Eyelashes do more than just make your eyes look attractive. They play an important role in protecting your eyes from dust, sweat, and small particles. But many people wonder: what happens if you cut your eyelashes? Will they grow back? The short answer is yes, eyelashes can grow back if they are cut, but the process isn’t instant. Let’s break down how eyelash growth works, what to expect if they’re trimmed or lost, and how to keep them healthy.
How Eyelash Growth Works
The Eyelash Growth Cycle
Like the hair on your scalp, eyelashes follow a natural growth cycle with three main stages:
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Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when the lash is actively growing. It usually lasts 30–45 days. About 35–40% of your upper lashes are in this stage at any given time.
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Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short resting period after growth. It lasts about 2–3 weeks. If an eyelash falls out during this stage, it won’t grow back right away because the follicle needs time to reset.
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Telogen (Shedding Phase): This is when the lash naturally falls out. It lasts around 3–4 months before a new lash begins growing again.
Every eyelash follows its own timeline. That’s why you don’t lose all your lashes at once and why new growth can take time.
What Happens if You Cut Your Eyelashes?
If you accidentally trim your eyelashes, don’t panic. Cutting them doesn’t damage the follicle, which means the lashes will grow back. The main difference is that they’ll look shorter until they naturally go through their growth cycle.
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Growth Rate: Eyelashes grow about 0.12 to 0.14 millimeters per day, which is much slower than scalp hair.
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Full Regrowth Time: It usually takes 6–8 weeks for eyelashes to return to their original length.
So if you cut them, you’ll need some patience while they grow back.
Pulled vs. Cut Eyelashes
There’s an important difference between cutting and pulling:
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Cutting: Only shortens the lash. The follicle stays healthy, so growth continues.
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Pulling: Removes the lash from the follicle. If this happens too often, it can damage the follicle and affect future growth.
Conditions like trichotillomania (a disorder where people compulsively pull out hair, including lashes) or aggressive rubbing of the eyes can sometimes lead to permanent thinning.
Factors That Affect Regrowth
Not everyone’s eyelashes grow at the same speed. Several factors can influence regrowth:
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Age: As we get older, hair growth slows, including lashes.
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Hormones: Hormonal changes can affect hair cycles.
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Health Conditions: Issues like thyroid disorders or alopecia can cause lash thinning.
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Medications: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, may cause lash loss.
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Nutrition: A lack of vitamins and proteins can slow regrowth.
If your eyelashes seem to take longer than usual to grow back, one of these factors might be at play.
Caring for Eyelashes During Regrowth
If you’ve cut your lashes and want them to grow back healthy, here are some simple tips:
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Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: This can cause breakage or pull lashes out prematurely.
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Remove Makeup Gently: Use a soft remover instead of harsh rubbing.
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Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in protein, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E support hair health.
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Consider Lash Serums: Some over-the-counter serums may help improve lash appearance, though results vary.
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Stay Consistent with Skin Care: Good overall eye care helps lashes stay strong.
Can You Speed Up Eyelash Growth?
FDA-Approved Options (Latisse)
The most well-known is bimatoprost (sold under the brand name Latisse). It’s proven to help eyelashes grow longer and thicker, but it requires a doctor’s prescription.
Over-the-Counter Serums
Many serums claim to boost lash growth. While some contain nourishing ingredients like peptides or castor oil, scientific evidence for dramatic results is limited.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Staying hydrated, managing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet are natural ways to help your body support hair growth.
Common Myths About Eyelash Growth
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“Cutting eyelashes makes them grow back thicker.” False. Cutting doesn’t change the thickness or density of lashes. They’ll grow back the same as before.
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“Mascara damages lashes permanently.” Not true. Mascara itself doesn’t cause permanent damage, but not removing it properly or using expired products can make lashes brittle.
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“Eyelash extensions stop natural growth.” Extensions don’t stop growth, but they can cause breakage or follicle stress if applied or removed incorrectly.
Final Thoughts
So, do eyelashes grow back if cut? Yes, they do. As long as the follicle isn’t damaged, your lashes will naturally regrow within a couple of months. Cutting them may make your eyes look different for a short time, but it doesn’t cause permanent harm.
The key to healthy lashes is patience, proper care, and maintaining good overall health. If you ever experience unusual lash loss, it’s always best to check with a doctor.
Sources
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American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Eyelash Growth Cycle and Health.”
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Cleveland Clinic. “Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out and Will They Grow Back?”
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National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Hair Growth Cycle and Disorders.”
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U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) Information.”
