Causes and Remedies for Eyelashes Falling Out

Deanna Lynn Sletten
While many people experience the frustration of their hair thinning or falling out there are some who may notice extreme loss or thinning of eyelashes. It can occur on one eyelid or both and can be extremely frustrating to women especially. But what causes your eyelashes to fall out and what can you do to stop it?

If you are healthy and are not experiencing loss of hair on your head but only on your eyelashes then you may have an allergy to your cosmetic products. Have you recently switched mascara or eye make-up brands? Maybe you are allergic to one of the ingredients in these products. Switch to a hypoallergenic product instead and see if this helps your problem. Another problem may be that you are using waterproof mascara. It takes more effort to remove this type of mascara and that may be what is making your eyelashes fall out. Try using different mascara and always use a make-up remover or baby oil to remove it before washing your face. This will prevent you from pulling out eyelashes.

Another culprit could be your eyelash curler. Eyelash curlers tug and pull on your eyelashes and may be causing breakage of the lashes. Discontinue using it for awhile and see if they grow back.

If it isn't your cosmetics or eyelash curler that are causing your lashes to fall out it could be your diet. Have you recently restricted your calories or gone on a diet that restricts proteins or other necessary nutrients? People who are suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia can also experience hair and eyelash loss. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the only way for you to keep your hair and lashes strong, thick and healthy.

There are some medical conditions that can cause the loss of eyelashes. If you are experiencing hair loss along with loss of your eyelashes it could be you have a condition called alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles and restricts the formation and growth of hair. Hypothyroidism can also cause thinning hair, loss of eyelashes and extreme weight gain. Hormonal imbalances can also be the culprit as well as other autoimmune diseases. If you are experiencing other symptoms along with the loss of your eyelashes you should consult your doctor.

While some hair loss and thinning of the lashes may be normal as you age, extreme loss over a short period of time may be something to be concerned with. By trying the above suggestions you may be able to stop your lashes from falling out and once again grow long, lush eyelashes.

Published by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Deanna Lynn Sletten has been writing articles for print media and the internet for almost 20 years. The topic of health has been her main focus in writing as well as the topics of parenting, family, children...  View profile

  • If you are experienciing both extreme hair and eyelash loss you should see your doctor.
  • Using waterproof mascara may be the culprit as it is harder to take off.
  • There are some medical conditions that can cause the loss of eyelashes.

4 Comments

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  • keisha2/9/2011

    for a few weeks now i have notice eyelashes on my cheek but i didnt think anything because i was told it was normal but one day i decided to really look at my right eye and i notice i have maybe 4lashes left and the area that is bold is red and its only my right top lid, this cant be ok, I just want my long eyelashes back, what should i do

  • Maranda10/31/2010

    This really helped. My eyelashes have been falling out for the past couple months and I just couldn't figure out why. I switched mascara around the same time, could possibly be the problem!

  • Deanna Lynn Sletten8/14/2008

    Thanks for the nice comment, Angel.

  • Angel Sharum8/13/2008

    Good article. I'm one of the ones with an autoimmune disease.

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