Does crying make your eyelashes longer or is it just an old wives tale?
Crying has always been associated with sadness and emotional distress, but there are some women that swear that a good cry-fest will result in longer eyelashes. It kind of seems true– have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror while crying, or even more oddly, taken a selfie of yourself? Besides the sad face and snot running down your nose, your eyes and eyelashes look great!
Is eyelash growth caused by crying the cheapest beauty hack, or is it just a beauty myth or even worse– harmful?
Does Crying Make Your Eyelashes Longer
The answer is, no! Crying does not make your eyelashes longer. Your tears contain a natural lubricant called mucin that coats and moisturizes the eyes, preventing them from drying out. This can give off the effect of thicker, longer lashes.
The lysozyme enzyme in your tears is a natural antibacterial which flushes out any dirt, debris, or makeup residue that may be clogging the hair follicles. This may also give off the appearances of longer, more defined eyelashes.
Crying may make your eyelashes look longer but crying too much can actually have a negative effect. Too many tears passing through your lashes can cause them to fall out, as well as rubbing and wiping away tears. So if you need to have a good cry–go for it, but not as a way to help your eyelashes grow.
10 Natural Ways to Make Your Eyelashes Grow
While there is no evidence that crying helps your eyelashes, there are other ways to promote longer lashes without shedding tears. Here are some natural remedies that you can try at home to make your eyelashes grow longer:
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a popular ingredient in many lash growth serums and treatments. It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which nourish the hair follicles and stimulate lash growth. Apply a small amount of castor oil to your lashes before bed and let it work its magic overnight.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another natural ingredient that’s great for promoting lash growth. It’s high in lauric acid, which penetrates the hair shaft and prevents breakage. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your lashes and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off.
3. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the lashes from damage and promote growth. It is known to have antioxidant properties that can help protect hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Apply a small amount of vitamin E oil to your lashes before bed and let it work its magic overnight.
4. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, which can help your body naturally stimulate lash growth. Steep a green tea bag in hot water and let it cool down. Then, apply the tea bag to your lashes for 15-20 minutes.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer and contains enzymes that can help promote lash growth. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your lashes using a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
6. Egg Whites
Egg whites are high in protein, which can help promote lash growth. They also contain keratin, an essential ingredient in healthier, stronger hair. Beat an egg white until frothy, then apply it to your lashes using a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum Jelly is a natural conditioner that can help moisturize and protect the lashes, which can prevent them from becoming brittle and breaking. This can help lashes grow longer as they are less likely to fall out or break prematurely. Apply a small amount to your lashes using a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab before bed and rinse it off in the morning.
8. Biotin
Biotin is a B-vitamin that is essential for healthy hair growth, including lashes. Biotin helps to convert nutrients into energy that is required for hair growth and promotes the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair. You can take biotin supplements or eat biotin-rich foods like eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes.
9. Brush Your Lashes
Brushing your lashes regularly can help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and promote lash growth. It can also help to keep them clean, remove any debris or makeup buildup, and distribute natural oils evenly along the lashes. Use a clean mascara wand or a lash comb to gently brush your lashes for a few minutes each day.
10. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Harsh chemicals found in some makeup and skincare products can damage your lashes and slow down their growth. Avoid products with harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and fragrances, and opt for natural, gentle products instead.
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Best Eyelash Growth Products
If you’re looking for faster, intense results, there are a lot of products that are designed to help eye lashes grow thicker and longer ASAP. These are some of our top favs:
Babe Original Babe Lash Enhancing Conditioner
Babe Lash Enhancing Conditioner is designed to help eyelashes grow as well as improve their health. Its formula is full of hydrating and conditioning ingredients that protect against damage from common stressors like heat, eyelash curlers, extensions, and makeup removal.
The formula contains nourishing ingredients such as biotin, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen lashes while promoting growth. It can be applied daily as part of a lash care routine to help lashes look longer, fuller, and more voluminous.
- Ingredients: biotin, peptides, and hyaluronic acid
- Fine-tip applicator for easy, exact application
- Noticeable results in 3-6 weeks
Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil Eyelash Serum
Organic Castor Oil by Sky Organics is a cold-pressed and hexane-free eyelash growth treatment. The oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, which are known to promote healthy hair growth and nourish the lashes. It can also be used to condition the eyebrows and promote thicker, fuller brows.
- No harsh ingredients
- 10 applicators included
- Oil from small farms in India
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
GrandeLASH-MD by Grande Cosmetics is a highly effective eyelash growth serum that is designed to promote longer, thicker, and fuller-looking lashes. The formula contains a blend of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids that work together to strengthen lashes and promote growth.
- Results in 4-6 weeks
- Includes animo acids, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Cruelty free
fLASH Eyelash Serum
Flash Eyelash Serum is a fast-acting serum made to enhance the appearance of eyelashes by promoting growth and thickness. The formula contains a blend of natural ingredients, including peptides and plant extracts, which work together to nourish and strengthen lashes.
- Physician developed
- Safe for sensitive eyes
- Results as soon as 2-4 weeks
Premium Eyelash Serum by VieBeauti
VieBeauti Premium Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer is formulated to promote the growth and thickness of lashes and brows. The formula contains natural ingredients, such as peptides and vitamins, which work to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles. Great for thin, sparse, and brittle eyelashes.
- Rich in powerful nutrients and amino acids
- Results in 3-5 weeks
- Gentle, botanic formula safe for sensitive eyes
Mosole Premium Eyelash Boost Serum
Another favorite for online shoppers, Mosole Premium Eyelash Boost Serum, is a gentle serum that will help encourage growth as well as boost the strength and length of eyelashes. Made with all natural, botanical plants, this serum is gentle for all skin types, as well as vegan and cruelty free.
- Results in 3-5 weeks
- 2-in-1 eyelash and eyebrow solution
- 6-7 months supply with one bottle
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