Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed a few white eyelashes staring back at you? It can be surprising—or even a little worrying. Eyelashes play a big role in framing your eyes, and sudden color changes can raise questions. If you enjoy experimenting with beauty at home, like doing DIY lash extensions, you might wonder whether coloring or tinting your lashes could help cover the white hairs.
Don’t panic—white eyelashes are usually not harmful. They can be a signal of natural aging, genetics, or sometimes health conditions. In this article, we’ll break down why eyelashes turn white, common causes, ways to manage them, and tips for using DIY lash extensions safely.
What Does It Mean When Eyelashes Turn White?
Eyelashes contain pigment (melanin) that gives them their color—black, brown, or lighter shades depending on your genetics. When melanin production slows down or stops in the lash follicles, the hair that grows out can appear white, gray, or very light.
This process is often completely natural, especially as you get older, but in some cases, it can be linked to other factors.
Main Causes of White Eyelashes
1. Natural Aging
The most common reason is simply getting older. As we age, the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the hair follicles stop making as much melanin. This is the same reason why the hair on your head turns gray or white.
-
Usually starts in your 30s–40s for head hair, but eyelashes may lag behind.
-
Some people may never see their lashes turn fully white, while others notice early changes.
Solution: This is natural and not reversible, though cosmetic fixes like mascara, lash tinting, or DIY lash extensions can help cover the white lashes.
2. Genetics
Your family history plays a huge role in when and how your hair—including eyelashes—loses pigment. If your parents or grandparents developed white lashes early, chances are you might too.
Solution: Since it’s genetic, prevention isn’t really possible, but cosmetic solutions like DIY lash extensions can help manage appearance.
3. Medical Conditions
Sometimes, white eyelashes may signal an underlying health condition:
-
Vitiligo: A skin disorder where pigment cells are destroyed, leading to white patches on the skin and hair.
-
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition that can cause patchy hair loss and regrowth of white hair.
-
Poliosis: A condition that specifically affects hair pigment in certain patches, sometimes including eyelashes.
Solution: If you notice white eyelashes along with skin or eyebrow changes, consult a dermatologist.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of certain vitamins and minerals can affect hair health and pigmentation. For example:
-
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to premature hair graying.
-
Copper and iron deficiencies may also play a role.
Solution: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports hair health. A blood test can confirm any deficiencies.
5. Stress & Lifestyle Factors
While stress doesn’t cause white lashes overnight, chronic stress can speed up aging processes, which may include melanin loss in hair.
Solution: Managing stress through sleep, exercise, and relaxation techniques helps overall hair and skin health.
6. Environmental Factors
-
Sun exposure: UV rays can damage hair and skin cells, sometimes leading to premature pigment loss.
-
Chemical exposure: Harsh makeup removers or certain lash treatments may weaken lashes over time.
Solution: Use gentle products around your eyes and protect lashes from excessive sun exposure.
Can White Eyelashes Be Reversed?
Once a lash grows in white due to loss of pigment, there’s no natural way to re-color it from the root. But you have options:
-
Cosmetic fixes: Mascara, lash tinting, or eyelash extensions (including DIY lash extensions) can cover up white lashes.
-
Professional treatments: Semi-permanent lash dyes can last weeks. At home, you can safely try DIY lash extensions if you follow hygiene and proper application steps.
-
Nutritional support: If the cause is a deficiency, improving your diet may help prevent more lashes from turning white.
-
Medical evaluation: Sudden changes or other symptoms require a doctor’s check.
Tips to Manage or Hide White Eyelashes
-
Mascara – Quick, easy, and blends white lashes with natural ones.
-
Lash tinting – A professional solution that lasts longer than mascara.
-
False lashes or lash extensions – Instantly fuller and darker lashes. You can also try DIY lash extensions for a temporary, customizable look at home.
-
Healthy lifestyle – Eat nutrient-rich foods (B vitamins, copper, iron), manage stress, and avoid harsh chemicals.
When to See a Doctor
White eyelashes are usually harmless, but consult a doctor if you notice:
-
Sudden whitening of lashes.
-
White lashes with skin pigment changes or white patches.
-
Hair loss in other areas.
-
Eye irritation or vision changes.
These could indicate conditions like vitiligo, alopecia, or other health issues.
Final Thoughts
A few white eyelashes aren’t usually a cause for concern. Most often, they’re a natural part of aging or genetics. Cosmetic fixes like mascara, lash tinting, or DIY lash extensions can help you maintain the appearance you love. And remember—white lashes don’t mean unhealthy lashes; they just reflect the natural changes your body undergoes over time.
References
-
Mayo Clinic. Hair graying: What causes it and can it be reversed? Mayo Clinic
-
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Vitiligo. NIAMS
-
National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Understanding Alopecia Areata. NAAF
-
Healthline. What Causes White Hair? Healthline
-
American Academy of Dermatology. Hair changes with age. AAD
