5 Ways to Naturally Grow Thicker, Darker and Longer Lashes

We've tried just about everything to grow our lashes, from gooey castor oil drops to hot/cold packs and lash massage. And while we loved the instant gratification of lash extensions, the biweekly maintenance soon became intolerable. So, we turned to the clean beauty industry for safe and effective ways to grow longer eyelashes. Keep scrolling for 5 ways to naturally grow thicker, darker, and longer lashes. 

1. Cleanse Regularly and Be Gentle with Makeup Application and Removal

Properly cleansing the eye area is essential for maintaining the health of your eyelashes. Dermatologists recommend using a gentle makeup remover to ensure that the delicate skin around the eyes stays free from residue and debris. Regular cleansing can also help prevent clogged follicles, which can impede healthy lash growth. Dermatologists advise being gentle when applying and removing mascara and eyeliner to minimize the risk of weakening the lashes. Excessive rubbing and tugging on the eyelashes can lead to damage and breakage. Opt for lightweight, nourishing mascaras that do not weigh down the lashes or cause clumping, and use a gentle makeup remover to dissolve and lift off makeup without causing undue stress on the lashes.

2. Embrace a Nutrient-Rich Diet

What we eat can significantly impact the health and growth of our hair, including our lashes. Dermatologists emphasize the importance of consuming a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Foods such as salmon, eggs, nuts, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and vitamin E, all of which support healthy lash growth.
GK ProTip: a green tea compress has been shown to support lash growth. Its panthenol and caffeine content helps to soothe eyelids, hydrate lashes, and stimulate hair growth. To test it out for yourself, gently apply green tea (once cooled!) to lashes using an organic cotton round.

3. Use a Lash-Boosting Serum

We know the lash-growth industry can be pretty overwhelming, so we did the vetting for you! Not all lash growth serums are created equal, and because we are so picky about ingredients when selecting formulas, only a few passed the GK test (no hormones or prostaglandins commonly found in conventional lash serums here!). Let us tell you how powerful 100% natural ingredients can be. 

The Plume Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum (yes, you read that right - overplucked in the 90s? This will help!), uses plant-based actives to lengthen the lash growth cycle, increasing the overall length of hairs, and targets keratin production to boost hydration for soft and fluffy lashes. This all-natural growth serum earns gold stars for its Coleus Forskohlii Root Oil, which increases the melanin in the hair follicles, meaning darker, more noticeable lashes! Depending on your eyelash growth cycle, you'll see noticeable results within 60-90 days. 

The Fitglow Beauty Night Lash + Brow Serum has an alternative ingredient lineup, using peptides, lupine protein, grape cell extract, and Horsetail plant extract to lengthen and thicken lashes while stimulating intense growth and increasing the strength of the lash. The oxygen component in the silica from the Horsetail extract improves blood circulation at the root of the hair follicle, rejuvenating eyelash growth naturally with long-lasting results (which is why Fitglow included Horsetail in their bestselling mascaras, in 3 tints, no less). This product sees results in just 8 weeks!

4. Practice Patience and Consistency

Achieving natural lash growth takes time (you've got this!). It's a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Dermatologists stress the importance of committing to a consistent routine when using lash-enhancing products, as results typically become noticeable over months. Once you've reached your luscious lash goals, maintenance serum use is suggested. Applying your lash serum a few times a week will ensure your eyelashes still get the nutrients they need to grow long and full.  

5. Add Some Tint 

While waiting for your growth serum to take effect, fake it 'til you make it! Nothing flitters and flutters the lashes quite like a good coat of clean mascara. Lengthening, volumizing, defining, curling, bold, dramatic, fluttery and shiny - we want it all from our mascara. And we want it without jeopardizing our eye health and that prickly, watering, stinging, itchy side effect of some conventional mascaras. Fortunately, clean beauty has caught up, and there is an expansive selection of high-performance mascaras without the chemical load. Play with tints and formulas to find your new favourite serum-infused mascara. Canadian makeup brand TOK Beauty includes Horsetail in their mascaras to work double-time to visibly lengthen and nourish lashes. A very, (very!) gentle lash curler is safe to use while incorporating a lash serum, but stay away from lash adhesives - the glue could actually be causing long-term damage to your lashes. 

Our Takeaway

Achieving thicker, darker and longer eyelashes involves a multifaceted approach that prioritizes gentle care, proper nourishment, and mindful product usage. By following these derm-approved tips, you'll support the natural growth of your lashes for the long run. If you have questions about natural lash growth, lash tints, and enhancements, contact your knowledgeable Green Kiss Educator.

All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.