If your lashes are looking a little thin and sparse, don’t worry! Scroll down for 6 tried-and-true ways to get longer and thicker eyelashes with us!
What are the signs if you have thin lashes?
If you notice that your eyelashes are thinning, sparse, or not growing as they should, this could be a sign of “eyelash hypotrichosis”. This condition refers to thinning lashes and can be caused by genetics (from birth) or can occur as a result of the following:
- Aging
- Improper use of eyelash curlers
- Hormone conditions
- Chronic eyelash follicle inflammation (blepharitis) caused by illness
- Improper makeup removal
- Poor eyelash extension application
- Allergies to lash extension adhesives
- Reactions to cosmetics.
It’s important not to confuse eyelash hypotrichosis with alopecia, where hair that was once growing falls out. Unlike the natural thinning or loss of hair that occurs with age, hypotrichosis refers to a condition where there was never significant hair growth in the first place. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and effective methods to help you achieve longer, thicker eyelashes!
Get to know your natural lashes
Human eyelashes are fascinating little features, and they vary quite a bit from person to person! On average, the upper eyelid has 90 to 160 lashes, while the lower lid has about 75 to 80. These lashes grow in uneven rows—5 to 6 on the upper lid and 3 to 4 on the lower lid.
Just like the hair on your head, our natural lashes go through a lash growth cycle, which lasts anywhere from 4 to 11 months. Healthy lashes can grow up to 12 millimeters, while lower lashes typically stay around 6 to 8 millimeters. They grow at an average rate of 0.12 to 0.14 mm per day, and they have a natural curve that can vary depending on your ethnicity.
Read more: Eyelash regrowth – all you need to know
Why are longer and thicker eyelashes so important beyond appearance?
Your eyelashes aren’t just for enhancing your eyes’ appearance—they serve a crucial protective role. They act as a barrier, shielding your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, wind, dust, foreign particles, and even sweat. Much like a cat’s whiskers, eyelashes are sensitive to touch, alerting you to objects approaching your eyes. This natural warning system triggers a reflex that causes your eyes to close, helping to protect them from potential harm.
If your natural lashes are thin, they may not provide the same level of protection, making your eyes more vulnerable and struggling to effectively shield the eyes from potential harm, causing an increased risk of dryness, irritation, or even eye infections.
Now, if you’ve been on the hunt for ways to get longer and thicker eyelashes, you’ve probably come across a ton of advice. While some tips can help enhance your lashes naturally, it’s important to know which ones are actually safe and effective. Let’s dive into both unproven and proven methods for getting longer and thicker eyelashes.
Be cautious with these unproven techniques
A quick searching for “how to get longer and thicker eyelashes” will give you a long list of home solutions. However, many of these are not scientifically proven and could even cause harm to your eyes. Some common unverified techniques that aren’t proven to lengthen eyelashes include:
- Petroleum jelly: Applying a small amount to your lashes before bed and washing it off in the morning.
- Green tea: Applying cool, unsweetened green tea to the lashes with a cotton ball daily.
- Olive oil (with or without lemon): Applying a small amount to the lashes before bed and washing it off in the morning.
- Castor oil: Applying a small amount of castor oil to the lashes each night before bed and washing it off in the morning.
- Aloe vera: Applying aloe vera gel to the lashes before bed and washing it off in the morning.
- Eyelid massage: Gently massage eyelids along the lash line.
Safe ways to get longer and thicker eyelashes
1. Apply Lash Extensions
Lash extensions are a quick and effective way to achieve fuller, longer, and thicker eyelashes in just 1.5 to 2 hours. These lashes are applied to your natural lashes, providing instant results without the need for mascara or DIY methods. At Charmlash, our lash extensions are made of top PBT fiber imported from Germany, Korea and Japan certified by the most reputable organizations – MSDS, CoA & FDA, which is safe, cruelty-free, and no animal testing.
With thin natural lashes, applying lightweight lashes (such as 0.03mm or 0.05mm) is an ideal option to achieve longer and thicker eyelashes, while maintaining lash health. The subtle effect enhances the eyes without overwhelming your natural lash line, offering a balanced, voluminous look. Lash extensions are non-irritating and long-lasting (typically 2-3 weeks) with proper care. When applied by a professional, lash extensions won’t damage your natural lashes health and can be customized to suit your desired length and curl, allowing for a personalized result that enhances your eyes’ shape and overall appearance.
Note that: Always book a pro who knows how to apply lash extensions safely. And remember, lash extensions are a quick and temporary solution—they give you that gorgeous, fuller lash look right away, but they don’t actually make your natural lashes grow longer or thicker.
2. Use Latisse
Bimatoprost, known as Latisse, is the medication scientifically proven by the FDA that helps to grow longer and thicker eyelashes. It’s an effective lash growth treatment according to many pros, but it requires a prescription. Your doctor can prescribe Latisse, applying daily to the upper eyelid lash line (never on the lower eyelid). Full results typically appear after two months of consistent use.
Once you start using Latisse, it’s essential to continue using it regularly to maintain the results; otherwise, your eyelashes will return to their previous state.Latisse is generally safe and effective for most people, with only a few minor side effects. Some potential side effects include:
- itchy and red eyes
- dry eyes
- darkened eyelids
- darkened brown pigment in the iris (the colored part of the eye)
- Unintended hair growth around the eyes if the medication is applied incorrectly
Be cautious: It’s essential to keep eyelash growth products and any other substances out of your eyes. Eyes are super sensitive, and foreign substances can cause serious issues, from irritation to, in extreme cases, blindness. While this treatment can be help you get longer and thicker eyelashes effectively, they take time to show results and don’t offer instant effects.
3. Always remove makeup and dirt
Make sure to gently remove your eye makeup at the end of each day using a mild makeup remover, like micellar water. Soak a cotton pad in the solution, press it onto your eyelid for about 10 seconds, and then gently wipe away the makeup—without tugging at your lashes. If makeup and dirt build up, it can irritate your lashes and lead to issues like dryness, eye infections, or even lash loss. Washing your face daily is a great way to help your eyelashes thicker and always looking their best.
4. Brush your lashes regularly
Take a clean spoolie or mascara wand and brush your lashes with soft, upward strokes. This helps untangle them, promoting straight lash growth, and removes any dust or debris. Regular brushing keeps your lashes healthy and clean!
5. Eat more protein
For healthy, thicker eyelashes, aim to eat around 25-30 grams of protein every morning. Since lashes are made of hair, eating a diet rich in protein is essential for their growth. Here are some protein-packed foods that help support your lashes:
- Eggs: Full of protein and amino acids that benefit hair health.
- Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean beef are excellent protein sources.
- Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and tuna provide omega-3s that promote hair growth.
- Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and probiotics.
- Quinoa: A plant-based protein that’s complete with all nine essential amino acids.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are full of protein and antioxidants.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts,chia seeds, and flaxseeds offer protein and healthy fats.
- Cottage Cheese: A protein-rich, tasty snack.
- Tofu and Tempeh: Perfect plant-based proteins for vegans and vegetarians.
6. Be Gentle with Your Lashes
When you’re trying to grow out your eyelashes thicker and longer, the best thing you can do is go easy on them. Pick a gentle makeup remover and choose a mascara that’s easy to rinse off. As nice as waterproof formulas are for some occasions, the removal process isn’t great for them. Too much rubbing or friction will stall growth, irritate the base of the lashes, and could also contribute to losing a few precious hairs in the process.
5. Take a Makeup Break
If you’re giving your lashes all the care they need but still not seeing the results you want, consider cutting back on makeup for a bit. Giving your lashes a break allows them to recover and grow without any added stress.
6. Cut out lash-damaging products
Check your makeup! Avoid anything with fragrances or perfumes that could irritate your lashes. Glitter and metallic formulas can cause damage due to their texture, and ingredients like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), formaldehyde, and benzalkonium chloride (BAK) should also be avoided. You may also want to limit the use of waterproof mascara, as it can block the glands around your eyes, making it harder for your lashes to grow and requiring more force during removal.
Wrap-up
In conclusion, getting longer and thicker eyelashes doesn’t have to be a challenge, even if your natural lashes are thin. With a combination of safe, proven techniques and a little patience, you can enhance your lashes while protecting their health!
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