Why are my eyelashes falling out?

The lifespan of an eyelash is relatively short and does not exceed three months. It is therefore normal, as part of the hair growth cycle, for an eyelash to fall out so it can be replaced by another. However, in the event of more substantial shedding, it is important to investigate the underlying cause of the problem.

Eyelash loss: A possible medical cause.

Certain dermatological or ocular conditions may be involved. Inflammatory diseases of the skin or the hair follicle can disrupt how the eyelash is anchored within its follicle. In the case of alopecia areata, for example, an autoimmune reaction targets the hair follicles and causes local inflammation that can interrupt eyelash growth. Infections may also play a role: certain fungal infections, such asTinea blepharociliaris, affect the eyelash follicles and can lead to eyelash loss. In other situations, eyelash loss may occur secondarily to intensive medical treatments, particularly chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which disrupt rapidly dividing cells, including those of the hair follicle.

Eyelash loss: A potential internal cause.

Internal imbalances can also weaken the eyelashes. Hair follicles are particularly sensitive to the body’s nutritional status. An inadequate diet or deficiencies in essential micronutrients, especially iron, zinc, or vitamins A or C, can alter the quality of the keratin produced and disrupt the eyelash growth cycle. Stress is also frequently mentioned. Although it does not act directly on the eyelashes, significant stress can modify hormonal balance and promote a premature entry of follicles into the shedding phase.

Note : These internal causes remain relatively hypothetical. They are based mainly on extrapolations from the mechanisms involved in scalp hair loss, as described in in vitro studies and statistical analyses. To date, these mechanisms have not been clearly confirmed by clinical observations specific to eyelashes.

Eyelash loss: The possible role of aging.

Aging may also be involved in the thinning or loss of eyelashes. With age, the activity of hair follicles gradually tends to decrease. Several biological mechanisms are involved. On the one hand, the anagen phase of the hair cycle may become shorter, which limits the time during which the lash grows and results in shorter and sometimes fewer eyelashes. On the other hand, aging is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of follicular stem cells, which are essential for follicle renewal and for the production of new keratin fibers.

Moreover, oxidative stress increases with age and can damage the hair follicle, particularly the keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells that regulate hair growth. Hormonal changes, especially the decline in sex hormones such as estrogen after menopause, can also alter the dynamics of the hair cycle and contribute to slower regrowth.

Eyelash loss: Certain behaviors may be responsible.

Finally, certain everyday habits or cosmetic practices can weaken the eyelashes. A makeup removal routine that is too harsh, repeated rubbing, or the use of irritating products can damage the follicles or break the lashes at their base. Eyelash extensions, which are very popular for enhancing the eyes, may also play a role. This technique involves attaching synthetic fibers to the natural lashes using an adhesive. A survey of 140 users of eyelash extensions showed that more than half of the participants experienced irritation or burning during the procedure, and 60% reported discomfort after the application. In addition, a majority noticed thinning or discoloration of their lashes after the extensions were removed.

The weight of extensions, exposure to adhesives, and repeated handling are all factors that can weaken eyelashes and promote their loss.

When eyelash loss becomes unusual, the first step is to identify and correct the underlying cause.

If the loss is related to a dermatological condition, an infection, or a systemic disease, medical treatment may be necessary. However, these cases are relatively rare. Most often, eyelash loss is associated with daily habits or imbalances in the body. Make sure you follow a varied and balanced diet, so that your body receives all the nutrients it needs. If you are unsure, it is better to avoid self‑medication. Discuss your concerns with your doctor so they can check whether or not you have a deficiency.

Another important point for preventing eyelash loss is: using gentle movements around the eyelids. Overly vigorous makeup removal, repeated rubbing of the eyes, or the use of irritating products can weaken the eyelashes and speed up their loss. Remove your makeup gently, without pressing too hard or rubbing your eyes, and use mild products. It can also be helpful to take breaks from certain cosmetic practices, such as eyelash extensions or frequent use of false eyelashes, to allow your lashes time to regenerate under good conditions.

It is better not to disrupt the natural regrowth cycle of the eyelashes in the event of sudden shedding. While it may be tempting to resort to having false eyelashes applied in a salon, the substances used to attach them can further weaken this already highly sensitive area of the eye contour. Whatever the cause of eyelash loss, they will grow back at their own pace, and the eyes will gradually return to their usual appearance. If these episodes occur repeatedly on a regular basis, then consulting a physician may be necessary.

When should you see a doctor about eyelash loss?

It is generally not necessary to seek medical advice at the slightest sign of eyelash loss. If one morning you notice a few eyelashes on your pillow — for example seven or eight — this does not necessarily mean that there is a problem. In the absence of other associated signs, such as hair loss or loss of body hair in other areas, or general symptoms, there is no need to be alarmed. This observation may simply correspond to the normal end of the life cycle of certain eyelashes, be promoted by a period of stress, or result from friction related to your sleeping position during the night.

However, it is still useful to remain attentive to how things evolve. If the loss of eyelashes appears to continue in an unusual way over the following days—for example, if you regularly notice more than five eyelashes falling out per day for several consecutive days—or if other signs appear, it may then be appropriate to seek the opinion of a healthcare professional in order to identify the cause.

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• KEFALA V. & al. The nutrient–skin connection: Diagnosing eating disorders through dermatologic signs. Nutrients (2024).