In spite of what one may think, turning to the miracle workers that boost the growth of your eyelashes isn’t the only solution out there. As a matter of fact, there are several things that you can do for turning your eyelashes into stronger, longer, thicker and fuller ones, in a natural way.
Even if these natural solutions are pretty fool-proof, they do require some dedication so you need to try them with one thing in mind: they don’t give results over night. Patience is the key when it comes to the success of these natural solutions, more than anything else!
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How can you help your eyelashes grow faster?
Some of the things that you need to do for your eyelashes are pretty intuitive but this doesn’t make them less important. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Talk to a dermatologist
Dr. Heidi Waldorf of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics highlights the importance of talking to the specialist when you feel the growth is slower than usual or you’re noticing hair loss.
Malnutrition, chemotherapy, emotional stress or severe physical stress also may block the eyelashes from growing. It seems that regular use of eyelash extensions is also putting the eyelash growth on hold, leading to what we know as “traction alopecia”, pretty similar to tight braids. The doctor notes that if you’re not suffering from a specific medical condition that leads to the eyelashes loss, chances are you’re only experiencing a short hair cycle.
Have a break from your extensions
Mark Jacquot, O.D. and Vice President, Vision Care Operations, LensCrafters highlights the fact that extensions are perfectly safe as long as they’re done right. If they’re done un-hygienically or poorly, the extensions may damage the natural eyelashes. Should you find yourself in a situation like this, it’s wiser to take a break from the extensions and find a new studio as well.
Clean your eyelids
Dr. Jacquot reminds us that one of the very first thing that eye doctors recommend is to develop a proper lid hygiene. There are several eyelid conditions out there that may cause infection or buildup at the eyelashes, leading to loss of hair later on. Maintaining your lids nice and clean is going to reduce the risk for that. Dr. Jacquot recommends us using an over-the-counter lid scrub. Some of the options out there are going to require rinsing off when you’re done, but there are products that you only need to rub onto your lashes.
You only need to do it once a day, right after the shower when the pores are open and absorb easier any cosmetic products.
Always remove your makeup
If you didn’t have enough reasons to remove makeup before going to bed, maybe the health of your lashes is going to seal the deal for you. Dr. Jacquot tells us that applying the makeup leads to build which it’s going to get into your eyes sooner or later.
Right before you go to bed, don’t forget to softly remove the makeup with a makeup remover formulated for the eyes. You should also use a cleanser for maintaining your eyelashes healthy and strong.
Use a good lash serum
The market gives us plenty of options for serum lashes that boost the follicle, helping the lashes to grow. However, it’s important to choose wisely and Dr. Jacquot recommends us to stay away from the formulas that use tar-like substance that are going to buildup on the lashes, resulting into a thicker appearance.
How to take care of your eyelashes?
Healthier eyelashes mean faster growing, not only better appearance and there are many things that you can do for maintaining the well-being of your lashes.
Here are some of them:
Use the right mascara
Giving up to your waterproof mascara is one of the things you can do for your eyelashes. If you’re swimming every single day or cry a lot, you should definitely use it, but try as much as you not to use long-wear formulas.
The chemical formula of the waterproof mascara is highly drying and its nature makes it almost impossible to remove without sacrificing some of your lashes.
You should go with an everyday mascara that is made with natural ingredients (mineral pigments are always a safe choice) that aren’t going to irritate the eyes. Look for the ingredients that nourish and hydrate the lashes. Butters, oils and waxes are good for conditioning the lashes, reducing the risk for mascara clumping.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the brush too. You want the brush to be flexible and with dense bristles so that you would only have to apply one coat or two.
Clean them carefully
Daily lash cleanse is fundamental and the only thing to decide now is the weapon of choice. Some like removing mascara with the same balm or oil cleanser used on the face for removing the dirt and makeup. Keep in mind the rule of thumb that oil-breaks down-oil so your eyelashes are going to get clean without getting irritated.
When you’re using a stronger mascara, it’s a better idea to get a cream cleanser, which is more gentle on the lashes. A cream cleanser doesn’t tug the lashes when removing your mascara.
If you decide to use an oil cleanser or balm, you’re going to get with your fingers over the lashes 4-5 times as you’re going to rub the product into your face, circling your eyes. In the case of cream cleanser, a bit of water and only 1-2 passes are going to work as well, but you need to use a damp cotton ball afterwards for better cleaning.
Let’s not forget the eye makeup removing products that are specially formulated for your eyelashes. Either way, removing the makeup every single day is fundamental and the product you’re using for that is entirely up to you.
How to boost the eyelashes in a natural way?
Nature sure gives you plenty of natural ingredients that help the lashes grow thicker, longer and faster. Here are two DIY recipes for you to try.
Castor oil
Here’s what you need:
- 1-2 drops of castor oil
- Q-tip or a clean mascara wand
- 1 drop of lavender oil. You can also use rosehip/neem/tea tree/rosemary/grapeseed oil
You should mix the two oils and apply them carefully with the q-tip on your eyelashes. Let it work throughout the night.
You don’t necessarily need to use castor oil; any other carrier oil is going to work too. Almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil are also valid choices, but it’s castor oil that is praised for its ability to boost hair growth.
You should do it every night until your lashes get thicker and longer. It’s going to take a couple of days until you start noticing improvements.
The solution works because castor oil includes nourishing fatty acids that help the hair grow thicker and longer. The essential oils are going to improve the performance of castor oil as they also contain plenty of antioxidants that help the lashes grow, improving circulation.
Olive and castor oil mix
This is what you need for this DYE mix:
- 1-2 drops of olive oil
- 1-2 drops of castor oil
- Q-tip
You should mix olive and castor oil together. Apply the mix on your lashes before you go to sleep. Wash your face in the morning.
Use the mix every single night until you begin noticing how your eyelashes get thicker and longer. This mix is highly effective as both oils promote eyelash growth.
Post originally published on InStyle.com
