Now you already know that we’re obsessed with lashes, but as we’re setting our self-care (and lash care) goals for 2022 we’re diving into the root of the problem – literally.  

Did you know that your hair grows in a cycle? Neat, right? There are 4 stages in the hair growth cycle, beginning with the growth phase and ending with the shedding phase. This cycle isn’t exclusive to only the hair on your head, it happens to all the hair over your body – including your lashes. Let’s break it down! 

HAIR GROWTH & SHEDDING CYCLES 

Anagen (Growth) Phase: This controls how long your hair can actually get, depending on the length of time the hair is in this stage. For example, your lashes are in this stage for 30-45 days, eyebrows for 2-3 months, and scalp for 3-5 years! 

Catagen (Transition) Phase: A transition phase that signals the end of hair growth and happens to be the shortest period in your hair cycle. The hair stops growing the follicles begin to shrink. Roughly 5% of the hairs on your head are in this phase at one time. 

Telogen (Resting) Phase: This happens to be the longest phase of the hair cycle, and your hair actually begins to shed – and once that starts new hair won’t start to grow until the last phase is complete. Approximately 10-15% of the hairs on your head are in this phase, lasting about 100 days. 

Exogen (Shedding) Phase: New hair begins to grow in the follicle and old hair falls out. This acts as an extension of the previous phase for approximately 2-5 months – out with the old, in with the new! Shedding is a totally natural occurrence, although there are some things we do that speed up (washing and brushing your hair) this process.  

CAN YOU MAKE YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER? 

Most “growth” treatments stimulate the hair follicles and help the anagen phase last longer than it normally would. Instead of the regular 30-45 days for lashes, you may extend this phase to 2-3 months by using a lash serum or serum-infused mascara. 

The ingredients in a lash serum, such as peptides, amino acids and sodium hyaluronate help extend your anagen phase in as soon as six weeks. 

LASH GROWTH TIPS 

Use a peptide-based lash serum or serum-infused mascara to help extend the anagen growth phase of your lashes. Look out for ingredients that increase length, strength and thickness, such as Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16, Octopeptide-2 and Acetyl-Tripeptide-3. Learn more about peptides here.  

When applying skincare or makeup to the eye area, use light tapping motions (rather than swiping or rubbing) to avoid disrupting the delicate skin. Pro tip: if you’re using your fingers, use your ring finger. 

When removing products from the eye area, make sure you use a clean makeup remover or cleanser, preferably formulated with nourishing ingredients. A cleanser with hydrating ingredients will put moisture back into the skin, even while you’re removing a product sitting on the surface – Sodium Hyaluronate is one of our favorite hydrators!