Struggling with short, thin lashes? Learn more about the top 7 causes.
1. Genetics:
There are two types of lashes that you can inherit - long or short. Long lashes are the dominant trait so if one of your parents as long lashes and your other parent has short ones, then you are much more likely to inherit long lashes. However if we inherit the two recessive genes for shorter lashes from either one parent, or both, this will leave us with thinner, short lashes.
A study has also shown a significant difference in the morphology and growth characteristics of lashes among Caucasian and Asian (specifically Korean) female eyelashes. Asians tend to have fewer eyelashes than Caucasians, but Asian lashes have thicker strands than Caucasians. Asian lashes are also more likely to be straighter with downward distal ends, while Caucasian lashes are more often sharply curved with upward distal ends.
2. Removing makeup roughly or leaving it on too long:
Roughly scrubbing and rubbing your face when removing makeup can easily damage your lashes at the same time. Lashes are a very fine hair that can be easily ripped out from its follicle if rubbed against harshly.
Mascara works by making eyelashes stiff - if you push those lashes up against your pillow when sleeping your lashes may break as they are already brittle from the mascara application.
3. Curling your lashes after applying mascara:
Curling your lashes makes your eyelashes look longer instantly. But if you use them after applying mascara, your stiff, brittle lashes are likely to be damaged and break.
4. False lashes:
The adhesives and the removing agents on false lashes can induce inflammation in the eye. Furthermore, removing the synthetic lashes can cause the natural lashes to fall off as well.
Lash tints can provoke allergic reactions on the lids leading to lash loss. Besides, prolonged and frequent use of mascaras is associated with lash cuticle damage, along with rubbing when you remove it, which can cause lashes to fall off easily. Let’s not forget eyelash curlers, heated or non-heated, can harm lashes and make them shed.
5. Aging:
Eyelash growth has four stages: growth, resting, shedding and re-growth. Throughout your life, your lashes continuously cycle through these four stages. However as we age, eyelash follicles (the openings in the skin through which the lash grows) can slow or stop producing new lashes altogether. There is a reduction of length, thickness, and even pigmentation.
6. Psychological
It's common to see lash hair shedding when you are experiencing a surge in stress. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium and can be caused by illness, emotiional stress or an event like surgery. The stress causes more of your lash hairs than normal to enter the 'teleogen' or resting phase of their growth cycle leaving you with thinner lashes.
A second cause, Trichotillomania, is a disorder wherein there is an irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair. This compulsive pulling of the hair results in pleasure or relief and depletion of lashes.
It is important to look after your emotional wellness to look after not only yourself but also your lashes.
7. Eye diseases
One eye disease that can cause eyelash thinning and loss is blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Blepharitis can be caused by lid infestations or overpopulation of either bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus, or parasites, like Demodex folliculorum mite. We get these infestations by touching the eyes with our fingers or from the ambient air like pollens, dust, and soil particles.
3 Ways to Get Thicker, Longer Natural Lashes
1. Take Care with Your Makeup Routine:
Take care when removing or applying your makeup to be sure you aren't applying too much pressure to your lashes or eye area. Avoid rubbing in particular when you are removing your eye makeup and ensure you have makeup wipes or makeup remover close by to make it easy to gently remove your make up on those lazy nights. A common sense guide is to spend as much time removing your makeup as you do applying.
2. Follow these Lash Extension Tips:
When it's time to remove your lash extensions be sure to use a lash technician to avoid damage to your lashes. If that isn't possible an at home eyelash remover should be used to minimise any harm to your natural lashes. Avoid pulling, picking or tugging your extensions to remove them.
3. Use a Lash Growth Serum:
To maintain the health of your natural lashes use an eyelash conditioner or growth serum. They help the hairs to stay in the follicle longer, resulting in stronger support for the extensions. An eyelash serum like lashfridays can keep your natural lashes in great condition whilst wearing extensions and help repair your lashes when you are having a break from wearing them. Just be sure to apply the serum at least 2 days after your new lashes have been applied and apply to the lash line and not the lashes themselves.