How to grow longer eyelashes: Eight approaches to try (2025)

• October 9, 2024

Like hair, eyelashes are often the source of considerable envy. When you come across someone with thick and long lashes framing their eyes, it can be easy to wish your own sparse set was similar.

Of course, there are popular ways to bulk up your own temporarily, with eyelash extensions, applying false lashes in strips, or darkening them with volumising and lengthening mascara.

But what about if you simply want to grow your own?

Like many things, the lashes you have come down to genetics, but there are some things you can do that may help them along:

1. Eyelash Serums

Eyelash serums have varying levels of success and come with challenges for some like eye irritation. Originally developed as a prescription-only product with bimatoprost, and then as a popular product called Latisse, potential side effects and limitations in some markets including NZ saw the development of over-the-counter serums containing ingredients like biotin, peptides, and panthenol, which can help promote lash growth.

Because they work with the natural growth and shedding cycle of lashes (and every lash is in a different phase) it takes around six weeks of regular use to notice a difference in their length and appearance. To maintain results, you’ll need to keep using it or your length will return to normal as lashes naturally fall out and renew.

2. Proper eyelash care

While it’s not going to stimulate new growth, caring for lashes correctly will mean they grow for longer before shedding naturally.

The most important thing is to avoid stressing lashes by rubbing or pulling. Use a gentle cleanser and remove any eye makeup carefully.

Avoiding eyelash curlers and harsh makeup.Frequent use of curlers and heavy mascara can weaken and damage lashes over time.

9. Biotin supplements

Biotin, a B vitamin, is often recommended to support hair, skin, and nail health. Some studies suggest that biotin may be helpful for stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss.

3. Castor oil

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is believed to help moisturise and strengthen lashes. There’s little research that proves it helps trigger actual new growth, but anecdotal evidence has perpetuated its use. Apply a small amount to your lashes before bedtime.

4. Coconut oil or aloe vera

Similarly, coconut oil and aloe vera are moisturising and may prevent lashes becoming brittle and suffering breakage, making your lashes appear fuller over time.

5. Adopt a balanced diet

A diet rich in vitamins (like biotin, vitamins E, C, and B5), minerals, and proteins can improve the health of your hair, including your eyelashes. Foods like eggs, nuts, and leafy greens are believed to support stronger lashes.

8. Massage your eyelids

Like we have recently come to understand that scalp health, including stimulation, can help with hair health, so too gently massaging the eyelids near the lash line can help stimulate blood flow and promote healthy lash growth.

And if your have no luck growing them longer? You can always try some tricks to make your lashes more lifted and therefore more visible and noticeable. Flutter away!

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe.

• Magazine
• Newsletters
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Pinterest

• Magazine
• Newsletters
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Youtube
• Pinterest