My 6 Tips To Fuller Healthier Natural Lashes
While a coat of mascara or application of fake lashes/lash extensions can help your lashes look fluttery and Bambi-like, there's just something about naturally long eyelashes that gains a certain gravitas. It's not just about the aesthetics: Lashes wilt and snap off as you age and mistreatment, which goes hand-in-hand with dryness and breakage. Meaning, encouraging length simultaneously keeps your lashes stronger and healthier, too. And who doesn't want that?
Although, unless you were just born with the longest, most doe-eyed lashes, encouraging length is a bit of a struggle. Here, six science-backed, dermatologist-approved ways to put in the work:
1. Lash growth serum
Lash growth serums really provide results! They make my lashes grow out longer, thicker, and fuller with continued use. You can opt for either an FDA-approved lash growth serum (these work by actually extending the growth phase of hair) or snagging a clean option with conditioning ingredients like castor oil, honey, and vitamin E to protect and promote the growth of those fine hairs (more in a hot minute). My favorite lash serum on the market is Revitalash, created by a doctor to help his beloved wife during her fight with breast cancer. The reviews speak for themselves and the application of the product is so easy. I just brush some serum on my lashes after brushing my teeth every morning so it’s super easy to remember!
2. Castor Oil
Technically, there isn't any hard science to back up any castor oil claims (for both lash and general hair growth, it turns out). However, according to dermatologists, there is no denying its anecdotal powers and prowess. Its moisturizing and antioxidant capabilities have made it a beloved staple for years in household treatments, and even if it doesn't promote growth, per se, it can certainly keep the lashes you do have nourished and healthy. It is super hydrating, so lashes don't become brittle and dry or break, which happens as we age.
Specifically, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is also chock-full of vitamin E, which can help protect those hairs from environmental aggressors. Finally, castor oil is both an emollient and an occlusive. What does this mean? Well, it's able to penetrate into the strands and keep moisture from seeping out in one fell swoop.
3. Supportive supplements
Did you know your eyelashes are actually tiny, delicate hairs? Yep, those fine flutters are structurally made up of the same proteins as the hair on your head—keratin perhaps being the most noteworthy. And while lashes do grow in on their own (assuming there's no scarring of the tiny follicles), supplying your body with the right nutrients can enhance the process. Specifically, to build keratin, your body needs several types of amino acids, many of which are part of collagen peptides. That's why research points to collagen and biotin supplements for hair growth, as ingesting both can help support your natural levels of these essential ingredients. My favorite is Hush & Hush’s Deeply Rooted hair growth supplements. My hair is naturally pretty long and grows quickly, but the biggest change is how healthy and thick my hair has grown out. I’ve bleached my hair multiple times so this change is incredible.
4. Serum-Infused Mascaras
There's a growing number of serum-infused mascaras on the market, all of which coat your lashes in healthy, lengthening actives while sporting pigment. Conditioning your lashes by day (and mastering a dolled-up look, while you're at it) has never been easier.Mascaras infused with moisturizing ingredients also tend to clump less, as the formula isn't typically as drying. BareMinerals’ Strength & Length serum-infused mascara usually does the trick for me.
5. Regular Cleaning
Just like your scalp can amass buildup, your lashes can accumulate gunk as well. Eye makeup, mucus, and oil can stick in those lashes (even eyelash glue, if you're partial to extensions)—too much buildup, and it could limit lash growth, even causing a flutter or two to fall out. Your lashes stem from tiny follicles, remember? Keeping them clear and clean is key for healthy hair growth. Although, it's a lot less maintenance than keeping your scalp buildup- and flake-free. No need to reach for a clarifying solution (ouch): When washing your face, just make sure to massage a gentle cleanser into the lids as well. Be careful not to drag or tug—keep a feathery-light pressure.
6. Keep the lashes you have healthy
To encourage growth, it's important to keep the hairs you already have strong. Healthy, thriving hairs tend to look fuller. Of course, keeping those hairs happy includes all the methods mentioned above, but you'll also want to do your best to avoid unnecessary stress.
Lashes are delicate and fine, and even the smallest of errors can pluck out those hairs with ease: Things like rubbing and tugging at the eyes (both with your palms and a harsh makeup remover), curling your eyelashes with death-grip force, and using irritating eye makeup can cause those lashes to weaken (and perhaps fall out). If you frequently find lashes littered across your pillow come morning, they're probably begging for some R&R.