Our lashes, along with all of the hairs on our bodies, follow a growth cycle and we actually shed more than you might expect. In fact, we are constantly losing and growing lashes. Besides enhancing beauty, our eyelashes are actually there to protect our eyes from debris, dust and small particles. Research has revealed our upper eyelashes hold anywhere between 90 – 200 lashes, while the lower eyelids hold about 70 to 100. Studies have shown that on average, we shed 1 – 4 lashes every single day. Like the hairs we get all over our body, lashes are composed of 10% water and 90% proteins (keratin and melanin) that develop directly from the follicle within the scalp. Hair follicles, including eyelashes, Freceive nourishment from blood vessels at their base. Due to genetics, eyelashes grow only to a certain length and they may not grow as much as they should. Keep reading to learn about your eyelashes, lash growth and the eyelash cycle in this post.
How long does it take for eyelashes to grow at the fullest?
The eyelash life cycle is broken up into 3 phases.
- Anagen (the growth phase)
- Catagen (the transition phase)
- Telogen (the resting phase)
We are fortunate that our lashes are on separate cycles. If they were not, we would always go through periods of having absolutely none!
1. Anagen
In this phase, our lashes are actively growing, generally only to a certain length. During this eyelash growth phase, there are two processes taking place. First, cells in the root of the eyelash divide rapidly to form new hair. Following this, the hair follicles produce the pigmented proteins called melanin, which moves the hair shaft to give it color. The eyelashes are still attached to the dermal papilla or the blood supply at this point. This process lasts between 30 – 45 days. About 35 – 40% of the upper lashes and about 15% of the lower ones are in the anagen phase. During the anagen phase, Latisse will help your lashes reach their full length potential.
2. Catagen
The growth phase is followed by a short transition phase, known as catagen. Catagen, or the transitional phase, is when the lashes have reached their predetermined length and the lash follicle begins to shrink. This process lasts about two to three weeks. No pigment is generated during this time, and the lash follicle ceases to produce hair. The base of the lash follicle moves towards the surface of the skin. If an eyelash is plucked out of if an eyelash falls out before the 2 – 3 weeks, it will not immediately grow back because the follicle needs to complete this phase of the cycle before it can move on.
3. Telogen
The resting or shedding phase is known as the telogen phase. Lasting 90 – 100 days or three to four months, this is the longest phase of the lash cycle. It is during the telogen phase when the eyelash will eventually fall out and a new eyelash begins to grow back from the hair follicle. As it grows upwards, the old hair will shed naturally, or it may be plucked or pulled out. Shedding is a normal part of the replacement process as it replaces an old lash with a new one. This new eyelash comes out from the same follicle as the old one, thus, the lash cycle starts over. Eyelashes typically have a lifespan of about three months but some may last more than one hundred days before they begin to fall out and new ones begin to grow. This process usually may last between four to eight weeks.
How does Latisse work with the lash life cycle?
As much as we may wish, Latisse growth results are not instant. Research has shown, users get longer, thicker, fuller lashes in as little as four weeks with full results after sixteen weeks. Some notice a difference after consistent use in just eight weeks! Latisse extends the time eyelashes spend in the growth phase which is a key benefit. This is how Latisse helps produce the longer, thicker, darker lashes we strive for. As mentioned above, 40% of eyelashes are in the growth phase at any given point. So, it is important to note that Latisse is positively affecting eyelashes in all phases and it may take some time for lashes to sync with each other. Positive results usually begin to reveal themselves after four to six weeks. This all depends on the number of lashes at the beginning of the growth phase.
Important to remember is Latisse does not affect the eyelashes that are going through the growth phase. During the three phases (anagen, catagen, and telogen), the eyelashes still need to be nurtured and taken care of throughout all of the phases. Guaranteeing the eyelash hair is strong and healthy is critical to ensuring that the new ones remain. Applying Latisse to the lash line ensures you are properly catering to your lashes to keep existing lashes healthy and lush. This is not true for everyone but as we get to age, the lash cycle may become shorter. Factors such as lifestyle and genetics play a major factor in this. Unfortunately, over time, the hair follicles give up producing lashes that are long and strong and lashes produced are thinner and shorter.
If you are interested in incorporating Latisse into your daily routine to enhance your eyelashes, click here to learn more about Latisse and to place your order.
