We all want long, full, healthy lashes, but it can be incredibly frustrating to see them looking sparse or find them on your cotton pad after removing your makeup. Lash breakage is a common concern, but the good news is that it’s often preventable once you understand the root causes.
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know why it’s happening. Let’s dive into the science of your lashes and explore the five most common reasons they might be breaking.
The Science of the Lash Growth Cycle
Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes go through a natural growth cycle with three phases: a growth phase (anagen), a transition phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). It's normal to lose a few lashes each day as they reach the end of their cycle. However, if you're noticing excessive shedding or your lashes seem to be getting shorter, it could be due to breakage caused by external factors.
5 Common Causes of Eyelash Breakage
1. Harsh Makeup Removal
This is the number one culprit. Aggressively rubbing, tugging, or scrubbing at your eyes to remove stubborn mascara can easily pull out or break your delicate lashes. Many makeup wipes contain harsh alcohols that can also dry out lashes, making them more brittle.
The Fix: Melt away makeup gently. Use a kind-to-skin cleanser like our Gentle Ceramide Gel Cleanser and let it do the work for you. Apply it to your lashes, let it sit for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup, and then gently wipe away. No harsh rubbing required.
2. Drying Mascara Formulas
Not all mascaras are created equal. Some formulas, especially certain waterproof versions, can be extremely drying. They can make lashes stiff and brittle, causing them to snap or break with daily wear.
The Fix: Choose a mascara that is formulated with conditioning ingredients that care for your lashes while providing color and volume.
3. Aggressive Use of Lash Curlers
Clamping down too hard with a lash curler, or even worse, curling your lashes *after* you’ve applied mascara, is a recipe for breakage. Mascara makes lashes stiff, and trying to bend them in that state can cause them to snap right off.
The Fix: Always curl your lashes when they are clean and bare. Gently pulse the curler at the base of your lashes rather than clamping down with force.
4. Skipping Lash Primer
Think of primer as a protective shield for your lashes. Applying mascara directly to bare lashes every day can take a toll over time.
The Fix: Add a primer to your routine. Our Plum Lash Primer not only creates a smooth base for mascara application but also "instantly coats your lashes with lash superfood ingredients" like Horsetail Plant Extract and Lupine Protein to create fuller, thicker, and stronger lashes naturally.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Healthy lashes start from within. A diet lacking in key vitamins and nutrients, especially biotin and collagen, can result in weaker hair, including your lashes.
The Fix: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins. While topical products work wonders, supporting your body from the inside out is crucial for long-term lash health.
The Future of Lash Health
