Wondering how to make your eyelashes grow?
Natural remedies have been helping people grow longer, healthier lashes for generations, and they cost a fraction of what you’d spend at the beauty counter.
Are you ready to give your lashes the boost they deserve?
Eyelash Growth and Common Reasons They Stop
Before trying any remedies, it helps to understand how lash growth actually works.
Your eyelashes undergo a natural cycle, and several factors can disrupt it.
The Natural Lash Growth Cycle
Your lashes grow in three distinct phases, just like the hair on your head.
- The active growth phase lasts 30-45 days
- The resting phase lasts 2-3 weeks
- They shed naturally to make room for new ones
Why Your Lashes Might Not Be Growing
- Harsh Makeup Removal: Rubbing your eyes when removing mascara can damage lash follicles and break existing hairs.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Your lashes need vitamins and minerals to thrive.
- Aging: As you get older, your lash growth cycle naturally slows down.
- Medical Conditions: Thyroid disorders, alopecia, and hormonal imbalances can all impact lash growth.
- Overuse of Extensions and False Lashes: Constant application of lash extensions weighs down natural lashes and weakens follicles.
- Stress: Chronic stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, stopping new growth.
How to Grow Your Eyelashes in Simple Ways
Here are ways that help your lashes grow longer and stronger.
1. Castor Oil Application
This thick, amber-colored oil penetrates deep into lash follicles to strengthen roots and boost growth. Its ricinoleic acid content nourishes each strand while preventing breakage.
How it works:
- Fatty acids feed follicles and improve circulation
- Creates a protective coating around each lash
Expected results: Thicker, darker lashes within 4-6 weeks with fewer falling out
Timeline: Apply nightly for at least 2 months to see full results
2. Coconut Oil Moisturizing
Lightweight coconut oil absorbs quickly to hydrate brittle lashes without feeling greasy. It locks moisture inside each hair shaft while protecting against protein loss.
How it works:
- Penetrates the hair cuticle to strengthen from within
- Antimicrobial properties prevent lash line infections
Expected results: Softer, shinier lashes with reduced breakage after 3-4 weeks
Timeline: Use 4-5 times weekly for 6-8 weeks
3. Aloe Vera Gel Conditioning
Fresh aloe vera soothes the delicate eye area while delivering vitamins that condition lashes naturally. It’s gentle enough for nightly use without irritation.
How it works:
- Vitamins A, C, and E nourish follicles directly
- Moisturizes without clogging pores along the lash line
Expected results: Healthier, more conditioned lashes within 3-4 weeks
Timeline: Apply every night for 1-2 months
4. Vitamin E Oil Nourishment
This powerful antioxidant repairs damaged follicles and protects lashes from environmental stress. It improves blood flow to help dormant follicles wake up.
How it works:
- Antioxidants fight free radical damage
- Boosts circulation to deliver nutrients to roots
Expected results: Stronger lashes with improved growth after 5-6 weeks
Timeline: Use daily for 2-3 months for best results
5. Green Tea Lash Rinse
Rich in antioxidants, green tea stimulates sleepy follicles and removes buildup that blocks growth. It’s anti-inflammatory, keeping your lash line calm and healthy.
How it works:
- Flavonoids activate dormant follicles
- Cleanses away debris blocking hair growth
Expected results: Cleaner lash line with new growth visible in 4-5 weeks
Timeline: Apply 2-3 times weekly for 8 weeks
6. Gentle Warm Compress
A warm, damp cloth increases blood flow to the lash area and opens up follicles. This simple method helps other treatments absorb better, too.
How it works:
- Heat dilates blood vessels for better nutrient delivery
- Opens pores to prepare for serum application
Expected results: Improved absorption of treatments with healthier follicles
Timeline: Use before applying oils, 3-4 times per week
7. Proper Makeup Removal
Gentle, thorough cleansing prevents mascara buildup that weakens lashes overnight. Using the right technique protects fragile roots from damage.
How it works:
- Oil-based removers dissolve makeup without tugging
- Prevents overnight dryness and brittleness
Expected results: Less breakage and healthier lashes within 2-3 weeks
Timeline: Practice nightly as part of your routine
8. Eyelid Massage Stimulation
Light circular motions along the lash line boost circulation and wake up lazy follicles. This takes just seconds but makes a real difference.
How it works:
- Increases blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients
- Stimulates nerve endings connected to follicles
Expected results: Better growth and stronger lashes after 4-6 weeks
Timeline: Massage for 30 seconds daily during skincare
9. Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
What you eat fuels lash growth from the inside out. Protein, vitamins, and healthy fats give your body what it needs to build strong lashes.
How it works:
- Protein provides keratin building blocks
- Vitamins and minerals support the growth cycle
Expected results: Stronger, faster-growing lashes within 6-8 weeks
Timeline: Maintain healthy eating habits consistently
10. Avoiding Eyelash Curlers
Skipping the curler prevents mechanical damage that breaks lashes at the root. Even careful curling puts stress on delicate hairs.
How it works:
- Eliminates pinching and pulling at the base
- Removes the risk of broken lashes from old rubber pads
Expected results: Fewer broken lashes and better retention within 3-4 weeks
Timeline: Stop using curlers and assess after 1 month
11. Using Clean Lash Brushes
Clean tools prevent bacteria buildup that causes infections and inflammation. Dirty brushes transfer oil and debris that clog follicles.
How it works:
- Removes bacteria that irritate the lash line
- Prevents product buildup on bristles
Expected results: Healthier lash line with reduced irritation in 2-3 weeks
Timeline: Wash brushes weekly, replace every 3 months
12. Reducing Mascara Usage
Giving lashes regular breaks from makeup reduces stress on follicles. Constant mascara application weighs down lashes and dries them out.
How it works:
- Allows lashes to rest and recover naturally
- Reduces exposure to drying ingredients
Expected results: Stronger, more flexible lashes after 3-4 weeks of reduced use
Timeline: Go mascara-free 2-3 days per week
13. Sleeping on A Silk Pillowcase
Silk’s smooth surface reduces friction that breaks lashes during sleep. Cotton pillowcases create drag that pulls and damages delicate hairs.
How it works:
- Minimizes rubbing and tugging while you move at night
- Retains moisture better than cotton fabric
Expected results: Less lash loss and breakage noticeable within 2-3 weeks
Timeline: Switch to silk and use nightly
Myths vs. Facts About Eyelash Growth
1. Cutting lashes makes them grow longer
Reality: This doesn’t work. Lashes have a preset growth cycle and length determined by genetics; trimming won’t change that.
2.Mascara stops lash growth
Reality: Quality mascara won’t harm growth, but sleeping in it or using expired products definitely will damage your lashes.
3. Vaseline grows lashes overnight
Reality: Petroleum jelly conditions and protects existing lashes, but doesn’t actually stimulate new growth or speed up the cycle.
4.You’ll see results in days
Reality: Real lash growth takes 6-8 weeks minimum. Be patient and consistent with your chosen remedy for visible results.
Quick Tips for Longer, Healthier Lashes
- Skip the waterproof mascara for daily wear
- Let your lashes go bare sometimes
- Replace your mascara every three months
- Massage your eyelids gently
- Trim split ends carefully
When to See a Doctor
Most lash concerns can be handled at home, but sometimes you need professional help.
Visit a doctor if you notice sudden, rapid lash loss that happens quickly without explanation.
Patchy bald spots along your lash line, persistent redness that won’t go away, or itching and swelling that lasts more than a few days all require medical attention.
If you suspect a thyroid issue, hormonal imbalance, or autoimmune disorder might be causing your lash loss, get it checked out.
These problems affect more than just your lashes and need proper medical treatment to address the root cause.
How Long Does It Take to See Results
Eyelashes don’t grow overnight. On average, most people start seeing results in 4–6 weeks, but full growth usually takes 8–12 weeks.
This timeline comes from the natural lash growth cycle, which includes growing, resting, and shedding phases.
If you’re using a lash serum, natural oils, or better lash habits, you’ll likely notice:
- Weeks 1–2: Little to no visible change, but your lashes may feel softer or healthier.
- Weeks 3–4: Less fallout, slightly stronger lashes, and better retention.
- Weeks 5–6: Visible growth or more fullness for many people.
- Weeks 8–12: Best results, longer, thicker-looking lashes if your routine is consistent.
Conclusion
Growing longer, healthier lashes doesn’t require expensive treatments or complicated routines.
The natural remedies we’ve covered on how to make your eyelashes grow, from castor oil to green tea, offer gentle, affordable alternatives that really deliver results.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Pick one or two remedies that fit your lifestyle and stick with them for at least 6-8 weeks.
Choose your first remedy and get going!
