What can cause eyelashes to turn white?

Noticing several natural eyelashes turning white all at once can be scary. While the cause is often harmless, it can sometimes remain unexplained. If this becomes a concern, seeking medical advice to ensure no underlying health issues is always a good idea.

As a Lash Artist, you may come across clients experiencing this situation. Don’t worry—it’s more common than you might think. Understanding why eyelashes turn white allows you to reassure your clients and explain that it’s unrelated to eyelash extension treatments or the products used during the process.

Maintaining proper lash hygiene is key to overall lash health, and using a gentle, high-quality product like an eyelash foam cleanser ensures the eye area stays clean and refreshed while supporting the longevity of lash extensions.

What can cause eyelashes to sometimes turn white?

The color of our natural eyelashes is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in the hair follicles. When these melanocytes stop working properly, the hair loses pigment and becomes gray, white, or transparent.

This change can be attributed to various factors, including natural aging and underlying medical conditions. Below are some common causes of white eyelashes explained in detail:

Aging

One of the most common reasons for eyelashes turning white is the natural aging process. As we age, melanocytes gradually lose their ability to produce melanin, causing graying or whitening of hair, including eyelashes.

This is a natural part of aging and does not usually indicate an underlying health problem. However, some individuals may notice this change earlier due to genetic predisposition.

Vitiligo

The melanin from our hair and skin is constantly being broken down and replaced, so it must be replenished by melanocytes. Melanocytes produce and distribute the correct amount of melanin.

Vitiligo is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes, disrupting melanin production in certain areas of the skin and hair, including eyelashes. This results in patchy pigment loss, causing affected eyelashes to become white.

While the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, it is commonly associated with autoimmune or genetic factors. Some researches show that vitiligo can be treated, but your client should see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and management.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition of the eyelids, specifically the area where the eyelashes grow. This inflammation can disrupt the health of hair follicles, potentially causing lashes to turn white. The most common symptoms are inflamed, irritated, itchy, and red eyes.

Blepharitis can result from various diseases and conditions. It can be caused by clogged oil glands at the base of the eyelashes, bacteria, allergies, or a combination of these. Treating the underlying cause of the inflammation can usually restore lash health.

Being aware of those conditions will come in handy as a Lash Artist, but remember to always direct your client to their doctor unless you are medically trained.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss or changes in hair pigmentation. In some cases, this condition can cause eyelashes to fall out or become white.

While the exact cause is unknown, stress or other autoimmune disorders may play a role in its development. Corticosteroids and immunotherapy may be helpful, but medical advice is crucial.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can disrupt hair growth cycles and melanocyte activity. This can cause premature whitening of the eyelashes or thinning of the lashes altogether.

Thyroid imbalances are frequently accompanied by additional symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and hair thinning in other areas of the body.

If thyroid issues are suspected, clients should seek medical attention and appropriate treatment.

Poliosis

Poliosis is a condition characterized by a lack of melanin in isolated patches of hair, including eyelashes. This can cause white or grey streaks in the lashes.

Poliosis can occur on its own or in conjunction with other diseases such as vitiligo, genetic disorders, or skin inflammation.

While the condition is harmless, addressing any underlying issues can help manage its symptoms.

Other Factors

In addition to the causes listed above, eyelashes turning white can sometimes be caused by:

• Stress: High stress levels can have an impact on hair and skin health, potentially affecting melanin production in the lashes.
• Nutritional Deficiencies:A lack of essential nutrients such as Vitamin B12 or iron can lead to premature whitening of hair, including eyelashes.
• Chemical Exposure: Harsh chemicals or irritants in makeup, skincare, or lash treatments may damage the follicles and alter pigmentation.

If your client is young and there is no sign of albinism, it is most likely to be vitiligo or blepharitis, but it is very important that you don't diagnose yourself!