How To Grow Eyelashes Naturally

False eyelashes may be a popular way to give the illusion of long, thick eyelashes – but without proper care and application you can run the risk of losing all your eyelashes in one careless pull!

In addition, as many of us are moving away from the countless chemicals that form false eyelash glue and the majority of mascaras, we look for more natural ways to grow eyelashes.

In addition to natural topical treatments, there are certain foods you can start to include more of in your diet that promote eyelash health.

This article will show you:

1) How to take proper care of your lashes to promote growth
2) All natural topical treatments you can apply to your eyelashes
3) Foods to eat more of to grow your eyelashes naturally

Proper Eyelash Care

The first step to grow eyelashes naturally is getting a proper eyelash care routine going.

1) Take all eye makeup off before going to sleep

Leaving any makeup residue can dry your lashes, making them brittle and more likely to break or fall out. . Removing all your eye makeup with a good quality makeup remover to give your lashes a chance to breathe and grow.

Another danger of sleeping with eye makeup still on is that it can cause eye irritation or and lead to styes – pimples that appear on your eyelids.

2) Be gentle!

When removing eye makeup, try to avoid pulling on your lashes. Your choice of eye makeup remover should also be as gentle as possible – coconut oil is a good option.

Coconut oil will naturally remove your makeup and moisturize your lashes at the same time.

To remove the makeup off your eyes, gently massage the coconut oil into your eyelids and lashes. Then remove the oil and makeup gently with a cotton pad.

3) Use good quality eye makeup

Your mascara, eyeliner and so on do make a difference to the health of your eyelashes – especially if you wear makeup most days.

If possible, avoid waterproof mascara.It has the tendency to dry out your lashes and is more difficult to remove than non-waterproof formulas.

If you have to struggle to remove your mascara, you’re more likely to remove some precious eyelashes in the process!

4) Avoid using eyelash curlers.

Again, overuse of curlers and improper use can lead to losing lashes in the process and even stunting growth.

If you do use an eyelash curler, use it before applying mascara and other eye makeup, and make sure your eyelashes are clean and dry.

5) Brush your eyelashes

Brushing your eyelashes will help to prevent clogged pores as it will remove any dust and dirt that builds up.

You can also use an eyelash comb to apply a natural treatment that encourages growth:

– Put a few drops of olive oil (or any of the natural treatments below) on an eyelash comb.
– Using the oiled-up comb, brush the lashes gently using upward strokes.
– Starting from the root, slowly move up toward the tip.

6) Give your eyelids a massage

Yep – massaging your eyelids can help to grow eyelashes. This is because is thought to improve blood flow to the hair follicles, which means more growth-promoting nutrients reach them.

When massaging your eyelids:

– Make sure that your hands are clean and dry before you massage your eyelids to make sure you don’t cause any irritation
– Put a few drops of coconut oil (or oil of choice – see below) on your eyelids
– Massage along your eyelids and lash line in gentle, circular motions

You can also use a clean washcloth soaked in very warm water. This will help unclog pores and stimulate lash growth.

If you do use oil, be careful that it doesn’t get into your eyes and wash your face afterward so that the oil doesn’t clog your pores.

Repeat at least 2–3 times per week.

7) Take a makeup break

Wearing makeup every day can dry out your lashes and irritate your eyes, which can cause your lashes to break or even fall out.

If taking an extended break is too much, try just a day off at the weekend.

Topical treatments to grow eyelashes

The following nourishing treatments will nurse sparse or brittle lashes back to health and encourage your eyelashes to grow naturally.

Use them in conjunction with eyelash brushing and massaging.

For each treatment, you can also try this method:

– Use a cotton swab to apply the treatment to your lashes, from the roots to the tips.
– Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, keeping your eyes closed, making sure it does not get in your eyes.
– Rinse it off with cool water and a clean washcloth.

Do this twice daily for 2 to 3 months.

1) Coconut milk

Coconut milk is rich in protein and essential fats that adds a beautiful shine to your lashes, and can promote hair growth.

2) Eggs

The high protein in eggs can also help create thicker and longer eyelashes. Eggs are also rich in biotin and B vitamins, which can improve the overall texture of your lashes.

3) Green tea

Green tea is another effective home remedy for longer, thicker eyelashes. It is rich in flavonoids that stimulate the growth of your lashes.

Brew a mug of fresh green tea and allow it to cool before applying it to your lashes.

4) Oils

There are many alternative health gurus who swear by the following oils to stimulate hair growth.

Some tips before using these oils:

Tip #1: Dilute them

Whilst oils like coconut or olive oil can be applied directly to the lashes without being diluted; essential oils can irritate the eyes if they aren’t diluted with carrier oils.

Olive oil and jojoba oil are commonly used as carrier oils to dilute essential oils.

You might want to start with 2 to 4 drops of essential oil per tsp of carrier oil.

Tip #2: Wash your eye area.

Gently wash your eye area, being careful not to apply too much pressure whilst rubbing your eyes and eyelashes.

Oils to encourage eyelash growth:

• Castor Oil

Castor oil is one of the most commonly recommended oils to help grow thicker, fuller eyelashes. It also help to fight micro-organisms that prevent healthy growth.

• Olive Oil

Olive oil has moisturizing and antibacterial properties and is a well-known natural remedy for thicker hair growth – including eyelash growth.

It is also rich in vitamin E and oleic acid that nourishes and adds volume to your eyelashes.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid which can help prevent protein loss; needed to boost hair health and promote growth.

• Jojoba Oil

This oil has been proven to moisturize and nourish hair, and may help to promote eyelash growth.

• Moroccan Argan Oil

Argan oil is full of antioxidants, whilst moisturising and nourishing your eyelashes.

• Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is an essential oil that stimulates hair follicles, improving hair growth, and increasing circulation.

• Vitamin E Oil

You can take vitamin E oil as a supplement or apply it externally to promote eyelash growth.

6) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains various vitamins and nutrients that promote the growth of your lashes as well as helping to keep your eyelashes moisturized.

You can take the gel directly from the plant by squeezing it out from the leaves, or you can use aloe vera gel.

7) Lemon Peel

Lemon peels are rich in vitamins C and B, folic acid and other nutrients that help in the growth of healthy eyelashes.

You can also use it to infuse olive oil, which will help enhance the cleansing and stimulating properties of the oil.

• Put 1 tablespoon of moderately dried lemon peels in a clean jar
• Pour enough olive oil into the container to cover the peels
• Allow the lemon peel to infuse for at least 1-2 weeks
• Using an eyelash comb, apply the oil on your eyelashes before going to bed
• Wash the oil off thoroughly with warm water in the morning.

Food to eat to grow eyelashes

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is another important step to health eyelash growth.

Your lashes need a good supply of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, C and E as well as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium are important for hair growth.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids promote the growth of full, shiny eyelashes.

Foods to include: flaxseed oil, fish oil, chia seeds, walnuts, fish roe (eggs), fatty fish, seafood, soybeans, and spinach.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 promotes blood flow and helps keep eyelashes thick.

Foods to include: chicken liver, sunflower seeds, wild salmon, and avocados.

Iron

Iron contains Ferritin that helps to produce hair cell protein. It’s found in every cell in your body and is essential for healthy eyelashes.

Foods to include: red meat, iron-fortified cereals, and leafy greens

Protein

When you’re not getting enough protein, your hair stops growing as it is an essential building block to new cell growth.

Foods to include: greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, lean meat, tofu and lentils.

More foods to add to grow eyelashes:

Cinnamon helps improve circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles and stimulates growth.

Try adding cinnamon to coffee, hot chocolate, oatmeal and curries.

Garlic has been shown to promote hair growth.

If you aren’t keen on keeping vampires away, garlic pills are also available at most health food stores and pharmacies.