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How To Get Longer Eyelashes

how to get longer eyelashes

There are a lot of ways to naturally strengthen the lashes, make them thicker, fuller and longer without resorting to lash extensions and growth serums, which can be very expensive. 

These methods are easy, effective and cheap and have been used by other people to stimulate lashes growth when used over time.

But make sure to check with your dermatologist before using, or try it on another skin area before using on the lashes.

Before we get started, you need to know the reason why your lashes are actually short in the first place.

Causes of short lashes

The following are the reasons why your lashes are short and scanty. Knowing this is the first step to helping you get longer and fuller lashes.

  • Eyelashes fall out due to excessive use of eye make-up. While trying to remove them, you might end up causing your lashes to fall out and failure to remove it can clog the hair follicles preventing growth.
  • Dehydration is caused by the use of medicated eye drops. This causes the lashes to break midshaft, halting the normal hair growth cycle.

Practices that prevent lash growth.

Below are some of the things that we do that actually prevent our lashes from growing out. Avoid these things and you’re already on your way to ditching lash extensions, growing those lashes out and looking as gorgeous as ever.

  • Avoid regular use of eyelash extensions. This is because some eyelashes forcefully come off during lash extension removal. They can cause damage to the hair follicle making the hair fall out and break faster.
  • Avoid rigorous eye rubbing. As this can cause the eyelash to break off, making it hard for it to grow back and leaving the lash lines sparse and scanty.
  • Waterproof mascara is a complete No. Although they’re preferable because they do not rub off easily, they are not really advisable to use if you’re trying to grow fuller, fluffier and longer lashes. This is because they’re harder to remove from the lashes.

How to get longer lashes

These methods are simple DIY hacks that can be done at home and with natural ingredients. They are also practices to avoid in order to get fluffier lashes. You can use your finger, cotton pad or mascara brush for application.

  1. Apply olive oil onto your eyelashes using a clean mascara brush. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next morning. Do this regularly for maximum results.
  2. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer. It tends to moisturize, promote and strengthen hair growth.
  3. Apply organic castor oil.
  4. Aloe vera is known for its ability to promote hair growth. It can be used to get fluffier lashes
  5. Apply petroleum jelly on eyelashes before going to bed.
  6. Put a bit of cold green tea around the lash lines. They promote blood circulation which further promotes hair growth due to the presence of polyphenols.
  7. Eat healthy. The eyelash just like every other hair on our body, needs nutrients to grow. Eating a balanced diet can go a long way in helping the eyelashes grow longer and fuller.
  8. Use Garlic. They contain enzymes that help in boosting hair growth and treating bald spots. Avoid direct application to the lashes because of its strong smell and risk of eye irritation. Instead, take garlic pills or extract the juice, dilute with water and then apply on the lashes.
  9. Lemon peels and oil. This is quite a strong combo for growing out those lashes. Soak lemon peels in castor oil or Olive oil for a week and then dab on the lashes. Leave for a few minutes and then wash off. 
  10. Apply egg yolks onto your lashes
  11. Make use of fenugreek oil. This oil can be gotten from crushing its seed. Apply onto the lashes with a clean mascara brush and leave overnight.
  12. Apply onion juice onto your lashes. Onions have been known to treat hair loss

Eyelash maintenance

Now that you know how to get those dream lashes, in order to keep them fuller and fluffier, you should maintain them using these simple methods.

  • Brush out your lashes regularly with an eye brush. This helps to straighten it out and prevent breakage.
  • Avoid wearing eye makeup to bed.
  • Regular face wash with soap and water. This helps to clean the follicles which is a key element for a healthy eyelash.
  • Eyelid massage. Massaging the eyelids regularly increases blood circulation and stimulates growth.

Foods that promote hair and lash growth.

As I mentioned earlier, eating a balanced diet can go a long way in promoting lash growth because like every other body hair, and eyelashes also need nutrients and vitamins to grow. The following foods are recommended because they contain proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and essential vitamins needed by the lashes to grow maximally.

1. Avocados: They contain vitamin E and antioxidants

2. Sweet potatoes: Rich in Biotin, which is a major component of most eyelash serums, Vitamin A and Vitamin B5.

3. Nuts:  Whether cashew nuts, almonds or peanuts, whichever type you prefer. Nuts are rich in fatty acids and a particular type of amino acid known as L-arginine, used to treat hair loss.

4. Salmon: Contains omega-3-fatty acid, Vitamin B, which promotes hair growth.

5. Mushroom: Rich in vitamin B3 known to rehydrate and nourish hair follicles. A well-nourished and hydrated hair follicle is an important component for hair growth.

6. Eggs: Hair and lashes are majorly made up of proteins. Incorporating this food into your diet provides you with the protein needed for hair nourishment.

Conclusion

The lashes act as danger sensors and are light filters for the eye. A full and long eyelash is well maintained and nourished. Full and long eyelashes help to enhance beauty and feminity. A lady with fluffy and long lashes is usually envied among her peers, so follow these simple methods to grow out your lashes. Avoid those things that hinder hair growth, eat healthy, and watch your eyelashes grow out very long, fuller and fluffier. Apply these methods consistently to get the best results and you will be glad you did.

By Ebubechukwu Okafor

I'm a freelance writer, transcriber and a microbiologist.