Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out? Understanding the Lash Shedding Cycle
- Dolly Effect
- Apr 19
- 6 min read
We all love being beautiful, and eyelash extensions are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to effortlessly enhance our beauty and give us that extra confidence boost. But what happens when those lashes start to fall out? Is it normal, or is something wrong with your lashes? Today, we will dive into why eyelashes fall out, how the lash shedding cycle works, and how you can take care of your lashes to keep them healthy and strong.
The Importance Our Eyelashes and Why They Fall Out
When it comes to our natural lashes, they are not just a beauty feature but also serve a practical purpose. Our eyelashes protect our eyes from dust, dirt, and other foreign particles by acting as a barrier. They can also help shield your eyes from harsh sunlight and bright lights. However, just like the hair on our heads, eyelashes also have their own natural growth and shedding cycle, which is why it's completely normal to see a few fall out from time to time.
What is Shedding Cycle?
Just like our hair, our natural eyelashes go through a growth and shedding cycle, which is perfectly normal. However, because lashes are so small compared to the hair on our heads, we often don’t notice them shedding unless we have eyelash extensions on. The extensions make it easier to observe the shedding process, as they fall out along with your natural lashes.
Shedding is a natural part of hair growth, and each hair follicle, including those in your eyelash line, goes through phases of growth, rest, and shedding. This cycle ensures that new, healthy lashes can replace the ones that fall out. On average, we shed around 1-5 lashes a day, depending on the stage of their growth cycle. It’s completely normal to lose a few lashes daily, but if you notice excessive shedding or other unusual changes, it’s worth paying attention to any underlying factors.
Understand The Lash Growth Cycle Process:
Our lashes undergo their own shedding cycle based on the growth cycle, much like our hair, which consists of three distinct stages. To better understand this process, it's helpful to know what happens to our lashes during each phase and how to identify them.
Anagen (Growth Phase)
The first stage is the active growth phase, where your lashes are at their most vibrant. During this phase, each lash is attached to a follicle that produces a new lash. The follicle works diligently to generate new cells, pushing the growing lash upward and outward. This is the phase where your lashes are actively lengthening and becoming stronger.
These are your youngest lashes—typically the shortest and thinnest. As they are actively growing, they are often weaker but will eventually thicken and strengthen as they mature.
Catagen (Transitional Phase)
Next comes the catagen phase, which is a short transitional stage that lasts a few weeks. During this phase, the lash stops growing, and the follicle begins to shrink. Without receiving nutrients, the lash’s growth slows down, and the follicle detaches from the blood supply, making the lash less securely anchored.
Lashes in this phase are slightly longer and thicker than those in the anagen phase, as they are fully grown, but growth has stopped. These lashes are transitioning to the resting phase.
Telogen (Resting Phase)
The longest of the three stages is the telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, lasting up to 3 months. In this phase, the follicle becomes inactive, and no new growth occurs. The lash stays in place until it naturally sheds. It’s completely normal to lose 1-5 lashes a day during this phase, as the lashes are preparing to fall out to make room for new growth. A fresh lash will begin growing from the same follicle, starting the cycle over again.
These are the oldest lashes. They are typically the longest and thickest because they are fully matured. Once they shed, they make room for new lashes to begin the cycle again, starting from the same follicle.
The Cycle Repeats
Once a lash sheds during the telogen phase, it is replaced by a new one that begins the anagen phase of growth. This continuous cycle ensures a healthy rotation of lashes, with new ones growing as the old ones fall out.
Speed of the Shedding Cycle and Seasonal Shedding
The speed of the shedding cycle can vary from person to person. On average, eyelashes take around 2-3 months to complete their cycle, but factors like age, health, and lifestyle can influence how quickly your lashes shed.
Did you also know that the time of year can affect how your lashes shed? It's true! Many people experience more lash shedding during certain seasons.
Spring Shedding:
In the spring, your body often goes through a spring shedding process, shedding old hair to make way for new growth. This can include eyelashes.
Autumn Shedding:
Similarly, many people notice more shedding in the fall as their body prepares for the colder months. This seasonal shedding is completely natural and typically resolves itself after a few weeks.
If you’re wearing eyelash extensions, it’s important to know that these shedding cycles can impact the life of your extensions. Since lash extensions are applied to your natural lashes, they may shed as your natural lashes do, causing some to fall out along with the extensions.
Additional Reasons Lashes Might Shed Faster
While the shedding cycle is normal, several other factors can cause lashes to shed faster than usual. Here are a few reasons:
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can impact lash growth and shedding.
Stress: High levels of stress can affect your hair growth, including your lashes.
Health Issues: Certain medical conditions, like thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies, can cause lashes to shed more quickly.
For more information on the natural shedding process and factors that might affect your lashes, you can check out resources like the American Academy of Dermatology or other government health websites for reliable information.
Ways to Extend the Life of Your Lashes
Taking care of your natural lashes is essential to ensuring they stay strong and healthy. Here are some simple tips to help extend the life of your lashes:
Taking care of the lashes
Clean your lashes regularly with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This helps prevent buildup that could weaken your lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause premature shedding. Being gentle with your lashes is key to keeping them intact for longer.
Boosting Natural Lash Quality
To keep your lashes in optimal shape, focus on your overall health. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help strengthen your lashes. You might also consider using lash serums or supplements designed to nourish and promote healthy growth. However, before trying any new products, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or one of our professional team member to ensure they’re safe and effective for you.
Less Stress, More Happiness and Beauty
Stress can impact your lashes, just like it might affect your overall health. Try to reduce stress by practicing self-care. Whether it’s through creating a calm environment at home, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or getting enough sleep, taking time to relax can benefit your lash health and boost your overall well-being. Plus, when you’re feeling good, it shows, especially in the health of your lashes!
By following these simple steps, you can help your lashes stay stronger, longer, and healthier. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in extending the life of your lashes!
Take Care of Your Lashes and Yourself
Eyelash shedding is a completely natural process that happens to everyone, and it’s important to remember that it's nothing to be worried about. Understanding the cycle and taking the time to care for your lashes can keep them healthy and strong. Whether you're experiencing seasonal shedding, wearing eyelash extensions, or simply curious about why your lashes fall out, remember that a little shedding is just a part of the process.
Taking time to care for yourself is a way of showing yourself love and appreciation. Sure, beauty matters, but feeling good and happy is just as important as well. By spending just a few moments each day looking after your body and mind, you’re building confidence and a sense of inner peace. Life should be joyful and happy, so be kind and patient with yourself. Remember, true beauty begins with how you feel about who you are. When you focus on your well-being, you create space for more joy and positivity to flow into your life.
