In the last blog post, Lash extensions vs Extended Lash, I mentioned that your eyelash cycle also can affect how well and how long your lash extensions last. Therefore, I will in this blog post go into depth on what an eyelash cycle is and what significance it has for your lash look.
The lash cycle is the primary reason why you need to have your lash extensions filled in one or more times a month - and therefore it can be an expensive affair, especially if you are one of those who have a shorter cycle than others. It is therefore a good idea to be aware of your cycle, especially before choosing to have your eyelashes done.
What is an eyelash cycle?
Just like we lose hair on our heads, we also lose our eyelashes. All hair, including eyelashes, goes through three phases at different times, and that is why we do not lose all our hair at once, but continuously.
The three phases in the cycle are:
- Anagen: Growth phase
- Catagen: Transition phase
- Telogen: Resting phase
Growth phase
The hair is in its active growth phase, and it is especially in this phase where an eyelash serum can affect the hair by going in and strengthening the formation of the hairs.
The hair cells in the root divide rapidly, and a new hair is formed. The growth phase is very short for eyelashes and eyebrows compared to scalp hair, typically lasting 30-45 days. We therefore lose about 3-5 eyelashes per day per eye, after which a new lash will grow out. 80-90% of one's eyelashes will constantly be in this phase.
Transition phase
In this phase, the hair growth stops, and the hair begins to detach from the root in order to grow out and replace the old lash. When the hair has grown out, it no longer has contact with the root and therefore cannot grow any more. The phase typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
Resting phase
Here, a new eyelash grows out, pushing the hair out (if it has not already fallen out). When the old lash falls out and is replaced by a new lash, the entire cycle starts over again. The phase lasts around 6-8 weeks.
How many eyelashes do you lose in a day?
The total lifespan of eyelash and eyebrow hair is typically 2-3 months, so it is completely natural to lose some of your hair continuously.
The lifespan of lashes can vary from person to person, but the cycle typically lasts three weeks, and most people will therefore lose about 3-5 eyelashes per day per eye.
How many lashes do you have in total?
The number varies from person to person, but on the upper eyelid, there are between 150 and 250 lashes in four rows. The lower eyelid has fewer lashes, around 50-150 lashes. So, you should not be afraid that you suddenly have no lashes left, even if you lose a few lashes a day.
And now you may be thinking, why should I know anything about the hair cycle?
The next time you think your lashes look a bit sparse, you can instead take a deep breath and know that it is simply due to your own natural lash cycle. If you want to improve the appearance of your natural lashes, it may be a good idea to use an eyelash serum in the growth phase or simply mascara with nourishing ingredients on a daily basis, such as our Supreme Lash Mascara. That way, you are sure to get the longest and most beautiful lashes possible.
On the other hand, if you're the type who can't be bothered to remember to use lash serum or products with nourishing ingredients every single day, you can instead use our lash collection Extended Lash, which gives you easy and beautiful lashes like lash extensions, while also being as gentle as possible on your natural lashes.
