Do eyelash follicles grow back?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if the eyelashes are scorched but the hair follicles are still intact, the eyelashes usually grow back in 6 weeks. However, if the hair follicles were also damaged, the eyelashes may not grow back. If the eyelids and hair follicles are healthy and not severely damaged, the eyelashes will eventually grow back. As the new eyelash grows, the old hair falls out and the new lock will continue to grow in place, then the cycle begins again.

But just like head hair, eyelashes fall out and grow back as part of a natural cycle every six to 10 weeks. When eyelashes don't grow back the right way, or don't grow at all, particles and foreign objects are more likely to irritate or damage the surface of the eyes. Similarly, treating medical conditions or stopping chemotherapy medications (when recommended by your healthcare provider) will allow eyelashes to grow back. Some companies make over-the-counter “eyelash growth serums” that are marketed as miracle products to accelerate eyelash growth.

It can cause the eyes to become red, irritated and itchy, and it can also cause eyelash loss or abnormal eyelash growth, Green says. In some cases, especially chemotherapy or medical conditions, the eyelashes that grow back may be different from what they used to be (i). Finding a lost eyelash on your cheek or pillow may seem alarming and make you wonder if those lost hairs will grow back. With treatment and improved thyroid gland stabilization, eyelashes should grow back on healthy eyelids within a few months.

To protect your eyesight and eye health, it's best to avoid applying homemade ointments, drops, or other solutions to your eyelids or eyelashes. Whether you use eyelash growth medications or not, your eyelashes will need time to grow after they fall out, tear off, or are accidentally torn off the eyelid. This is the last phase of the cycle and is when new hair starts to grow from the hair follicle, Green says. If you have blepharitis for a long time, swelling can cause scarring in the part of your eyelids where your eyelashes grow, which can cause your eyelashes to fall out.

Healthy eyelashes go through a natural cycle of hair loss and growth, similar to hair on the upper part of the head. As harmful cancer cells spread, the natural cycle of eyelash growth can be disrupted, leading to the loss of eyelashes and the permanent destruction of hair follicles. To better understand the factors that influence eyelash growth, it is helpful to learn more about the cycle of eyelash growth.

Bette Kalloch
Bette Kalloch

Wannabe food lover. Infuriatingly humble food ninja. Infuriatingly humble social media ninja. Incurable twitter nerd. Hipster-friendly beer lover. Communicator.