Eyelashes are more than just a beauty feature; they protect our eyes from debris, dust, and small particles. Like all hair, eyelashes follow a natural life cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. Knowing how this cycle works offers valuable insight into how and why lashes grow, fall out, and regenerate. In this blog post, we´ll discuss the eyelash life cycle and growth phases.
Do eyelashes grow back?
Yes, eyelashes do grow back! Losing an eyelash or two can feel alarming, but, they will regenerate naturally. Eyelash follicles, like scalp hair follicles, are designed to continuously produce new hair. Unless there is damage to the follicle itself due to trauma, medical conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy, your lashes will regrow.
if you accidentally cut your eyelashes, they will also grow back. Since cutting does not damage the follicle, the growth process will resume as usual. However, it may take some time for the lashes to reach their full length again, depending on which phase of the growth cycle they were in at the time of cutting.
You may also like: What should I do if I cut my eyelashes?
How long is the eyelash growth cycle?
The entire eyelash growth cycle typically lasts about three months. This timeline encompasses all three stages of growth, shedding, and regrowth. Factors like genetics, age, health, and even lifestyle can influence the length and health of the cycle.
What are the stages of eyelash growth?
The eyelash growth cycle consists of three main stages:
1. Anagen phase (Growth phase)
- This is the active growth phase of the eyelash cycle, lasting approximately 30 to 45 days.
- During this time, the hair follicle is actively producing the lash, and the length of this phase determines how long your lashes can grow.
- Only about 40% of upper lashes and 15% of lower lashes are in this phase at any given time.
2. Catagen phase (Transition phase)
- This phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks.
- The lash stops growing, and the follicle begins to shrink. If a lash falls out or is plucked during this time, it won’t regrow immediately because the follicle is dormant.
- This phase is critical as it transitions the lash to the resting phase.
3. Telogen phase (Resting and shedding phase)
- The final stage lasts around 60 days.
- During this phase, the lash rests and eventually sheds to make room for a new lash to grow in the follicle.
- It’s normal to lose 1 to 5 lashes per day as part of this natural process.
Can lashes Grow in 2 weeks?
Lash growth in two weeks is possible, but the extent of growth depends on where the eyelash is in its natural cycle. While you may see initial sprouting within this time, achieving full length often takes longer.
You may also like: Tips for having strong and healthy eyelashes.
Conclusion
Understanding the eyelash life cycle and growth phases provides a clearer perspective on how lashes grow, fall out, and regenerate over time. The process is natural and ongoing, ensuring that eyelashes are continually renewed to perform their protective functions.