If you want the impact of long, wispy lashes without the upkeep of extensions or irritation of some chemical-ridden growth serums, then it’s time to assess your options.
While at-home natural remedies might not deliver overnight results or offer the same instantaneous va-va-voom as a strip of falsies, these gentle, deeply nourishing at-home alternatives do hold their own when it comes to keeping our lashes strong, soft and in abundance.
From conditioning oils to diet tweaks, here are the seven all-natural hacks for ensuring fuller, stronger lashes.
1. Coconut oil
Doubling as an effective remover for stubborn eye makeup, coconut oil also acts as a natural and non-irritating method for keeping hair follicles strong and intensely hydrated.
bh loves: Bioglan Organic Coconut Oil ($6.49 at Chemist Warehouse)
2. Olive oil
Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients, olive oil acts as an effective, all-natural source for the growth, strength and softening of lashes. To avoid the olive oil from streaming down your face, dip a disposable mascara brush into the oil, dab off the excess, and then lightly coat your lashes as you would a mascara.
3. Castor oil
Scan the ingredients list of most off-the-shelf eyelash growth serums and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t contain castor oil. And while there’s little scientific evidence backing up the claims of growth stimulation, the moisturising qualities of castor oil still offer effective benefits in the prevention of lash breakage.
As castor oil doubles as a natural laxative, this is the one lash treatment you don’t want to accidentally stream into your mouth. So to avoid any unexpected trips to the bathroom, we recommend dabbing a cotton ball into a small amount of castor oil and carefully applying it across your lash line.
4. Green tea
Green tea is no stranger to beauty must-have lists. The powerful antioxidant heralds a wealth of skin-soothing and acne-fighting benefits. And now, thanks to the abundance of flavonoids, green tea can add lash strengthener and growth-stimulator to the list.
So brew yourself two cups, one to sip on and one for your lashes. Allow the tea to cool, soak a cotton ball and apply to your lashes, washing off after four to five minutes. Repeat daily.
5. Comb lashes
To promote the healthy growth of voluminous, curled lashes, practise regular grooming and comb with a clean mascara wand twice daily.
6. Diet
Maintaining a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B and vitamin D is an essential way to feed hair follicles, reduce hair loss and stimulate the production of collagen; all of which play an important role in the growth and strengthening of our lashes. Leafy greens, salmon, nuts and eggs are all potent sources of the nutrients required to reap the beauty benefits from within.
7. Removing your makeup
While this is less of a remedy and more of a rule to prevent breakage, thorough and gentle removal of eye makeup each night is essential in preserving the health of your lashes.
Have you ever tried any of these natural lash enhancing methods? Which is your favourite?
Have used lash growth treatments and still use them but haven’t tried anything natural.
I have heard that castor oil works well but ive not tried it.
I do struggle to get all my mascara off sometimes and have wondered what that might be doing to my lashes.
Coconut oil and a good diet. I think they help.
I hate coconut oil in any form – the smell gets to me for a start but the idea of the oils isn’t for me. This is “please wave a magic wand” territory for me but that isn’t likely to happen.
I’ve recently started using L’Oréal Lash Serum & it seems to be working (it’s only been 9 days). It contains castor oil. I might try the plain castor oil when the serum runs out.
So many benefits for green tea
Great tips – keen to try some to see if I can grow my very short lashes!
Mine could sure do with some help. Must give something a try.
I’ve used lash serums before but they didn’t help
That’s a pity. Hopefully something in this article will help you and me.
Rapidlash was something that I noticed a difference with – but I’m not sure if that’s got anything natural in it!?!
I’ve been eating super unhealthy and now other extreme, optimally. All the time my lashes are just the same. Oils do not work, just clog my follicles and make eyes teary (coconut one can’t go near my face). So I have tried lash serums, one did allow lashes to get longer before falling out, so they look better.
keep looking. The right product is out there for you Yohanna. Diet probably does have a big impact.
I’ve never tried any of these and I don’t know if I would have the patience to apply oils to my lashes on a regular basis
My lashes have always been long fortunately.
I don’t mess with my lashes. Too close to my eyes. The most I do is wear mascara.
I need to get some coconut oil for my baby’s cradle cap!
It does help.
I have reasonably long lashes – it’s just that they’re so fair I can hardly see them – so thankfully I don’t have to mess about with applying oils etc. to make them grow.
I’m with you. I don’t have the patience.
I worry about that too Meedee, especially with Waterproof Mascara.
All that wiping/washing/rubbing can’t be good for eyelashes.
Great tips!
I found Bio Oil made my lashes grow.
I never deliberately put it on my lashes, just on my face/eye area and after a month or so I noticed I had grown more eyelashes (my eyebrows also grew alot).
My lashes need some help after lash extensions. Time for me to get out the olive oil and coconut oil.
There used to be a great eye makeup remover from Avon but now I struggle to find one that removes all the mascara.
I really do need some help in this department. Will try some oil.
I have used lash serums very briefly but could never stick to it.
I’m the same but consistency is the key…. Oh well
This is not something I worry about. I’ll just stick to mascara.
Interesting that these are for use ON the lashes as well as to be eateb
Have started using the Maybelline Lash Serum it is really good and I have noticed an improvement in my eyelashes.
These Eyelash Serums also good for using on your eyebrows as well.
I did try a lash serum years ago and it was fantastic. Only problem is, I can’t remember which one it was. I’d certainly consider trying one of the oils, as long as they don’t get in your eyes.
As a teenager it was thought that Vasoline petroleum jelly applied to your lashes made them longer. I am sure this was a myth.
I have a jar of castor oil so might give it a try – it’s very thick though – not sure a cotton ball will work well. I thought about using an old mascara spoolie and tube but I was not able to work out how to truly clean it.
I haven’t tried any of these, I think I will stick to mascara. Less hassle.
Some interesting ones to try out…
I love green tea with honey.
castor oil is the best
A good diet is so good in so many way s
I don’t need longer lashes (mine already hit my glasses, leaving constant streaks which drives me nuts) but this is good to know.
I’ve heard of olive oil but I forget to do it half the time, I’d love to have longer & fuller lashes
I am lucky. I don’t have any problem with my lashes.
Neither do I!
I’d love fuller lashes but there’s no way I’d remember to do any of these things with any consistency.
I use caster oil but i find in the morning my eyes are blurry and irritated
That doesn’t sound good. Be careful with your eyesight.
interesting article. A lot of these ingredients can be found in your pantry or supermarket which is good
Easily obtainable and natural. Win Win
I use the castor oil, I don’t feel like it has worked
If you are lucky like the boys in my family you will get full thick lashes. Mine are long but not full like my son and brother.
Castor oil is great, but it’s so sticky!!
I know Castor oil is recommended but I don’t like the idea of putting it near my eyes.
I need to start using these remedies, I am the only one in my family without gorgeous long & thick eyelashes 🙁
I must admid that my eyelashes need help. Have tried have them tinted but didn’t help much.
Long gorgeous and thick eyelashes are so good and always my your eyes look terrific
Diet plays a huge part!
I might try this as I have such short lashes
I dont like mascaras or fake lashes, extensions etc. I am for a natural look . So i tried Derma lMD eyelash serum. I am impressed as it works in less then a week i noticed my eyelashes got longer. I recommend this product with no hesitation!
Wow. That’s the news I wanted to hear. Thanks Jazzmelhem14 sounds like Derma IMD eyelash serum is worth a try. Less than a week for results is amazing. Thank you for the heads up.
Some great natural ideas here
I was using castor oil, but didn’t find it helpful, but I will try it again with regular brushing.