As we age, many of us start noticing a frustrating beauty change: eyelash thinning. These tiny hairs do more than add flutter — they protect our eyes and make us look more awake. But hormonal shifts, especially after 40 or during menopause, can cause lashes to fall out, grow slower, or appear sparse. 

Why Eyelashes Thin with Age

• Eyelash growth slows as estrogen declines.

• Hair follicles shrink or stop producing hair.

• Natural oils reduce, causing dryness and breakage.

• Aging lashes may fall out more easily or grow unevenly.

But don’t panic — eyelash thinning is common and can often be reversed or slowed down with consistent care and the right products. There are multiple ways to stimulate eyelash growth naturally and regain fuller lashes, without resorting to heavy extensions or glue. 

Natural vs Extensions? The People Have Spoken

In a recent poll I ran, 76% of my readers said they prefer natural lashes over extensions — a clear sign that many of us are leaning toward hassle-free beauty and healthy lash growth over glue-on solutions.

LASH FACT 101: TINY HAIRS THAT BEAUTIFY AND PROTECT

Eyelashes may be tiny (most of us have 100–150 per upper lid and half of them in the lower eyelashes), but they:

• Shield eyes from dust and debris
  

• Help regulate airflow to the eyes

• Enhance our natural beauty, especially long thick lashes have always been a sign of beauty!

Yes, even babies have lashes in the womb by week 22–26 of gestation — which is why they’re born with such fluttery ones!

(Photo by Daniel Hooper on Unsplash)

THINNING EYELASHES IS PART OF AGING PROCESS

Unfortunately, as we age, the numbers dwindle. As the defence weakens, the beauty lessens.

If you look into your photos from 20 years ago, you’d probably realise you don’t have the same length and fullness they once did. Don’t worry, in most cases, there’s no reason for alarm. It’s just a (sad) part of aging.

Furthermore, during and after menopause, diffuse hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes is common, as the loss of estrogen stunts hair growth and can actually cause the destruction of hair follicles, leading to thinner, wispier hairs and lashes.

IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO SAVE THE LASHES?

Plenty. 
But there ISN’T one solution that fits all or one that works well solo.

I’ve listed here a myriad of solutions here ranging from temporal to permanent; instant to long-term; topical application to oral consumption. You can combine them to have the most optimal solution for yourself.

✩ And remember, the overarching and most important rule-of-thumb is --- good habits, good lash health.

7 Proven Ways to Combat Thinning Eyelashes

Solutions that are #temporal #instant

1) Mascara.

Choose the formula that fits your needs, be it lash extending and/or thickening. With the following pointers in mind:

• Apply it sparingly as the weight of heavy mascara applications puts stress on your eyelashes.
• Use water-resistant mascara (not to be confused with waterproof mascara), as this is easier to remove.
• Always use hypoallergenic formula. If you notice your lashes thinning right after you try a new product, stop using it immediately as you are likely allergic to it.
• Be sure to replace your mascara every three to six months to avoid infection.
• Remove your mascara before you go to sleep. The stiffness from the mascara can break lashes.
• Use a gentle makeup remover. Pat or dab at your lids — don’t rub or pull.
• Never lay the bare mascara wand down on a countertop or table, since it can become contaminated through this process.
• Never share mascara or eye makeup with anyone, and don’t use “testers” at cosmetic counters unless they include single-use applicators.
• Use eyelash curlers sparingly and gently. When using a lash curler, n-e-v-e-r pull on your eyelids.

2) False eyelashes. Magnetic eyelashes.

• Magnetic options are gentler, but still add weight
  

• Avoid daily use to prevent traction damage

• Choose lightweight, reusable types if you must

Solutions that are #permanent #long-term 

3) Lash Growth Serum (Long-Term & Essential)

Lash serums are the foundation of lash regrowth after 40. They:

• Nourish hair follicles

• Prevent breakage

• Help fill in bald spots

• Enhance lash shine, length, and volume

Lash serums feed our lashes with the vitamins they need for the lashes to grow healthily. As our lashes are made up of 10% water and 90% proteins, enhancing these essential components help to keep them strong and long. They boost the lashes with vitamins that protect them from external aggressors, condition and add shine. The lash serums also condition and strengthen lashes so they are less likely to break or fall out. They are most wonderful in fixing bald spots in eyelashes too, as discussed here.

Each serum will have its own usage directions, but I generally recommend once a day application – either in the morning or just before bed. Adding a lash serum into my skincare regime takes no more than a 10sec a day. It’s an easy step that you should consider to reap the long term benefits. After around 12 weeks you should see a marked difference to your lashes.

Avoid lash serums with prostaglandins, which may darken the iris or cause side effects.

My pick? Cangro Eyelash Enhancing Serum — a prostaglandin-free formula packed with vitamins and peptides. It supports natural lash growth without the risks. I’ll be doing a full review soon, but in short: gentle, safe, and effective.

I will be sharing in the next blog about how lash serum works in tandem with our lash growth cycle and the 3 major categories of lash serums available – prescription, over-the-counter or DIY.

4) Eyelash transplants.

A surgical option where scalp hair is transplanted to the eyelids — usually for medical or trauma-related hair loss. Not typically necessary unless all else fails.

5) Nourish Your Lashes from Within (Nutrition Counts)

Include these in your diet:

• Protein: eggs, fish, chicken, tofu

• Biotin: beetroot, almonds, eggs, milk

• Iron & Vitamins (A, B, C, E): leafy greens, berries, citrus, seeds

Lashes are often the last to benefit from nutrition, so eating well consistently is key.

Good sources of proteins are beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, feta cheese, grains, seeds and nuts.

Biotin (aka vitamin B7) promotes cell growth and metabolism that helps in hair, nails and eyelashes growth and prevents brittle, fragile hair.

Find your natural biotin in:

• Vegetable: beetroot (most amount of biotin!), carrots, onions, cucumbers and cauliflower.
• Nuts: almonds and walnuts
• Fruits: strawberries and raspberries.
• Fish: Halibut (hokkien calls them “ngor her 午鱼”)
• Milk: goat’s and cow’s milk
• Chicken eggs

Solutions that are #good habits for good lash health

6) Practice Lash-Safe Habits 

• Avoid rubbing your eyes

• Don’t tug at lashes when thinking or tired

• Be gentle when removing makeup

• Avoid aggressive lash curling

7) Wipe/ blot excess eye drops or tears.

Failure to do so might cause excess bacteria to accumulate in the eyelids, leading to Blepharitis. Blepharitis causes crusty eyelids and itchy and red eyes and can cause eyelashes to either fall out or to grow abnormally.

And, clean lash line regularly with gentle micellar water

Final Thoughts: Fuller Lashes, Naturally

Age-related lash thinning is normal, but it doesn’t mean you can’t restore your lash health. A combination of good habits, proper nutrition, and the right products can do wonders.

As an advocate for “natural beauty”, I adopt the #permanent #long-term #good habits good lash health solutions (except lash transplant).

My personal favorite? Cangro Eyelash Enhancing Serum. it’s gentle, hormone-free, and fits seamlessly into a simple 10-second nightly routine. If you’re looking to grow longer, stronger lashes naturally, start here.

  

A word of caution:

You would need to seek medical advice is you notice a sudden and rapid thinning of eyelashes. As this could signal health related issues like eyelid infections, thyroid problems and autoimmune disorders.

References:

Do Eyelashes Thin as You Get Older?

 

Your Eyelashes as You Age