6 Reasons Your Eyelashes Might Falling Out — And What to Do About It

June 01, 2020
Angela Melero
By: Angela Melero | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
close-up of person's eye with long eyelashes

Even though eyelashes are small and feather-like, they have the power to transform our faces and makeup look. We spend a lot of time and money making sure our lashes look long, full and voluminous, yet somehow they still manage to fall out all the time. We started to wonder if we were doing something that caused this lash fallout without even knowing it. According to lash expert and esthetician Allison O’Connor of Zenii Spa in West Hollywood, California, it’s definitely a possibility. Ahead, she explains some common causes of eyelashes falling out and steps you can take to keep lashes looking perfect.


Cause #1: You Commit This Faux Lash Faux Pas

While we totally understand the need for a little faux length via glue-on false lashes every now and then, O’Connor says the removal process can cause lash loss. “Girls can be pretty rough when removing their false lashes,” she explains. “They’ll just yank them off without even thinking about it. What you should be doing is using an eye makeup remover, like the Garnier Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads, or a solution specifically designed to remove false lashes. These products help soften and dissolve the glue and allow for easier removal.”
Garnier Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Cause #2: You Sleep in Your Eye Makeup

By now, you’re probably well aware of the perils of sleeping with your makeup on, but another reason to take proper beauty precautions before going to bed is the health of your eyelashes. “When left on for too long, particles of your mascara and shadow can clog the hair follicle,” says O’Connor. “This prevents the follicle from breathing and can eventually stop hair growth altogether over time.” 

Cause #3: You’re Not Using a Lash Conditioning Serum

You probably wouldn’t question using conditioner on the hair on your head, so why would you think twice about applying one to your lashes? To keep them healthy and avoid lash loss due to makeup removal, try the Lash Serum Solution from L’Oréal Paris, which helps you get thicker, denser-looking lashes in four weeks with continued use. 


l'oreal paris lash serum solution

Cause #4: You’re Guilty of This Curling Crime

You know that rubber lining on your eyelash curler? That little strip was created to preserve your lashes. When left bare, eyelash curlers can do some major damage. “A bare curler can chop your lashes at the base,” says O’Connor. To avoid this, be sure to keep that rubber lining in place, and replace it often to avoid bacteria buildup.

Cause #5: You’re Too Rough on Your Eyes

Scrubbing or rubbing your face can cause trauma to your lashes. “Vigorous rubbing or scrubbing of the eye area can cause our lashes to fall out,” explains O’Connor. “The hair is so fine and gentle and can be easily ripped from its follicle. Be gentle and delicate when applying creams or mascara.”

Cause #6: It Could Be Something More Serious

There are some health conditions that can cause your eyelashes to fall out, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel like your eyelash loss could be a result of something more serious than rubbing your eyes too vigorously or leaving on your eye makeup, always consult with a dermatologist. They can examine your situation and provide you with steps toward a solution. 

How Long Does It Take Eyelashes to Grow Back?

According to Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in New York, lashes typically grow back every six to eight weeks as a part of your natural hair-growth cycle. And while you may not be able to speed up the natural process, following the guidelines above can help promote stronger, fuller and longer lashes throughout the process. 


Photography and Art Direction: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy

Read more

Loading
Back to top