Eyelashes or more simply lashes are hair follicles that grow at the edge of the eyelids. Their main function is to protect the eye from debris or dirt from the surroundings that may cause infection. It’s similar to how the whiskers of a cat or a mouse work.
You may not notice this, but your eyelashes are there not just for beauty. Eyelashes are sensitive to being touched, so they give warning when an object is near. An insect flying close to your eyes, for example, triggers them to close reflexively. To give it your best care, take it from here and find out how it actually develops.
The Science Behind Your Lashes
Have you noticed newborn babies having those little lashes peeping around their tiny eyes? That’s because eyelashes development begins while a baby is inside its mother’s womb. Between the 22nd and 26th week of pregnancy, some streaks of lashes emerge from the embryo.
Unlike any of the other hair on your body, eyelashes are not affected by puberty. Their color may differ slightly from the hair on top of your head. They tend to be darker on someone with dark hair and lighter on someone with light hair.
Like your hair, eyelashes have a growth cycle as well. The three phases are anagen, catagen, and telogen. It takes less time (4 months average) for eyelashes to complete a cycle compared to hair (6 years average).
The anagen phase is the active growth stage and lasts for 30 to 45 days. During which, the hair cells divide rapidly, adding length to the hair shaft. Catagen is the transition phase where growth slows down, lasting for 2 to 3 weeks. The hair bulb detaches from the supply of nourishment, eventually stopping growth. Then the eyelash naturally falls off on the final phase of telogen. Telogen takes about 100 days more to complete the whole cycle. A resting phase takes place before a new cycle begins.
When plucked, it may take about seven to eight weeks to grow them back. Beware that constant pulling of eyelashes may lead to permanent damage. Take care of your eyelashes by giving it the same care as you would on your hair.
Your eyelashes need the same nutrients such as protein, vitamin E, and fatty acids to keep them strong and healthy. Adequate hydration also makes your eyelashes look great. When your body is dehydrated, your hair tends to be brittle and dry.
Improve nutritional intake by adding nuts, eggs, lean meat, and fish to your diet. In addition, using natural lash enhancers can help speed up hair growing results. Try using castor oil, a nutrient-rich essential oil that naturally grows lashes longer. Learn more about how Castor Oil helps grow longer eyelashes in this guide.
Why Longer Eyelashes?
Gorgeous eyelashes are a surefire way to make you look extra pretty, but that is not just it. These delicate strands have a more functional purpose of protecting your eyes. It can enhance your look and improve your confidence as well. Here is a rundown of the top benefits of longer and fuller eyelashes.
Attractive
Many surveys found that people are generally attracted to anyone with beautiful eyes. Having an alluring set of eyelashes complements the eyes, making them look more attractive. If you got a special someone, whose attention you want to capture, tease them with fluttering eyelashes they cannot resist.
Appealing
Longer eyelashes can make the eyes seem wider and more open. They create a dramatic effect that draws attention. Notice how celebrities often wear longer and darker eyelashes. Well-defined lashes appear more visible in photographs or in person even from afar.
Quick Prep Time
Whether you apply makeup regularly or only on special occasions, having longer eyelashes is perfect. You may say goodbye to mascaras, eyelash curlers, and falsies. When you have thicker eyelashes, you can create a fierce look in a matter of minutes.
Looking for more ways to make your morning prep easier and quicker? Here are more tips and tricks for a gorgeous looking skin using castor oil
Functional
The key function of eyelashes is to keep dirt out of the eyes. Very sensitive tissues make up the eyes. Your lashes help protect them from dryness, irritation, and infection. Longer eyelashes are better at keeping dust and debris from daily activities out of the eyes.
Eyelash Deficiencies
While some people may feel quite unhappy about having too thin or short eyelashes, others naturally don’t have any. Certain medical conditions may result in eyelash deficiencies such as:
- Hypotrichosis – a condition of having sparse or thin eyelashes
- Alopecia – a condition of hair loss where the patient may sometimes experience thinning of eyelashes as well
- Madarosis – a condition that results in loss of both eyelashes and eyebrows
These conditions are usually due to nutritional deficiencies. You can upgrade your diet or your doctor may prescribe certain medications and supplements. Did you know that castor oil could be taken in supplement form too?
False Beliefs on Eyelash Growth
Many people believe that trimming eyelashes promotes the growth of longer and thicker eyelashes but this is often not true. Similar to shaving your beard or cutting hair, trimming eyelash hair does not work that way. Eyelash thickness, length, and color generally depend on your genes. Therefore, the myth of trimming lashes to make them grow longer is exactly that – a myth!
But why do some people still do it? Who wants to cut their lashes short exactly? Some men with extremely long lashes probably want to get rid of it. This must be due to the existing cultural association of longer eyelashes on femininity. People wearing eyeglasses also find longer lashes inconvenient as the lenses of their eyeglasses touch with their long lashes. This can result to mascara smearing on their glasses when they blink.
If you trim your lashes or you know someone doing so, you should better be aware of its possible risks. Cutting them too short may sever the lashes’ natural purpose. Dust, dirt, and other forms of debris getting into your eyes could lead to irritation. Eye infections are the worst effects of too short eyelashes that you should be wary about.
The eyes are made up of very sensitive tissues and nerves you don’t want to hurt. Aside from accidentally poking your eyes with the scissors, you can end up with uneven lashes. Now, that’s a major eyelash meltdown!
Knowing how your eyelashes grow helps you take care of these eye protectors better. Keep these eyelash caring tips in mind and grow longer, stronger eyelashes.
