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    The Dos And Don’ts Of Growing Longer Natural Lashes

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    It’s late summer and what once felt like a necessity—eyelash curlers, mascara, and extra volume lashes—are now falling a little out of style. Instead, celebrities, like Zendaya and Meghan Markle, are skipping mascara in favor of their naturally long lashes. And, even Beyoncé seemingly seconded the natural lash trend as Cécred’s new Restoring Lash & Brow Builder couldn’t have come at a better time. 

    So, if your retired lash habits left yours looking short and sparse, don’t fret. Ahead, eyelash experts explain everything you need to do—and don’t—when trying to grow longer, thicker, and healthier natural lashes.

    How to Grow Longer Natural Lashes

    “Lashes naturally grow in cycles,” founder of Sweed Beauty Gabriella Elio tells ESSENCE. That means it takes between four to eight weeks to completely replace a lash. However, waiting out your natural lash cycle is just half the work.

    “It really comes down to keeping them hydrated and conditioned, because that’s what stops them from stripping or breaking off before they reach their full length,” says Jas Imani, lash tech and licensed esthetician. “Your lashes are naturally hydrated; it’s usually something we’re doing that dehydrates them.”

    To avoid this, she recommends cleansing your lashes daily with a gentle lash cleanser, micellar water, or an oil cleanser. That, and light exfoliation from gently brushing through your lashes with a clean mascara wand keeps your lash line healthy. 

    According to Elio, “a lash serum can also be incorporated into your routine to help condition and support the appearance of longer, fuller lashes.” However, since our eyes are one of the body’s most sensitive areas, finding a serum that doesn’t darken or irritate your eyes is crucial for lash health, which means avoiding serums with synthetic chemicals like prostaglandin. 

    “The goal isn’t forcing growth, it’s protecting the hydration and health your lashes already have so every lash can grow in strong,” Imani says. “And, remember that a lot of lash health comes from the inside: what’s going on in your body matters, and something like collagen is always great for hair growth.”

    Lash Growth Dos and Don’ts 

    Do 

    Mascara: “I always recommend a good, clean mascara,” Imani says, with her favorites from brands like Saie, Westman Atelier, Tower28, and Merit. “Mascara has come such a long way, and there are so many options now that won’t dehydrate your lashes.” Luckily, mascara is safe for lash growth since, according to Elio, it doesn’t stop your lashes from growing. However, “always remove it gently before bed to avoid unnecessary pulling and breakage,” she says.

    Oil cleanser: If you’re wearing mascara, thoroughly removing it at the end of the day will make for healthier lashes. “When it’s time to take mascara off, I like using an oil cleanser because it removes and hydrates at the same time, though my micellar water works beautifully too,” Imani says.

    Back sleeping: Imani’s number one lash growth recommendation? “Sleep on your back,” she says. “We do a lot of hair damage in our sleep, so if you can train yourself to sleep on your back, or if you’re a side sleeper, to keep your face from getting squished into the pillow, that makes a real difference.” Or, just swap out your pillow for one that supports back sleeping. 

    Do (But, Do It Right!)

    Lash lifts: When it comes to lash lifts, Imani says she’ll all for them. “This is my number one go to and most suggested treatment,” she says. However, “with whoever you get your lift from, there should be aftercare, something to keep your lashes hydrated afterward,” even if it’s tapping a tiny bit of coconut on your lashes every night after the 24 to 48 hour aftercare window. 

    “Lash lifts make natural lashes look longer by changing their shape,” Elio says. However, she points out they don’t actually increase lash length. In fact, “frequent chemical processing can contribute to damage.”

    Lash extensions: As for lash extensions, they’re “freat, when they’re done right,” Imani says, choosing a lash artist that prioritizes lash health above all. “The trouble comes when extensions are too heavy and put stress on your lashes and lash line.” 

    While they may be safe, when applied correctly, Elio says they don’t actually promote growth. In fact, “repeated use, especially with heavy extensions, can put stress on natural lashes,” she says. “Also the glue at salons can be very strong and not the best option for long term use.” If you do get routine lash extensions, Imani says just keep them clean, be mindful of what you’re cleaning with, and “always keep using a serum while you have extensions on.”

    Eyelash serums: “There are so many out there, and different serums work differently on different bodies, so be mindful about what you’re putting on your eyes and what actually works for you,” Imani says. Some lash serums, especially ones with synthetic chemicals, may irritate your eyes or even make your lashes fall out. 

    “The lovely thing about a serum is that you can test it and simply stop the moment it’s not working or you notice any irritation,” she says. That’s why Elio suggests looking for formulas specifically designed for the eye area—with ingredients like peptides and conditioners—and use consistently as directed. If you do that, “a dedicated lash serum can be a great addition to your routine,” she says.

     Castor oil: “Castor oil can help condition hair, but it can give some darker pigment and irritation in the eyes,” Elio says. While Imani says castor oil is safe if you use a tiny amount with your fingers, Elio recommends a dedicated lash serum over DIY remedies.

    Don’t

    Waterproof mascara: “The one hard rule: no waterproof mascara, ever,” Imani says. “That’s the number one thing that dehydrates lashes, because in order for a formula to be waterproof it basically has to pull the hydration out of the lash, and I see the most damage from it.” Elio agrees: 

    “Avoid waterproof mascaras since they can damage your lashes and be difficult to remove.”

    Eyelash curlers: While they may seem harmless, “never. This is a big no for me; I just don’t believe in lash curlers,” Imani says. “They do some of the worst damage, and even when you don’t see it chipping or pulling lashes out, that tugging and pulling is still harming the hair and the lash line.” If you do use a curler, at least “make sure to change the pad so they don’t get tugged in and breakage,” Elio says. 

    Unnecessary pulling, breakage, or irritation: Small habits, like rubbing or pulling at your lashes, sleeping in mascara, heavy or continuous lash extensions, and over-processing with lash lifts are a big no-no for lash growth. And, one you may not expect: Do not put skincare on your lash hair! 

    The Best Lash Growth Products

    Westman Atelier Eye Want You Lengthening + Volumizing Clean Mascara

    This pigment-rich mascara is endlessly buildable, but with a clean, easy-off formula.

    $45
    Shop at sephora.com

    Saie Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

    This lifting and lengthening mascara works best for natural, feathered lash looks with an easy-off formula.

    $26
    Shop at sephora.com

    Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves® Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

    This mascara is defines, lengthens, and volumizes but with a natural finish.

    $20
    Shop at sephora.com

    MERIT Clean Volume Volumizing Tubing Mascara

    This buildable tubing mascara will volumize and lengthen your lashes while being easy to remove for healthy lash growth.

    $28
    Shop at sephora.com

    Sweed Beauty Cloud Mascara

    This vitamin B5-infused mascara is gentle to sensitive eyes, flake-free, and easy to remove.

    $30
    Shop at nordstrom.com

    Biologique Recherche Expert Eyes Lash Serum

    This cult-favorite skincare brand’s fortifying and densifying serum revives weak, thin brows and lashes.

    $150
    Shop at bloomingdales.com

    Augustinus Bader Eyebrow And Lash Enhancing Serum

    This two-in-one solution doubles as a lash and brow serum using TFC8, biotin, and roselle and safflower extracts for healthier, longer lashes.

    $160
    Shop at sephora.com

    RODAN + FIELDS Lash Boost Eyelash Enhancing + Conditioning Serum

    This highly-rated lash serum will make your lashes visibly longer and fuller within four to six weeks.

    $70
    Shop at ulta.com

    Dr. Althea Eye Lash Boost Serum

    This water-gel lash serum is for your actual lashes instead of your lash line to deliver moisture to dry, fragile lashes.

    $19
    Shop at ulta.com

    Cécred Restoring Lash & Brow Builder

    Beyoncé first-ever lash and brow growth innovation, this serum is proven to deliver 1.4x visibly thicker, denser lashes and brows.

    $48
    Shop at ulta.com
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