Why Your Eyelashes May Be Falling Out — And What to Do About It

By: Angela Melero | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Eyelashes — they are so small and feather-like, yet they have the power to transform our faces and therefore, are often our most focused-on feature. We spend a lot of time and money making sure our lashes look long and full yet somehow, they manage to fall out without any rhyme or reason. Is it us? Are we somehow sabotaging our long, luscious eyelashes without even knowing it?

According to lash expert and esthetician Allison O’Connor of Zenii Spa in West Hollywood, California, the answer is yes. Ahead, the beauty pro sounds off on the common causes of lash loss and steps you can take to keep lashes looking perfect.

#1: You Commit This Faux Lash Faux Pas

While we totally understand the need for a little faux length via glue-on fake lashes every now and then, the removal process can be lethal to your natural ones, says O’Connor. “Girls can be pretty rough when removing their fake lashes,” she explains. “They’ll just yank them off without even thinking about it. What you should be doing is using an eye makeup remover or solution specifically designed to remove fake lashes. These products help soften and dissolve the glue and allow for easier removal.”

#2: You Sleep in Your Eye Makeup

By now, you should be well aware of the perils of sleeping with your makeup on. And we’ve got yet another reason for you to take the proper beauty precautions before going to bed: your lashes. “When left on for too long, particles of your mascara and shadow can clog the hair follicle,” says O’Connor. “This prevents the follicle from breathing and can eventually stop hair growth altogether over time.”

#3: You’re Not Using a Lash Conditioning Serum

You wouldn’t think to question using conditioner on your hair, but the idea of using one on your lashes probably sounds a little crazy. Your eyelashes need just as much love as the hair on your head, though. To keep them healthy and avoid lash loss due to makeup removal, try the Lash Serum Solution from L’Oréal Paris.

#4: You’re Guilty of This Curling Crime

You know that rubber lining on your eyelash curler? It’s not there for decoration. That little strip was created to preserve your lashes. When left bare, eyelash curlers can do some major damage. “A bare curler can chop your lashes at the base,” says O’Connor. To avoid this, be sure to keep that rubber lining in place.

#5: You’re Too Rough on Your Eyes

Scrubbing or rubbing your face can cause trauma to our lovely lashes. “Vigorous rubbing or scrubbing of the eye area — even when removing makeup — can cause our lashes to fall out,” explains O’Connor. “The hair is so fine and gentle and can be easily ripped from its follicle. Be gentle and delicate when applying creams or mascara.”

#6: It Could Be Something More Serious

There are some health conditions that can cause your eyelashes to fall out and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel like your eyelash loss could be a result of something more serious than rubbing your eyes too vigorously or leaving on your eye makeup, always consult with a dermatologist. They can shed light on your situation and provide you with steps toward a solution!

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