Do Lost Eyelashes Grow Back? What You Need to Know

People lose their eyelashes for many reasons, such as burns or chemotherapy. Although it takes a long time, eyelashes grow back.

Like hair, eyelashes go through growth cycles, so losing a few is generally not a cause for concern. However, injuries and illnesses may cause most eyelashes to fall out.

What Causes Eyelash Loss?

Conditions that can lead to eyelash loss and their causes include:

• Burns: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if the eyelashes have been burned but the eyelash follicles have not been damaged, eyelashes generally grow back in 6 weeks. However, if the follicles have also been damaged, the eyelashes may not grow back.
• Chemotherapy: Medicines used to treat cancer may sometimes cause eyelashes to fall out. Not all chemotherapy medicines cause this. However, if a person takes a chemotherapy medicine known to cause hair loss, other parts of the body will be affected as well as the scalp. Body hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes are commonly affected areas. This is not a cause for concern. Eyelashes generally begin to grow back shortly after chemotherapy ends.
• Cutting Eyelashes: Most people do not cut their eyelashes. However, those who do generally find that their eyelashes return to their previous length over time.
• Pulling Out Eyelashes: Triotilomani is a psychological condition characterized by an urge to pull out hair. This urge can affect hair anywhere on the body, so eyelashes may also be affected. Eyelashes that have been pulled out may take several months to grow back.
• Eyelash Extensions: Eyelash extensions involve gluing fibers to natural eyelashes to make them thicker and longer. However, eyelash extensions may pull out or damage natural eyelashes. If natural eyelashes are lost during the extension process, they generally grow back within a few months.
• Thyroid-Related Conditions: The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone. Producing too much or too little thyroid hormone may cause various signs, including hair loss. Eyebrow loss may occur with both hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Eyelashes generally begin to grow back after the thyroid imbalance is treated.
• Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system affects hair follicles. It causes loss of scalp hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. There is currently no definitive treatment for alopecia areata, but available treatments may help reduce the symptoms.

Do Eyelashes Grow Faster With Home Remedies?

People use a variety of homemade medicines or remedies to speed up eyelash growth. Olive oil, eyelash massage, and biotin products are among the most popular home treatments. But if people use such remedies to treat lost eyelashes, the question is, “Will eyelashes grow back faster?” Most likely, the answer to this question is no.

There is no scientific evidence that any home remedy will help eyelashes grow back. Although biotin is thought to play a role in skin and hair health, there is limited research into whether it supports hair growth.

Eyelash Loss Treatments

In most cases, eyelashes lost through burns and chemotherapy grow back over time. Eyebrows that return after chemotherapy may be sparser, thicker, or the same as before.

If eyebrows have been lost because of a thyroid-related condition or an autoimmune disease, the person will most likely need treatment for the underlying health problem to stop their eyebrows from falling out.

The time it takes for eyebrows to grow back varies depending on the number of eyebrows lost and the cause. Medication may also help eyebrows grow back. A doctor may prescribe bimatoprost in the form of eye drops.

One study examined bimatoprost use in 41 people who had lost their eyelashes because of alopecia areata. Participants applied 0.03% bimatoprost to their upper lash line every day for a year. Approximately 70% of participants had at least some eyelash regrowth.

Protecting Eyelashes

Accidents can happen, and in such cases it may not always be possible to prevent the loss of natural eyelashes. A person can therefore take some steps to reduce the risks.

These include:

• A healthy diet: Certain nutritional deficiencies may cause hair loss. These deficiencies may also affect eyelashes. Nutrients that may play a role in hair health include:
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Iron
• Protein
• Avoiding eyelash curlers: People who use eyelash curlers may accidentally pull out their eyelashes, which can damage the eyelash follicles.
• Removing makeup at night: Leaving eye makeup on overnight, especially mascara, may dry out eyelashes. Dry eyelashes are more likely to break and fall out early.
• Rubbing the eyes: Rubbing the eyes very hard may cause eyelash loss. Hair is delicate, so rubbing should be soft and gentle.

Conclusion

Like hair, eyelashes have a natural growth cycle and frequently fall out. Losing a few eyelashes is normal and does not require concern.

However, extensive eyelash loss may occur for many reasons. In most cases, eyelashes can grow back without treatment. There may also be supportive treatments for those who want to speed up eyelash growth.

If a person is unsure why their eyelashes are falling out, the best approach is to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause.