Eyelashes aren’t just for beauty—they protect your eyes from dust, dirt, and other tiny particles. So when you notice them falling out more than usual, it can be worrying. While losing a few lashes here and there is normal, excessive lash loss could point to an underlying problem.
This article explains the common causes of eyelash loss, possible treatments, and how to prevent it so your lashes stay healthy and strong.
Understanding Normal Eyelash Shedding
Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through a natural growth cycle:
- Anagen phase (growth): Lashes actively grow for 30–45 days.
- Catagen phase (transition): Growth stops, and the follicle shrinks.
- Telogen phase (resting): Old lashes fall out to make way for new ones.
It’s normal to lose 1–5 eyelashes a day as part of this cycle. But if you’re losing more than that, or notice gaps along your lash line, there might be another reason.
Common Causes of Eyelash Loss
1. Eye Rubbing
Constantly rubbing your eyes—whether because of tiredness, allergies, or irritation—can pull out your eyelashes and even damage the hair follicles that help them grow. Over time, this habit can lead to thinner, sparser lashes.
Why it happens: Rubbing applies friction and pressure, which weakens the roots of the lashes and can cause them to fall out before their natural shedding cycle.
Tip: If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, try using allergy eye drops, a cold compress, or gently rinsing your eyes with clean water instead of rubbing them. Wearing sunglasses on windy or dusty days can also reduce irritation.
2. Allergic Reactions to Makeup
Mascara, eyeliner, eyelash glue, and even some makeup removers can cause allergic reactions. If your eyelids become red, swollen, or itchy after applying makeup, you may be experiencing contact dermatitis. This reaction can damage lash follicles and cause lash shedding.
Solution: Switch to hypoallergenic or fragrance-free eye makeup products. Do a patch test before trying new products. Always remove your makeup before bed to prevent irritation.
Extra Tip: If you use false lashes, choose latex-free glue and avoid applying it too close to the skin.
3. Poor Makeup Removal Habits
Removing makeup roughly—such as scrubbing your eyelids or using harsh wipes—can cause lashes to break or fall out. Waterproof mascara, in particular, can be tough on lashes if not removed properly.
Why it matters: Lashes are delicate, and repeated rough handling can cause long-term thinning.
Solution: Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover and soft cotton pads. Press the pad against your closed eye for 10–15 seconds to dissolve the makeup, then wipe gently. Avoid rubbing back and forth.
4. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids often caused by bacteria, clogged oil glands, or skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, crusty lashes, and lash loss.
Treatment:
- Apply warm compresses to loosen debris and oil.
- Use eyelid scrubs or diluted baby shampoo to clean your eyelids daily.
- Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments or eye drops if an infection is present.
Note: Blepharitis can be a recurring condition, so good eyelid hygiene is key to prevention.
5. Thyroid Disorders
Both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can affect your body’s hair growth cycle, including your eyelashes. Other symptoms might include fatigue, weight changes, brittle nails, and thinning hair.
What to Do: If lash loss occurs alongside other symptoms, ask your doctor for a thyroid function test. Treating the thyroid imbalance can often help your lashes grow back.
6. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental health condition where a person feels the urge to pull out their hair, including eyelashes. It’s often linked to stress, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Treatment:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage triggers.
- Stress-reduction techniques like meditation, exercise, or journaling.
- Support groups for people dealing with the same condition.
Note: This is a medical condition, not just a bad habit, so professional help is important.
7. Skin Conditions Around the Eyes
Eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can cause redness, itching, and scaling around the eyelids. This weakens lash roots and makes lashes more prone to falling out.
Solution: Work with a dermatologist to manage flare-ups. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers around your eyes. Avoid scratching or peeling skin, which can harm lash follicles.
8. Medical Treatments
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause partial or complete lash loss. While this can be distressing, lashes often regrow after treatment is completed, though the texture and color may change temporarily.
Tip: To protect fragile lashes during regrowth, avoid heavy mascara and eyelash extensions. Nourishing oils, such as castor or coconut oil, may help condition the lashes.
9. Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of certain vitamins and minerals—especially biotin, vitamin D, iron, and protein—can weaken lashes and slow regrowth.
What to Do:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, leafy greens, eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Consider a multivitamin or specific supplements after consulting your doctor.
- Stay hydrated to support overall hair health.
10. Infections
Bacterial or fungal infections of the eyelids can damage lash follicles and cause temporary lash loss. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, pus, or crusty discharge.
Treatment:
- See a doctor for proper diagnosis and prescription medication.
- Keep your hands and makeup tools clean.
- Avoid sharing makeup products to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a healthcare provider if:
- Lash loss is sudden and severe.
- You have pain, swelling, or redness around your eyes.
- You notice other symptoms like hair loss on your scalp or brows.
Sometimes lash shedding can be an early sign of a bigger health issue.
How to Treat Eyelash Loss
Treatment for eyelash loss depends on the cause. Identifying the reason behind the shedding is the first step toward healthy lash growth. Here are common scenarios and how to address them:
For Irritation
If your lashes are falling out due to irritation from makeup, adhesives, or skin-care products, stop using the suspected item right away. Switch to hypoallergenic, fragrance-free makeup and mascara. Look for labels that say “ophthalmologist tested” to reduce the risk of future irritation. Give your lash line a break from cosmetics for at least a week to allow the skin and follicles to recover.
For Infections
If you have redness, swelling, or crusting around your eyelids, you might be dealing with an infection like blepharitis or a stye. See a doctor or eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis. They may prescribe antibiotic ointments, medicated eye drops, or special cleansers to control bacteria and inflammation. Keeping your lash line clean is key to preventing the infection from coming back.
For Medical Conditions
Sometimes eyelash loss is linked to medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, or hormonal imbalances. In these cases, treating the root problem is essential. Work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition through medication, dietary changes, or other therapies. Once the underlying illness is under control, lash growth often improves naturally.
For Damage
Lashes can become weak and break from overuse of lash curlers, heavy mascara, or frequent lash extensions. To help them heal, avoid these beauty treatments until your lashes fully recover. Focus on nourishing your lash line with gentle cleansers and hydrating oils like castor or coconut oil. Patience is important—eyelashes have a natural growth cycle, so it may take several weeks to see results.
For Growth Support
Some people choose to use FDA-approved lash growth serums, such as bimatoprost, to stimulate follicles and encourage thicker, longer lashes. If you go this route, follow your doctor’s instructions closely and be patient—most growth serums take 8–12 weeks to show noticeable results. You can also pair them with lash conditioners to protect and strengthen new growth.
Prevention Tips for Healthy Lashes
1. Be Gentle with Makeup
When removing eye makeup, especially mascara, take your time and use a gentle, oil-based remover or micellar water. Avoid tugging or rubbing your lash line, as this can pull out lashes prematurely. If possible, skip waterproof mascara for everyday use, as it can be harder to remove and often requires more scrubbing, which weakens lash follicles over time.
2. Take Breaks from Extensions
While lash extensions can look beautiful, the glue and added weight can strain natural lashes. Schedule breaks between sets—at least a few weeks—to allow your natural lashes to recover and grow back stronger. During the break, nourish your lashes with a growth serum or conditioning oil like castor oil to restore strength and flexibility.
3. Avoid Excessive Heat
Frequent use of heated eyelash curlers or even exposure to high heat from hairdryers can dry out and weaken your lashes, making them more prone to breakage. If you use a curler, do it gently and avoid using heat daily. Also, be mindful when cooking over open flames or leaning close to heat sources, as lashes can singe easily.
4. Eat for Hair Health
Your lashes, like the hair on your head, need the right nutrients to grow strong. Incorporate foods rich in biotin (eggs, almonds), vitamin E (sunflower seeds, spinach), and omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, chia seeds) into your diet. These nutrients help support hair follicle health, encouraging thicker, healthier lash growth over time.
5. Clean Your Lash Line
A clean lash line reduces the risk of infections like blepharitis, which can cause lash loss. Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser or diluted baby shampoo to gently clean along your upper and lower lash lines. Do this every night before bed, especially if you wear makeup or have oily skin, to prevent debris and bacteria buildup.
How Long Does It Take for Eyelashes to Grow Back?
In most cases, eyelashes grow back in 6–8 weeks if the follicle isn’t permanently damaged. The exact time depends on your health, age, and the cause of loss.
Bottom Line
If you’re wondering “why are my eyelashes falling out”, the cause could be as simple as rubbing your eyes too much—or it could signal an underlying medical issue. Paying attention to your makeup habits, eye health, and diet can make a big difference in keeping your lashes full and healthy.
When lash loss is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, don’t ignore it—see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
