Lash extensions are cute…until they start falling out like your patience on a Monday morning. Sure, they give instant glam, but they can also damage your natural lashes over time. What if I told you your real lashes could grow just as long—with the right care? Yep.
Instead of relying on artificial fluff, focus on nourishing your own lashes from the root. Natural growth = less maintenance, fewer salon visits, and that satisfying “these are actually mine” flex. It’s all about strengthening the follicles, staying consistent with your routine, and letting your body do its thing.
So today, I’ll be sharing the lash growth tricks that gave me noticeably fuller lashes in just a few weeks (no extensions, no falsies, no magic wand required).
1. Lash Serums Actually Work (If You’re Consistent)
A good lash serum can make a huge difference—but only if you stick with it. These formulas are designed to nourish the follicle, extend the growth phase, and reduce fallout. I started seeing a difference around week 4: fewer lashes on my makeup wipe and a fluffier-looking lash line by week 6.
These serums contain peptides and prostaglandin analogs that can significantly enhance eyelash length and thickness.
My favs:
- RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner (derm-tested, ophthalmologist-developed)
- The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum (budget-friendly + gentle)
- GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum (cult favorite for a reason)
How to use:
- Apply once nightly to clean, dry skin along the upper lash line (like eyeliner).
- Avoid getting it into your eyes—more isn’t more here.
- Be consistent. Like skincare, this only works if you actually use it.
2. Try Castor Oil (Yes, the Internet Was Right)
This old-school hack still holds up. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has been linked to hair growth support. It won’t give you false-lash drama overnight, but over time, it can help condition the lash line and strengthen the lashes you already have.
I swapped my nightly eye cream for castor oil three times a week and noticed less lash shedding within the first month. They also felt softer and looked darker, like a subtle natural tint.
Favorites:
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil (cold-pressed and unrefined)
- Briogeo B. Well Organic Castor Oil (clean beauty option)
How to use:
- Use a clean spoolie or eyeliner brush to apply a tiny amount to your lash line before bed.
- Do a patch test first—it’s natural, but still potent.
- Don’t overdo it; too much can clog follicles or irritate your eyes.
3. Clean Lash Hygiene = Better Growth
Here’s what no one talks about: leftover mascara and grime around your lashes can literally clog the follicle and stunt growth. Not to mention rubbing or scrubbing off your makeup every night? That’s lash breakage waiting to happen.
Once I upgraded my makeup removal routine, I noticed my lashes looked less brittle and sparse. No more tiny black smudges on my pillowcase—and fewer lashes on the pad.
What to use:
- Micellar water (like Bioderma Sensibio H2O) for gentle, no-rub removal
- Reusable cotton pads to avoid tugging
- Lash-specific cleansers (yes, those exist—like Lashify’s Pre Cleanse)
How to use:
- Soak your pad in micellar water, press gently on the lashes for 10–15 seconds, then wipe away.
- Be patient—melting mascara takes a minute.
- Never sleep in eye makeup. Ever.
4. Consider a Lash-Friendly Supplement
Lash health starts at the follicle, and follicles need nutrients. Biotin is the buzzy one, but it’s really about the full B-complex and supportive ingredients like collagen, zinc, and silica.
One supplement that I love is the Nutrafol Women’s Balance. After two months taking it, I didn’t just see lash improvement—my brows and baby hairs started filling in too. It’s a longer-term game, but if your lashes are thinning or brittle, this could be your foundation step.
Supplements to try:
- Nutrafol Women’s Balance (targets hair growth systemically)
- Hum Nutrition’s Hair Sweet Hair Gummies (easy, tasty, effective)
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (for skin + hair support)
How to use:
- Follow dosage instructions (usually once daily, with food).
- Be consistent for at least 3 months—growth cycles take time.
- Pair with a healthy diet and plenty of water for best results.
5. Ditch Waterproof Mascara (At Least Most Days)
Waterproof mascara is great for weddings and sweaty days, but daily use? Not so much. It’s notoriously difficult to remove, and the tugging required to take it off can break or weaken your lashes.
When I made the switch from waterproof to a tubing mascara, I realized how much less lash fallout I had at night. Plus, no more waking up with that impossible-to-remove ring under the eyes.
What to use instead:
- Tubing mascaras like Blinc or Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions
- Clean, lash-conditioning formulas like Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
- Clear mascara on no-makeup days to give shape without stiffness
How to use:
- Save waterproof formulas for when you really need them.
- Always remove mascara thoroughly and gently, even tubing types.
- Give your lashes mascara-free days to breathe.
6. Lash Curlers: Use, But Use Correctly
Curling your lashes can give an instant lift, but if you’re clamping down with a rusty old tool every day? You could be sabotaging your lash growth goals.
Once I stopped over-clamping (guilty), my lashes looked healthier, less bent, and—over time—actually longer because I wasn’t breaking them off with bad habits.
What to use:
- Shiseido Eyelash Curler (fits most eye shapes + gets the base)
- Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler (lightweight, precise)
- Optional: Heated lash curler for gentler, longer-lasting lift
How to use:
- Always curl lashes before mascara.
- Hold for 5–8 seconds, gently—not like a hole puncher.
- Clean curler pads weekly and replace them every few months.
TLDR: Your Lash Growth Recap
Let’s bring it all together. Here’s your easy-to-follow eyelash growth routine, minus the guesswork:
- Apply a lash serum nightly—look for peptides and be patient.
- Use castor oil a few nights a week for softness and strength.
- Upgrade your cleansing routine to avoid breakage from makeup.
- Support your lashes from within with hair-healthy supplements.
- Switch out waterproof mascara for gentler, tubing formulas.
- Use your lash curler carefully—lift, don’t crimp