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How to Grow Eyelashes: Proven Methods That Actually Work

Farah Qureshi11 min read
Close-up of healthy, long natural eyelashes

Most people who search "how to grow eyelashes" are dealing with one of three situations: lashes that have thinned over time, lashes that never felt long or full enough, or lashes recovering from damage caused by extensions, curlers, or rubbing. The good news is that eyelash growth is biologically possible in most cases. The realistic news is that it takes patience, the right approach, and knowing the difference between what actually works and what is just marketing.

At Urban Brows in Edmonton, we see hundreds of clients each month who want fuller lashes. Some of them benefit from growth-focused habits and products. Others are better served by professional treatments that deliver immediate, visible results. This guide covers both paths honestly so you can choose what makes sense for your lashes and your lifestyle.

Woman examining her natural eyelashes in a mirror

Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle

Before trying any growth method, it helps to understand why your lashes look the way they do. Every eyelash on your lid is at a different stage in a four-phase cycle. This is why you shed a few lashes daily without going bald — they are on staggered timelines.

The Four Phases

  • Anagen (Active Growth): 30-45 days. This is the only window where your lash is actually getting longer. The length of your anagen phase is largely genetic, which is why some people naturally have longer lashes than others.
  • Catagen (Transition): about 2-3 weeks. Growth stops. The follicle begins to shrink. If a lash falls out during this phase, it will not regrow immediately because the follicle needs to complete its cycle.
  • Telogen (Resting): approximately 100 days. The lash sits in place while a new lash begins forming underneath. This is the longest phase.
  • Exogen (Shedding). The old lash falls out and the new anagen lash pushes through. You naturally lose 1-5 lashes per eye per day.

Why this matters for growth: Any product or habit that claims to grow your lashes is really doing one of two things — extending the anagen phase so each lash grows longer before stopping, or reducing premature shedding so more lashes remain on your lid at the same time. No topical product can create new follicles that do not already exist.

Proven Methods to Grow Longer Eyelashes

1. Prescription Lash Serums (Bimatoprost)

The most clinically proven option. Bimatoprost (sold under brand names like Latisse) is the only FDA-approved treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis (inadequate or thin lashes). It was originally developed as a glaucoma medication, and researchers noticed a consistent side effect: patients' lashes grew significantly longer, thicker, and darker.

How it works: Bimatoprost extends the anagen (growth) phase and increases the number of lashes in active growth at any given time.

What to expect:

  • Visible improvement typically appears at 4-8 weeks
  • Full results around 12-16 weeks of daily application
  • Results reverse if you stop using it — lashes gradually return to their baseline
  • Requires a prescription from a doctor or dermatologist

Potential side effects: Eye irritation, darkening of the iris (especially in lighter eyes), darkening of eyelid skin, and redness. These are well-documented, so discuss them with your prescribing physician.

2. Over-the-Counter Peptide Lash Serums

Peptide-based serums are the most popular non-prescription option. They contain bioactive peptides, amino acids, and conditioning ingredients designed to support lash health during the growth cycle. Browse options at our Brow & Lash Serum Shop.

How they work: Peptides signal follicle cells to support keratin production and may help extend the growth phase, though the clinical evidence is less robust than bimatoprost. Conditioning agents reduce breakage, which means more lashes survive to their full potential length.

What to expect:

  • Results vary significantly by formula and individual biology
  • Most quality serums recommend 6-12 weeks for visible improvement
  • Generally fewer side effects than prescription options
  • Consistency is critical — skipping days reduces efficacy

Choosing a serum: Look for serums that list specific peptides (such as myristoyl pentapeptide-17 or biotinoyl tripeptide-1) rather than vague "proprietary blends." Avoid formulas with prostaglandin analogs if you want to steer clear of the side effects associated with prescription-strength ingredients.

Close-up of applying lash growth serum to the lash line

3. Nutrition That Supports Lash Growth

Your lashes are made of keratin protein, and they need adequate nutrition to grow at their best. No single food will transform your lashes, but chronic deficiencies can absolutely limit growth.

Key nutrients for eyelash health:

  • Biotin (Vitamin B7): Supports keratin infrastructure. Found in eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and salmon. Deficiency is rare but supplementation at standard doses is generally safe.
  • Iron: Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair thinning, including lashes. Red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals are good sources. If you suspect deficiency, get bloodwork done before supplementing.
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports follicle health and circulation. Found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Support the oil glands that keep lashes moisturized and less prone to breakage. Salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed are rich sources.
  • Protein: Since lashes are keratin (a protein), inadequate dietary protein can slow growth. Most people eating a balanced diet get enough, but those on very restrictive diets should be aware.

The bottom line on nutrition: Eating well supports your lashes the same way it supports your skin, hair, and nails — from the inside out. It is a foundation, not a quick fix.

4. Daily Lash Care Habits That Prevent Loss

Sometimes the fastest way to "grow" longer lashes is to stop losing the ones you already have. Premature breakage and shedding can make your lash line look thinner than your genetics dictate.

Habits that protect your lashes:

  • Remove makeup gently every night. Sleeping in mascara dries out lashes and causes breakage when they rub against your pillow. Use a gentle, oil-based cleanser or micellar water and press — do not rub — a soaked pad against your closed eye for 15-20 seconds before wiping.
  • Ditch the waterproof mascara for daily wear. Waterproof formulas bond tightly to lashes and require aggressive removal, which pulls lashes out. Save them for occasions when you truly need them.
  • Stop using mechanical eyelash curlers aggressively. If you must curl, do it before mascara (never after — this snaps lashes), and squeeze gently. Heated curlers are gentler when used correctly.
  • Do not pull, rub, or pick at your lashes. This includes rubbing your eyes when tired. Habitual rubbing is one of the most common causes of lash thinning we see at our Edmonton locations.
  • Replace mascara every 3 months. Old mascara harbors bacteria that can cause follicle inflammation and lash loss.
  • Clean your lash line. Oil, dead skin, and debris can clog follicles and impede healthy growth. A gentle foaming lash cleanser used daily makes a real difference.

5. Natural Oils: What the Evidence Actually Says

Castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are frequently recommended for eyelash growth online. Here is an honest assessment.

Castor oil: The most popular home remedy. It contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. There is no peer-reviewed clinical evidence that castor oil stimulates lash growth. However, it does coat and condition lash hairs, which can reduce breakage and make existing lashes appear thicker and shinier.

Coconut oil: Similar to castor oil — it conditions hair and reduces protein loss from the hair shaft. It will not grow new lashes but may help the ones you have look and feel healthier. We covered this in depth in our guide on coconut oil and hair growth.

Olive oil and vitamin E oil: Moisturizing and antioxidant-rich. Useful for preventing dryness-related breakage. Not growth stimulants.

If you try oils: Apply a tiny amount with a clean spoolie or cotton swab to your lash line at night. Be careful around the eyes — oils can blur vision temporarily and may irritate sensitive eyes. Patch test first and discontinue if you notice irritation, styes, or milia.

Eyelash Growth Myths vs. Facts

There is a lot of misinformation about how to make eyelashes grow. Here is what holds up and what does not.

Myth: Trimming your lashes makes them grow back longer. Fact: Lashes are not like lawn grass. Cutting them does not stimulate faster or longer growth. It just leaves you with short, blunt-tipped lashes until the growth cycle replaces them. This takes weeks.

Myth: Vaseline grows lashes. Fact: Petroleum jelly moisturizes and can give lashes a temporary glossy, thicker appearance. It does not affect the follicle or growth cycle in any way.

Myth: Lash extensions make your natural lashes fall out. Fact: Properly applied extensions by a trained professional do not cause lash loss. Damage happens when extensions are too heavy for the natural lash, when multiple naturals are glued together (poor isolation), or when clients pick and pull at their extensions. At Urban Brows, our lash artists are trained to match extension weight and length to each client's natural lash strength. Learn more about our approach to lash extensions.

Myth: Your lashes stop growing after a certain age. Fact: Lashes continue to cycle and regrow throughout your life. However, the anagen phase can shorten with age, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions, resulting in lashes that are finer and shorter than they were in your twenties.

Myth: Green tea bags on your eyes grow lashes. Fact: Green tea contains antioxidants that are beneficial for skin, and the cool compress can reduce puffiness. There is no evidence it reaches or affects lash follicles.

Healthy natural lashes after consistent care routine

When Professional Lash Services Make More Sense

Growth methods take time — typically 2-4 months for visible results — and they have limits. Your genetics determine the maximum length your lashes can reach. If you want transformative results now, or your natural lashes have hit their ceiling, professional treatments deliver what topical products cannot.

Lash Extensions for Dramatic Length and Volume

Lash extensions add individual synthetic or faux-mink fibers bonded to each natural lash. They can double or triple the appearance of your lash length and volume in a single appointment. Extensions are ideal if you want a dramatic transformation, have a specific event, or prefer waking up with full lashes every day. Fills every 2-3 weeks maintain the look.

Lash Lift for Natural Enhancement

A lash lift curls your natural lashes upward from the root, making them appear significantly longer without adding anything. Paired with a lash tint, it creates the look of mascara that lasts 6-8 weeks. This is our top recommendation for clients who have decent natural lash length but want more visible impact with zero daily maintenance.

Not Sure What Suits You?

Try our AI Visualizer to preview how different lash styles would look on your face before committing. Or visit one of our Edmonton locations for a free consultation — we will assess your natural lashes and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your goals.

Ready to skip the waiting game? Book your lash appointment online.

A Realistic Eyelash Growth Timeline

If you are committing to growing your natural lashes, here is what a realistic timeline looks like.

  • Weeks 1-2: No visible change. If using a serum, your lash follicles are responding at the cellular level, but you will not see it yet. Focus on building consistent habits.
  • Weeks 3-4: You may notice fewer lashes on your pillow or in your cleanser. Reduced breakage is usually the first sign that your routine is working.
  • Weeks 6-8: Early visible improvements. Lashes may appear slightly longer or healthier. With prescription serums, this is where many users notice the first real difference.
  • Weeks 10-16: Peak results from most serums. The full growth cycle has turned over at least once with your new routine in place. Take a comparison photo — the change is often more dramatic than day-to-day perception suggests.
  • Ongoing: Maintenance is required. Stop the serum and your lashes gradually return to baseline within a few months. Stop the protective habits and breakage resumes.

FAQs

How long does it take to grow eyelashes back? If a lash falls out naturally or is pulled out but the follicle is undamaged, a new lash typically begins growing within 1-2 weeks and reaches full length in 4-8 weeks depending on where it enters the growth cycle. If the follicle was damaged (from trauma, burns, or certain medical treatments), regrowth may be slower or incomplete, and you should consult a dermatologist.

Can you grow eyelashes that were lost from extensions? Yes, in most cases. Lash loss from extensions is almost always temporary. Once the extensions are removed and you stop any habits that caused the damage (picking, heavy sets, poor removal), your natural lashes will regrow through their normal cycle. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks. Using a peptide serum during recovery can help.

Does castor oil actually grow eyelashes? There is no clinical evidence that castor oil stimulates new lash growth. It does condition existing lashes and may reduce breakage, which can make your lash line appear fuller over time. It is safe for most people when applied carefully, but it is not a substitute for proven growth serums if length is your primary goal.

What is the best eyelash growth serum? Bimatoprost (Latisse) is the only clinically proven, FDA-approved option. For over-the-counter alternatives, look for serums with peptide complexes, biotin, and conditioning ingredients from reputable brands. We carry curated options in our serum shop that our lash artists have personally vetted. Results vary by person, so give any serum at least 8-12 weeks before judging its effectiveness.

How can I make my eyelashes grow faster naturally? Focus on the fundamentals: eat enough protein, biotin, and iron; remove makeup gently every night; avoid waterproof mascara for daily wear; stop rubbing your eyes; and keep your lash line clean. These habits will not speed up your genetic growth cycle, but they will ensure your lashes reach their full potential length without premature loss. Natural oils like castor oil can be used as a conditioning supplement.

Are eyelash growth serums safe? Prescription serums like bimatoprost have documented side effects including eye irritation, iris color changes, and eyelid darkening. These are generally manageable but should be discussed with your doctor. Over-the-counter peptide serums are generally well-tolerated but can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Always patch test, follow application instructions precisely, and discontinue use if you experience persistent redness or discomfort.

Should I try growing my lashes or just get lash extensions? It depends on your timeline and expectations. If you want gradual, subtle improvement and are willing to maintain a daily routine for months, growth methods are worth pursuing. If you want noticeable length and volume now, lash extensions or a lash lift will deliver faster, more dramatic results. Many of our clients do both — they use a lash serum for natural health while enjoying extensions or lifts for everyday impact. Book a consultation and we will help you decide.

Start Growing Healthier Lashes Today

Whether you choose serums, better habits, professional services, or a combination, the path to fuller lashes starts with understanding what actually works and committing to it. Skip the gimmicks, be patient with the biology, and do not hesitate to reach out for professional guidance when you want faster or more dramatic results.

Your lashes have more potential than you think. Let us help you unlock it — whether that is through the right serum, the right habits, or the right professional service. Book your appointment today.