelashes and lead the eyelashes to fall out," Garshick explains. Constantly rubbing your eyes or picking at eyelashes can also make them fall out faster and impede growth.

How to Make Your Eyelashes Grow

With the right routine and care, it's absolutely possible to help eyelashes grow naturally. Here are a few healthy habits to adopt for your best lashes yet.

Cleanse eyelashes regularly. Keeping lashes clean is a key first step for natural eyelash growth. If you wear eye makeup, remove it gently and completely before bed each night. "Use gentle products on the skin and the lashes, such as micellar water like La Roche Posay Micellar Water or cleansing balms like CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm," says Garshick.

Don't overdo it on mascara. "Heavy mascara can weigh down the lashes and lead to weakening of the lashes," Garshick explains. If you use mascara regularly, opt for a light coat, and be sure to condition lashes to help support eyelash health.

Be cautious with eyelash curlers. If you have to use an eyelash curler, use it gently and correctly. "If used improperly, eyelash curlers may lead to breakage," says Garshick.

Apply natural oils. There's little evidence to suggest that natural oils cause lashes to grow —  but certain oils can help support your current lashes. "Moisturizing your lashes gives them a healthier, thicker and stronger appearance," says Garshick. She recommends using castor oil, which can promote healthier and stronger hair and contains ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that boosts circulation, which is thought to help promote healthier and stronger hair." Be sure to apply the oil gently with a soft-bristled eyelash brush.

Consider eyelash serums. Eyelash serums, applied to the lashline of eyelashes, can help with eyelash growth. However, it's critical to consult with a dermatologist before using. Many of these serums require a prescription, and the formulas may not be right for everyone.

Eat a healthy diet. "Following a well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins and protein, can be helpful for eyelash growth," says Garshick. Many hair growth supplements on the market can also help improve eyelash growth. "Vitamin D, iron, zinc and B12 can be helpful for hair growth if someone is deficient," says Garshick. Hair supplements like Nutrafol and Viviscal contain a combination of these ingredients.

Minimize stress. Easier said than done, of course. However, stress can impact eyelash growth, so it's important to keep your stress levels in check as much as possible. "Some people may also find that they are more likely to pull at their eyelashes during times of stress, which can also contribute to loss of eyelashes," says Garshick.

Final Word

Is it possible to get better lashes naturally? With the right products and practices, absolutely. It's important to remember that growing healthier eyelashes is not an overnight process. Even when practiced consistently, it can take a few weeks or months to notice tangible results. If you're not seeing improvement or have other concerns about your lash growth, consult a dermatologist to see what they recommend.