Lash Shedding Season: A guide to this natural cycle
When it comes to maintaining one’s appearance, lashes are an essential aspect of the face. Luscious, long lashes have been deemed attractive and can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. Understanding lash shedding season is crucial for anyone who wants to maintain healthy and beautiful lashes.
Definition of Lash Shedding Season
Lash shedding season refers to the natural cycle of eyelash growth and loss. All human hair follicles go through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting).
The anagen phase lasts longer for scalp hair than for eyelashes, which only grow for 30-45 days before entering the catagen phase. During this stage, the lash stops growing but does not fall out yet.
In the telogen phase, the lash falls out naturally before another cycle begins. The entire process typically takes anywhere between four weeks to two months.
Lash shedding can increase significantly during certain times of the year or due to various factors that can be discussed later on in this article – such as hormonal changes or environmental conditions. This period is what we refer to as a lash-shedding season.
Importance of Understanding Lash Shedding Season
Understanding lash shedding season may seem trivial; however, it directly impacts maintaining healthy lashes. For instance, if you’re unaware that you’re currently in a high shedding period and mistakenly believe that your mascara or false lashes caused your lashes’ sudden thinning – you might end up using products that harm your delicate lash hairs further. Moreover, having basic knowledge about why your lashes shed at different rates throughout the year or what external elements affect lash health will help you make informed decisions when choosing products that are beneficial for your eyelashes’ growth rather than ones that might damage them.
What is Lash Shedding Season?
Lash shedding season is a natural phase in the eyelash growth cycle when old lashes fall out and are replaced by new ones. Each eyelash on our eyelids goes through three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The lash grows continuously during the anagen phase, which lasts between 30 and 45 days.
The catagen phase is a transitional period lasting about two weeks when the lash stops growing. During the telogen phase lasting up to 100 days, the lash falls out, making way for a new one.
Explanation of the natural lash growth cycle
Understanding each natural lash growth cycle stage is crucial in understanding how the shedding season works. During the anagen phase, blood vessels supply nutrients to hair follicles, allowing them to grow longer and thicker. The catagen phase is a brief transition period where blood flow decreases as follicles shrink in preparation for dormancy and shedding during the telogen phase.
Factors that influence lash shedding season
Several factors can influence lash shedding season’s timing and intensity, including age, genetics, stress levels, medical conditions like alopecia or thyroid disorders, or certain medications like chemotherapy. Hormonal imbalances can also affect our lashes’ growing cycles; pregnant women may experience increased hair growth throughout their bodies due to hormonal changes.
How to identify Lash Shedding Season
One way to identify if you are experiencing Lash Shedding Season is if you’re noticing more than one eyelash falling out at a time regularly- typically, this occurs every four-six weeks. You may also see shorter or sparser lashes during this time than usual due to loss from previous sheds not being entirely replaced, with new lashes growing back over time.
It’s essential not to confuse Lash Shedding Season with abnormal lash loss, which various medical conditions, stress levels, or other factors outside the natural growth cycle can cause. Suppose you are experiencing excessive lash loss or other symptoms like itching, redness, or inflammation around your eyes. In that case, you should consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
Common Misconceptions about Lash Shedding Season
Myth: Lash extensions cause excessive shedding
One of the most common misconceptions about lash shedding season is that lash extensions cause excessive lash shedding. While it is true that some clients may experience more shedding with lash extensions, this does not mean that the wings are the direct cause.
Properly applied and maintained lash extensions should not interfere with the natural growth cycle of your lashes. It is important to note that individual lash extension placement may affect natural lashes differently.
A technician applying for a heavy or too-long extension on a baby or weak natural eyelashes can shorten their lifespan and lead to premature shedding. However, when used correctly by a trained and experienced technician, you can enjoy beautiful full lashes without causing any harm to your natural ones.
Myth: Lash shedding only occurs in the fall and winter months
Another common misconception about lash shedding season is that it only occurs during the fall and winter. In reality, our lashes follow a consistent growth cycle throughout the year, which spans several months. For instance, during the anagen phase of eyelash growth (around 30-45 days), new hair follicles grow underneath your existing lashes, pushing them outwards from their roots.
As every follicle has its timeline within this growth cycle, some may be at different stages of growth or shed at different times than others. Therefore, it’s normal for people to notice occasional or frequent periods of more intense eyelash fallout during any time of year due to many factors like hormone levels changes, stress, etc., but this does not necessarily mean they are experiencing an abnormal amount if compared to their usual rates throughout other seasons.
Myth: Using mascara can prevent lash shedding
It’s easy for people to assume using mascara can prevent lash shedding because it offers a cosmetic enhancement to the lashes, making them appear fuller. However, mascara or other eye products don’t have any direct correlation with lash growth patterns. Excessive mascara or rubbing it off harshly can cause breakage and damage to the lashes, leading to weaker roots and increased shedding.
Moreover, some mascaras may contain alcohol and chemicals unsuitable for sensitive eyes and skin types. Instead of depending on makeup products to promote lash health, focus on proper eyelash care habits like avoiding rubbing your eyes, gentle cleansing, and taking breaks from wearing make-up can significantly improve the overall health of your eyelashes.
How to Care for Your Lashes During Shedding Season
A lash-shedding season can be stressful for those concerned about having fuller and thicker lashes. However, with the proper care and attention, you can maintain healthy and nourished lashes even during this time. Here are some tips on how to care for your lashes during shedding season:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can cause damage to the delicate lash hairs and lead to further shedding. Try to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as much as possible.
- Use a gentle cleanser: Keeping your lashes clean during the shedding season is essential, but harsh cleaners can also cause damage. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser formulated explicitly around the eye area.
- Invest in a lash growth serum: Lash growth serums contain ingredients that help promote lash growth and strength, making them an excellent choice during the shedding season. 4. Be gentle when removing makeup: When removing makeup from the eye area, gently touch and avoid tugging or pulling at your lashes.
Recommended Products for Promoting Lash Growth and Strength
– Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner: This award-winning product contains a blend of peptides, vitamins, and botanicals that work together to nourish lashes from root to tip.
– GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum: This serum contains a proprietary blend of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that promote healthier-looking lashes in 4-6 weeks. 3. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost Serum: This serum uses a proprietary blend of biotin and keratin proteins to nourish and strengthen lashes, leading to longer and fuller-looking lashes over time.
Professional Treatments to Consider During This Time
If you’re looking for a little extra help during shedding season, there are also professional treatments that can help promote lash health and growth. Here are a few to consider:
Lash Lift: A lash lift is like a perm for your lashes, giving them a natural-looking curl that lasts for weeks.
Lash Tinting: If you have light-colored lashes, tinting them can help make them more visible and give the appearance of fuller lashes.
Eyelash Extensions: While some believe that eyelash extensions can cause excessive shedding when done correctly by a trained professional, they can help protect your natural lashes and give the appearance of fuller and thicker ones.
The Effects of Diet and Nutrition on Lash Health During Shedding Season
The health of your lashes is heavily influenced by what you eat. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining intense, healthy lashes.
In particular, biotin, iron, and vitamin E are essential for lash health. Biotin helps to strengthen hair follicles, while iron promotes healthy blood flow to the lashes.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect lashes from damage. In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Dehydration can cause dryness and brittleness in the lashes, increasing shedding. Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to keep your lashes looking their best during the shedding season.
The Role of Hormones in Influencing Lash Growth and Shedding Patterns
Hormones play a significant role in lash growth and shedding patterns. For example, changes in estrogen levels during pregnancy can cause an increase in lash growth, while fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels can lead to thinning or loss of lashes. Additionally, hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect lash health.
While hormonal changes are often beyond our control, there are some steps that you can take to support hormone balance and promote healthy lash growth during shedding season. For example, regular exercise has been shown to help regulate hormone levels and reduce stress – both of which can positively impact lash health.
The Impact of Environmental Factors like Humidity, Temperature, and Pollution on Lashes
The environment around us also plays a role in the health of our lashes during shedding season. Low humidity can cause lashes to become dry and brittle, while high humidity can lead to excess moisture that can make lashes more prone to breakage.
Similarly, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can cause damage to the delicate lash follicles. Pollution is another environmental factor that can harm lash health.
Airborne pollutants like dust and dirt can stick to lashes, making them more susceptible to damage and breakage. To minimize the effects of environmental factors on your lashes during shedding season, try wearing protective eyewear when you’re outside and avoid rubbing your eyes or pulling at your lashes.
Look! Don't touch
While it can be tempting to touch and play with our lashes, doing so constantly can lead to more shedding and damage. Our hands carry bacteria and oil that can transfer onto the delicate lash hairs, causing them to weaken and fall out prematurely.
Therefore, avoiding touching your lashes as much as possible during the shedding season is essential. If you must handle them for any reason (such as removing makeup), make sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and use a gentle touch.
Additionally, rubbing or pulling at your lashes excessively can cause trauma to the hair follicles, leading to permanent damage and decreased lash growth in the long run. So resist the urge to tug on loose or shedding lashes – instead, wait for them to fall out naturally or seek professional help if needed.
Sleep Positioning
Sleeping on your stomach or side with your face buried in a pillow can cause friction between the pillowcase and your lashes, leading to breakage and premature shedding. Try sleeping on your back or investing in a silk or satin pillowcase to combat this issue, creating less friction against your delicate lash hairs.
It’s also worth noting that certain medications and medical conditions can affect lash growth and shedding patterns. For example, chemotherapy drugs often cause rapid eyelash loss because they affect cell growth. If you’re experiencing excessive lash shedding outside of regular seasonal fluctuations, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about potential underlying causes.