The Eyelash Growth Cycle

Did you know that hair follicles, including eyelashes, are one of the most quickly divided cells in our body? Meaning they grow quickly. That’s why we need eyelash growth serum to make sure that lashes stay thick and long.

FACT: Have you ever wondered why your lashes do not turn gray even if you grow old? Eyelashes are the most pigmented on all human hair, that’s why it doesn’t turn gray, unlike the hair in your head.

What is the growth cycle of lashes?

Just like all the hairs in your body, eyelashes need to shed and be replaced. All the hair follicles in your body undergo the same growth cycle. The general biology of the human lash is broken down into three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

ANAGEN PHASE

Also known as the growth phase, this stage is where your lashes are growing, hence the most important stage. About 15% of the lower lashes and 35% - 40% of the upper lashes go through this phase at a time. You don’t have to worry that you’ll lose all your lashes at once.

In the anagen phase, hair is attached to the blood supply (dermal papilla) which feeds the lashes. It lasts for 4 - 10 weeks and each lash will grow about 0.12 to 0.14 mm per day. The longer the lashes stay in this stage, the longer the eyelashes grow.

This is the ideal stage where you can start using your lash serum to help your lashes grow longer and help boost new hair growth.

CATAGEN PHASE

Also known as the transition phase, in this stage, hair follicles shrink and detach from the blood supply. This is where your lashes stop growing and maintain the length gained from the anagen phase. 

The catagen phase lasts for about 2 - 3 weeks. If by any chance your eyelashes fall out or are pulled out in this phase, that slot will remain empty and proceed to the next phase. It means that that slot will remain empty until it reaches the anagen phase again.

In this phase, if you use a lash serum, it will focus more on the fullness and not the length. So, if you want full and strong lashes, use a serum in this stage.

TELOGEN PHASE

Also known as the resting phase or shedding phase, is the longest stage of the hair growth cycle. This stage can last up to 3 - 4 months. 

During the telogen phase, a new hair begins to form eventually pushing out the old hair. Approximately 50% of your lashes undergo this stage at a time.

How long is an eyelash growth cycle?

The complete lash growth cycle (Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen) takes about four to eleven months.

Is it possible to make your eyelashes grow faster?

Our lower eyelids hold 70 to 100 lashes, while the upper eyelids hold 90 to 200 lashes. We shed 1 to 4 lashes daily.

We all are born with a specific number of follicles which pretty much remains the same throughout our whole life. Each person’s eyelash grows to reach a certain length and if it doesn’t reach its fullest potential, it means your hair follicles are inactive.

You can use a lash serum to help boost lash growth and a gentle lash cleanser to help protect lashes from falling out prematurely. Use a foam or gel cleanser for the best results.

What is the lash shedding season?

It is similar way when animals lose their coat to the hotter weather. We also shed our hair including our eyelashes to adapt to the changing weather. 

Normally, we lose 5 to 7 lashes a day, however, during Spring and Autumn, it increases to prepare for the temperature changes. 

Our bodies react to temperature changes such as when the temperature increases and causes hair to shed. This is also known as Spring lash shed. People will sweat a lot and produce more oils which affect lash glue’s retention. Likewise, when the temperature decreases it also causes our lashes to shed. This is known as the Fall lash shed. 

How long does the lash shedding season last?

Seasonal eyelash shedding is a normal occurrence. It usually lasts around 6 weeks before things go back to normal. So, no need to worry! We can’t actually stop the shedding but we can all lengthen lash extensions by focusing on aftercare treatment. That’s why having an aftercare routine is important!