Sad but Pretty? Debunking the Crying-Makes-Your-Lashes-Longer Myth

We’ve all heard strange beauty tips at some point—sleeping on a silk pillowcase to prevent wrinkles, applying mayonnaise to hair for shine, or even letting your tears flow freely to grow longer eyelashes. But is that last one true? Does crying actually make your eyelashes longer?

This blog will explore where this idea comes from, what science has to say, and what actually affects eyelash growth. Spoiler alert: while crying may have emotional benefits, it’s not a miracle lash-growing trick.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

The idea that crying makes your eyelashes longer likely comes from personal observations. After a long crying session, your eyes may feel puffy, and your lashes might look darker, clumpy together, or appear more noticeable due to the moisture. This temporary change in appearance can lead people to believe that tears somehow help lashes grow.

Add in the emotional connection—crying often follows intense moments, and people may romanticize the idea that beauty comes from pain—and you’ve got a myth that’s been passed around for years.

What Happens to Your Eyes When You Cry?

Let’s first understand what tears actually do.

When you cry, your tear glands produce three types of tears:

  1. Basal tears – Constantly produced to keep your eyes lubricated.

  2. Reflex tears – Triggered by irritants like onions or smoke.

  3. Emotional tears – Triggered by feelings of sadness, happiness, frustration, or relief.

All tears contain water, enzymes, oils, and salt. These ingredients help clean the surface of your eyes and protect them from bacteria. However, none of these components are scientifically linked to stimulating eyelash follicles.

Can Tears Help Lash Growth?

Here’s the short answer: No, crying does not make your eyelashes grow longer.

There is no scientific evidence showing that tears or crying stimulate eyelash growth. Hair growth, including eyelashes, is primarily controlled by:

  • Genetics

  • Hormones

  • Overall health and nutrition

  • Age

  • Skincare or lash products

Crying may improve circulation around the eyes due to increased blood flow, but it’s unlikely to be enough to stimulate significant lash growth. Plus, excessive crying can actually irritate the eyes and cause rubbing, which may damage or cause you to lose eyelashes rather than grow them.

Why Do Lashes Look Longer After Crying?

Even though crying doesn’t technically help lashes grow, you might feel like your eyelashes look fuller or more dramatic afterward. Why?

Here are a few reasons:

  • Tears add shine and moisture to lashes, making them reflect more light and appear darker.

  • Clumping: Wet lashes may stick together, giving the illusion of thickness.

  • Puffy eyes: Swollen eyelids can make your lashes stand out more by contrast.

  • Red eyes and flushed skin can make the dark lines around your eyes, including lashes, seem more intense.

But again, these are only temporary visual effects—not actual lash growth.

What Really Works for Longer Lashes?

If you’re serious about getting longer, fuller eyelashes, here are proven methods that actually work:

1. Eyelash Serums

There are lash serums on the market containing ingredients like peptides, biotin, or even prostaglandin analogs (like Latisse) that promote lash growth. Some are prescription-only, while others are available over the counter.

2. Healthy Diet

A diet rich in vitamins and proteins (especially biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids) supports hair growth, including lashes.

3. Gentle Makeup Removal

Tugging or scrubbing at your lashes when removing makeup can damage them. Use a gentle remover and avoid waterproof mascara if possible.

4. Avoid Eyelash Curlers and Extensions

While these can enhance lash appearance, they can also weaken your natural lashes over time if overused.

5. Castor Oil and Coconut Oil

Some people swear by natural oils to nourish lashes. While there's limited scientific proof they make lashes grow, they can help condition and protect them.

Does Stress or Crying Affect Lash Health?

While crying itself doesn’t directly cause lash growth, stress—the emotion that often causes crying—can affect your body in many ways. Chronic stress may lead to hormone changes, which in turn can affect hair and lash health. In some cases, stress can even lead to lash shedding or thinning.

So while a good cry might give temporary emotional relief, long-term stress is not good for your lashes—or your health in general.

Final Thoughts

So, does crying make your eyelashes longer? It’s a myth. While it might look like your lashes are longer after crying, that’s just a temporary illusion caused by moisture, swelling, and emotion.

If you want longer, fuller lashes, focus on using lash-friendly products, eating well, and treating your eyes gently. And if you do find yourself crying from time to time, don’t worry—it won’t hurt your lashes unless you're rubbing your eyes too hard.

Keep your lashes healthy the right way—and leave the myths behind.

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