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Like the hair on your head, eyelashes follow a growth rate pattern. If your eyelashes fall out or are damaged by mascara, plucking or dyeing, you have to wait for them to regrow. While the length and health of your eyelashes is determined by genetics, there are certain natural ways to make your eyelashes grow.

Vitamin H (Biotin)

Vitamin H (Biotin) promotes faster hair growth and helps strengthen hair. Vitamin H is a B-complex vitamin that is found in numerous cosmetic products, as well as certain foods. This water-soluble vitamin is found in sardines, pecans, almonds, brewer’s yeast, bananas and whole grains. Additionally, it can be found in egg yolk; however, raw egg whites contain Avidin, a protein that prohibits vitamin H absorption.

Antioxidants

Vitamins C and E, two antioxidant vitamins, are important for normal hair growth and development. Without vitamin C, your hair can become dry and split. Additionally, vitamin C can block damage to hair from free radicals so it stays healthier and it helps healing and repair. Vitamin E increases scalp circulation for a healthy scalp. These vitamins are found in citrus fruits, avocados and leafy green vegetables.

Olive Oil

Dab a small amount of olive or castor oil on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes every night to encourage longer, thicker lashes. You should start to see signs of new hair growth after a month or two. The new hair growth will be healthier and stronger than previous hair growth. If nothing else, olive oil acts as a conditioner to improve the health of your eyelashes.

Emu Oil

Emu oil conditions eyelashes and stimulates longer, thicker lash growth. Use a cotton ball or Q-tip to dab a small amount of the oil onto your eyelashes to condition the hair and stimulate new hair growth.

Vaseline

This alternative treatment works in much the same way as olive oil and castor oil. Dab a bit of it on the base of your eyelashes each night before going to bed. You can wash it off after 15 minutes if you prefer. You may see new hair growth after a few weeks.

Diet

Eating a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins helps eyelash hair grow. Good foods to help your eyelashes grow include fish, eggs, beans and yogurt. Soy protein is also beneficial for simulating eyelash growth.