Do Eyelashes Grow Back?
Yes, but eyelashes only grow back if the hair follicles are healthy. Most lashes regrow within 4 to 8 weeks. If the follicles are damaged from injury or infection, regrowth may be slow or may not happen at all.
Causes of Eyelashes Falling Out
Alopecia
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body, including the eyelashes. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This leads to inflammation and disrupts the normal growth cycle of lashes. People with alopecia may notice patches where eyelashes thin or disappear completely. In many cases, the lashes grow back once the inflammation decreases. However, severe or long-lasting alopecia can cause permanent damage to follicles, preventing regrowth. Treatment options vary but often include corticosteroids or other medications to reduce inflammation and help restore lash growth.
Burn Accidents
Burns near the eyelids can harm the delicate hair follicles that produce eyelashes. The extent of eyelash loss depends on how deep the burn is. Superficial burns usually heal without long-term effects, allowing lashes to regrow within 1 to 2 months. However, deep burns that scar the follicles can result in permanent eyelash loss. Proper medical care after a burn can reduce the risk of lasting damage.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which include hair follicles. This often causes eyelash loss as a side effect. Most people lose their lashes during treatment, usually within a few weeks. After chemotherapy ends, eyelashes generally start to grow back in 4 to 6 weeks. The new lashes may be thinner or lighter at first but usually return to normal over time.
Infection & Inflammation
Inflammation and infections in the eyelids can lead to eyelash shedding. Conditions like styes or blepharitis cause swelling that affects the follicles. This prevents eyelashes from growing normally and may cause loss. Once the infection clears, most eyelashes regrow over the next few weeks. Persistent inflammation may slow or stop regrowth in some cases.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disorders impact many body functions, including eyelash growth. Imbalanced thyroid hormones can weaken hair follicles, causing eyelash loss. People with untreated thyroid disease often notice thinning lashes. After starting medication, most eyelashes gradually return to normal. It may take 2 to 6 months for noticeable regrowth.
Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
People with trichotillomania often pull out their eyelashes on purpose. This hair-pulling damages the follicles and prevents normal lash growth. The loss can be patchy or complete in affected areas. When the behavior is controlled, most eyelashes regrow over time. Severe or repeated pulling may lead to permanent eyelash loss.
Eyelash Growth
Phases of Eyelash Growth
Eyelashes grow in three distinct stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the active growth period. For eyelashes, it lasts about 30 to 45 days. During this time, the lash is connected to the blood supply and grows continuously. Only about 35% to 40% of your upper lashes are in this phase at one time, and even fewer—about 15%—on the lower lid.
The catagen phase is the transition stage. It lasts around 2 to 3 weeks. In this stage, growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks. If a lash falls out during catagen, it won’t start growing again until the cycle resets, which can slightly delay regrowth.
The telogen phase is the resting and shedding stage. It lasts the longest—up to 100 days. During this time, the lash stays in place while a new lash forms beneath it. Eventually, the old lash falls out naturally, and the cycle restarts.
Growth Rate of Eyelashes
Eyelashes grow more slowly than scalp hair. On average, they grow about 0.12 to 0.15 millimeters per day. The total length of a lash is usually between 7 to 10 millimeters before it sheds. Lash growth is limited by the short duration of the anagen phase—unlike scalp hair, which stays in anagen much longer. Because of this, lashes don’t grow very long naturally.
Each lash follicle operates on its own independent timeline. That’s why it’s normal to lose a few lashes daily without noticeable gaps. The complete growth cycle ensures there’s always a mix of new, resting, and shedding lashes at any moment.
How Long Do Eyelashes Take to Grow Back
Most eyelashes grow back within 4 to 8 weeks, but the exact time depends on the cause of loss and the condition of the hair follicle. If the follicle is healthy, new lashes start growing shortly after shedding or removal. When the follicle is damaged, regrowth may take longer or not occur.
Each eyelash grows on its own schedule, following a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. This cycle repeats naturally and helps maintain lash coverage over time. Most new lashes begin forming during the resting phase, which can last up to 100 days.
People who lose lashes from medical treatments, like chemotherapy, may see regrowth in 4 to 6 weeks after therapy ends. Regrowth after injury or infection varies more and often takes 6 to 12 weeks. In some cases, complete recovery can take several months.
Age and overall health also affect how fast eyelashes return. Younger people usually grow lashes back faster than older adults. Poor diet, stress, or hormone changes may slow the process.
Using makeup removers roughly or wearing false lashes often can also delay growth by weakening the follicles. Avoiding repeated damage helps keep the cycle on track and supports normal lash return.
How to Make Your Eyelashes Grow Back
Some things may help your lashes grow back faster and stronger. It depends on what caused the lash loss, but these steps can support healthy regrowth.
Use Growth Serums
Lash growth serums are made to help lashes grow longer and thicker. Most contain ingredients like peptides, panthenol (a form of vitamin B5), and biotin. Some also use prostaglandin analogs, which can boost the growth phase of the lash cycle. One FDA-approved option is bimatoprost (brand name Latisse). It has been shown to increase lash length and thickness in about 8 weeks when used daily. Most over-the-counter serums are less strong but may still help improve lash condition if used regularly.
Take Vitamins
Your lashes need nutrients to grow. Low levels of iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E can slow down hair regrowth. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats supports eyelash health. If your doctor says you’re low in any nutrients, a supplement might help. But don’t take more than the daily recommended amount without checking first.
Be Cautious With Home Remedies
Some people try castor oil, coconut oil, or aloe vera to help lashes grow. These are not proven to grow lashes, but they may keep the skin around your eyes soft and reduce dryness. Be careful—getting oils in your eyes can cause redness or blurry vision. Always patch-test new products and stop using them if irritation happens.
Final Thoughts
What makes eyelashes grow back varies from person to person and depends on factors like follicle health and overall wellness. If your eyelashes are not growing back, it may be a sign of deeper problems that need attention. Generally, eyelashes do regrow with time, but proper care is essential for the best results.
FAQs
Do eyelashes grow back if pulled out from the root?
Do eyelashes grow back if you cut them?
Do eyelashes grow back if they are burned?
If the burn reaches deeper into the eyelid and damages the follicles, the lashes might not grow back. Follicles are the small structures under the skin that produce hair. Once they’re scarred or destroyed, new lash growth becomes unlikely. Healing also depends on how well the area is treated. Burns near the eyes should always be checked by a doctor to lower the risk of infection or scarring that could affect regrowth.