Whether you're a regular lash lift enthusiast or simply want to maximise your natural lash potential, maintaining healthy lashes is essential. Strong, well-nourished lashes not only look better but also respond better to treatments and recover more quickly. This guide explores the science of lash health and provides practical strategies for keeping your lashes in optimal condition.
Understanding Your Lash Growth Cycle
Before diving into care tips, it's helpful to understand how your lashes grow. Each eyelash goes through a three-phase cycle that lasts approximately 90-120 days:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts 30-45 days. This is when lashes actively grow. Only about 40% of your upper lashes are in this phase at any time.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasts 2-3 weeks. The hair follicle shrinks and growth stops. The lash prepares to shed.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasts 100+ days. The lash rests before naturally falling out, making room for a new lash to begin the cycle.
This cycle explains why you naturally lose 1-5 lashes per eye daily and why it takes time for lash-enhancing treatments to show results. Supporting your lashes during the growth phase maximises their potential length and strength.
Lash Fact
The average upper eyelid has 150-200 lashes, while the lower lid has about 75-100. Each lash has a lifespan of roughly 3-4 months before it naturally sheds and is replaced.
Daily Habits for Healthier Lashes
Gentle Makeup Removal
How you remove eye makeup has a significant impact on lash health. Aggressive rubbing, tugging, and harsh products cause lash breakage and premature shedding. Instead, use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover (outside of the 48-hour window after lash lifts) or micellar water. Saturate a cotton pad and hold it against closed eyes for 20-30 seconds to dissolve makeup before gently wiping away. Never pull or tug.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Just like the hair on your head, your lashes can be damaged by heat. Be mindful of hot tools near your face, including hair dryers and curling irons. Steam from cooking, saunas, and very hot showers can also affect lash health over time, particularly after chemical treatments like lash lifts.
Keep Your Hands Away
Touching, rubbing, and pulling at your eyes damages lashes and can even cause a condition called trichotillomania (compulsive lash pulling). If you have allergies or dry eyes that cause frequent rubbing, address the underlying issue with appropriate treatments or antihistamines.
Nourishing Your Lashes
Lash Serums
Lash serums containing peptides, biotin, and amino acids can support lash growth and strength. These products are applied at the lash line and work by nourishing the hair follicles. Results typically become visible after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Look for serums that are ophthalmologist-tested and free from potentially irritating ingredients like prostaglandin analogues if you have sensitive eyes.
Natural Oils
Several natural oils can condition and strengthen lashes:
- Castor oil: Rich in ricinoleic acid, which may support hair growth and thickness
- Coconut oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss and prevent breakage
- Olive oil: Contains vitamins E and K that nourish and protect
- Argan oil: High in antioxidants and fatty acids for conditioning
Apply oils sparingly at night using a clean mascara wand or cotton swab. A tiny amount goes a long way - excess oil can blur vision or clog follicles.
Consistency is more important than quantity when it comes to lash care. A small amount of nourishing oil or serum applied nightly will yield better results than occasional heavy applications.
Nutrition for Lash Health
Like all hair, lashes benefit from proper nutrition. The following nutrients support hair growth and strength:
Essential Nutrients
- Protein: Hair is primarily made of keratin protein. Ensure adequate protein intake through lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Supports keratin production. Found in eggs, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss including lashes. Sources include red meat, spinach, and lentils.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support hair follicle health. Found in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
- Vitamins A, C, and E: Antioxidants that protect hair follicles and support sebum production for natural conditioning.
Protecting Lashes Between Treatments
If you regularly get lash lifts, giving your lashes proper care between treatments ensures they stay strong and healthy enough to handle the chemical process.
Recovery Period
Consider taking a break from lash lifts every 3-4 treatments to allow your lashes to fully recover. During this break, focus on deep conditioning with oils and serums. Your lashes will come back stronger for your next treatment.
Avoid Over-Processing
Never attempt to lift lashes more frequently than every 6 weeks, even if results seem to have faded. More frequent chemical treatments can weaken lashes over time, leading to brittleness and breakage.
Signs of Lash Damage
Watch for these warning signs: lashes appearing shorter or sparser than before treatments, increased lash shedding, brittle or frizzy texture, or lashes that don't hold a curl. If you notice these signs, take a break from chemical treatments and focus on repair.
Products to Avoid
Certain products and practices can harm your lashes:
- Waterproof mascara (daily use): The heavy formula and harsh removal required can damage lashes over time
- Eyelash curlers on dry lashes: Can cause crimping and breakage. If you must curl, do so gently after applying mascara
- Expired eye products: Old mascara harbours bacteria that can cause infections and lash loss
- Harsh makeup removers: Alcohol-based or very strong removers strip natural oils and weaken lashes
- False lash adhesive (frequent use): Regular application and removal of strip lashes can pull out natural lashes
Creating Your Lash Care Routine
A simple daily and weekly routine can make a significant difference in lash health:
Daily Routine
- Gently remove all eye makeup before bed
- Apply a small amount of lash serum or conditioning oil
- In the morning, gently brush lashes with a clean spoolie
Weekly Routine
- Do a thorough lash cleanse with a lash-specific cleanser
- Apply a slightly heavier conditioning treatment overnight
- Assess lash health and note any changes
The Payoff
Investing in lash health pays dividends. Healthy, strong lashes hold lash lifts better, look more impressive with or without mascara, and recover more quickly from any damage. Your future self will thank you for starting a lash care routine today.