Pharmacist Explains the Lash Growth Cycle

Healthy eyelashes are not just about appearance. They are a natural protective barrier for the eyes and an important part of ocular health. Understanding how eyelashes grow helps explain why some people experience thinning lashes, why patience is essential with lash serums, and how to support healthier-looking lashes over time.

As clinicians behind Nuur Cosmetics, we believe beauty products should be grounded in science, transparency, and safety. In this guide, a pharmacist explains the eyelash growth cycle, what affects it, and how you can support stronger-looking lashes.

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Why Eyelashes Matter More Than You Think

Eyelashes serve a biological purpose beyond beauty.

They help:

• Protect the eye from dust, debris, and small particles

• Trigger the blink reflex when something approaches the eye

• Reduce airflow across the eye surface, helping maintain moisture

Research has even shown eyelashes play an aerodynamic role in protecting the eye surface. Studies from the Georgia Institute of Technology found that eyelashes reduce evaporation and protect against airborne particles.

You can explore the research here:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1600394

When lashes become thin, brittle, or fall out prematurely, it can affect both eye comfort and confidence.

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Understanding the Lash Growth Cycle

Just like scalp hair, eyelashes follow a biological growth cycle. Each lash grows independently and cycles through three phases.

This is why lashes shed naturally every day.

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

This is the active growth stage.

During the anagen phase:

• The lash follicle is actively producing hair

• Blood supply nourishes the follicle

• The lash length gradually increases

Key facts:

• Lasts around 30 to 45 days

• Only about 40 percent of upper lashes are in this stage at any time

• This is when conditioning ingredients and peptides may support the appearance of fuller lashes

Because this phase is relatively short compared to scalp hair, eyelashes never grow extremely long.

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2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

This is a short transitional period where growth stops.

During this phase:

• The follicle shrinks

• Blood supply disconnects

• The lash stops growing

Key facts:

• Lasts 2 to 3 weeks

• If a lash falls out here, it may take time before a new lash begins forming

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3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

This is the final stage before a lash naturally sheds.

During telogen:

• The lash rests in the follicle

• A new lash slowly develops beneath it

• The old lash eventually falls out

Key facts:

• Lasts about 100 days

• Shedding is normal and happens daily

On average, people lose 1 to 5 eyelashes per day.

This entire cycle explains why visible lash changes always take time.

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Why Lash Results Take Weeks, Not Days

One of the biggest myths in beauty is that lash growth can happen instantly.

Biology simply does not work that way.

Since lashes must cycle through growth phases, noticeable improvements typically appear gradually:

Typical timeline:

• 2 weeks: lashes may appear more conditioned and flexible

• 4 weeks: early improvements in density may become noticeable

• 6 weeks: many users notice stronger-looking lashes

• 12 weeks: full lash cycle improvements may appear

This timeline aligns with hair growth biology described by dermatology research from the American Academy of Dermatology.

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/hair/scalp-hair-growth

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Factors That Affect the Lash Cycle

Many factors can disrupt or shorten the growth phase.

1. Hormonal Changes

Hormones influence hair growth cycles throughout the body.

Conditions such as:

• Thyroid imbalance

• Iron deficiency

• Stress

can affect hair follicles.

Research from the National Institutes of Health shows nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency can influence hair shedding.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430762/

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2. Eye Conditions

Inflammatory eyelid conditions can weaken lashes.

One common example is blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelids.

Blepharitis may lead to:

• lash loss

• lash brittleness

• irritation around follicles

More information can be found through the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/blepharitis

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3. Mechanical Damage

Frequent rubbing, harsh makeup removal, or poor-quality lash products can damage the follicle.

Common causes include:

• aggressive eyelash extension removal

• waterproof mascara removed roughly

• rubbing the eyes frequently

Over time this can lead to weaker-looking lashes.

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How to Support Healthier Looking Lashes

While no cosmetic product can medically alter the hair cycle, certain habits may support healthier-looking lashes.

1. Gentle Makeup Removal

Always remove eye makeup with gentle pressure.

Avoid:

• pulling lashes

• rubbing the eyelid aggressively

Micellar cleansers or oil-based removers help dissolve makeup safely.

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2. Support Follicle Health

Ingredients commonly used in lash conditioning products include:

• peptides

• biotin

• panthenol

These ingredients help condition and strengthen the lash fiber, improving the appearance of lashes over time.

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3. Be Consistent

Because the lash cycle takes months, consistency is essential.

Using a conditioning serum daily allows ingredients to support lashes throughout the cycle.

At Nuur Cosmetics, our goal was to design formulas that support lash appearance while prioritising safety, transparency, and gentle ingredients suitable for sensitive eyes.

Our lash serum was developed over two years with clinicians and cosmetic scientists, guided by strict UK cosmetic safety standards and independent safety assessment.

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Why Clinician-Led Formulation Matters

The beauty industry is full of exaggerated claims.

As clinicians, our responsibility is different.

We prioritise:

• evidence-based ingredients

• safety-first formulation

• full regulatory compliance under UK and EU cosmetic law

All cosmetic products in the UK must undergo a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) before being sold.

This process evaluates:

• ingredient safety

• toxicology profiles

• microbiological testing

• stability testing

Our products have undergone independent safety assessment through Oxford Biosciences Ltd.

You can learn more about cosmetic safety regulation through the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-safety-advice-for-businesses

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The Takeaway

Eyelash growth is governed by biology, not marketing promises.

Understanding the lash growth cycle explains why:

• lashes shed naturally

• results take time

• consistency matters

Healthy-looking lashes are best supported through gentle care, good eye hygiene, and science-led cosmetic formulations.

At Nuur Cosmetics, we believe beauty should never compromise safety. Every formula we create begins with clinical thinking, rigorous testing, and transparency.

Because when it comes to products used around the eyes, science should always come first.