What It Really Means When Your Eyelashes Fall Out

There's nothing more frustrating than taking off your makeup only to see multiple lashes on the pad. Your eyelashes can feel so brittle and fragile when you're constantly adding products to them, but if you're noticing more eyelash loss than usual, it may point to another issue. Byrdie notes that we lose an average of four eyelashes per day, so dropping a few hairs is certainly normal. However, feeling sparse along your lash line can be a tough pill to swallow.

Byrdie explains that beyond just causing wear and tear, mascara may lead to the slow decline of your lashes by way of allergies. If your skin reacts poorly with some of the chemicals used in your favorite mascara, it can be a recipe for lash loss. Causing itchy, swollen or watery eyes, these allergens can wreak havoc on your otherwise-healthy skin in this area. Byrdie suggests stopping the use of mascara if you're noticing these issues and giving your lashes a break from makeup for a few days. Then opt for a sensitive-skin-friendly option to add to your purse after your skin feels better.

On top of your mascara, your lash curler likely isn't doing you any favors here either. Adding increased tension to your strands can make them more susceptible to breakage, Byrdie notes. Plus, if you haven't cleaned yours in a while, the buildup of bacteria may damage your lashes since they can become sticky and pull on the delicate area.

Beyond your beauty routine, the culprit for your lash loss may stem from health issues. Good Housekeeping notes that issues with your thyroid can drastically impact various biological processes, including hair growth and loss. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism include eyelash thinning on their lists of symptoms, the outlet reports. These may coincide with temperature regulation issues, hair loss, appetite shifts, and other hormone-related problems. Speak with your healthcare professional for an official diagnosis.

Blepharitis can also be a noticeable issue that affects your lashline, but you'll likely know that you have it. Red, itchy eyes characterize this condition that stem from chronic inflammation of the oil glands, Good Housekeeping explains. Not exactly an ideal environment for lash growth, those suffering from this condition generally struggle to grow long, healthy stems on top of the intense discomfort. An eye doctor will prescribe medicine to aid in getting this issue under control.

Excessive rubbing of your eyes, alopecia and other inflammatory issues can all contribute to your sparse-looking lashes as well. Practice high-quality lash hygiene, such as hot compresses to combat any inflamed areas, and remove your makeup and other topical treatments every night before you sleep, Good Housekeeping recommends.