Understand the Anatomy of Eyelashes
It’s important to understand the anatomy of eyelashes when attempting to grow thicker and longer eyelashes. Eyelashes are made up of hairs, just like on the rest of our body. Each individual eyelash is formed by a hair follicle, which is embedded in the skin of the eyelid. At the base of the hair follicle, there are sebaceous glands which provide additional nourishment for the lashes. Knowing the anatomy of your eyelashes can be essential for improving their condition.
Learn about the structure of eyelashes
Eyelashes have a complex anatomy composed of multiple parts including hairs, follicles, glands and muscles.
- Hairs: Each individual eyelash is made up of a tiny hair extending out from the eyelid known as the lash line. These hairs are incredibly fine and delicate, growing anywhere from 10 to 15 millimeters in length if left uninterrupted.
- Follicles: Follicles provide the foundation for all eyelashes by anchoring them securely to the lash line. They provide the necessary growth and nourishment to maintain each lash’s health and length by releasing a stream of keratinized proteins to keep them in tip-top shape.
- Glands: Glands provide moisture and nourishment for healthy eyelash growth. They release natural oils like sebum, which helps keep lashes from becoming brittle and weak due to environmental toxins or too much makeup use. Mucus glands also exist on the underside of each lash line helping protect against dirt, dust and other foreign matter that can clog pores or interfere with growth.
- Muscles: A small muscle called levator palpebrae superioris sits just behind the eyeball and gives your lids their smooth motion when blinking or closing your eyes tightly shut. It also helps extend your lashes outward to ensure they catch more dirt particles as you move throughout your day.
Understand the growth cycle of eyelashes
To grow longer and thicker eyelashes, it’s important to first understand the anatomy and growth cycle of eyelashes. Like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through a three-stage growth cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
- Anagen: This is the growing phase of an eyelash that can last from 30 to 45 days. During this phase the cells at the base of the lash (follicle) are dividing rapidly. This is when most new growth occurs in natural lashes.
- Catagen: This is a transitional phase that follows anagen and generally lasts 2-3 weeks where the lashes begin to detach and stop growing as they prepare for shedding/telogen.
- Telogen: During this resting phase your lashes stay in place, so you don’t notice any change in their appearance until they enter into a final shedding stage which can last between 4 to 16 weeks. Most people have between 4–6 active natural lashes in this state at any given time with some having very few while others have many more waiting to come out. As each new lash grows, it pushes out an old one during its shedding stage.
At any given moment one third of all your natural eyelashes are at rest & waiting for their shedding stage; one third are actively growing; and another third are faced with their incoming shedding stage as a new cycle begins with more & more growth each season! Knowing how natural cycles work differently from person to person can help you understand why new growth doesn’t occur all at once for everyone when using lash enhancers or treatments meant for stimulating more lash & brow hair cells into active phases which then become easily noticeable later on within 3–5 weeks.
Dietary Changes
Eating well is essential to the health of your eyelashes and growing them longer and thicker. In addition to a balanced diet, there are certain nutrients that you can increase in your diet to help your eyelashes become stronger. We’ll cover these dietary changes and other tips that can help you have longer and thicker eyelashes.
Increase your intake of vitamins and minerals
If you are looking for a natural way to grow eyelashes thicker and longer, consider increasing your intake of certain vitamins and minerals that your body needs to naturally promote healthier and fuller lashes. Vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E can help keep your lashes healthy by providing essential nutrients like antioxidants which can foster lash growth.
In addition to vitamins, there are specific minerals you should focus on including iron, zinc, biotin, magnesium and selenium. Iron helps build strong lashes by aiding in the development of melanin – a pigment that helps give hair its color – which results in stronger and shinier lashes over time. Zinc supports cell division which is essential for maintaining healthy hair growth; and biotin helps convert carbohydrates into energy so new lash follicles stay plentiful. Magnesium works together with calcium to reduce inflammation around the eyelid as well as selenium which prevents thinning of the eye area due to aging.
For best results, it’s recommended you incorporate foods rich in these vitamins and minerals into your diet such as:
- Leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Fish or shellfish such as salmon or oysters.
- Nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Legumes such as beans.
- Fruits like oranges or kiwis.
- Seeds such as flaxseed or pumpkin seeds.
- Egg yolks or dairy products.
Additionally, there are also supplemental vitamins available at health food stores if you want a more concentrated dose of these nutrients To complement your eye diet.
Eat foods rich in biotin and protein
Eating foods rich in biotin, also known as vitamin B7 and vitamin H, can help boost eyelash growth. Biotin supports the health of cells and helps your eyelashes stay healthy, thick, and long.
Foods rich in biotin include:
- Salmons
- Organ meats such as liver
- Egg yolk
- Legumes like soybeans and peanuts
- Nuts such as almonds and walnuts
- Cauliflower
- Whole grains such as barley and millet
- Dairy products like cheese and yogurt
- Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Berries
- Tomatoes
Eating protein-rich foods can also be beneficial for eyelash growth. Protein is the building block of hair that helps support its structure and increase its length. Foods high in protein include:
- Lean meats like chicken or turkey breast
- Fish including salmon or tuna
- Eggs
- Small beans like lentils or kidney beans
- Nuts including almonds or walnuts
- Quinoa
- Yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Oatmeal
- Edamame
- Hemp hearts
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin seeds
- Various cheeses such as ricotta
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments can work to help improve the appearance of your eyelashes. There are a variety of products available on the market that promise to help you grow thicker and longer lashes. These products can range from serums to oils to specialized mascaras.
Let’s explore some of the available products and look at their effectiveness in helping you achieve the eyelashes of your dreams:
Use an eyelash serum
Eyelash serums typically come in an easy-to-apply, liquid dropper format and contain ingredients that help condition and protect eyelashes. Common ingredients in eyelash serums include peptides, amino acids, vitamins, growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. Some ingredients have been found to stimulate the growth of longer lashes; others condition and help keep them healthy. As with other beauty products, always pay attention to directions listed on the product packaging.
It’s important to remember when using an eyelash serum that any noticeable results can take up to several weeks or even months – so be sure not to give up too soon if you aren’t seeing immediate results. Applying a serum every day can also ensure your lashes are always getting the most benefit from hydration and treatment.
In addition, it’s best practice to:
- Ensure your lashes are clean before applying a serum since dirt and makeup residue can build up on them and interfere with its effectiveness.
Apply castor oil to the eyelashes
Castor oil is a natural oil that is gaining popularity for its ability to support healthy and thicker eyelash growth. Many beauty products such as eyelash and eyebrow serums contain castor oil because it helps with the process of conditioning.
The primary benefit of castor oil for eyelash growth is that it’s rich in emollients that can hydrate the skin around your eyes, making it easier for your lashes to grow strong and long. Additionally, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid which can help reduce eye inflammation and block free radical damage.
When applying castor oil to your eyelashes, be sure to use a clean mascara wand or spoolie. Dip the applicator into some pure castor oil and apply a thin layer along the length of your upper or lower lashes. Allow the product to absorb before going to bed; when you wake up rinse off any remaining castor oil with lukewarm water. For best results, use this topical treatment once daily either at night or in the morning.
Make Lifestyle Changes
When trying to grow thicker and longer eyelashes, making lifestyle changes can be a great starting point. Adjusting your diet, managing stress, and giving yourself enough rest can all help you achieve longer and thicker eyelashes.
Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, biotin and vitamins B, C and E, taking certain supplements, and using a gentle scrub are all strategies that you can use to achieve longer and thicker eyelashes. Let’s take a closer look at these strategies:
- Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, biotin and vitamins B, C and E.
- Taking certain supplements.
- Using a gentle scrub.
Avoid rubbing your eyes
The delicate skin around the eyes should be treated gently, and rubbing your eyes can easily damage and weaken your eyelashes. When you rub your eyes, it can cause eyelashes to come out or change shape, making them more prone to breakage. It also causes inflammation that can lead to dryness and an inability to access proper nutrition for healthy lash growth.
Protecting the delicate tissue that makes up your eyelashes should be a priority if you want them to grow thicker and longer. To do this, avoid rubbing or tugging at the area near your eyes. The flame of a lit match or lighter is not necessary when applying mascara; simply use gentle techniques with a brush or fingers instead. Furthermore, do not sleep in your makeup as it will clog pores, leading to infection and further lash damage. Finally, make sure that you have removed all eye makeup properly before going to bed by washing with warm water and mild soap designed for sensitive areas around the eye.
Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
If you smoke cigarettes or partake in excessive alcohol consumption, it’s important to make some lifestyle changes in order to improve the health of your eyelashes. Studies have shown that smoking and excessive alcohol can cause damage to your eyelashes, leading to them becoming thinner or even falling out. As such, reducing or abstaining from smoking and drinking will help keep your lashes healthy and help them grow longer.
In addition, you may want to look into ways that you can reduce stress. Stress is one of the major causes of both hair loss on the body and inadequate growth of new lashes. Try meditating, yoga or even taking a break from work for a few days if possible to reduce stress levels in your life. This can also help promote healthier hair and nail growth on the rest of your body too!
Professional Treatments
There are several professional treatments that can help you grow thicker and longer eyelashes. These treatments can be expensive, but they usually yield great results. Professional treatments include:
- Eyelash extensions
- Eyelash lifts
- Eyelash tinting
Other non-surgical treatments such as serums and growth conditioners are also available. Let’s take a closer look at each of these treatments and how they work.
Consider eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions are a popular way to get full, luscious lashes that last. Extensions come in two forms: synthetic hair or real mink. They are placed on the tips of your eyelashes to give you more length and/or fullness.
With eyelash extension application, individual strands of lashes are placed one by one onto each natural lash with special medical grade glue, which can typically last two to four weeks. To maintain the look, touch-up applications may be necessary every two to three weeks. Additionally, eyelash extensions can be customized based on desired look—from natural and soft to long and dramatic lashes.
Careful removal without damage is crucial for good results but also requires professional help; don’t attempt to remove lash extensions yourself unless you have been professionally trained. It is important to remember that people with active lifestyles or those exposed to heat treatments such as spas and tanning beds may need extra care for the laminated eyelashes so they won’t suffer from premature fallout due to excessive friction or pressure from steam treatments.
Invest in a lash lift or lash tinting
Investing in a lash lift or lash tinting can help to improve the appearance of your eyelashes and give them a thicker, bolder look. A lash lift uses chemicals to curl the lashes and make them appear longer, while a lash tint adds color to make them stand out even more. Both methods should be done professionally with caution in order to avoid any skin damage or adverse reactions.
Once you’ve had a professional treatment it’s important to keep up with maintenance. Lash lifts typically last between 6-8 weeks, while lash tints last about 4-6 weeks. After that time frame it’s important to touch up your eye treatments, as maintaining your results will require regular maintenance.
You should also take proper care of your eyelashes after having either treatment done. Be sure to use an oil-free eye makeup remover specifically developed for eye makeup removal and always avoid rubbing or tugging at your sensitive new lashes when taking off makeup or cleansing the area around the eyes. Applying serum or nourishing oils can help keep them healthy and growing during this time as well. Use particular caution when using mascaras, as they can sometimes cause damage to over-processed lashes if they contain certain irritants; opt for an oil-free formula that doesn’t clump as well whenever possible.
