Thinning Eyelashes? The Best Eyelash Treatments for 2024!

Do you have thinning eyelashes? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

Many women experience thinning lashes as they get older.

Luckily, there are a number of treatments available to thicken lashes and improve their appearance.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best treatments for thinning eyelashes and how to achieve the best results.

From prescription medications to over-the-counter options such topical solutions or serums and even some good old-fashioned home remedies, we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

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Thinning eyelashes

Many find that their eyelashes thin out and become less voluminous as women get older.

This can be frustrating, especially for those who rely on our eyelashes for definition and a youthful appearance. 

What causes thinning eyelashes?

Thinning eyelashes can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, genetics, stress, and certain medical conditions.

If you are concerned about thinning lashes, it is best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying health conditions.

Once you have determined and addressed the cause of your thinning lashes, you can explore the best treatments for your thinning lashes to help improve their appearance.

Common Causes of Thinning Eyelashes:

Aging

Unfortunately, thinning eyelashes is part of the aging process. As we age, eyelash follicles can slow or stop producing new lashes altogether.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes and imbalances due to perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy can result in lost hair in the body, including sparse lashes and brows.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, rosacea, Hashimoto’s, scleroderma, and atopic dermatitis can cause thinning or loss of eyelashes.

Madarosis

Madarosis is a condition that may lead to either complete or partial loss of eyelash or eyebrow hair.

The different types of Madarosis include:

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that affects the eyelashes.

Symptoms of blepharitis may also include dry eyes, itchy and red eyelids, and crust around the eyelids. You may see eyelashes fall out, too.

Hansen’s Disease

Hansen’s disease or leprosy is a bacterial infection that affects the skin, eyes, nose, and nerves.

Trauma

Trauma to the eyelashes and eyebrows can make them fall out.

Physical trauma may include injuries and accidents. In addition, overuse of eyelash curlers and harsh chemicals such as eyelash glue and soap-based cleansers can cause trauma to the eyelashes.

Eye Infections

Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can cause madarosis.

Additional Causes of Thinning Eyelashes:

Medical treatments

Certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and laser treatments can lead to thinning eyelashes or making eyelashes or eyebrows fall out.

These treatments can affect hair growth by attacking rapidly growing cells.

Nutritional and/or vitamin deficiency

Deficiencies of vitamins B12, biotin, and other essential nutrients can lead to thinning of the eyelashes or even complete lash loss.

Makeup

 Some eye makeup, such as waterproof mascara, can cause eyelashes to become dry and brittle.

Bad Skincare Habits

Not removing makeup at night or using eyelash curlers can cause thinning eyelashes.

In addition, using harsh skincare products in the eye area can also cause eyelashes to become dry and brittle and lead to thinning eyelashes.

Excessive Rubbing of the eyes

Excessive rubbing of the eyes due to Seasonal allergies or dry eyes can cause both thinning of the eyelashes and eyelash loss.

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are all the rage but can cause loss of natural eyelashes.

Applying lash extensions to natural lashes puts stress on the natural lashes which could cause thinning eyelashes, breakage, or premature shedding of the eyelashes. 

Medications

Some medications can lead to thinning eyelashes or eyelashes loss, including:

• Retinoids
• Androgens
• Anticonvulsants
• Anticoagulants
• Botox® Cosmetic (oh no!)
  (source)

The Best Treatments for Thinning Eyelashes!

There are several treatments available to help address the issue of thinning eyelashes.

There are medications, serums, dietary supplements that can promote eyelash growth, and even a few home remedies that can strengthen eyelashes.

Medication for Thinning Eyelashes

Latisse is a prescription treatment to treat inadequate eyelashes (hypotrichosis).

It is currently the only prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inadequate eyelashes.

Latisse requires a prescription that can be easily obtained through your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist.

Latisse contains the active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is used in prescription eye drops to treat glaucoma.

Photo Credit: Latisse.com

Latisse

Clinical studies show that Latisse can dramatically improve inadequate eyelashes.

Latisse gradually encourages the growth of longer, thicker, darker eyelashes with regular applications.

Pros and Cons of Latisse

Before you consider using Latisse for thinning eyelashes, here are a few pros and cons of Latisse that you should be aware of.

Pros of using Latisse

Latisse absolutely does work to enhance your lashes.  You can count on darker lashes, longer lashes and noticeably fuller lashes while using Latisse.

Now for the bad news.

Cons of Using Latisse

It’s Expensive

The average cost of a 3mL bottle of Latisse (a one-month supply) is $125 (source)

You have to use it forever.

Aside from the fact that Latisse comes with a scary list of side effects, the key point to remember is that you have to keep using it indefinitely to maintain results.

That’s right! When you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will eventually return to their original appearance.

It comes with side effects

Possible side effects associated with Latisse include:

• Itching, redness, and swelling (all potential signs of allergic reaction)
• Darkened eye area and eyelids
• Brown iris pigmentation (what!
• Unwanted hair growth around the eyes
  
  (Source)

Eyelash Enhancing Serums

Over-the-counter eyelash-enhancing serums are specially formulated products designed to enhance the appearance of lashes.

These serums moisturize and condition lashes to help promote longer, thicker lashes.

Eyelash Enhancing Ingredients

When shopping for an eyelash growth serum, you should look for products that contain peptides, biotin, and other vitamins.

Peptides are amino acids that help promote hair growth, while Biotin helps to strengthen the lashes.

Additionally, you should look for Vitamin E and castor oil, which can help protect, nourish, and moisturize lashes.

The Best Eyelash Serums

More Popular Eyelash Enhancing Serums:

• Premium Eyelash Growth Serum by VieBeauti
• Babe Original Babe Lash Essential Serum 
• Pronexa Hairgenics Lavish Lash
  
  

Home Remedies for Thinning Eyelashes

In addition to over-the-counter treatments, there are also a number of natural home remedies for thinning eyelashes.

Some of the most popular home remedies for thinning eyelashes include castor oil, coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, and Vaseline.

Many folks claim that applying castor oil coconut oil, olive oil, or vitamin E. oil can do wonders to improve thinning eyelashes-although I did not find any scientific proof to back up those claims.

At any rate, I’ve included the most popular castor oil available for eyelash enhancement as well as a DIY Eyelash treatment recipe that many find to be effective for improving their eyelashes.

The Best Castor Oil for Thinning Eyelashes:

DIY Eyelash Enhancing Serum

By doing a simple Google search, you can find endless recipes online if you’re interested in making your eyelash serum.

I’ve included a recipe that I found in one of my home remedy books at home.

DIY Eyelash Growth Recipe:

• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon castor oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

Mix all ingredients and apply them to your lashes with a clean mascara brush. Apply the serum once or twice a day for several weeks to improve.

If you are considering making your own eyelash serum at home, these are great little empty bottles/ and applicators for your DIY serums.

Supplements For Eyelash Growth

If you’re looking for a way to thicken and strengthen your lashes from the inside out, consider taking a supplement that promotes hair growth.

Some of the best vitamins for hair growth include: 

Biotin

One popular supplement is biotin, which is often promoted to improve hair health. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the metabolism of fats and proteins.

It also produces keratin, the hair’s main structural protein.

While biotin supplements are generally considered safe, you must consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many bodily functions, including wound healing and collagen production.

Vitamin C is thought to promote hair growth by increasing collagen production. One small study found that vitamin C supplements can promote hair growth in women with thinning hair.

However, more research is needed to confirm these results. (source)

Collagen for hair, skin, and nails

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. Taking collagen may increase the strength of your nails by preventing brittleness. Additionally, it may help hair and nails grow longer and stronger.

Collagen is the main component of connective tissues that comprise several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles.

Collagen has a ton of beauty and health benefits.

The benefits of collagen + Collagen Peptides:

• Improves skin and hair
• Helps joints
• Boosts Metabolism, Muscle, and Energy Output
• Strengthens teeth and nails
• Can reduce cellulite and stretch marks
• Reduces leaky gut symptoms

All that said, I take collagen peptides instead of collagen because it’s easier on my stomach.

I believe collagen has dramatically improved my joint health, skin, hair, and nails! 

(source)

Fish Oil for hair growth 

Fish Oil is rich in different fatty acid species and has been used extensively in animal and human studies to evaluate the effects on skin and hair health.

Omega-3 fats nourish the hair, support hair thickening, and reduce inflammation that can lead to hair loss, which is why fish oil benefits hair and is one of the top six vitamins for hair growth. (source)

The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth.

Each of these supplements and vitamins helps improve the health and appearance of hair, making them an excellent option for enhancing your lashes.

If you’re tired of dealing with thin, weak lashes, try adding one or more of these supplements or vitamins to your daily routine.

Your lashes will thank you!

Related Article: The Best Vitamins for Eyelash Growth

Instant Treatments for Thinning Eyelashes

If you are looking for some immediate ways to treat the appearance of thinning eyelashes, here are some quick fixes that offer quick results!

Eyelash Primer for thinking eyelashes

Using a thickening eyelash primer before applying mascara can improve the appearance of thin eyelashes.

Eyelash primers are designed to create the appearance of thicker lashes by coating them in a creamy formula that adds volume and length.

Primers also help to condition your lashes and protect them from damage caused by mascara.

Thickening Mascaras

If you want to thicken your lashes without the added expense of serums or false lashes, try using thickening mascara.

Look for mascaras with ingredients such as silica and fibers that help to give your lashes an extra boost of thickness.

Here is a list of mascaras that are designed to thicken lashes:

• L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise
• L’Oreal Paris Voluminous 
• CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara
• Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash Lifting & Volumizing Mascara
• stila HUGE Extreme Lash Mascara

To learn more about mascara, you can visit my article: The Best Mascaras for Older women to learn more about the best mascaras for lengthening and thickening thin eyelashes.

False Eyelashes

False eyelashes are a great way to add length and volume to your lashes instantly.

False eyelashes range from natural to ultra-dramatic, so you can find the perfect pair for whatever look you’re after!

When using false eyelashes, be sure to use good quality eyelash glue, and make sure you remove the lashes every night and cleanse with a gentle makeup remover.

These are my all-time favorite false eyelashes! They look natural and are easy on the wallet! 🙂

Conclusion: The Best Treatments for Thinning Eyelashes

Thinning eyelashes can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, hormonal changes, medications, and lifestyle habits.

The good news is that once you have done everything possible to address the underlying cause of your thinning eyelashes!

There are a lot of eyelash treatments and solutions available to choose from.

Potential treatments and solutions for thinning lashes include prescription medications, over-the-counter serums, vitamins and supplements, and even some home remedies like using castor oil.

I hope this article has pointed you in the right direction toward a solution to treat your thinning eyelashes.

Until next time,

XO, Christine