Eyelashes serve to protect your eyes, but sometimes the lashes themselves need a bit of protection, as well as some tender loving care. Such is the case when your lashes become brittle. A number of factors can lead to brittle lashes, but a number of solutions are at the ready -- including a couple that can be found in your own kitchen.
Causes
Eyelashes become brittle for a variety of reasons. Growing older plays a part, as does excessive sun exposure. Some eye products are also to blame, such as potent eye makeup removers or eye makeup itself. False eyelashes, eyelash extensions and eyelash curlers also increase the risk of your eyelashes falling out or becoming brittle. Using an eyelash curler more than twice a day is asking for trouble.
Growth
Just as the hair on your head grows at a regular pace, so do your eyelashes. The eyelashes just grow more slowly. When eyelashes become brittle, damaged or fall out, it sometimes takes as long as nine months for new ones to grow, CBS Business Network explains. The growth will be even slower if your eyelashes are continuously exposed to the conditions that made them brittle in the first place.
Treatments/Solutions
A number of products work to make your eyelashes healthier overall, and those that hydrate your eyelashes are ideal for brittle lashes, according to CBS Business Network. Keep your lashes strong with mascaras that include keratin or panthenol, two hydrating ingredients. Another option is an eyelash fortifier, which often comes in a gel enhanced with vitamins or even ingredients derived from silk. Fortifiers work by themselves or beneath other eye makeup to both protect and condition your eyelashes. Discard any eye makeup and products that are more than four months old, Beauty and the Bath says.
Home Remedies
Castor oil is an eyelash enhancer favored in Italy, Women Fitness reports, while Love to Know recommends olive oil. The oils condition the lashes, promote growth and prevent breakage. Carefully massage a dab of oil onto your closed eyelids and lashes in the evening and leave it on overnight. Gently rinse it off in the morning. Emu oil and Vaseline are two other home remedies to try, according to Love to Know.
Considerations
A few other tactics can result in healthier eyelashes, Beauty and the Bath reports. These include keeping your body hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water each day and eating a balanced diet. Cholesterol has negative effects on your lashes as well as your overall health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep and reducing stress also lead to healthier lashes.
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