Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out More Than Usual Common Triggers

It’s normal to lose a few eyelashes each day—just like the hair on your head, eyelashes grow, shed, and regrow in cycles. But when clumps start appearing on your pillow or in your mascara wand, concern is understandable. Excessive eyelash shedding can stem from a range of causes, some temporary and others signaling deeper health issues. Understanding the root triggers is essential for restoring lash health and preventing long-term thinning.

This article breaks down the most common reasons behind increased eyelash loss, backed by dermatological insights and real-world patterns. From everyday beauty routines to medical conditions, we’ll explore what might be weakening your lashes—and how to respond effectively.

Normal vs. Abnormal Eyelash Shedding

The average person has 90–150 upper lashes and 70–80 lower ones. These hairs follow a growth cycle lasting four to eleven weeks, with phases of growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen). During the telogen phase, lashes naturally fall out and are replaced.

Losing 1–5 lashes per day is considered normal. However, if you're noticing:

• Frequent clumping in makeup brushes or pillowcases
• Bare patches along the lash line
• Difficulty applying eyeliner due to sparse lashes
• Inability to wear false lashes or extensions comfortably

…then your shedding may be beyond typical turnover.

“Just as scalp hair changes with age and health, so do eyelashes. Persistent lash loss should never be dismissed as purely cosmetic.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Board-Certified Dermatologist

Common Medical Causes of Eyelash Loss

Several underlying health conditions can disrupt the natural lash cycle, leading to noticeable thinning or complete loss (madarosis). Recognizing these early improves outcomes.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles. It often presents as round, smooth bald patches on the scalp but can affect eyebrows and lashes. In severe cases, patients experience totalis (complete scalp hair loss) or universalis (loss of all body hair).

Symptoms include:

• Sudden, painless lash loss without redness or scaling
• Pitting or ridging of fingernails
• Progressive thinning over weeks

Thyroid Disorders

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism impact hair health. The thyroid regulates metabolism, and imbalances interfere with follicle function. Lash loss in thyroid disease is usually diffuse and symmetrical.

Other signs include:

• Fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Scalp hair thinning

Blepharitis

Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins often caused by bacteria, mites (Demodex), or skin conditions like rosacea. Inflamed follicles weaken lash roots, causing premature shedding.

Associated symptoms:

• Red, gritty-feeling eyes
• Crusting at the base of lashes upon waking
• Itching or burning sensation
• Flaking resembling dandruff near the lash line

Tip: Warm compresses twice daily can reduce blepharitis-related inflammation and improve oil gland function.

Lifestyle and Cosmetic Triggers

Everyday habits play a major role in lash integrity. While medical causes require diagnosis, many people unknowingly accelerate lash loss through routine practices.

Overuse of Eyelash Extensions

Extensions apply constant tension to natural lashes. When improperly applied or left too long, they cause traction alopecia—a condition where repeated pulling damages follicles permanently.

Risks increase with:

• Frequent refills without recovery periods
• Using heavy or overly long extensions
• Poor aftercare (rubbing, tugging)

Aggressive Makeup Removal

Vigorous rubbing with cotton pads or harsh removers pulls out lashes prematurely. Waterproof mascaras, while long-lasting, require more friction to remove, increasing breakage risk.

Low-Quality or Expired Cosmetics

Bacteria-laden mascara tubes (especially after 3 months of use) can introduce infections like styes or conjunctivitis, which inflame follicles. Cheap formulas may also contain irritants that weaken lash shafts.

Poor Nutrition and Rapid Weight Loss

Diet directly affects keratin production. Deficiencies in protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and essential fatty acids impair hair structure, including lashes.

Crash diets and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa are strongly linked to generalized hair thinning, including eyelashes.

“Patients recovering from restrictive eating often report ‘finding lashes in their soup’—a sign of acute telogen effluvium triggered by nutritional shock.” — Dr. Amara Singh, Clinical Nutritionist

Environmental and Behavioral Factors

External stressors contribute significantly to lash fragility. Unlike medical conditions, these are often within your control to modify.

Chronic Eye Rubbing

Habitual eye-rubbing—common among allergy sufferers or contact lens wearers—mechanically damages lashes and inflames follicles. Over time, this leads to sparser growth.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation

High cortisol levels disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more follicles into the shedding phase. Stress-induced conditions like trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) may extend to eyelashes.

Exposure to Harsh Conditions

Wind, UV radiation, chlorine, and pollution degrade keratin proteins in lashes. Swimmers and outdoor athletes often experience faster lash breakage.

Medications and Treatments

Some drugs list eyelash loss as a side effect, including:

• Retinoids (topical or oral)
• Chemotherapy agents
• Beta-blockers
• Anticoagulants
• Anti-seizure medications

If you started a new medication around the time of increased shedding, consult your prescribing doctor before making changes.

Do’s and Don’ts: A Quick Reference Table

Do’s	Don’ts
Use oil-based cleansers for gentle makeup removal	Rub or tug at lashes aggressively
Replace mascara every 2–3 months	Share eye makeup with others
Apply castor or coconut oil weekly to nourish follicles	Sleep with eye makeup on
Take breaks from extensions (at least 4–6 weeks)	Use waterproof mascara daily
Wear sunglasses to protect from UV and wind	Ignore persistent redness or crusting on lids

Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Excessive Lash Loss

If you’re concerned about unusual shedding, follow this structured approach to identify and manage the cause:

1. Assess Your Routine (Days 1–3): Document your eye care habits—makeup use, removal method, extension history, and skincare products near the eyes.
2. Check for Physical Symptoms (Day 4): Look in a mirror with magnification. Note redness, flaking, misdirected lashes, or visible thinning.
3. Eliminate Aggravating Products (Days 5–7): Stop using waterproof mascara, eyelash glue, and extensions. Switch to hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested products.
4. Begin Gentle Care (Ongoing): Cleanse lids with a diluted baby shampoo solution or commercial lid scrub. Apply a nourishing oil like vitamin E or castor oil 2–3 times weekly.
5. Consult a Professional (Within 2 Weeks): See a dermatologist or ophthalmologist if shedding persists beyond 10 days or worsens. Request blood tests for thyroid function, iron, and vitamin D if systemic causes are suspected.
6. Follow Treatment Plan (Weeks 3+): Depending on diagnosis, treatments may include prescription lash serums (e.g., bimatoprost), antibiotics for infection, or hormone therapy.

Tip: Take monthly photos of your lashes under consistent lighting to track progress objectively.

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Recovery Journey

Sarah, a 34-year-old graphic designer, noticed her lashes thinning rapidly over three months. She wore semi-permanent extensions every six weeks and used waterproof mascara on weekends. After waking up with several lashes stuck to her cheek one morning, she decided to investigate.

She stopped extensions and switched to a micellar water cleanser. When no improvement occurred after four weeks, she visited a dermatologist. Tests revealed mild hypothyroidism and low ferritin (iron stores). With levothyroxine treatment and an iron supplement, plus a break from all eye makeup, her lashes began regrowing noticeably by week eight.

Today, Sarah wears extensions only twice a year and prioritizes internal health with balanced meals rich in leafy greens and lean protein. “I didn’t realize how much my thyroid was affecting something as small as my lashes,” she says. “Now I check in with my doctor annually—not just my esthetician.”

When to Seek Medical Help

While occasional shedding is harmless, certain red flags warrant prompt evaluation:

• Lash loss accompanied by vision changes or eye pain
• Scaling, sores, or swelling on the eyelids
• Symmetrical thinning across both eyes
• Loss of eyebrow hair as well
• No signs of regrowth after 6–8 weeks

A dermatologist may perform a lash pull test, examine follicles under dermoscopy, or order blood work to rule out systemic causes.

FAQ: Common Questions About Eyelash Loss

Can stress really make my eyelashes fall out?

Yes. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can shift hair follicles—including those of eyelashes—into the resting (telogen) phase prematurely. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, typically appears 2–3 months after a stressful event and is usually reversible once stress is managed.

Will my eyelashes grow back after extensions?

In most cases, yes—provided the follicles haven’t been permanently damaged. Recovery time varies from 6 weeks to 6 months. Avoid reapplying extensions during this period and support regrowth with gentle care and nourishing oils.

Are lash serums safe to use?

Prescription serums like bimatoprost (Latisse) are FDA-approved and effective but may cause side effects such as darkening of the iris or eyelid skin. Over-the-counter serums vary in quality; look for peptides, hyaluronic acid, and biotin, and avoid those with prostaglandins unless prescribed.

Conclusion: Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Increased eyelash shedding isn’t something to ignore. Whether driven by lifestyle choices, health conditions, or environmental stress, the key to recovery lies in timely recognition and targeted action. You don’t have to accept thinning lashes as inevitable.

Start by auditing your current habits, eliminating harsh products, and monitoring changes. If simple adjustments don’t yield results within a month, seek professional guidance. With the right care, most people regain full, healthy lashes—often stronger than before.

🚀 Your lashes are a window into your overall health. Share this article with someone who’s been tugging at their eyeliner lately—or leave a comment with your own experience. Knowledge is the first step toward regrowth.