How Long Do Eyelashes Take to Grow?

How Long Do Eyelashes Take to Grow?

How your eyelashes grow might not be a topic of concern until you lose your eyelashes as a result of an incident or a decision to cut them, but when the topic gains relevance and you begin to ask questions about the growth cycle or duration of your eyelashes, we’ve got you.

It takes your eyelashes about eight weeks to grow and reach full maturity, certain factors can cause the growth period of your lashes to extend between 2 – 6 months such as genetics, severe injuries, burns, or other health conditions.

Eyelashes are a fascinating and beautiful feature of the body, with 75 -80 lashes resting on the lower lid and 90 – 160 lashes on the upper lid, the determinant for which of these estimated figures apply to you is solely based on genetics. 

How Long Do Eyelashes Take to Grow?

The anatomy of the eyelashes is unique in comparison to that of other hairs that grow on the body, this is a result of the distinct cycle of growth that it adopts. Eyelashes take about two months to grow in a regular cycle, but there are certain responsible features.

The lash is made up of three crucial structures which are the medulla, a thick cortex, and the cuticle. These structures alongside the follicles on the eyelids are instrumental for the growth/regrowth of eyelashes. 

Why Guys Have Longer Eyelashes

The medulla which is the innermost part of the lash structure houses some loose cells, the thick cortex comes into play as a protective cover for the medulla, it also determines the pigmentation of the lashes, while the cuticle provides an outer covering.

The Lash Follicle Vs. The Scalp Hair Follicle

To further illustrate the uniqueness of the lash anatomy and its growth pattern, below is a table that distinguishes the lash follicle from the scalp hair follicle.

The Lash FollicleThe Scalp Hair Follicle
Contains two layers (thin epidermis & dermis ) Contains three layers (epidermis, dermis & hypodermis)
The lash follicle is short The scalp hair follicle is long
They do not have arrector pili muscles They have arrector pili muscles 
They do not require individual mobility They require individual mobility

The Eyelash Growth Cycle/ Phases

The eyelash growth cycle is essential to understand why it takes months for your eyelashes to grow back, it has three main phases known as the anagen phase, catagen phase, and telogen phase. 

1. The Anagen Phase (Growth)

The first phase of the eyelash growth cycle is known as the anagen phase, every eyelash undergoes this phase to kickstart its growth or regrowth as the case may be. 

This stage takes between 30 – 45 days where the lashes are simply growing, being nourished by the body and its follicles are being stimulated.

2. The Catagen Phase (Transition)

The next phase of growth in this cycle is known as the catagen or transition phase. Here, the lashes stop growing and are most vulnerable as well.

This phase lasts between 2 to 3 weeks and if your lashes are cut or plucked it will take longer than 2 months to grow back because you would need to wait till the cycle restarts. 

3. The Telogen Phase (Resting)

The final stage of the eyelash growth cycle is known as the Telogen or testing phase, by this time, your eyelashes are fully grown and your follicles have shrunk completely.

Where Do Eyelashes Go When They Enter Your Eyes?
Image: Envato Elements

If your lashes are being kept healthy during this period, as much as a month can go by before they begin to fall out in preparation for a new growth cycle to begin.

Your eyelashes will begin to fall off naturally, here’s what to do if they fall into your eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back after being pulled?

If your eyelashes are pulled out, they may take up to six weeks or longer to grow back, this depends on if they were pulled out during a time in the growth cycle when the regrowth of new lashes had not begun.

How to make your eyelashes grow faster?

You can not stimulate faster growth of your lashes, you can only ensure they grow healthier and appear fuller by moisturizing them with oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin e oil, or castor oil and brushing them gently daily.

How much will lashes grow in a week?

It is impossible to ascertain exactly how much your eyelashes will have grown within a week, if that week does not fall into the anagen or catagen stage of the eyelash growth cycle it would not even have grown at all.

Do lashes grow back if pulled from roots?

Yes, lashes still grow back even after being pulled from the roots. However, it is important to note that constant pulling of your lashes could cause damage to its follicles, and consequently your lashes may not grow back.

Summary

The natural growth cycle of the eyelashes takes between 2 – 6 months, in most cases where you lose an eyelash or more they will certainly grow back, it just needs to be when the growth cycle begins again. 

To keep your eyelashes from falling out and to avoid worrying about when they’ll grow back in, keep your eye makeup items clean at all times, avoid rubbing your eyes, stop using eyelash curlers on your natural lashes, and always take off eye makeup before going to bed. 

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