Most people don’t think much about their eyelash health unless they start falling out. Then the big question on their minds is: “How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?”
As a lash tech, you can guide them through the regrowth process and teach them how to keep their lashes healthy, especially after treatments. After all, a bit of lash loss is normal, and keeping your clients clued up can help them from feeling alarmed when they notice their luscious lashes are on the loose!
How Long Before Eyelashes Grow Back?
Everyone has about 150-200 lashes on each upper eyelid and around 75-100 on each lower lid. Eyelashes grow in three stages: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. The fourth stage is the shedding cycle, called the Exogen phase.
Anagen is the active growth phase, lasting 30-45 days. Once the lashes reach their maximum length, they stop growing.
Catagen is the transition stage, lasting 2-3 weeks when lashes reach their maximum length and the hair follicles start shrinking. If you lose a lash during this time, it will only grow back when the Catagen phase is over.
The Telogen phase is the resting or shedding stage, when new hairs start growing from the hair follicle, eventually pushing out the older lashes. The follicles remain dormant before restarting the cycle at the Anagen phase, allowing them to rest while replenishing their energy stores to start the growth process all over again.
During the Exogen phase the hair starts shedding, cycling back to the Anagen phase.
Your lashes will grow back in 6-8 weeks if the hair follicles are not damaged. While most clients will see their lashes sprouting back in that window, the exact timing depends on several factors:
- Age: Younger clients tend to see faster regrowth because cell turnover slows as we get older. Lashes might also become shorter and thinner with age.
- Health: Overall health plays a role, too – someone with a strong immune system and healthy lifestyle will likely see their lashes bounce back faster.
- Genetics: Some lucky people have naturally longer Anagen phases, giving them gorgeous longer lashes.
What If Lashes Don’t Grow Back?
Most people don’t need to worry about their lashes growing back, but there are some conditions that may cause them to fall out.
- Alopecia – an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own hair follicles.
- Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelid that makes you rub your eyes a lot, which will dislodge the lashes.
- Cancer treatment like chemotherapy.
- Trichotillomania – a mental health issue that makes you pull your hair or lashes out.
- Telogen effluvium – a temporary condition caused by stress that makes your hair fall out or become thin.
- Lupus.
- Certain medications cause lash loss.
If your clients are suffering from unusual lash loss, ask them if any of these conditions may be the cause.
Encourage Healthy Habits for Faster Lash Regrowth
The body works best when it’s nourished and stress-free, which applies to lash regrowth, too!
Most clients won’t realise that their habits affect their lashes, so you can be a game-changer in helping them speed up their lash recovery by encouraging them to pursue healthy habits, such as:
- Good nutrition: Explain to your clients how a healthy diet directly impacts their lash health and encourage them to eat foods that are good sources of vitamins A, C, and E, plus biotin and omega-3s. These nutrients promote hair health and help their lashes grow stronger and faster. Sweet potatoes, nuts, and fatty fish are excellent for hair growth.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration keeps hair follicles healthy and helps speed up regrowth. Remind your clients that drinking plenty of water will do wonders for their lashes.
- Minimise stress: Stress can cause havoc on the body, including your lashes! Encourage your clients to prioritise self-care – whether through mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques (preferably all of the above). The more they can keep stress in check, the better their chances for faster lash regrowth.
Lash Conditioning Treatments and Growth Serums
You can help your clients improve their lash health by recommending lash conditioning treatments and growth serums, especially if you notice they have damaged natural lashes.
Makeup, mascara, and makeup remover can dry out the lashes and cause them to fall out or break. Eyelash conditioner softens and smooths out the hair shaft, providing a great environment for eyelash growth. Eyelash serum ingredients include peptides and various other nutrients that promote lash growth.
Advise your clients to use these conditioning and growth treatments daily for lash health and faster, more even regrowth.
Everyone wants to make the most of their assets, but not everyone has thick, curly, gorgeous natural lashes. This is where lash techs come in. You have the power and expertise to sculpt stunning lashes for clients, whether they have thick natural lashes or not!
Other Lash Treatments
You can encourage them to get beautiful lash extensions to enhance their natural look. Our range has something for everyone. The Classic Cashmere Flat Lash is ultra-lightweight but still creates a full, dark look. Pretty in Promades are great for everyday elegance and adding a touch of glamour to your appearance.
Another option for those wanting to enhance their lashes is a lash lift. With our new BELO Lash Worlds Above Lash Kit, you can elevate your client’s look in under an hour.
Advocate for Growth!
At the end of the day, your clients look to you for guidance, not just great lashes! You’re their trusted go-to person for pro tips on keeping their lashes in great shape.
So when your clients ask you, “How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?” You can encourage them to be patient because it will only take a month or two. If they stick to healthy habits and use the right treatments, their lashes will look fabulous in no time.