Have you ever seen yourself in a mirror and really hoped your eyelashes looked thicker without having to put on any mascara or wear fake ones? I’ve been there. For years, I used fake lashes and different kinds of mascara to make my eyelashes bigger and fuller. But sometime later, I began to think, what if I could just make my own eyelashes longer without getting fake ones?
As a beauty expert and skincare fan, I’ve tried out lots of skincare things and looked at many different routines. Some worked wonders. Others? Not so much. In this post, I’m going to talk about the seven ways I’ve found to help my lashes grow, and how they actually worked for me. No fluff—just real answers from someone who has actually tried all the stuff I talk about.
Who is this for? If you’re bored with false lashes, tired of using extensions or just want to take care of your natural lashes, this tutorial will help you out.
Why Lash Growth Matters
Your eyelashes aren’t just there for looks—they actually help keep your eyes safe from things like dirt or dust, and they help keep your eyes from getting too dry. But from a beauty standpoint, eyelashes help frame the face, draw more attention to the eyes, and make you look more alert. That’s why a lot of people are trying to grow their lashes so they look fuller and healthier.
Understanding lash growth is key. Just like your hair, your eyelashes grow in cycles, starting with new growth, then slowing down, and finally taking a bit of a break. The trick is making sure you’re their support at every step, so they can stay on track and don’t lose momentum too soon.
7 Proven Ways to Grow Your Lashes
1. Nourish Lashes with Castor Oil
This was one of the first natural remedies I tried, and I really have to say, it made me very surprised by how well it worked. Castor oil has a lot of fatty acid and vitamin E, which help keep your lashes moisturized and strong. I started using it all the time when I went to Vermont for a ski trip. Between the cold weather and taking off my makeup, my lashes started to look a little worse for wear. But after about three weeks of using it almost every day, they looked a lot rounder and fuller.
Just dip a clean spoolie into the castor oil and very gently brush it over your eyelashes before going to sleep. Be careful not to use too much or you’ll have more problems than you need. A little often goes a long way.
2. Use a Lash Serum with Peptides or Biotin
I’ve tried out five different lash serums, but only a couple of them actually made a difference. The secret? Look for serums with peptides, biotin, or panthenol. These ingredients help feed the hair roots and keep hair healthy from the inside out, helping it grow stronger.
My go-to is one with peptides. I found it from a TikTok review and I wasn’t sure if it would work, but after using it for six weeks, I definitely noticed a change. My lashes weren’t just longer, they also seemed to be stronger and didn’t come off as much when I washed off my makeup.
3. Eat for Growth: Nutrients That Support Lashes
Lash care isn’t just about what you put on your lashes; what you eat also affects how your lashes look and grow. After going through a busy time at work, I realized my hair was falling out, and I also noticed a bit of lash loss too. That was my wake-up call. I started eating more foods that are high in biotin, like eggs and nuts, and added salmon to get some more omega-3s, and I also started taking collagen as a supplement.
Within a month, I noticed that my lashes felt stronger and they started growing in a nicer way.
| Nutrient | Benefits for Lashes | Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Biotin | Strengthens follicles | Eggs, nuts, legumes |
| Omega-3 | Reduces inflammation | Salmon, flaxseed |
| Vitamin E | Prevents breakage | Almonds, spinach |
| Collagen | Boosts growth | Bone broth, supplements |
4. Gently Remove Eye Makeup
This seems easy, but I swear that your technique for makeup removal can determine the health of your lashes. I didn’t know any better and often scrubbed my eyes with whatever remover I had. But that was over quickly once I saw bald areas under my lashes.
Switching to micellar water was a game changer. It’s gentle, effective, and doesn’t require aggressive rubbing. Hold the warm pad on your eyelid, let it soften it, and then gently sweep it under your eyes.
5. Take Lash Breaks from Extensions & Mascara
I once became addicted to monthly lash extensions and made sure I always brushed them well. However, I began seeing my own lashes were looking thinner and their ends would break off. I decided to give myself two months without using extensions or mascara. At the start, the serums irritated me, so I spent time nourishing my lashes.
Now, I sometimes leave my eyelashes bare and have given up on using false eyelashes. It’s good for your eyelashes to let them breathe each day.
6. Try DIY Lash Masks
It may sound like a classic approach, but it does the trick. My grandmother gave me this trick: you can create a lash mask by mixing castor oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Now, I treat myself to this every Sunday night.
Here’s how I mix it:
- 1 tsp cold-pressed castor oil
- ½ tsp pure aloe vera gel
- 2 drops vitamin E oil
- Mix and apply with a clean spoolie
- Leave on overnight, rinse in the morning
It’s gentle, affordable, and surprisingly effective over time.
7. Improve Your Sleep & Stress Levels
It wasn’t until I joined the lockdown experiments that I realized there was a link between sleep and lashes. Less sleep = more shedding. Once I started meditating, went to sleep for at least 7 hours, and cut down on my nightly screen time, my lash fallout hormone stopped as much.
Cortisol (our stress hormone) affects hair growth cycles—lashes included. Relax your mind, and your lashes will benefit.
Mistakes to Avoid
Although you can use various methods to grow your lashes, some habits might prevent improvement. Here are common lash mistakes:
- Using old or expired mascara
- Overusing your lash curler
- Sleeping with makeup on
- Skipping hygiene for tools and brushes
Products I Personally Recommend
Here are three lash-friendly products I’ve used regularly and truly recommend:
| Product Name | Price | Why I Love It | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegamour Lash Serum | $68 | Clean formula, noticeable growth in 4–6 weeks | Sephora |
| Sky Organics Castor Oil | $9 | Budget-friendly, organic, multipurpose | Amazon |
| Bioderma Micellar Water | $13 | Gentle on eyes, removes all traces of makeup | Target |
Final Thoughts
Here are my top takeaways after months of trial and error:
- Consistency is more important than expensive products
- Your lashes reflect your internal health
- Gentle routines always win
- Taking breaks and letting lashes breathe makes a big difference
- Even the smallest habits—like how you remove makeup—add up over time
Have you tried any natural lash growth methods? What’s worked best for you?
