How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
With the increasing popularity of lash lifts and extensions, many women are investing time, effort, and money in achieving flawless lashes.
But what happens if your lashes start thinning or falling out? Maybe you just removed eyelash extensions, noticed some damage after scrubbing off waterproof mascara, or discovered a bare patch after using a lash curler too harshly. It’s a common concern—many women wonder, “How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?”
Typically, eyelashes have a natural growth cycle of around three months. In most cases, they’ll grow back within this time. However, as lash expert Loreta points out, "While regrowth is usually a simple process, certain conditions can slow it down—or, in rare cases, even lead to permanent lash loss."
In this guide, we will look at the lash regrowth process, including the different phases of the eyelash growth cycle and the factors that could potentially delay it. Whether you’re considering lash extensions, recovering from lash loss, or simply looking to improve your natural lash health, Loreta’s expert tips will help you support and nourish your lashes every step of the way.
Eyelash growth
Eyelashes, like your hair, have a natural growth cycle. It is completely normal for lashes to shed over time as older ones give way to new, healthy growth. This cycle ensures that your lashes stay strong and continue doing their job of protecting your eyes effectively.
Lash expert Loreta shares, “It’s important to remember that losing a few lashes here and there is completely natural. Your lashes are constantly renewing themselves, and it’s rare—if not impossible—for all your lashes to fall out at once.”
The growth process is gradual and occurs in phases, which means that not all lashes are at the same stage at the same time. This is why you may notice a few lashes shedding from time to time; it is simply part of the body's natural renewal process.
Understanding this cycle can help alleviate your concerns about lash loss and remind you that regrowth is just around the corner.
How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?
After removing eyelash extensions, it usually takes from 1 to 3 months for the eyelashes to grow back. However, the exact time frame will depend on factors such as how long you wore the extensions and the condition of your natural lashes. If your lashes were damaged or weakened during the extension process, they may take longer to recover to their full strength.
This regrowth period aligns with your natural lash growth cycle, which has three distinct phases: the anagen (growth), the catagen (transitional), and the telogen (resting). Let’s break down each phase to see how your lashes naturally shed and renew themselves over time.
What is an average eyelash growth cycle?
As previously stated, eyelashes go through a natural growth cycle, consisting of three phases, each playing an important role in maintaining healthy, full lashes:
Phase |
Description |
Duration |
Anagen (Growth Phase) |
This is the active growth phase where lashes steadily grow. At any time, about 15% of lower lashes and 40% of upper lashes are in this phase. |
30–45 days |
Catagen (Transition Phase) |
Growth stops, and the hair follicle begins to shrink. Lashes are most vulnerable during this stage, so pulling or damaging them can delay regrowth. |
2–3 weeks |
Telogen (Resting Phase) |
Lashes are fully grown and shed naturally. It’s normal to lose up to 5 lashes per day as new lashes prepare to take their place. |
30–45 days |
A full lash growth cycle usually lasts 9 to 12 weeks, and because different lashes grow at different stages at the same time, you never lose all of them at once.
Maintaining healthy lash habits, particularly when wearing extensions, can help protect your lashes throughout the cycle. If you notice excessive shedding, you should consult a lash expert because it may indicate underlying health issues.
To support healthy lash growth and prolong the lifespan of extensions, we highly recommend our Eyelash Foam Cleanser to gently remove dirt and oils.
Why do lashes fall out?
Eyelash loss, whether caused by seasonal changes or other factors, is a perfectly normal part of the eyelash cycle. Just as our body adapts to environmental shifts, like temperature changes, it can trigger faster shedding of lashes. For example, colder months can cause drier skin and lashes, whereas warmer weather can contribute more moisture, both of which have an impact on lash health.
In addition, daily habits such as using eyelash curlers, mascara, and eye makeup, or relying on eyelash extensions and their glue, can contribute to natural lash loss if not properly maintained. Allergies, harsh makeup removers, and improper application of lash extensions can all exacerbate shedding.
Remember, eyelash shedding is just part of the process. Your lashes have a three-stage growth cycle: growth, transition, and resting. These stages help to keep the lashes healthy, and shedding is a normal part of the cycle. Being gentle with your lashes and nourishing them can help you avoid unnecessary loss and maintain their strength and fullness.
Causes of eyelashes falling out
While it's totally normal to lose a few lashes here and there, certain factors can speed up the process or cause more significant eyelash loss:
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Skin conditions: Eczema and dermatitis can irritate the delicate skin around your eyes, resulting in lash loss.
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Eyelid problems: Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) can damage hair follicles, affecting lash growth.
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Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to thinning lashes.
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Stress: High stress levels can impact hair growth, including your lashes.
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Medications: Some medications can cause side effects such as eyelash thinning.
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Rubbing your eyes: Frequent rubbing can cause your lashes to fall out prematurely.
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Eyelash extensions: Excessive or tight application of lash extensions can weaken your natural lashes.
Always listen to your body and care for your lashes and the skin around your eyes to keep them healthy and strong!
How to regrow lashes faster?
Regrowing eyelashes can be a slow and gradual process, but there are a few tricks that can help speed things up. First, protect your lashes by avoiding harsh makeup removers and instead using nourishing lash serums or oils.
Additionally, incorporating vitamins and nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can promote lash growth. Our Lash Wizard Eyelash Serum, which is specifically designed to promote thicker and stronger lashes, is a must-try product.
Along with proper nutrition and lash care, consider using gentle eyelash massage or an eyelash curler to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which can support growth. Just remember not to rub or pull your lashes, as this can cause damage and stunt growth.
In some cases, medical treatments, such as prescription lash growth serums, may be necessary for significant regrowth.
2 comments
Thank you for such an informative and concise article.
Chemotherapy medication, steroids and illness are causing hair loss and I clicked on and off many different articles before I came across yours.
It has put my mind at ease knowing about the hair growth phases (I do know my hair growth may be out of whack during this time) so again, thank you.
I’ve just had eye surgery during which they cut my eye lashes. How long will it take to have them how back.