Life of a Lash
Did you know every single hair on your body has a growth cycle? Yes, every single one including your eyelashes. All human hairs have a growth process. Let’s discuss the eyelash cycle. Your upper eyelid holds approximately 90-150 lashes and the bottom holds 70-80 lashes. The average growth is 10 mm long. Each individual lash has its own growth cycle. Meaning, while one lash is budding the other next to it may be ready to shed. Every four to eight weeks your eyelashes naturally replenish themselves. Because they are on different growth cycles your eyelids will never be completely bare.
The first stage in the cycle is the Anagen stage which is known as the growth stage. The eyelash is young and actively growing. The hair is still attached to the dermal papilla, which supplies the blood and promotes growth. Eyelashes stay in this period for 30 to 45 days. Approximately 40% of upper lashes are in this phase at one time. The next stage is the Catagen, which is also referred to as the transitional phase. Your eyelash stops growing in this phase and the follicle begins to shrink. This period lasts for two to three weeks. The final stage is the Telogen stage. The resting phase can last up to 100 days. The lash is now an adult and will not grow anymore. At this point the lash is darker and thicker and will eventually shed.
Once the lash sheds the cycle begins again with the Anagen phase. If your lashes are damaged or pulled out, you may notice a bare spot for a moment. Each lash must go through their growth process uninterrupted. For example, if you pull out a natural eyelash in the catagen phase, it will not automatically begin in the anagen phase. It must complete the final phase before a new bud begins to grow. It is important not to pluck or pull your lashes. They will shed naturally. Damaging a lash will only leave you with bare spots for a longer undesired amount of time. On the other hand, do not be alarmed if you notice yourself shedding natural lashes most days. This is normal, as I stated before each individual lash has their own growing process.
When applied properly lash extensions will not disrupt lash growth or damage your natural lashes. Gentle daily brushing to avoid lashes sticking together, avoiding rubbing your extensions, or tugging at them will keep your natural lashes safe. If you wear mascara on your natural lashes be sure to remove it at night. Overnight wear and waterproof mascara hardens and stretches your natural lash, which in turn makes your lashes brittle and easier to break off. At Judith Blanco lashes I am dedicated to maintain your natural healthy lash and I suggest every client have an idea of lashes and how they grow. Please feel free to contact me for more information and have a fabuLASH day!
XO,
Judith B.
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