How Long Does Eyelash Regrowth Take?

General Overview

Eyelashes are a group of hairs that grow at the base of the eyelid, both at the upper lid and lower lid. Their sensitivity to objects near them allow them to protect the eyes from any floating debris such as insects or tiny specks of dust. When debris such as dust mites come too close to the eye, the lashes close reflexively to prevent them from entering and causing an infection. Eyelashes often fall out on their own after completing their life cycle similar to the hair on a person's head and body.

Regrowth

Human eyelashes reach their full level of growth before birth. During the seventh or eighth week of an embryo's development, eyelashes are already fully grown. Eyelash regrowth usually takes about six to eight weeks if they are pulled out or fall out naturally. The color of the eyelashes often corresponds to the color of a person's hair with darker-haired people having darker lashes and lighter-haired people having lighter lashes. Since eyelashes do not grow past a certain length as the hair on one's head does, many women try to lengthen their lashes with cosmetics to make them look fuller and more lush. Mascara, false eyelashes, eyelash tinting, eyelash perming and eyelash extensions are all methods of making lashes appear temporarily longer and fuller.

Warnings

Eyelashes are often prone to a variety of conditions and disorders. Some of the most prominent conditions include madarosis (loss of eyelashes), trichiasis (ingrown lashes), blepharitis (eyelids become itchy/eyelashes fall out), and stye (inflammation of the eyelid). These conditions are best treated by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist to prevent any long-lasting adverse effects to the lashes and entire eye area. Cosmetics are also known to be hazardous at times. Debris from mascara can enter an eye and cause an infection. Moreover, the chemicals and dyes used to perm and tint lashes can be very dangerous and harmful to the eye. Some may even lead to blindness.