Why Do My Eyelashes Fall Out More In Spring And What Can I Do

It’s a subtle change—maybe you notice a few extra lashes on your pillow, or they seem to flake off when you remove makeup. As winter fades and spring arrives, many people experience increased eyelash shedding. While it might be alarming at first, this seasonal shift is more common than you think. Eyelashes, like scalp hair, follow growth cycles influenced by hormones, environment, and lifestyle. Spring brings unique stressors that can accelerate lash loss. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon—and how to respond—is key to maintaining healthy, full lashes year-round.

The Natural Eyelash Growth Cycle

Eyelashes grow in three distinct phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting and shedding). Each lash stays in the anagen phase for only 30 to 45 days, much shorter than scalp hair, which explains their limited length. After this brief growth period, lashes enter the resting phase before naturally falling out to make way for new ones.

On average, a person has between 150 and 200 upper eyelashes, with fewer on the lower lid. It's normal to lose 1 to 5 lashes per day as part of this cycle. However, during certain times of the year—particularly spring—this shedding may become more noticeable.

“Hair follicles, including those on the eyelids, are sensitive to environmental changes. Seasonal shifts can influence hormone levels and immune activity, leading to temporary increases in shedding.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Dermatologist & Trichology Specialist

Why Spring Triggers Increased Lash Shedding

Several interconnected factors contribute to heightened eyelash loss in the spring months:

• Allergies and eye irritation: Pollen counts rise dramatically in spring, triggering allergic reactions. Rubbing itchy eyes introduces mechanical stress, pulling out lashes prematurely.
• Hormonal fluctuations: Seasonal changes affect melatonin and cortisol levels, which in turn influence hair follicle activity. Some studies suggest a peak in telogen (shedding) phase entries in early spring.
• Increased UV exposure: Stronger sunlight without adequate protection can weaken lash structure over time, making them brittle and prone to breakage.
• Changes in skincare routines: People often switch products in spring—lighter moisturizers, new mascaras, or stronger cleansers—which may irritate delicate eye-area skin and follicles.
• Environmental pollutants: Wind carries dust, pollen, and airborne particles that accumulate on lashes, clogging follicles and promoting inflammation.

Tip: If you suffer from seasonal allergies, use preservative-free artificial tears to flush out allergens instead of rubbing your eyes.

How to Protect and Strengthen Your Eyelashes in Spring

While some degree of seasonal shedding is natural, excessive loss or slow regrowth signals the need for intervention. The following strategies support lash health and resilience during vulnerable periods.

Nourish from Within: Diet and Supplements

Lash strength begins with nutrition. Keratin, the protein that makes up lashes, requires specific nutrients to form properly. Deficiencies in biotin, iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to brittle hair and increased shedding.

Incorporate these foods into your diet:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) – rich in omega-3s
• Eggs – contain biotin and protein
• Spinach and lentils – high in iron and folate
• Nuts and seeds – provide vitamin E and zinc

Consider a supplement if dietary intake is insufficient. A daily biotin dose of 2.5–5 mg is commonly recommended for hair and nail support, but consult your doctor first—especially if pregnant or managing thyroid conditions.

Gentle Eye Care Routine

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than elsewhere on the face. Harsh cleansing or makeup removal techniques can damage lashes over time.

Follow these steps:

1. Use an oil-based or micellar eye remover that dissolves mascara without tugging.
2. Soak a cotton pad and hold it over closed eyes for 10–15 seconds before gently wiping downward.
3. Avoid waterproof mascara if possible—it requires more aggressive removal.
4. Never sleep with eye makeup on; residue can block follicles and cause irritation.

Topical Treatments That Work

Certain serums have been clinically shown to enhance lash density and growth. Look for ingredients such as:

• Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Conditions lashes and improves flexibility.
• Peptides (e.g., myristoyl pentapeptide-17): May stimulate follicle activity and prolong the growth phase.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates the lash line and supports follicle health.

Apply serum nightly to clean lash lines using a fine brush applicator. Results typically appear after 6–8 weeks of consistent use.

Tip: Store lash serums in a cool, dark place to preserve ingredient potency—avoid keeping them in humid bathrooms.

Do’s and Don’ts: Lash Care Checklist

Do	Don't
Remove eye makeup gently every night	Rub or pull at your lashes when removing makeup
Use a nourishing lash serum regularly	Share mascara or eyeliner (risk of infection)
Replace mascara every 3 months	Use expired or dried-out products
Wear sunglasses outdoors for UV and wind protection	Sleep with eyelash extensions long-term
Treat allergies early with antihistamines or eye drops	Ignore persistent redness or swelling around the eyes

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Spring Lash Recovery

Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher from Portland, noticed her lashes thinning each March. “I’d find them in my tea, on my keyboard—everywhere,” she said. After two springs of worsening loss, she consulted a dermatologist. Testing revealed mild iron deficiency and seasonal allergies.

Her treatment plan included a daily iron supplement, switching to a non-waterproof mascara, and applying a peptide-rich lash serum at night. She also started wearing wraparound sunglasses during outdoor recess duty to reduce pollen exposure.

Within ten weeks, Sarah reported fuller lashes and less daily fallout. “I didn’t realize how much rubbing my eyes was doing,” she shared. “Now I keep allergy drops at my desk and use a silk pillowcase. It made all the difference.”

Step-by-Step Spring Lash Protection Plan

Follow this timeline to safeguard your lashes throughout the season:

1. Week 1: Assess and Reset
   • Discard old eye makeup (especially mascara older than 3 months).
   • Introduce a gentle eye makeup remover.
   • Begin taking a multivitamin or targeted supplement if needed.
2. Week 2: Introduce Serum
   • Start nightly application of a reputable lash-enhancing serum.
   • Switch to hypoallergenic skincare products around the eyes.
3. Week 3–4: Manage Allergies Proactively
   • Check local pollen forecasts and limit outdoor time on high-count days.
   • Use preservative-free eye drops to rinse allergens.
   • Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce allergen buildup.
4. Ongoing (Monthly): Maintain and Monitor
   • Inspect lashes for signs of breakage or patchiness.
   • Re-evaluate serum effectiveness every 6–8 weeks.
   • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins.

“Prevention is far more effective than repair when it comes to eyelash health. Small habits—like not sleeping in makeup or protecting eyes from UV—compound into significant results over time.” — Dr. Anika Patel, Ocular Surface Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to lose more eyelashes in spring?

Yes. Many people experience increased shedding during seasonal transitions due to hormonal shifts, allergies, and environmental stressors. Losing up to 5 lashes per day is normal. If you notice clumps falling out or visible sparseness, consider consulting a healthcare provider.

Can allergies really cause eyelash loss?

Absolutely. Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching and inflammation, leading to frequent eye rubbing. This mechanical trauma pulls out lashes prematurely and can damage follicles over time. Treating the root cause—such as with antihistamines or nasal sprays—can significantly reduce lash fallout.

Are eyelash extensions safe during high-shedding seasons?

Proceed with caution. Extensions add weight and require adhesive, both of which strain already-sensitive follicles. In spring, when lashes may be weaker due to environmental stress, extensions increase the risk of traction alopecia—a condition caused by prolonged pulling. If used, opt for lightweight, silk-based extensions applied by a licensed technician, and take breaks between sets.

Conclusion: Take Action Before It Gets Worse

Seasonal eyelash shedding in spring isn’t just a random annoyance—it’s a signal from your body responding to changing conditions. By understanding the triggers and adopting a proactive care routine, you can minimize unnecessary loss and support stronger regrowth. The habits that protect your lashes—gentle cleansing, proper nutrition, allergy management, and smart product choices—are simple but powerful.

Don’t wait until your lashes look noticeably thinner. Start now: clean out old makeup, pick up a quality lash serum, and treat your eyes with the same care you give your skin and hair. Small changes today can lead to visibly healthier lashes in just a few weeks.

💬 Have you noticed seasonal changes in your lashes? Share your experiences or tips in the comments—your insight could help someone else navigate this common but overlooked issue.