Eyelash problems can occur for several reasons, including:

• Irritating or drying makeup ingredients

• Excessive or unskilled makeup applications

• Makeup allergies

• Forceful use of eyelash curlers

• Rough makeup or false eyelash removal techniques

• Makeup can irritate and damage the eyelash follicles, leading to excessive eyelash loss

Some health conditions can also result in poor eyelash health, including:

• Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid margins

• Alopecia

• Thyroid conditions

• Eczema

• Prescription medications

• Excessive stress¹

The only proven remedy to lengthen your eyelashes is to carefully use medication.

Bimatoprost (generic Latisse) is the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that makes eyelashes grow longer and thicker.²

There are many reasons people can lose more lashes than average.

• Irritation from cosmetics. Leaving eye makeup on for too long, using and removing lash extensions, and using eyelash curlers (heated or nonheated) can harm lashes and speed up shedding. Eyelash loss can also stem from allergies to mascara and from glue used to apply eyelash extensions.

• Blepharitis. Itchiness or burning accompanied by redness or swelling of the lids may indicate blepharitis. This is a condition that happens when clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes cause chronic inflammation and problems in the eyelash follicles.

Less common causes for overall hair loss include eye issues such as recurring styes, ocular rosacea, and bacterial or fungal infections in the eyes.³

Like the hair on the rest of your body, your eyelashes can fall out. Thankfully, they also grow back. Under normal circumstances, eyelashes will typically regrow in a few months. However, medication can help eyelashes grow longer and fuller.⁴

Sadly, this is a myth. Crying does not make eyelashes grow, but they may appear darker or straighter as tears lubricate the lashes.⁵

Extensions can add volume and length to your eyelashes, but the procedure does come with risks, such as trauma to or infection of the eyelid or cornea, allergic reaction to the glue, and permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes. In addition, infection can come from inadequate hygiene in the shop or damage to the eye during application.⁶

When it comes to false eyelashes, strips of false lashes may be applied directly to the base of the natural lashes or individually on the natural lashes themselves. The safety of the procedure is more dependent on the method of adherence of lashes and components of the adhesive glue, tape and remover used.⁷

1. Healthline

2. Healthline

3. American Academy of Ophthalmology

4. Medical News Today

5. Women.com

6. American Academy of Ophthalmology

7. Baylor College of Medicine

There are several prescription and nonprescription eyelash growth treatment options available. Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse, is currently the only FDA-approved prescription eyelash serum available. However, there are a variety of prescription and over-the-counter eyelash serums that can be considered as an alternative to Latisse. Read Latisse® Alternatives: Compare Top Eyelash Serums to see how these alternatives measure up to Latisse.

There is a long list of eyelash home remedies. However, none of these remedies are scientifically proven and, in some cases, they could even damage your eyes.⁸

Some common home remedies that are not scientifically proven to lengthen eyelashes include:

• Petroleum jelly

• Green tea

• Olive oil, with or without lemon

• Castor oil

• Aloe vera

• Eyelid massage⁹

Many products on the market claim to give people longer, more beautiful lashes. But bimatoprost has shown more effectiveness than other options and is the only treatment to be FDA-approved.^10,11

It promotes the growth of longer, thicker and darker lashes by increasing the number of eyelash hairs that grow and the amount of time that they grow.¹² One study showed that after 16 weeks of treatment, subjects using bimatoprost had lashes that were 106% thicker, 25% longer and 18% darker.¹³

Topical bimatoprost (generic Latisse) comes as a liquid solution to apply to the upper eyelids (not the lower eyelid) usually once a day in the evening.¹⁴ Learn more about how to apply generic Latisse.

No. Most eyelash growth serums, especially prescription ones like Latisse, should only be applied to the upper lash line. Applying to the lower lid can cause irritation or harm your eye.¹⁵

It is possible, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider first. If they are daily disposable lashes, apply the serum with the false lashes removed.¹⁶

Yes, but to avoid irritation you should stop using the growth serum 24 to 48 hours prior to the lash lift and tint, and then wait another 24 to 48 hours before resuming treatment.¹⁷ Discuss the lash lift or tint with your healthcare provider if you plan to have one while using bimatoprost.

Yes, but remove them before you apply the serum and wait at least 15 minutes before you put them back in.¹⁸

Many patients begin to see results after eight weeks, with 78% seeing results after 16 weeks. Using bimatoprost more than prescribed will not produce faster results. Always use medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.¹⁹

Once you begin using bimatoprost (generic Latisse), you must continue using it regularly to maintain the results. Otherwise, your eyelashes will return to their previous condition.²⁰

The FDA has only approved bimatoprost for use on eyelashes, but there is some evidence it can work on eyebrows as well. Speak with your healthcare provider before using any medication in a way other than prescribed.²¹

Over-the-counter options for eyelash growth have not been approved by the FDA and their claims are not backed by research. Prescription bimatoprost is the only treatment to be FDA-approved and studies have shown it to be more effective than other options.^22,23 RedBox Rx bimatoprost and Latisse® are prescribed by licensed medical providers and are HSA and FSA eligible.

Telehealth providers, like RedBox Rx, allow you to connect with a licensed provider of dermatological services anywhere you have an internet connection. If prescribed, we can ship prescription eyelash growth serum to all 50 U.S. states. Start a free online consult now.

8. Healthline

9. Healthline

10. National Library of Medicine

11. American Academy of Ophthalmology

12. MedlinePlus

13. National Library of Medicine

14. MedlinePlus

15. Drugs.com

16. RealSelf

17. RealSelf

18. All About Vision

19. All About Vision

20. Healthline

21. Healthline

22. National Library of Medicine

23. American Academy of Ophthalmology

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