Losing lashes is the last thing we want. But did you know that during the eyelash growth cycle, we shed lashes on a regular basis? That is true, you get a whole new pair of gorgeous, natural lashes every few months! We have got you covered if you are curious about how this development cycle works or how you can support healthy natural lashes during it. Class is in session, so we hope you are ready to learn.
What is the process of lash growth? Why does the eyelash serum work more quickly for some people and less quickly for others?
BIOLOGY OF LASHES
On the upper lash line, most of us have 90 – 160 lashes dispersed over five to six rows. Up to 80 eyelashes could be observed on the lower lash line.
A hair shaft (the lash you see), a root beneath the skin, and a bulb where new hair begins to develop make up each eyelash. The dermal papilla (blood supply) is attached to the bulb, which nourishes the lashes and allows them to expand.
Although we adore lashes for their eye-framing drama, their main role is something else. They also serve a merely utilitarian function. When an object or particle comes into contact with the eyelashes, they send autonomic signals to the brain to close the eye. Lashes also aid in the filtering of sunlight and the protection of the eyes from dirt and sweat.
Eyelashes are the most pigmented part of all human hair, which is why they do not grey with age.
Curvature, pigmentation, and the life cycle
The growth phase (anagen), the decay phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen) are the three phases of a lash’s life cycle.
The lash falls out after the telogen phase, and the life cycle starts over with a new lash in the anagen phase. A lash’s daily growth rate is 0.12–0.14 mm. The anagen phase lasts between four to ten weeks, while the entire life cycle lasts between four and eleven months. Because the growth rate and duration of the anagen phase are less than those seen in scalp hair studies, lash length rarely exceeds 12 mm.
Several factors, including topical prostaglandin analogs used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, influence lash growth rate. During the anagen phase of the lash follicle, it was discovered that the prostaglandin analog F2a receptors were expressed in multiple layers of the lash follicle. More research is needed to establish the expression of prostaglandin analog F2a receptors when prostaglandin analogs eye drops are used.
How to Grow Longer, Healthier Eyelashes
We have a few favorite tips and tactics for developing long, luscious lashes during the natural development cycle, whether you are trying to cultivate your own lovely set of natural lashes or looking to offer guidance to your devoted clients.
- Purchase an Eyelash Serum
Giving our lashes a little boost in the growth department never hurts. Investing in an eyelash serum or providing this high-quality lash product to your clients can help them grow gorgeous lashes all the way through the cycle. When it comes to lash serum, what is the Golden Rule? Make sure you are aware of the ingredients in the lash serum. Before using eyelash serum, do some research on the finest brands and when to use them.
- Rubbing or pulling on the lashes is not a good idea.
You never know what stage of growth your lashes are at, and the last thing you want is to damage or lose your natural eyelashes by being overly rough with them. Avoid making any abrasive movements against your natural lashes, such as rubbing off makeup or pulling at your lashes while applying an eyelash serum.
- Makeup should be removed completely.
And when we say thoroughly, we do not just mean thoroughly; we also mean softly! Makeup buildup in your lashes can stifle natural lash growth and prevent the eyelash growth cycle from working properly. We know you love putting on mascara for a dramatic night-out look, but make sure you wipe it off gently and properly before going to bed!
