How can I make my eyelashes grow faster?

You can't speed up the natural cycle much, but stopping rubbing, harsh removal and extensions lets lashes grow to their full length.

Is castor oil safe for eyelashes?

A tiny amount on the outer lashes is widely used. Keep it out of the eye and stop if there is irritation.

How long do eyelashes take to grow back?

Usually about 6–10 weeks for a lost lash to regrow.

Hair5 min

Home remedies for eyelash growth: gentle makeup removal, a lash oil ritual and no rubbing

Lashes fall out when we rub our eyes, sleep in mascara or use strip lashes and curlers often. These home remedies for eyelash growth protect the lashes you have and help them regrow: gentle makeup removal, a tiny amount of coconut or castor oil at night, less rubbing and a nutritious diet.

How lashes grow

Eyelashes go through a growth cycle of a few months, and it's normal to lose a few each day. Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), rubbing, harsh makeup removal, lash extensions, thyroid disease and alopecia areata can cause more loss.

Applying castor oil to lashes is a common Indian home practice, valued as a conditioner; keeping the eyelid clean matters just as much.

Ingredients

A drop of virgin coconut or cold-pressed castor oil
A clean mascara wand or cotton bud
A gentle, oil-based makeup remover or coconut oil on cotton

How to prepare

Wash the mascara wand thoroughly and let it dry, or use a fresh cotton bud each time.
Remove all eye makeup before applying oil.

How to use

At night, touch the wand to a drop of oil and sweep lightly along the outer half of the lashes, avoiding the eye.
Remove mascara every night by holding oil-soaked cotton on the lashes for 20 seconds, then wiping gently downwards.
Continue for 8–12 weeks.

Helpful habits

Replace mascara every 3 months.
Take breaks from strip lashes, extensions and curlers.
Eat enough protein, iron and zinc.

Precautions

Keep oil out of the eyes; stop if you get redness, swelling, blurry vision or irritation.
Do not use lash growth serums with prostaglandins without an eye doctor's advice.
See a doctor for sudden lash loss, loss with itchy, crusty lids, or loss of eyebrows or scalp hair too.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make my eyelashes grow faster?: You can't speed up the natural cycle much, but stopping rubbing, harsh removal and extensions lets lashes grow to their full length.
Is castor oil safe for eyelashes?: A tiny amount on the outer lashes is widely used. Keep it out of the eye and stop if there is irritation.
How long do eyelashes take to grow back?: Usually about 6–10 weeks for a lost lash to regrow.