How Many Eyelashes Fall Out a Day?
Just like the hair on your head, eyelashes go through a natural growth, loss, and regrowth cycle. But if you’re losing an excessive amount, it could be a sign of a health issue.
To help you determine if you’re experiencing normal lash loss, we spoke with experts to get the lowdown on what causes lashes to fall out.
What Causes Eyelashes to Fall Out?
A rogue eyelash here and there is nothing to worry about, but if you start to notice more than a few of them falling out in the shower or on your pillow each morning, it may be time for a closer look. Eyelashes are just like the hair on your head and they go through a continuous cycle of growth, loss, and regrowth.
Just as stress can push your hair into the telogen phase (the dormant stage that causes it to fall out), so can it affect your eyelashes. Blepharitis (an ongoing inflammation of your eyelids) is one of the biggest culprits and it can trigger lash loss.
Leaving your makeup on too long, over-enthusiastic removal of mascara, or tugging at them with an eyelash curler can also have negative effects. But it’s also important to consider your diet as a cause of lash loss and make sure you are getting enough protein, fatty acids and vitamins.
Is It Normal to Lose Eyelashes?
While finding a rogue eyelash on your pillow or a few in your makeup bag is normal, you should be concerned if your lashes seem to be falling out in large numbers or in clumps. You should see a dermatologist if that happens. “A slew of factors could be at play,” Green says, ranging from diet to your daily skincare routine. “If the lash loss is sudden or accompanied by other skin changes, it’s best to get it checked out.”
It’s also worth noting that there are two ‘shedding seasons’ each year, during which you may lose more lashes than normal. This is because the lash hairs are going through their resting/shedding phase (also known as the telogen phase). During this time, a new eyelash follicle emerges to take its place and the cycle begins again. The shedding is usually temporary, but it can still be alarming.
What Can I Do to Prevent Eyelashes from Falling Out?
If you see a few rogue eyelashes on your pillow or on the cleansing cloth used to remove your makeup, don’t worry: Your lashes are going through their natural cycle and it’s totally normal to lose up to five of them per day. However, if you’re seeing more than that or noticing an overall sparseness of your lash line, it may be time to figure out what the problem is.
Rubbing your eyes or rubbing the area around them can cause clogged hair follicles, which weakens your lashes and makes them fall out more quickly. Avoid this by taking a break from mascara and thoroughly removing your makeup each night, Downie says. You should also be careful when using an eyelash curler, as it can damage and pull your lashes. Some medical issues, such as hypothyroid disease or alopecia areata, can also contribute to eyelash loss. If yours do, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
Can I Let My Daughter Wear Mascara?
It all depends on your daughter’s maturity level and comfort with makeup. Some girls may be ready to wear mascara as young as middle school, while others might prefer to wait until they are older. It is also important to remember that makeup can be toxic if swallowed or inhaled, so it is important to ensure that your daughter is using safe products and removing them properly before going to sleep.
If you are comfortable allowing your daughter to wear mascara, it is a good idea to start her off with more subtle types of makeup. Many parenting experts recommend letting pre-teens wear tinted lip balm, for example, as this adds a little color and shine without the look of full lipstick. It is also a good idea to teach your daughter how to apply mascara properly, so that it looks natural and does not damage her lashes. This will help to keep her looking great and feeling confident about her appearance.
