Eyelash growth is relatively straightforward to boost, once you know some basic do’s and don’ts. I’ll cover those in this post and lay out a very basic DIY eyelash growth serum for you that can’t fail.
But first, a story…
When I was crossing the tween to teen phase of my life I started reading this beauty magazine that was very popular at the time. It had your basic fashion and beauty, including even some DIY stuff, and it was the highest authority on anything beauty related in my world.
It was in this magazine, years ago, that I read that eyelashes actually don’t grow back at all! (Gasp!) So you should beware and take great care to preserve the integrity of the ones you have. (Insert probable shameless ad to whatever eyelash miracle serum they were peddling at the time).
Now, had I stopped for 2 seconds and actually thought about it, I would have realized that could not possibly be true! We all lose eyelashes every now and then, and the fact is we don’t have a whole lot to begin with. If they didn’t grow back, then NO ONE would reach adulthood with eyelashes, which is obviously not the case!
So, on that note…
Some interesting facts about eyelashes
Attractive as they may or may not be considered at any given moment, eyelashes actually have a more practical purpose – to protect and maintain the health of the lid margin.
They do this by reducing the number of particles in the air from reaching the eye. This also contributes to the balance and health of the eye surface itself (homeostasis).
Like any other part of the human body, the eye and the eyelids have a microflora that constitutes its protective microbiome. When it’s disrupted it can lead to all kinds of eye problems and infections. An interesting fact, the variety of lash microflora of each individual is actually unique to them!
Eyelashes have a life cycle similar to other hair follicles in our body. They have a growth phase (anagen), a degradation phase (catagen), and a rest phase (telogen). And the whole thing begins again. The daily growth rate of an eyelash is between 0.12–0.14 mm, and it can take anywhere from 4 to 11 months to complete a full cycle.
They differ from other hair on our body in that the growth phase and rate is shorter. Also, eyelash hair goes grey significantly later in life and it very rarely ever goes white.
Another interesting trait of eyelash hair is that it’s structurally very close to curly hair, i.e., they are curved, regardless of ethnicity.
Related content: The Best Proven Ways To Reverse Gray Hair Naturally
What makes eyelashes grow?
Eyelashes are somewhat different from other hair on your body, but they are hair.
They have follicles and those follicles receive nutrition from our diet. So, healthy fats, plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, to keep them growing strong.
They also respond to treatments with nourishing oils that will help protect the hair shaft, enhance health and growth rate, and make it more resistant to breakage and loss. So regularly applying a DIY eyelash growth serum would definitely produce results.
Related content: The Best Natural Hair Loss Treatments (by hair loss type!)
What causes eyelashes to fall out?
Among the things most likely to cause your eyelashes to fall out excessively are:
- Physical trauma, like excessive use of false eyelashes, or chemical dyes and solvents in makeup or makeup removers.
- Mishandling, excessive rubbing, or excessive force used when cleansing, applying skincare or removing makeup.
- Eye or eyelid inflammation, or infections (like blepharitis or conjunctivitis).
- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). It’s a type of autoimmune condition that can lead to hair loss anywhere on the body, including eyelashes.
- Momentary skin issues or hereditary conditions.
- And, as always, certain medication (those “possible side effects” lists aren’t terrifying at all, are they?!).
Are eyelash extensions safe?
In a word, no. Eyelash extensions require some type of glue to keep them in place. A great many of these commercial glues or adhesives actually contain formaldehyde, which is toxic and has been connected to conjunctivitis.
On the other hand, the solutions for dissolving this glue and removing the extensions also tend to include eye irritants, which have been linked to inflammation.
So, they’re not only potentially harmful for the health of your eye and eyelids, but they can also lead to excessive eyelash loss.
Basic eyelash growth Do’s & Don’ts
DIY EYELASH GROWTH SERUM
If you’ve searched for DIY eyelash growth serum online you might have realized that there isn’t much variation in terms of recipes. This is because there are 2 or 3 ingredients that people use that seem to produce the most dramatic results, so they tend to get recommended the most.
The fact is you don’t really need to prepare a whole DIY recipe for your eyelashes. You can of course, if you prefer, but simply applying any of those ingredients individually, or some kind of nourishing carrier oil or butter, with the tip of your finger on your eyelashes, is enough.
If you prefer to “cover your bases” and apply more than one ingredient, and make it into a real treat, you can find a basic and highly effective DIY eyelash growth serum below.
“Back-to-basics” DIY Eyelash Growth Serum
- 1 ½ teaspoon castor oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and potent! They can cause allergic reactions, redness and serious inflammation on tissue that sensitive. I would avoid it, if possible.
The best ingredients for crazy eyelash growth
For my money, the most effective natural ingredients for crazy eyelash growth are castor oil and vitamin E. I always have one or the other on hand and I usually apply a dab to my eyelashes of whatever is handiest at the time.
Castor oil is also a good option to keep any eye inflammation at bay, since it’s used successfully in treating eye issues like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
Topical vitamin E application, on the other hand, has actually been shown to accelerate hair growth.
Coconut oil is also an excellent choice, since it’s been more than proven to be able to penetrate the hair shaft. This will nourish the hair and follicle, but also help protect it from damage.
Like I mentioned, you don’t need to get that complicated with eyelash serums. The ingredients above are super boosters let’s say, but even if you don’t have any of them on hand, you can just dab on some other quality carrier oil.
Or, alternatively, melt a bit of Shea or mango butter in the palm of your hand and apply that to your lashes at night.
The important thing is that you’re not being too harsh with your eyelashes and that you’re applying some sort of thin oily coat on them. This will help keep them protected and nourish the follicles to produce stronger and healthier lashes.
If you try this DIY eyelash growth serum, let me know what you think in the comments below. Also feel free to share any other miracle ingredients yourself!
Can I use vitamin E oil around my eye area if I don’t have eye cream?
Hi Caroline,
Yes, of course! Vitamin E is a great stand-alone ingredient for skin and it’s perfect for delicate areas like the eye area. I’ve used it any times as an eye treatment.
If you’re applying it pure, since it is a bit thick and sticky, it’s best to apply it with light finger taps (instead of a massage). This way you don’t drag and stretch the delicate skin around your eyes.
I tried castor oil once. It got in my eyes leaving a film.. i thought I was going blind, so, I never tried it again. Maybe I put too much.
Hi Millie!
Yeah, that can happen with any oil you put around your eye area, actually – it basically gets in your eye and turns everything a bit fuzzy (sometimes it burns a bit). The thing is to use a very small amount if it’s going on or too near your eyelashes. It happens to me sometimes when I use vitamin E oil on my eye area, for instance – it makes my eyes water a bit, but it’s momentary. It’s mostly uncomfortable. Just try to avoid soaking your eyelashes completely with oil of any kind, because it will slide down and get in your eyes – use just a touch.