The process of eyelash growth does not differ substantially from the growth of other types of hair. A healthy diet, sufficient rest and exercise, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and reducing stress in your life will encourage longer, healthier, stronger hair including eyelashes. If your eyelashes require more heroic measures to revive them there are many options ranging from all-natural treatments to prescription medication.
Eyelash Growth
Although eyelashes are the slowest growing hair on the body, eyelash growth occurs in the same three phases as all other hair. During the Anagen phase the hair is actively growing. The length of this phase, and therefore the maximum length of the eyelash, is determined by genetics. The Catagen phase of growth is a transition. Actual growth stops and the hair follicle begins to shrink. In the Telogen phase the follicle is resting and at the end of this phase the old lash is pushed out by a new one and the Anagen phase begins again. Each individual hair goes through this cycle at a different time – all of the lashes will not fall out at one time due solely to natural causes.
Eyelash growth can be impeded by any number of factors including lifestyle and environmental causes like exposure to harsh chemicals in makeup and skin care products. Diseases like Alopecia, Blepharitis, and Hypothyroidism also cause eyelash loss but they are accompanied by other symptoms. If you think you have eyelash loss due to a medical condition seek a doctor’s treatment first before trying to get the eyelashes to grow. Eye trauma like burns can also cause eyelash loss but as long as the hair follicle itself is undamaged eyelashes should grow back on their own within a few weeks.
The first line of defense in natural eyelash growth enhancement is proper nutrition. Diets rich in protein, B vitamins, and beta-carotene provide the building blocks for long healthy eyelashes. Avoid harsh chemicals and eyelash curlers and refrain from pulling on the eyelashes to help minimize damage. Conditioning the eyelashes also protects against damage and encourages growth. Eyelashes can be conditioned with olive oil, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin E oil applied with a small, clean brush or by putting a dab on the thumb and forefinger and gently rubbing the eyelashes between the fingers. Finally, brushing the eyelashes or gently massaging the eyelid will stimulate the hair follicle and increase blood flow which nourishes the eyelashes and encourages faster growth.
Eyelash Growth – The Conclusion
If natural methods are not producing the kind of results you want there are several products on the market which claim to speed up the growth process. Effective products should contain lecithin (which contains B vitamins), hyaluronic acid (a conditioner), peptides, amino acids or proteins. The prescription drug Latisse has also been proven to be effective, but not without the risk of side effects. Finally, give any method or product you try at least a month to start showing results. You can enhance the body’s natural process but eyelash growth will always be relatively slow.
