How to Grow Eyelashes

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

If you want long, luscious eyelashes, you're not alone! Many people have thin or short lashes and want to grow them out. Despite what you might have read online, there's no magic cure that will make your eyelashes grow overnight. Don't despair, though—a few cleaning and self-care steps can help stimulate eyelash growth. Most of these tips aren't medically-proven, but they could work for you. If these don’t work, see your dermatologist to get a prescription serum that will help you grow thick, long lashes. You could also use some styling tips to make your eyelashes look longer if they don't grow as much as you want them to.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Good Eyelash Care

1
Use regular mascara instead of waterproof types. While waterproof mascara is popular for its durability, it’s also tough to get off. You’ll have to do a lot of scrubbing, which can break off your lashes. Waterproof mascara also dries out your lashes. It’s best to skip this product overall.^{[1]
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- You can wear waterproof mascara for special occasions, as long as you don’t use it every day.
2
Remove your eye makeup every day. Eye makeup can dry out your lashes and even make them fall out over time. Never leave your mascara or eyeshadow on overnight. Use a gentle makeup remover every night before bed to remove any makeup you have on during the day.^{[2]
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- Be gentle when you remove your makeup. Scrubbing could irritate and damage your eyelashes as well.
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3
Wash your eyelids gently with soap and water. Clean follicles are key to healthy eyelashes. Wash your face regularly with gentle soap and clean water to remove dirt and bacteria.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
- Fragrances are a common cause for skin irritations like dermatitis.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  Go to source} Make sure you use fragrance-free soaps to avoid any problems.
4
Go makeup-free as often as you can. Since makeup can damage your hair follicles, it’s best to skip the makeup as often as possible. This gives your eyelashes a break and can prevent damage.^{[5]
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- If you still want to wear makeup every day, then try removing it as soon as you’re home instead of waiting until you go to bed. That way, you’re increasing the amount of time that your eyelashes can breathe.
5
Stop rubbing your eyes. This is very tempting and everyone rubs their eyes occasionally. Do your best to resist the temptation, though. Constant rubbing can damage your eyelashes and even pull them out. It’s best to rub as little as possible.^{[6]
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- Rubbing is also bad for your eyes overall, since it can spread bacteria. If you do have to touch your eyes, always wash your hands first.
- If you have very itchy eyes and feel tempted to rub them a lot, you might have a problem like chronic dry eyes or allergies. See an eye doctor to get to the bottom of it.
6
Follow a healthy diet. Your eyelashes are just like the other hairs on your body, and they need nutrients to grow properly. Make sure you follow a healthy diet full of proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and iron so your eyelashes grow in strong.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
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- Some beauty guides recommend biotin supplements to stimulate eyelash growth. There’s very little evidence that these supplements work, so it’s best to save your money and skip them.^{[8]
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7
Make sure all your eye makeup is fresh and unexpired. While you might not think makeup can expire, it definitely can, and you could be sabotaging your eyelashes by using old mascara. Expired mascara can case bacterial growth and infections. In general, get rid of makeup after 2-3 months to prevent any problems.^{[9]
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- Also make sure you don't have any allergies to the products you use. Allergies can cause inflammation and stop your lashes from growing properly.^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Opthamologists
  Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
  Go to source}
8
Avoid getting eyelash extensions. You might like accentuating your lashes with extensions, but this is a bad idea if you’re trying to encourage growth. Eyelash extensions can damage your lashes and follicles, which can make the hairs fall out faster. Skip the extensions and let your lashes grow by themselves.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
- You could use extensions for some special occasions. However, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll lose a few lashes when you take your extensions off, so you might want to skip them altogether.
- If you do use extensions, always confirm that the glue doesn’t have any ingredients that you’re allergic to. Otherwise, your follicles could get inflamed.^{[12]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Opthamologists
  Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
  Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Eyelash Growth Serum

1
Visit a dermatologist for a Latisse prescription. Latisse, or bimatoprost, is currently the only medication approved to stimulate eyelash growth. It’s only available with a prescription, so if you want to grow fuller lashes, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your options and get the right medication.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
- Latisse isn’t approved for pregnant women or people younger than 18.
- Since Latisse is a prescription-only medication, don’t share it with anyone else who doesn’t have a prescription for it.
- There are also over-the-counter eyelash growth serums, but these aren’t regulated and have mixed results. If you want to try one of these, ask your dermatologist first.^{[14]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Opthamologists
  Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
  Go to source}
2
Remove your contact lenses before using the medication. Latisse isn’t designed to use while you’re wearing contact lenses, so if you use these, always take them out before applying it. Leave them out for 15 minutes after using the medication, then you can put them back in.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
3
Apply the medication to your upper eyelash line. The medication comes in a tube and you can apply it like eyedrops. Squeeze the bottle and apply it to your upper eyelash line on each eye. Don’t get any on your lower lash line, because it isn’t meant for use there.^{[16]
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Mayo Clinic
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- The medication might come with a single-use applicator. If yours does, then get rid of it after one use to prevent infections.^{[17]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Opthamologists
  Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
  Go to source}
4
Use the medication daily for at least 2 months. In general, this is how long the medicine needs to work. Be patient and continue with a daily application to encourage lash growth.^{[18]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- You’ll have to use Latisse continuously to maintain a thick and long lash appearance. When you stop, your lashes will probably return to their normal look.
- Your dermatologist may give you different dosage instructions, so always follow the prescription.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Styling Your Lashes

1
Curl your eyelashes to make them look longer. Curling doesn't actually make your lashes longer, but it can make them look that way! Use a regular eyelash curler and clamp it onto your lashes close to the roots. Leave it there for a few seconds, then un-clamp it to enjoy your newly-curled eyelashes.^{[19]
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- Be careful when you're curling. Don't tug or you could pull out some of your lashes.
2
Blink while you're applying mascara. This sounds weird, but it's a simple hack to give your eyelashes a little extra curl and coating. Press the brush down near the root of your lashes and bring it up slowly. Blink gently while you do this, which curls and coats your lashes a little more for a fuller look.^{[20]
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- Remember to remove your mascara before bed! If you leave it on, you'll sabotage your efforts for longer lashes.
3
Condition your lashes with natural oils. Oils can coat your eyelashes for extra protection and shine. Popular choices include olive, vitamin E, and castor oils. Pick one of these and dip in a clean mascara brush. Then apply it to your eyelashes the same way that you put mascara on.^{[21]
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- Some advice also says that conditioning your lashes can help them grow faster, but there isn't much medical evidence that this is true.
- Thicker oils like coconut oil can actually clog your follicles and inhibit lash growth. Instead, use a thinner oil like olive to avoid any problems.^{[22]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can Vaseline make your eyelashes grow?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Vaseline or another brand of petroleum jelly can help lock in your eyelashes' natural moisture but it doesn't stimulate growth. Be careful not to apply it to the roots of lashes as it could clog the follicles.
Question

Can you grow back eyelashes?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

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Yes, unless the follicles have been damaged, your eyelashes should grow back. You may have to wait for 6 weeks or so to see noticeable growth.
Question

What helps grow eyelashes?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Keeping eyelashes hydrated and treating them gently will help them grow. You can apply a bit of olive oil at night before bed to help keep them moisturized.

Warnings

While you might come across lash conditioners or growth formulas, these aren't regulated and might irritate your eyes. Always ask your dermatologist before trying one of these products.

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