What Helps Eyelashes Grow Back?

Hair loss is a condition known as alopecia. Losing your eyelashes either partially or completely can make you feel self conscious and can dramatically change your appearance. The eyelashes frame the face and are a part of your unique look. Understanding how they can grow back can minimize the impact of their loss.

Causes

• Hypothyroidism or low thyroid function can effect eyelash hair growth. Hair loss can also be a side effect of some prescription drugs, such as Acitretin, Soriatane and Neotigason. Aging causes hormone levels to change, causing hair regrowth to slow. Other medical conditions like the compulsive disorder known as Trichotillomania or TTM causes some to rub or pluck at their hair. Pests like mites can burrow into lash follicles causing eyelash loss. Stress can be a factor as well.

Remedies

• If you suspect medication is the cause of your eyelash loss, tell your doctor immediately. Disorders like TTM can be corrected with behavior modification and medications. Eyelash and hair loss caused by low thyroid can be corrected by medications that are prescribed by your doctor. For mites you'll need an over-the-counter or prescription treatment similar one to you would use for lice or body lice.

Prevention

• While every condition can't be foreseen, you can prevent some eyelash loss. For women it's important to have the proper hygiene when using eye make up. Replace mascaras and other eye products every couple of months. Also don't leave make up on over night. Always remove your make up before you go to bed. Make sure you remove waterproof mascara gently, or consider using a lighter mascara. Pulling and tugging on eyelashes can damage them.

Tips for Growth

• For lashes that look thicker use a mix of half glycerin and half Castor oil. Apply the mix with a mascara brush or wand. You can also use fake eyelashes until your natural ones grow back, just blend them with the emerging lashes using mascara. Make sure you don't glue the eyelashes to your eyelashes; glue the imitation lashes to your eyelid skin right above the lash line.

Brands

• Lilash is a product that claims to be a Purified Eyelash Stimulator. You apply the serum at the root of your eyelashes and should see results in about four weeks. They offer a guarantee for their product. There's also a cosmetic treatment for general eye lash loss or insufficient eyelash growth called Latisse that you can apply to the base of your eyelashes to promote growth.