Thick and well-groomed eyelashes are a sign of a healthy body. Therefore, when they start falling out more often than usual, it immediately causes concern. Some people notice a few hairs on their pillow, while others notice that their eyelashes are becoming sparser, weaker, or even falling out in clumps. In some cases, this may be normal, as hairs have a natural growth cycle. However, sometimes intense hair loss signals a problem that needs attention.
In this article, we will discuss why eyelashes fall out, what to do in such a situation, and how to restore their thickness.
The main causes of eyelash loss
Eyelashes, just like the hair on your head, go through a natural life cycle. They grow, enter a resting phase, and then fall out. How many eyelashes fall out per day? Normally, it is about 3–5 hairs. This is a completely normal process that you should not worry about. But when hair loss becomes intense and noticeable, it can be a sign of internal disorders in the body. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause, but most often the problem is related to the factors described below.
Stress and emotional overload
Severe stress, emotional shock, chronic fatigue, or lack of sleep can trigger telogen eyelash loss. This is a condition in which the hairs abruptly enter a resting phase and fall out en masse. In addition, during nervous tension, many people unconsciously rub their eyes, pull their eyelashes, or frequently touch their face, which also weakens the follicles.
Related diseases and health problems
In some cases, intense eyelash loss is a sign of serious internal disorders. These include:
- autoimmune diseases (alopecia, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus);
- hormonal changes or endocrine disorders (thyroid problems);
- dermatological infections;
- deficiency of vitamins A, E, B group, iron, or omega acids.
In such cases, the hair follicle becomes inflamed or weakens, which provokes rapid hair loss. Diagnosis should be carried out by a dermatologist or therapist.
Inflammation, infections, and irritation
Any inflammation in the eyelid area can affect the condition of the eyelashes. Most often, this includes:
- barley;
- blepharitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- bacterial and fungal infections.
Symptoms accompanying these conditions include redness, itching, tearing, and swelling of the eyelids. Over time, this leads to weakening of the eyelashes and their loss. Irritation can also be caused by harsh cosmetics, poor-quality makeup removers, and allergies to mascara or cream ingredients.
Incorrectly performed eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions are a popular but complex procedure. If the technician does not follow the correct technique, the consequences can be unpleasant. For example:
- Using excessively heavy or long artificial eyelashes puts a lot of strain on your own follicles.
- Poor hygiene leads to inflammation of the eyelids.
- Poor-quality or overly aggressive glue can cause allergies.
- Removing eyelashes mechanically destroys natural hairs.
All these factors can cause massive eyelash loss and even temporary damage to their follicles. That is why we recommend booking eyelash and eyebrow care only at salons where professional stylists work and high-quality materials are used.
Incorrect facial cleansing
Excessive rubbing of the eyes when washing and removing makeup can lead to eyelash loss. Additionally, this condition can be triggered by:
- using alcohol-based products that dry out the eyelids;
- removing makeup with regular soap;
- removing mascara without a special product.
Mechanical damage
If you are experiencing eyelash loss, the cause may sometimes be found in your habitual, seemingly harmless actions. For example, it could be sleeping with your face in the pillow, constant use of curling irons, and applying waterproof mascara, which is difficult to remove.
What to do if your eyelashes fall out
Many women do not know where to turn and what to do if their eyelashes fall out. In such a situation, it is important not to panic, but firstly to find the cause. The easiest way is to start with basic changes in care, and if the situation does not improve, consult a specialist.
First, take a look at your daily habits. Frequent rubbing of the eyes, aggressive makeup removal, use of waterproof mascara, or poor-quality cosmetics can cause eyelash loss. Try not to touch your eyes unnecessarily for a few days, use gentle makeup removers, and do not rub your face with a towel. If you have eyelash extensions, this may be the cause of the problem. In this case, it is best to remove them and refrain from the procedure for a while.
If changing your skincare routine does not help, or if additional symptoms appear along with hair loss (redness, itching, swelling of the eyelids), you should consult a doctor. It is best to start with a general practitioner. If necessary, they will order tests and refer you to a dermatologist, ophthalmologist, or endocrinologist. The main thing is not to ignore the problem and to pay attention to your body's signals.
How to restore eyelashes after loss and extension
Once you have identified the cause of eyelash loss and eliminated it, you can move on to the restoration stage. Eyelashes are capable of regenerating on their own, but this process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. If you want to speed it up, you should consider using special strengthening products.
One of the most effective options is natural oils. They nourish the follicles, strengthen the hairs, and prevent breakage. The most effective ones are:
- Castor oil — stimulates growth and makes eyelashes thicker.
- Usma oil is known for its ability to strengthen hair follicles.
Apply a thin layer of oil to clean eyelashes every evening.
Another effective option is special serums. They work at the follicle level and significantly accelerate eyelash renewal. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. High-quality serums should contain:
- peptides — stimulate growth;
- keratin and amino acids — strengthen the hair structure;
- vitamins A, E, B5 — improve follicle nutrition;
- plant extracts — reduce brittleness and dryness.
Such products are especially useful after eyelash extensions, when natural eyelashes are very weak.
Additionally, after consulting with your doctor and getting tested, you can take vitamin supplements. This is an internal method of treatment, and it often gives the best results. To strengthen your eyelashes, it is recommended to take biotin (B7), vitamin E, omega-3, zinc, and iron.
It is important to remember that none of these remedies will produce instant results. However, with regular use, they will restore thickness, length, and strength to your eyelashes, and your eyes will once again look flawless.