Have your eyelashes fallen out? We’re not talking about the one or two that fall out naturally or those that get pulled out if you rub your eye. We’re talking about a situation in which your eyelashes fall out due to illness, injury or overprocessing. If this has happened to you, you already know that this situation can be frustrating, a little embarrassing or even cause you to worry a bit as you wait (and hope and pray) for them to grow back. But, do they actually grow back? Dr. Mayli Davis has the answers you need.

Some Reasons Why Eyelashes Fall Out

Overprocessing. The No. 1 reason eyelashes fall out is too many cosmetic treatments. Yes, we’re talking about too much mascara (and not washing it off) and wearing false lashes too frequently or using a provider who is not adequately trained to apply your lashes. Don’t get us wrong occasional false lashes are OK, but you should give your eyes a break between sets.

Burns. If you have suffered a burn to the face and your lashes have been affected, the lash will break off. If the follicle is not affected, the eyelashes can grow back. If the follicle was damaged, they might not come back.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is known to cause loss of hair on the scalp, but it can also cause hair loss on the rest of the body, including the eyelashes. Typically, eyelashes will start to grow back after chemotherapy ends.

Cutting. We don’t recommend cutting your eyelashes, but some people prefer to cut or trim them back. But, if for some reason you decide to do this, you can rest easy that in most cases they grow back to their original length.

Pulling Them Out. Some individuals with trichotillomania, a psychological condition that causes the impulse to pull out hair, can compulsively pull out their eyelashes. Lashes that have been pulled out can grow back, but be aware it may take a few months.

Thyroid Issues. The thyroid is a tiny gland that produces the hormones that regulate everything in your body. If the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, you could be at risk of losing your eyelashes. If this happens, they may grow back once your thyroid is regulated.

Alopecia Areata. The autoimmune condition alopecia areata can cause the immune system to attack your hair follicles – including your eyelashes. Some treatments can help mitigate lash loss, but there is no cure for alopecia areata.

Do you want to know more about eyelashes or how to get the lashes you’re looking for safely? Or have you experienced trauma to your lashes and are looking for help? Call Dr. Davis today for a consultation at 817-778-4444.