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This article was co-authored by Karina Villalta and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.
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Getting fuller, thicker lashes is a goal for many of us. With so many products out there, it can be hard to figure out which ones work and which ones don’t. We’ve compiled a list of a few ways you can hydrate your lash area and prevent breakage for thicker, longer eyelashes. Try using some of these methods in your beauty routine to see results in just a few months.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 10:Use petroleum jelly.
Method 1
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1It will help seal in moisture and hydrate your lashes. Use a clean mascara wand or spoolie to pick up some petroleum jelly, then swipe it on your clean eyelashes before you go to bed. In the morning, simply rinse your eyelashes off with warm water.[1]
- After a month or two, you should be able to see your lashes growing thicker and longer.
- If you’re using a lash serum, don’t add petroleum jelly on top. Petroleum jelly might wipe off your lash serum, so it won’t work as well.
Method 2
Method 2 of 10:Swipe castor oil on your lashes.
Method 2
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1It will soften and hydrate your lashes, leading to more growth. Use a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab to dab the oil onto your lashes. Leave it on overnight, then rinse your lashes with warm water in the morning.[2]
- If you don’t have castor oil, emu oil and olive oil work just as well.
- You’ll probably notice your lashes getting thicker after a few months of nightly use.
- If you’re using a lash serum, don’t put any oils on your lashes. The oils might wash off the serum, which will cause it to be less effective.
Method 3
Method 3 of 10:Brush your lashes to stimulate growth.
Method 3
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1Increased blood flow can lead to longer, thicker lashes. Before you go to bed, grab a clean mascara wand and use it to gently comb through your eyelashes. Try to do this every night for thicker lashes over time.[3]
- Try to brush your lashes for 2 to 3 minutes at a time to see results.
Method 4
Method 4 of 10:Massage your eyelids to keep them hydrated.
Method 4
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1It will also get the blood flowing to your lash area. Wet your hands with cleanser or mild baby shampoo and use 1 finger to slowly massage your eyelid area. Keep massaging in a small, circular motion for around 1 minute, then rinse your eyelids.[4]
- Try doing this every night to stimulate growth and help your eyelashes get thicker over time.
- You can easily incorporate this into your nightly routine after you take off your makeup.
Method 5
Method 5 of 10:Try an over-the-counter lash growth serum.
Method 5
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1They prolong the growth phase of your lashes. Pick out a product that has biotin in it for the best results. You can find a lash serum at most drug stores or beauty supply stores. Simply swipe it on like you would a mascara, then leave it on all day or all night.[5]
- Biotin is a B vitamin that can help your lashes grow longer and thicker.
- Some growth serums come included with your mascara. Look for mascaras that include lash serum as an ingredient for a two in one product.
- You should notice thicker lashes after a couple of months.
Method 6
Method 6 of 10:Get a prescription lash serum from your doctor.
Method 6
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1Bimatoprost can help regrow missing eyelashes. You need a prescription for it, so visit your doctor to talk about your lash situation. Once you have a prescription, you can simply swipe the serum onto your upper eyelid every day. After about 2 months, you should notice your lashes growing thicker and stronger.[6]
- The name brand for bimatoprost is Latisse.
- Common side effects include itchy eyes, red eyes, dry eyes, darkened eyelids, darkened iris, or hair growth around the eyes.
Method 7
Method 7 of 10:Use a mascara primer.
Method 7
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1It helps separate your lashes before you put on mascara. Grab your tube of mascara primer and swipe it onto your clean lashes, then let it dry for a few minutes. After that, you can apply your mascara with fewer clumps and increased volume.[7]
- Look for a mascara primer that has keratin in it to help strengthen your lashes.
Method 8
Method 8 of 10:Take off your eye makeup every night.
Method 8
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1Leaving makeup on can dry out your lashes. Before you go to sleep, use an eye makeup remover to gently swipe off your mascara and eyeshadow. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel to avoid any irritation.[8]
- Soap and water can be a little drying. Try to use an oil-based eye makeup remover to keep your lashes feeling hydrated and healthy.
Method 9
Method 9 of 10:Apply false eyelashes.
Method 9
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1Falsies can give you the appearance of longer, thicker lashes. First, measure the lashes against your lid and trim them to fit. Then, apply a dab of glue to the lash and let it dry until it’s tacky. Press the lashes onto your upper lash line, then hold them down until they’re dry.[9]
- If you use false lashes, make sure you clean them after each wear with a mild cleanser.[10]
Method 10
Method 10 of 10:Get eyelash extensions.
Method 10
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1They’re a semi-permanent way to get thicker lashes. Head to a registered cosmetologist and ask them to apply eyelash extensions. You can pick how full and long you’d like your lashes to look, picking between more natural or more glam. After your first appointment, you’ll have to get your extensions reapplied every 6 weeks or so.[11]
- Eyelash extensions are applied with lash glue, but it’s much stronger than what you can buy in the store.
- Make sure you get your lashes done by a licensed professional to avoid eye irritation.
- Lash extensions won’t harm your natural lashes if you get them done by a professional.
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan coconut oil make your eyelashes grow?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistCoconut oil hydrates and protects lashes, which helps maximize their growth. It solidifies at room temperature so it stays on lashes better than most other oils.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionHow can I thicken my eyelashes?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistApplying an oil like olive or coconut to your lashes before bed will help strengthen them. Wearing conditioning mascara can also help plump and lengthen your lashes.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionWhat oil helps your eyelashes grow?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistThere are many oils that are good for lashes, including argan, olive, coconut, and macadamia. Argan and coconut are also good for skin and are less likely to cause breakouts than heavier oils.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan Vaseline make your eyelashes grow?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistVaseline forms a protective coating over your lashes that holds in the natural oils but it can also clog hair follicles, reducing growth. Vaseline is most effective if applied in a light layer over a thin layer of oil.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionWhat makes your eyelashes thicker?
Karina VillaltaKarina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.
Certified EstheticianThe best way to grow thicker lashes is to use a lash growth serum that prolongs the anagen (or growth) phase of the lash hair.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionDoes applying avocado oil help thicken lashes?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, avocado oil will help hydrate your lashes, which can help them grow. Swipe the oil onto a clean mascara wand, then gently brush it into your lashes before you go to bed.Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
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QuestionIs it dangerous if the castor oil gets into your eyes?wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt's not ideal, but it won't permanently hurt you. If you end up getting castor oil in your eyes, rinse your eyes out with cool water for about 1 minute. It might sting for a little while, but your eyes will be fine.Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.
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QuestionWill trimmings my eyelashes help?
Community AnswerNo, trimming your eyelashes is not a good idea. -
QuestionHow much time will it take to grow my lashes if I do all the above activities?
Cecilia FloresTop AnswererI would say it takes a good month or two to really see results. Growing lashes takes time! -
QuestionHow do I make my hair longer?
Community AnswerUse coconut oil, avoid excessive brushing, and use the inversion method (flip head upside down and gently massage for 4 - 5 minutes).
Warnings
- While taking biotin supplements is sometimes recommended for thicker lashes, there is no scientific evidence to support it.[12]Thanks!
References
- ↑ https://hair.lovetoknow.com/Eyelash_Growth
- ↑ https://hair.lovetoknow.com/Eyelash_Growth
- ↑ https://www.moderneast.com/beauty/tips-tricks/grow-lashes-naturally-219196.html
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g2338/eyelashes-falling-out/
- ↑ Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 11 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/latisse/faq-20058367
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/eyelash-primer-mascara-beauty-hack-2016-11
- ↑ Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 11 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=415&v=OcTw2b0Ho-8&feature=youtu.be
- ↑ Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 11 August 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036812/
- ↑ https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
About This Article
Certified Esthetician
This article was co-authored by Karina Villalta and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines. This article has been viewed 207,639 times.
Co-authors: 21
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 207,639
Categories: Featured Articles | Eyelashes
Article SummaryX
To get thicker lashes, try applying petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or olive oil to the base of your lashes using a cotton swab before you go to bed, which can strengthen your lashes and stimulate growth. You can also mix castor oil and Vitamin E oil and apply it to your lashes with a cotton swab every night. Also, try beating 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of glycerin, applying the mixture to your lashes with a cotton swab, and leaving it on for 15 minutes to get longer, healthier lashes. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, like how to use makeup to make your lashes look thicker, read on!
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