How Many Eyelashes Do You Lose? The Lash Lowdown

May 30, 2024 article Comments (0)

I’ve got a question for you: how often do you find yourself plucking a stray eyelash off your cheek? Once a day? A few times a week? It’s totally normal to lose a lash here and there. But have you ever wondered just how many eyelashes you lose on the regular?

Well, I did some digging, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on lash loss. Turns out, there’s a whole science behind those fluttery little hairs. From the lash growth cycle to common culprits behind excessive shedding, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get to the bottom of this burning question: How many eyelashes do you lose, anyway?

How Many Eyelashes Do You Typically Lose?

If you’re like me, you’ve probably gasped at the sight of precious lash hairs on your cleansing cloth after removing your eye makeup. It’s easy to panic, thinking you’re losing way too many lashes. But here’s the truth: some lash loss is totally normal. Experts agree that losing 3-5 natural lashes per day is nothing to worry about. It’s all part of your natural lash growth cycle. Each of your lashes is in a different phase of this cycle, which is why they don’t all fall out at once (thank goodness.).

Normal Eyelash Shedding Rate

So, what’s considered a normal rate of lash shedding? On average, we lose about 1-5 natural eyelashes each day. This means that you could be losing up to 20% of your lashes every two weeks. But don’t freak out just yet. Your lashes naturally replenish themselves. As older lashes fall out, new ones are already growing in to take their place. It’s a constant cycle of shedding and regrowth.

Factors Affecting Eyelash Loss

While some lash loss is normal, there are certain factors that can cause you to lose more lashes than usual:

Aging – as we get older, our lashes naturally thin and shed more
Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid issues can impact lash fullness
Nutritional deficiencies – your lashes need vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy
Rough handling – rubbing your eyes or aggressively removing eye makeup can cause lashes to fall out prematurely

If you feel like you’re losing an excessive amount of lashes, it’s best to speak with a doctor or dermatologist. Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata can cause eyelash loss. But for most of us, some daily shedding is just par for the course. The key is being gentle with your lashes and keeping them nourished. Use a lash serum, clean your lashes regularly, and avoid rubbing or tugging on them. With the right care, you can minimize lash loss and keep your natural lashes looking lush.

The Eyelash Growth Cycle Explained

Have you ever wondered why your lashes seem to fall out and grow back in a never-ending cycle? Turns out, our lashes go through three distinct phases.

Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is the active growth stage. This is when new lashes sprout from the hair follicle and steadily grow to reach their full length. Only about 40% of your upper lashes and 15% of your lower lashes are in the anagen phase at any given time. This growth phase lasts between 30-45 days. So if you’re trying to grow out your natural lashes, be patient. It can take a full month or two before you start seeing real length.

Catagen Phase

After the anagen phase, your lashes move into the catagen phase. This is a short transitional stage that lasts about 2-3 weeks. During catagen, your lash stops actively growing and the hair follicle shrinks. About 3% of your lashes are in this phase at a time. It allows your lash to detach from the blood supply and tissue that helped it grow.

Telogen Phase

The final stage is the telogen phase, a resting period where your lash just hangs out attached to your lid. This phase lasts around 100 days for each lash. Believe it or not, a whopping 50% of your upper lashes and 80% of your lower lashes are in the telogen phase at any given moment. At the end of this phase, your lash will naturally shed and a new one will take its place, restarting the lash growth cycle. So you see, lash shedding is a natural and important part of the growth process. Of course, there are things we sometimes do that can disrupt the cycle and cause more lashes to fall out than normal. More on that next.

Common Reasons for Excessive Eyelash Loss

While losing a few natural lashes per day is totally normal, sometimes we accidentally make our lashes shed more than they should. Here are a few common culprits I’ve learned to avoid:

Improper Lash Extension Application and Removal

I love the look of long, fluttery lashes as much as the next person. But lash extensions can wreak havoc on your natural lashes if they’re not applied or removed properly. Poor isolation techniques during application can cause multiple natural lashes to stick together, making them more likely to fall out. Even worse, roughly pulling off extensions can actually pull out your natural lashes right along with them. If you can’t resist the allure of extensions, make sure you go to a certified lash artist who uses proper techniques. And when it’s time for removal, never (and I mean never) pick or pull them off yourself. Go back to the salon and let a pro carefully remove them for you.

Harsh Eye Makeup and Removal Techniques

That waterproof mascara may stay put all day, but it can also dry out your lashes, making them brittle and prone to falling out. The same goes for false lashes with super strong adhesives. Removing stubborn eye makeup by rubbing and tugging at your lashes is also a major no-no. That friction can pull out lashes way before their time. Instead, use a gentle oil-based makeup remover and hold it over your lashes for 30 seconds before slowly wiping it away. This dissolves the makeup without unnecessary rubbing. Your lashes will thank you.

Eyelash Curler Damage

Curling your lashes can make your eyes look more open and awake. But go too far and you could be setting yourself up for lash damage and shedding. Heated eyelash curlers in particular can dry out your lashes if used too often or held on the lash for too long. Stick to traditional curlers and only use them after applying mascara, which can help protect your lashes. Also, make sure you’re always curling clean lashes. Product buildup on the curler can tug at your lashes and cause them to stick and pull out. No thanks.

Underlying Health Conditions

If you feel like you’re losing more lashes than normal, there could be an underlying health issue to blame. Thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and even stress can all cause hair loss, including shedding of the lashes. Certain medications and cancer treatments can also impact lash fullness. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to check with your doctor. But for most of us, a few lost lashes here and there is totally normal and nothing to worry about. Still, there are things you can do to keep your lashes healthy and minimize shedding. Let’s talk about that next.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Lashes and Minimizing Loss

We all want lush, fluttery lashes. But achieving that look requires more than just piling on the mascara. Keeping your natural lashes healthy is key. Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

Be Gentle with Your Lashes

I can’t stress this enough: be gentle with your lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, aggressively removing makeup, or picking at your lash line. All that friction can damage your lash follicles and cause premature shedding. When washing your face, use light pressure and carefully pat dry. Treat your lashes like the delicate little hairs they are. A little TLC goes a long way.

Use Lash-Friendly Products

Take a peek at the ingredient list on your eye makeup and cleansers. Harsh chemicals can dry out and weaken your lashes over time. Opt for conditioning mascaras free of irritants like parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. I’m a big fan of tubing mascaras, which wrap each individual lash in a flexible polymer. They’re gentler on the lashes and less likely to cause breakage. When it comes to removing eye makeup, you can’t go wrong with a cleansing oil or balm. These break down even the most stubborn makeup without stripping your lashes. Bonus points if it contains nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or castor oil.

Promote Natural Lash Growth

If you want to give your natural lashes a boost, consider using a lash serum. These conditioning treatments are packed with peptides and botanicals that support the lash growth cycle. I’ve had great results with serums containing biotin, which can help strengthen and thicken lashes over time. Just be consistent with application – it can take several weeks to see a difference. You can also try applying pure castor oil or coconut oil to your lash line with a clean spoolie brush. These natural oils are rich in fatty acids that can nourish and moisturize your lashes. The key is to be patient and treat your lashes with care. With the right products and habits, you can keep your natural lashes healthy, minimize shedding, and enjoy full, fluttery lashes without the extensions or falsies. Trust me, your lashes will thank you.

Key Takeaway:

Losing 1-5 eyelashes daily is normal, thanks to our natural lash growth cycle. But rough handling and certain products can cause more shedding. Be gentle, use nourishing makeup removers, and consider a lash serum for healthier lashes.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the 411 on how many eyelashes you lose. Turns out, shedding a few lashes here and there is totally normal. It’s all part of the natural lash growth cycle.

But if you’re noticing more lashes than usual making a break for it, there might be something else at play. Harsh makeup, rough removal techniques, and even certain health conditions can all contribute to excessive lash loss.

The good news? Giving your lashes the TLC they deserve keeps them full and fabulous. Be gentle, use lash-friendly products, and don’t be afraid to give ’em a little TLC with nourishing oils. With a little extra care, you’ll be batting those beautiful, healthy lashes in no time.