Much like any hair on the body, your eyelashes go through a growth cycle. This cycle is made up of three clear phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. The length of time that a single lash remains in one of these phases varies from person to person, but you can expect the hair to go through all three before it eventually falls out.
Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is the active phase of your eyelashes. It's the only stage where you actually experience the growth of hair. During this period of time, cellular division builds the shaft of the hair. As more and more cells are added to the base of the shaft, the lash grows out of the lid. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this is the phase that is currently taking place with most of the hair on your body, including the eyelashes.
Catagen Phase
After the anagen phase is completed, the lash moves directly into the catagen phase. This is considered the stage of transition. It marks the end of hair growth for the eyelash as the follicle moves into the resting phase. This is the shortest of all stages of hair growth, and the least amount of hair on the body is in this phase at one time.
Telogen Phase
The telogen phase is essentially the last stage of the hair. It is during this period of time where both the hair and the follicle are at rest. You shouldn't experience any new lash growth while the hair is in this phase. It isn't until the follicle moves back into the anagen phase that you'll shed the old lash, which is then replaced by an actively growing hair.
Time Frame
While the period of time in which a single lash is in a given phase varies from one person to the next, you can expect an average for each phase. Eyelashes typically remain in the anagen phase for anywhere between 30 and 45 days. From there, they quickly move through the catagen phase into the telogen phase and are shed soon after.
Function
Eyelashes serve one very distinct purpose. They are there to protect your eyes. Their highly sensitive nature warns the body of any nearby objects that may cause damage to the eye, prompting the instinctive response to close the lid. But eyelashes don't merely guard the eyes from airborne debris and particles; they also help to shield the eyes from the sun. They act almost as a visor to keep the eyes from being damaged by UV rays.
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