What to do if your eyelashes are falling out

Thick eyelashes are truly beautiful. However, nature is not always generous, and the negative impact of external factors can also lead to weakening and more intense shedding. If after removing makeup you notice more than 3–4 hairs on a cotton pad, or you can visually see that the lash line has become thinner, this is a clear call for attention. It should not be ignored, because eyelashes are not only about beauty. They also serve as a protective barrier for the eyes, trapping dust and small debris. Therefore, if alarming signs appear, it is important to understand why eyelashes are falling out excessively and what can be done about it.

Signs of the problem

Before taking action, it is necessary to understand whether it is really needed. Eyelashes, like the hair on the head, have a natural life cycle. It lasts 3–6 months and consists of 3 phases:

• anagen — active growth;
• catagen — transition to the next stage;
• telogen — resting phase while the follicle recovers.

The life cycle ends with the eyelash shedding. The normal rate of eyelash loss is 2–5 hairs per day. At this level, shedding is not noticeable against the overall density. However, if you notice more than 5–6 eyelashes falling out daily, it is a reason to be alert.

Other warning signs include:

• “gaps” or “bald spots” in the lash line;
• eyelashes falling out in clumps when lightly pulled;
• simultaneous thinning of eyebrows;
• itching, flaking, or redness of the eyelids.

There may be one or several symptoms, but all of them clearly indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

Causes of eyelash loss

There are actually many of them. However, the most common causes of eyelash loss include:

1. Low-quality cosmetics. This includes both expired products and those containing aggressive ingredients. For example, low-quality mascara can dry out the hairs and cause skin irritation, which weakens the follicle.
2. Improper use of an eyelash curler. Excessive squeezing and sharp edges of the tool can literally break eyelashes, leading to weakening and shedding.
3. Improper makeup removal. The “panda eyes” effect is familiar to many women, and in order to avoid it, some rub their eyes too harshly with cotton pads, which damages the hair follicles.
4. Consequences of beauty procedures. If eyelashes fall out after extensions, this clearly indicates that the hairs are too stressed by the weight of artificial fibers or that low-quality glue was used.
5. Health conditions. Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid edges), caused by the Demodex mite or an infection, is also one of the top causes of hair loss and requires medical attention.
6. Diet. A lack of vitamins A, E, and B, as well as iron and protein, also weakens hairs and leads to faster shedding.
7. Hormonal imbalance. This cause is not always obvious, but if none of the above apply and eyelashes are still falling out, it is worth getting tested. Thyroid dysfunction often leads to hair loss, and eyelashes and eyebrows are usually affected first.

Regardless of why eyelashes are falling out, it is still a signal that they need proper care and attention.

How to stop eyelashes from falling out

We did not just discuss the causes of eyelash loss. The point is that they can be very different, and each one indicates a specific problem that requires the right approach to solve.

If the cause is a health condition, medical help and proper treatment are necessary — no home remedies will effectively resolve the situation.

Have you noticed that you cleanse your face roughly or rub your eyes strongly when removing makeup? Then it is time to reconsider your habits. Proper makeup removal should be done like this: soak a cotton pad in micellar water or a two-phase remover and place it on the eyelid for 10–30 seconds, then gently blot without rubbing the eyelid in different directions.

High-quality cosmetics also help reduce hair loss. Use mascara with a hypoallergenic formula, vitamins, and beneficial ingredients to reduce eyelid irritation and hair breakage. To provide care, the product should contain vitamins (A and E), nourishing oils, and antioxidants.

It is also essential to pay attention to your diet. A deficiency of nutrients and vitamins leads to a lack of substances necessary for healthy skin and hair, resulting in weakened follicles and eyelash shedding. The diet should be complete, diverse, and balanced. It is recommended to include fatty fish, nuts and seeds, legumes, green vegetables, eggs, and cottage cheese.

Additional eyelash care

In addition to eliminating the main causes of hair loss, it is also important to provide extra support for eyelashes. Today, there are many products available — oils, serums, and growth activators. However, for real effectiveness, it is important to carefully check the ingredients. They should include:

• natural oils — grape seed, peach kernel, wheat germ, castor oil;
• vitamins: A, E, and B group;
• amino acids;
• peptides;

These ingredients nourish the follicles, hydrate the hairs, and make eyelashes more resistant to external factors, as well as stronger, more elastic, and shiny. At the same time, cosmetic products containing hormones should be avoided, as they may cause a “withdrawal effect,” which does not help solve the problem.

You can choose high-quality eyelash care products from our store. A wide range of cosmetics is available on the website. All ZOLA products have a safe and hypoallergenic formula and do not contain harmful ingredients.

We have already explained what to do if eyelashes are falling out, as well as the causes of this condition. In conclusion, fallen-out eyelashes are not a final verdict. The situation can be improved, and thick lashes can grow back with the right approach. It is necessary to eliminate the causes of loss and ensure proper care using high-quality cosmetics and additional products.