Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through a natural cycle of growth and shedding. It's important to understand the eyelash growth cycle before investing in expensive beauty treatments or jumping to conclusions.
Each person typically has 150-200 natural eyelashes per eye on the upper eyelid and 75-100 on the lower eyelid. While eyelash length, thickness, and color vary from person to person, we all go through a growth cycle.
3 stages of the eyelash growth cycle
The eyelash growth cycle can be divided into three phases: Anagen (active growth), Catagen (transition phase), and Telogen (resting phase). The entire cycle may take 4 to 11 months.
Growing phase (active growth)
During this phase, eyelashes actively grow for approximately 30-45 days, with approximately 40% of your eyelashes typically in this phase. Each eyelash continues to grow until it reaches a specific length, then stops.
Recession (transition)
The second phase of the eyelash cycle is the catagen phase, when eyelashes reach their desired length and stop growing. The follicles shrink, and this phase lasts for 2-3 weeks. If eyelashes fall out during the catagen phase, they will not begin to grow again until this phase is over.
Telogen (resting phase)
The resting/shedding phase is called the telogen phase and lasts 3-4 months. During this time, new lashes begin to grow from the follicles, eventually pushing the old lashes out to make room for the new ones! Because each lash is in its own phase of the cycle, it's normal to lose a few lashes each day. Complete lash replacement typically takes 4-8 weeks.
The Secret to Healthy Eyelashes Throughout the Cycle
Damage can cause lashes to fall out mid-cycle, so it’s important to keep your lashes healthy and conditioned, especially if you wear makeup daily or get cosmetic treatments like eyelash extensions or keratin.
To help maintain healthy eyelashes, we recommend the following:
- Remove makeup thoroughly every day. Our Micellar Water Lash Wash purifying cleansing water gently yet effectively cleanses lashes.
- Avoid waterproof makeup. Try using formulas with conditioning properties.
- Incorporate eyelash serum into your daily routine. Our RevitaLash® Advanced Eyelash Repair and Volume Serum strengthens lashes and prevents breakage while improving elasticity and shine.
- Avoid pulling or rubbing your eyelashes.
- Use our Lash & Brow Masque twice a week to effectively nourish lashes to repair damage and restore healthy-looking lashes.
