How to Make Your Eyelashes Grow Longer at Home: 11 Tips

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Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist Zin Lwin explains which methods work to grow your lashes

Co-authored by Sophie Burkholder, BA Reviewed by Zin Lwin

Last Updated: March 1, 2026 Fact Checked

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• 11 Ways to Grow Lashes
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• Making Lashes Appear Longer
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• Why aren’t my eyelashes growing?
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• Can Vaseline make your eyelashes grow?
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A

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Long, upturned eyelashes not only make your eyes look bigger, but they’re also a characteristic associated with youth, beauty, and flirtatious eye-batting! If you want to get big, beautiful, and healthy lashes in a natural and DIY-friendly way, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve interviewed expert beauty specialists and aestheticians to let you in on exactly what makes eyelashes grow and how you can grow longer, thicker, and healthier lashes in just a few simple steps.

Pro Tips to Grow Your Eyelashes

Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist Zin Lwin says lash serums can help grow long, thick lashes. Research the brand, since some contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes. Keep in mind that your lash length and thickness are determined by factors like genetics. Not everyone will see the same results from a lash treatment.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

How to Make Eyelashes Grow

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1. 
   1
   Apply beeswax or a nourishing oil (like castor oil) to your lid line daily. Certain oils and balms can promote lash growth and keep your eyelashes hydrated and healthy. Choose between organic beeswax or an oil like castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or Vitamin E oil. Use a clean mascara wand or cotton swab to gently apply the oil or wax to your upper lash line every night before bed. Wait up to 12 weeks for full results.

   • Castor oil has ricinoleic acid as its active ingredient, which may stimulate prostaglandin E2 (“PGE2”)—a molecule that’s been shown in studies to encourage hair growth.
   • Naturally refined coconut oil moisturizes your lashes, which can help them to avoid breakage and stay hydrated, leading to possible hair and lash growth.
   • Olive oil contains a high percentage of oleuropein, a compound that’s been found to induce anagen hair growth in some studies.
   • Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that deeply conditions your lashes while also protecting the cells from external stressors.
   • Organic beeswax, when responsibly sourced, is full of rich vitamins and antioxidants which will help keep your lashes moisturized and protected.
2. 
   2
   Moisturize your eyelashes daily with a pea-sized amount of aloe vera. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your upper lash line. The aloe will help to hydrate and moisturize the hair follicles, since the substance has a long history of use as a humectant and hair loss aid. While aloe vera hasn’t been shown to directly make lashes grow, it will help to hydrate and strengthen your lashes, which is likely to promote hair growth.
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3. 
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   Apply lash growth serums to your lid line daily. Try an eyelash accelerator or growth serum to “help strengthen your lashes, allowing them to grow longer and stronger,” instructs licensed esthetician Alicia Ramos. Certified esthetician Karina Villalta also agrees that “the best way to grow thicker lashes is to use a lash growth serum,...[which] works by prolonging the anagen, or growth, phase of the lash hair.”

   • Ramos specifically recommends two effective lash serums: GrandeLASH-MD and the LashFood Phyto-Medic Eyelash enhancer.
   • To apply these over-the-counter serums, beauty specialist Barbie Ritzman instructs to “remove all eye makeup and ensure your lashes are dry. Then, use the applicator brush to apply a thin line of the serum along your upper lash line, similar to applying a liquid eyeliner.”
   • “Use the lash growth serum once daily, preferably at night,” continues Ritzman. “Consistency is key for best results.”
   • To prevent irritation, Ritzman warns against “applying the serum to the lower lash line…If you experience any irritation or redness, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.”
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   Clean your lashes 1-2 times a day with a spooly. Brush your lashes at least once per day with a spooly (aka a clean mascara wand or eyebrow brush), and “do a once-through with an eyelash comb before you go to bed,” says Ramos. Your eyelashes naturally accumulate debris, face oils, and dead skin cells. By combing a spooly through your lashes, you may be able to clear some of that debris and give your lashes more space to grow.

   • Spoolies are also super cost-effective, making this a great hack, and you can keep them in a small plastic container or baggy to carry around with you wherever you go!
5. 
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   Switch to a lash-boosting mascara with propeptides and other nutrients. Many mascaras have drying ingredients that can cause the hair structure to weaken, and long-term use of standard mascaras may lead to increase lash fall. Instead, look for a mascara with nourishing ingredients like propeptides or other valuable nutrients that have been shown to stimulate eyelash growth. Search for mascaras that advertise themselves with keywords like “nutrient rich,” “peptide,” and “lash-boosting.”

   • You can also look for mascaras that contain some of the DIY solutions used to promote lash growth, such as coconut oil, castor oil, and organic beeswax.
6. 
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   Give your eyelashes a break from mascara and other makeup products. Over time, thick coats of makeup or heavy lash extensions can put too much pressure on your hair follicles and damage your fragile lashes. If you typically wear makeup every day, try dedicating at least one day per week to skip the mascara and give your lashes a chance to breathe.

   • Limit your use of other tools like eyelash curlers and false lashes to restore strength and volume to your natural lashes. “Harsh eye drops…can [also] diminish the strength of your lashes,” adds Ramos.
7. 
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   Always wash off your makeup—but be gentle. “When applying makeup to natural lashes, make sure to remove all makeup at the end of the night,” instructs Villalta. It’s crucial to remove eye makeup before bed in order to prevent lash breakage and eye irritation. When washing your face, however, Ritzman stresses the importance of “avoiding any rubbing or wiping of your lashes,” as these motions can make your lashes fall out.

   • To wash your eye makeup off in a gentle way, avoid makeup remover wipes and cleaners—instead, opt for organic, raw coconut oil or other oil-based eye removal products.
   • Use a cotton pad (not a ball or swap) or your fingertips to gently massage the oil onto your eyes. Then, rinse it away and pat dry.
   • In addition to avoiding rubbing or wiping your lashes while washing your face, try not to pull or tug on them in daily life. It’s best to leave your eyelashes alone as much as possible, since even applying makeup or eyelash extensions too close to the last line can cause the lashes to fall out or break.
8. 
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   Give yourself a daily eyelash massage for 1-2 minutes. Massaging your eyelids for 1-2 minutes a day can stimulate blood flow to that area and promote healthy lash growth. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, then gently place your fingertips along your lash line. Gingerly rub the area in small circles, making sure not to apply so much pressure that you might damage your lashes or eyelid skin.

   • Continue for up to two minutes and repeat once daily.
9. 
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   Eat a mineral- and vitamin-rich diet. Consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet can help your body retain the necessary nutrients to thrive. Ritzman suggests eating foods that are “rich in vitamins and minerals…like biotin, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.” Some great foods to incorporate into your diet to promote healthy hair growth include leafy greens, avocado, fish, and nuts.
10. 
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    Consider taking hair growth supplements and vitamins. If your lashes always seem to be weak, thin, or brittle, your body may need additional help getting nutrients to promote hair growth. Consider implementing collagen or biotin supplements into your daily routine.

    • However, it’s best to consult your primary care physician about which supplements may be right for you and what (if any) side effects you should be on the lookout for.
11. 
    11
    Use a prescription lash growth treatment. If these DIY and at-home methods aren’t working for you, try a prescription-only lash serum. One of the most popular FDA-approved lash growth treatments is called Latisse (Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution). To start using Latisse, “visit a healthcare provider to get a prescription,” instructs Ritzman. Once you have the product, “clean your face thoroughly of makeup and remove contact lenses if you wear them.”

    • Then, “use the sterile applicator provided by Latisse to apply one drop of solution to the applicator brush,” instructs Ritzman. “Apply the lash solution to the upper lash line of each eye, being careful to not let the solution contact other areas.”
    • Apply Latisse once daily, preferably at night. According to Ritzman, “initial results are typically visible within 4-8 weeks, with full results expected in approximately 16 weeks.”
    • “Potential side effects include itching redness, darkening of the eyelid skin, and darkening of the iris,” warns Ritzman. If you experience any of these side effects, temporarily discontinue use and contact the medical provider that wrote your prescription.
    • Ritzman advises to “continue using Latisse regularly to maintain results. Discontinuing use will cause lashes to return to their original length over time.”
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Make Your Eyelashes Appear Longer

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1. 
   1
   Prep your eyelashes by gently brushing and curling them. Use a clean mascara wand to gently brush your eyelashes upward—this step can help to separate your individual eyelashes and make them look more voluminous and defined.

   • Then, take an eyelash curler and start at the base of the lash—but don’t get too close to your eyelid! Gently squeeze the curler a few times and slowly move toward the tip of the lash on each squeeze.
2. 
   2
   Apply a lifting and volumizing mascara to your eyelashes. If you want the look of long lashes without actually growing your lashes, a mascara advertised for lift and length is probably your best bet. Place the mascara wand at the base of your lashes and “squiggle the brush as you move upward,” instructs licensed aesthetician and makeup educator Daniel Vann. “Make sure to agitate the lashes and work the product into them. Don’t just graze over [the lashes] lightly and timidly…you really want to work into the lash vigorously.”

   • You can also layer your mascara to create a thicker look, but Vann reminds us to “layer dry over wet,” not wet over wet. “Put a little [mascara] on,” says Vann, “step away from it, do another feature, then come back and layer a little more on. If you keep working at it too furiously when it’s wet, [the mascara] doesn’t ever build.”
3. 
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   Use your mascara wand to define each individual lash. After applying your mascara, run the tip of the wand along each lash to separate and define them. It may be easier to use an eyelash comb to separate your lashes, or invest in a specialized mascara applicator such as a spiral or fine-toothed wand.
4. 
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   Get a lash tint to make your lashes look fuller and longer for up to 6 weeks. Eyelash tinting dyes your lashes to a darker shade, giving them the illusion of more fullness and length. Contact a local beauty salon or esthetician in your area to ask if they offer eyelash tinting. Ramos specifically recommends lash tints because “even good quality eyelash tint appointments can be the same price as, or cheaper than, expensive mascaras. And they last up to 6 weeks!”
5. 
   5
   Get a professional lash lift. You may have long lashes that appear shorter because of how straight they are. If frequent use of your eyelash curler isn’t doing it for you, Ramos recommends an eyelash lift to “make your lashes appear as long and strong” as possible. Contact your local beauty salon or esthetician to find out what kinds of lash lift treatments they offer—these treatments usually last about 6-8 weeks.
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Section 3 of 4:

Why aren’t my eyelashes growing?

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1. 
   Your eyelashes probably are growing, just not as fast as you’d like. When using eyelash serums and other growth-enhancing products, it can take up to 12 weeks to see results. If you’ve torn off your eyelashes and are trying to repair them, this process can also take 6-12 weeks for your eyelashes to fully grow back. Make sure you’re being consistent with whatever strategy you’re using to promote eyelash growth—if you’re not applying your products frequently, you’re unlikely to see results.

   • If you’ve been consistently applying a serum or other growth enhancer for a few months without any results, you may want to try a different product.
   • Keep in mind that eyelashes are constantly growing (and dying) in a four-to-eleven-month life cycle, and they only grow about 0.13 millimetres (0.013 cm) per day!
   • Over that eleven-month cycle, eyelashes move through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (follicle shrinkage), and telogen (rest). After the telogen phase, your eyelashes naturally fall out and the new lashes behind them begin their anagen phase.
   • For your lashes to grow as thick and healthy as possible, they need nourishment and protection throughout each phase of this life cycle.

Section 4 of 4:

Does Vaseline help your eyelashes grow?

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1. 
   No, Vaseline (petroleum jelly) will not make your eyelashes grow. There is no evidence to support that Vaseline affects the cells that control or promote hair and lash growth. However, petroleum jelly can keep your lashes moisturized, which may prevent breakage and make them appear darker and longer. So, while Vaseline can definitely strengthen your lashes, it won’t make them grow on its own.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  Are eyelash serums safe?

  

  Zin Lwin
  Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist

  Zin Lwin is a Vancouver-based eyelash and eyebrow specialist and the founder of Unique Lash Lift & Brow, Vancouver’s first luxury private studio dedicated exclusively to lash and brow lifting. Established in 2023, the studio is known for its appointment-only, high-end experience and meticulously crafted, natural-yet-elevated results. Zin specializes in advanced lash lift and brow services, including Keratin Lash Lift, Lash Botox, the YUMI Lash Lift, Brow Lamination, Hybrid Tinting, and Precision Brow Shaping with Golden Ratio Mapping. Her approach is highly customized, tailored to the client’s natural hair structure, face shape, skin color, and lifestyle. She only uses high-end brands that are 100% vegan, non-toxic, EU-approved, formaldehyde-free, and paraben-free. She also provides 100% ppd free service—a rare offering in the industry—making her services suitable even for clients with sensitive skin or allergies. Zin is deeply committed to lash and brow health, longevity, and safety, never compromising results for trends. Before following her passion for making others feel beautiful with natural beauty, Zin spent eight years working internationally as an engineer. She holds a Bachelor of Construction Management from RMIT University, Australia.

  

  Zin Lwin

  Eyelash & Eyebrow Specialist

  Expert Answer

  Their safety really depends on the specific brand and formula. Many of them contain active ingredients that are not very “clean,” and with long-term use, they can cause irritation, sensitivity, or some darkening around your eye area. If you choose to use one, make sure to carefully read the label and check the ingredients before using it.

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• Question

  Will honey (only) help to make my eyelashes thicker, or should I really use almond oil as well?

  

  Cecilia Flores

  Top Answerer

  Honey does nothing for lashes; castor oil and coconut oil work best.

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  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  Can I apply Vaseline gel? I can't get other petroleum jelly where I live.

  

  Community Answer

  Yes you can. Vaseline gel is petroleum jelly. As long as you don't use any body wash or lotion.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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