Like all hair on our body, our lashes also follow a natural growth cycle. These continue even if we have extensions on since these are just applied to single lashes at a time. However, by understanding the growth cycle of your eyelashes, you can make the most out of those extensions.
For instance, did you know that on average, we lose over 20% of our lashes every couple of weeks? Plus, a natural growth cycle comes about every 2 or 3 months. If you visit a lash artist regularly or are one yourself, you will notice considerably fewer lashes as the cycle comes to a close.
Here is what happens during the natural lash growth, transition and resting phase:
Growth
Also known as the anagen phase, this is when the lashes are growing actively and this may last anywhere from 30 to 45 days. What is interesting to note is that during this time, only 40% of the upper and 15% of the lower ones are going through it at any given time. Irrespective of the lash, growth stops when it gets to a particular length.
Transition Phase
Also known as the catagen phase, during this stage, the lash stops growing and the follicle it grows out of shrinks as well. If you pluck out the lash or it falls out during this phase, it will take time to grow back. That’s because the lash cannot move onto the next phase till it has completed the one it is on. The catagen phase can take 2 to 3 weeks to complete.
Resting Phase
The resting or telogen phase can last for over 100 days before the lash falls out on its own and a new one starts to grow to take its place. Since each one goes through its own growth cycle so don’t worry if you see a couple of them fall out at in consecutive days. Normally, it takes 4 to 8 weeks for a lash to be replaced completely.
What if Eyelashes Get Burned Off?
If your eyelashes have been singed due to any reason whatsoever (standing over a hot stove or barbecue or in a fire for instance), they can grow back if the follicle has not been damaged and there is no scarring around the lid. The growth cycle never really stops after all and at any given time a lash will be going through its own growth phase, transition or resting phase.
However, if the lashes are completely scorched, new ones may take a while to grow in. It can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days for a follicle to complete its complete growth and fall phase before the new cycle starts.
If you think that your eyelashes have been burned, check your lid for signs. If you see redness, swelling and are in pain, chances are you have a first-degree burn. A second-degree one will also have blistering while third-degree ones appear black or white and are typically not accompanied by pain. Unfortunately, third-degree burns on lashes can damage follicles permanently.
If you are looking for eyelash supplies and eyelash courses with reputable and professional lash artists, look no further than GloLashPro.
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