Healthy Eyelashes

One of the many hairs that grow on the body of mammals, an eyelash protects the eye from debris and provides a warning system that something is near the eye. And other than their protective function, long, thick eyelashes have always been a universal symbol of sultry sexiness, in both males and females. Throughout history, both males and females have accentuated their eyelashes cosmetically to enhance their beauty. Even today, that practice holds true. Rock stars and theater performers sometimes go so far as to have false eyelashes permanently set in place, along with tattooed eyeliner.

As with other hair on our bodies, we shed our eyelashes, losing about five each day. They are immediately replaced with new lashes, taking about five weeks to grow to their optimal length. Whether you're male or female, if you find that you have thin or sparse lashes, there are measures that you can take to improve their overall health. Follow these guidelines to attain healthy eyelashes:

• Use a lubricant on your lashes, such as petroleum jelly. Lubricants can make your lashes stronger and less susceptible to trauma or breakage. Apply the lubricant at night, allowing it to work while you sleep, and wash it gently away in the morning.
• Put away the eyelash curler and cheap mascara. If you regularly apply mascara and then curl your lashes, you are most likely breaking the lashes away. Mascara dries on your lashes and the torque of the curler simply makes your lashes break. If you must curl your lashes, curl your bare lashes and then apply a quality mascara to ensure eyelash health.
• Stimulate eyelash growth with Vitamin E. Cut open a Vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to your lashes using a lash brush or a cotton swab.
• Brush your lashes gently. Just as brushing your hair may encourage scalp oils and hair growth, brushing your lashes may help your lash growth.
• Do you remember when you started shaving your facial or leg hair? Once you started, the regrowth became heavier. The same may hold true for your lashes. If you want thicker lashes, consider trimming them from time to time to encourage thicker regrowth.

As with any other aspect of your body, if you want your health to improve, improve your daily diet for optimal eyelash health. Eat fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and take multivitamins and appropriate supplements.