Eyelash Growth: Long Eyelashes Are Always In-Style

You've probably seen it on celebrities and on magazines: that mod-sixties look for eyes is back again. We've heard a lot about the sixties-inspired "cat eye" recently, with thick black liner and accentuated by long, sweeping eyelashes with black mascara.

No matter what the fashion is at the moment, long eyelashes are always desirable. If you're like most women, you may need a little help in the eyelash growth department.


Avoid Damaging Your Eyelashes:
* Try not to rub your eyes. It make cause breakage, and make eyelashes fall out.
* Be gentle when removing makeup. Use a makeup-removing towelette or a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil. In downward strokes, gently sweep over the eye to remove makeup. Never rub side to side. If you're having difficulty removing your waterproof mascara - you may want to switch to a non-waterproof mascara as they are easier to wash off and the process won't be as likely to damage your lashes.
* Remember to replace your mascara after it has been in use for 3 months. (When you first open a new mascara, write the date on the tube with a Sharpie pen to help you remember when to replace it.)

Understanding Hair Growth Cycles:
(from wikipedia.org)

Hair grows in cycles of various phases:

1. anagen - the growth phase
2. catagen - the regressing phase
3. telogen - the resting or quiescent phase

Normally up to 90% of the hair follicles are in anagen (growth) phase while, 10–14% are in telogen and 1–2% in catagen.

The cycle's length varies on different parts of the body. For eyebrows, the cycle is completed in around 4 months, while it takes the scalp 3–4 years to finish; this is the reason eyebrow hairs have a fixed length, while hairs on the head seem to have no length limit. Growth cycles are controlled by a chemical signal like epidermal growth factor.

---

Eyelash Growth --It Can Happen to You

If you want eyelash growth, or if you want them to temporarily appear longer, there are many options for you:

Quick Fixes:
* The easiest and by far the cheapest are false eyelashes. The Ardell brand at the drugstore is inexpensive, easy to find and works well. For a special occasion or just for fun -- they're an instant fix! For hygienic reasons, you should not reuse them.
* Go for the "cat eye" look that is so popular now. The black liner, winged out at the corners of your eyes, give the appearance of longer lashes. See how-to videos below on applying fake eyelashes and creating the purr-fect "cat eye."

Semi-Permanent:
Another option for instant eyelash growth is eyelash extensions at a salon. Unlike false eyelashes that only last one day and are applied on a strip, synthetic eyelash extensions are glued to eyelash hairs one by one with tweezers. The process takes two hours and they last about two months. It typically costs between $300 and $500. Many celebrities go for eyelash extensions before they hit the red carpet of a big event.

Permanent:
For a more permanent solution there is eyelash transplant surgery, where surgeons use the "plug and sew" technique to give you sweeping fringe. The surgically implanted lashes are made of human hair and the new lashes will continue to grow. A small incision at the back of the scalp is made to remove 30 or 40 hair follicles, which are carefully sewn one by one onto the patient's eyelids. Doctors use just light sedation and local anesthetics. And the cost is about $3,000 an eye. Your new eyelashes will most likely grow longer than your normal ones and will need to be trimmed. They also may need to be professionally dyed and curled regularly.

Eyelash Conditioners and Mascaras:
For a less expensive method for eyelash growth that doesn't require such a commitment as eyelash implants, you can also try the eyelash conditioners that are on the market today. They cost between $30 - $160. (The same products can also be used on eyebrows, to help fill in gaps and to correct over-tweezing).

Eyelash Growth - If You Don't Have It, Fake It!

There are many mascaras on the market today that meet the demand for longer, fuller eyelashes. In the slide-show below, browse through mascaras that have technology such as fibers or tubes on your lashes to give instant length!

If you have a special occasion you're preparing for and want to give your eyes that extra "pop," go for False Eyelashes.

They do take some practice to learn to put on. A great way to start is to cut them each in half and learn to apply them that way. Here are instructions for that method, taken from "The 5 Minute Face" by Carmindy:

- Cut a set of false lashes in half, and use only the half with the shorter lashes. Apply a small bit of lash adhesive along upper strip. You'll find natural looking strips at drugstores; adhesive is usually included.
- Look down, and gently press the upper strip along the outer half of your own upper lashes -- the fakes should lay against your lash roots, with no gap. After the glue has dried, sweep black cream eyeliner (it is easier and more natural looking than liquid) along the upper lash line to hide the seam where the false lashes and the roots meet.
- Sweep on a coat of black mascara to blend the fakes with your real ones. Don't use mascara on the lower lashes; your eyes will look overdone.