Bald spots in your eyelashes (madarosis) can be annoying and are caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we will take a look at the best ways to fix bald spots in your eyelashes.
The best methods to help fix bald spots in eyelashes are:
- Natural Oils
- Try Aloe
- Green Tea Bath
- Eyelash Serums
- Comb Your Eyelashes
- Lash-Boosting Mascara
- Diet And Supplements
What Causes Bald Spots In Eyelashes?
Hair loss from your eyelashes or eyebrows is known as madarosis. This condition may affect one or both of your eyes and maybe scarring or non-scarring.
There may be many reasons for the bald spots in your eyelashes, and these include:
- Blepharitis
- Burns
- Chemotherapy
- Bad beauty habits
- Stress or trauma
- Trichotillomania
- Thyroid conditions
- Cosmetic irritation
- Alopecia Areata
- Infections
- Certain medications
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Genetic conditions
- Skin cancer
- Hansen’s disease (leprosy)
Do Bald Spots In Eyelashes Grow Back?
This depends on the underlying reason for the eyelash loss. If there is no scarring or damage to the follicle or eyelid itself, your eyelashes should grow back, but they will take some time to do so.
Compared to the hair on your head, eyelashes grow slowly, at a rate of about 0.12-0.15mm each day, compared to 0.35mm per day for the hair on your head.
It will take around 7 or 8 weeks for your eyelashes to grow back out.
How To Fix Bald Spots In Eyelashes
The most important thing you can do for your eyelashes is to try to treat the underlying condition that is causing the bald spots in the first place.
In the meantime, there are a few different methods you could try to help speed up the process of fixing the bald spots in your eyelashes:
1. Natural Oils
There are many different natural oils you could try to help regrow the bald spots in your eyelashes. Some examples include:
- olive oil
- vitamin E oil
- castor oil
- coconut oil
- petroleum jelly
All of these oils will help to nourish and moisturize your lashes, helping them to appear darker, fuller, and thicker.
Castor oil is said to be particularly effective for helping to grow longer, stronger eyelashes, although this has not yet been scientifically proven.
It is a common ingredient found in eyelash serums due to its intensively moisturizing properties.
Before purchasing a natural oil, always check the label to confirm that it is pure oil and is not mixed with other ingredients that could cause irritation.
Always do a patch test before introducing a new ingredient to your beauty regimen, especially as you’ll be using it around the sensitive eye area.
The best time to apply natural oils to your eyelashes is before bed. After washing your face and removing your eye makeup, apply to your lash line with a cotton swab, being careful not to get any oil in the eyes.
2. Try Aloe
There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that aloe vera may be good for growing your eyelashes. It works in a similar way to natural oils in that it is intensely moisturizing.
Keeping lashes hydrated can promote follicular development of hair, according to dermatologist Dr. Dylan B. Alston, and grow healthier lashes.
Again, do a patch test before using aloe vera for the first time, and be careful not to get it into your eyes.
Apply to your lash line with a clean cotton swab before bed.
3. Green Tea Bath
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants and also contains caffeine and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which has been linked to improved hair growth.
To benefit from the potential growth-enhancing qualities of green tea, simply brew a cup of green tea and wait for it to cool. Dip a cotton ball in the green tea and apply it along your eyelashes.
Alternatively, you could let the cotton ball sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off. This will help soothe the eyes and reduce puffiness.
4. Eyelash Serums
There are many eyelash serums available on the market. They are designed to work with the eyelash growth cycle to boost eyelash growth and help maintain your eyelashes.
These usually need to be applied twice a day for maximum effect, and for a minimum of 4 weeks before you see any change.
Bear in mind, however, that Latisse is the only eyelash serum approved by the FDA that has proven scientific results. You need to get Latisse on prescription, and it comes with some potential side effects, such as:
- Red, itchy eyes
- Darkening of the upper eyelids
- Hair growth outside the treatment area
- Changes to eye color
Speak to your doctor to see if Latisse is suitable for you.
5. Comb Your Eyelashes
Although there’s no scientific evidence to back it up, many stylists extoll the benefits of combing your lashes daily to help them grow longer and stronger.
This is because brushing them will distribute natural oils through the lengths of your lashes, and keep them looking separated.
6. Use A Lash-Boosting Mascara
There are many mascaras that come infused with serums to help boost the health of your lashes over time, and potentially improve growth.
Alternatively, fiber-lash and tubing mascaras will boost the look of your eyelashes and are easier to remove at the end of the day, causing less potential damage to your natural lashes.
7. Diet and Supplements
There is some research to suggest that omega 3 can help with hair growth and help prevent hair loss.
It may do so by moisturizing the lashes and reducing inflammation.
Omega 3 can be found in oily fish, eggs, flaxseeds, walnuts, and soybeans.
Similarly, biotin plays an important role in hair growth by stimulating the production of keratin, which helps your lashes grow long and strong.
Many people can get all the biotin they need by eating foods rich in biotin, such as liver, eggs, nuts, and bananas.
You can also take biotin or omega 3 as supplements. It is advisable to consult with a medical professional before doing so.
How Can I Hide Bald Spots On My Eyelashes?
Sometimes, madarosis can be reversed. It depends on the underlying reasons for your eyelash loss. Sometimes, eyelashes can’t grow back due to scarring. Sometimes the cause can’t be determined, or it doesn’t respond to treatment.
In this case, there are things you can do to hide the bald spots in your eyelashes if you choose. These include:
- Wearing false eyelashes
- Using makeup to create the illusion of eyelashes
- Tattooed eyeliner
- Eyelash grafts
Other Tips For Bald Spots In Eyelashes
- Clean your eyelashes every day
- Always be sure to remove all your eye makeup before bed
- Avoid waterproof mascara, as it’s difficult to remove
- Avoid wearing eye makeup every day, to give your eyelashes a break
- Avoid false lashes, as removing them may cause more lash loss
- Avoid eyelash curlers, as they may break or pull out your lashes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Castor oil is the most commonly referenced oil for eyelash growth, as it nourishes the eyelashes and makes them look thicker. It is a common ingredient in many hair products and has benefits for eyelashes and eyebrows as well.
Your eyelashes may look shorter due to a medical condition, such as blepharitis, eczema or psoriasis, or certain thyroid conditions which can interrupt the normal growth cycle of the eyelashes. They can also become brittle and fragile due to products like mascara or medicated eye drops that may dry out your eyelashes and cause them to break mid-shaft.
Latisse is the only FDA-approved product to help lashes grow longer, fuller, and darker. It is available only by prescription and cannot be bought over the counter.