Can You Lose Eyelashes from Stress? Here’s What’s Really Going On
We all know stress can mess with your skin, sleep, and mood. But your lashes, too? If you’ve noticed more lash shedding than usual or a thinner lash line staring back at you in the mirror, stress might be the silent culprit.
In this blog post, we break down how stress affects your natural lash growth cycle — and what you can do to help your eyelashes bounce back.
How Stress Affects Your Eyelash Growth Cycle
Your eyelashes follow the same three-stage pattern as the rest of your hair:
Anagen phase: the active growth phase
Catagen phase: a short transitional phase
Telogen phase: the resting and shedding phase
When stress hormones spike, they can disrupt that natural rhythm. Chronic tension, hormonal fluctuations, or endocrine shifts (like thyroid imbalances) can push lashes out of the anagen phase too early — leading to premature eyelash shedding.
It’s not just in your head (or your follicles). Emotional stress, autoimmune conditions, and even nutritional deficiencies can all disrupt the delicate systems that control hair follicle activity.
🌟 If you want to understand more about how your lash shed cycle works in general, check out our blog: Why Am I Losing Lashes? The Truth About the Lash Shed Cycle.
Common Causes of Stress-Related Lash Loss
While stress is often the spark, it’s usually working alongside other triggers. A few common culprits include:
Hormonal imbalances: Periods of hormonal change, from perimenopause to pregnancy, can impact the strength of your eyelash follicles.
Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like Alopecia Areata can cause patchy loss of eyelashes or eyebrows.
Thyroid gland issues: Both hyper- and hypothyroidism can lead to noticeable hair loss along the lash line.
Allergic reaction or irritation: Harsh cosmetic products, waterproof mascara, or poor-quality eyelash glue can inflame the skin around your eyes and weaken lash roots.
Hair-pulling disorder: Trichotillomania is a stress-linked behavior where someone repeatedly pulls out their hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.
Nutritional gaps: Low iron, protein, or essential fatty acids can impact overall hair follicle health.
Signs You’re Experiencing Stress-Related Eyelash Loss
While some shedding is completely normal, certain telltale signs can indicate that your lashes are being affected by emotional or physical stress. You might notice:
Thinning lashes or visible gaps along your lash line
More fallout when removing eye makeup or cleansing
Short, uneven regrowth that seems slower than usual
Irritated skin around your eyes from constant rubbing or fatigue
How to Help Your Lashes Recover
The good news is that your lash follicles are surprisingly resilient. They simply need a little TLC and time to return to their natural lash growth cycle. Here are some ways you can give them a little extra love:
Support your nervous system. Incorporate stress-relieving activities, such as exercise, massage, or self-care, to regulate cortisol levels and support overall balance.
Nourish from within. Healthy lashes need nutritional support. Think omega-3s, B-vitamins, and protein-rich foods that feed your follicles.
Upgrade your beauty routine. Avoid waterproof mascara and heavy eyelash curlers that can pull on fragile lashes. Choose gentle cosmetic products and fragrance-free removers to protect the skin around your eyes.
Use high-quality lash serums. Look for high-quality lash serums packed with peptides and vitamins that condition and strengthen each eyelash follicle. We love the ADOREyes Lash Serum — a nourishing formula designed to boost length, density, and overall lash health. (Avoid harsh formulas that can irritate sensitive eyes.)
Adjust your lash extension routine. We adore lash extensions, and you don’t have to give them up — but during times of stress or increased shedding, it’s worth adjusting your approach. Talk with your lash artist about the benefits of booking more frequent fills and opting for shorter, lighter sets that reduce strain on your eyelash follicles. We are here to support you!
🌟 If you’re between fills or need a little boost while your lashes recover, try Lash 911 — your secret weapon for fluffy lashes without added stress on your lash line.
When to See a Professional
If you’re losing lashes rapidly or noticing bald patches, it’s worth seeing a medical professional. Conditions like autoimmune disorders, heart disease, digestive disorders, or skin disorders can sometimes show up as early hair and eyelash loss. A check-in helps rule out deeper hormonal shifts or autoimmune conditions that may be impacting your beauty routine from the inside out.
Healthy Lashes Start With the Beauty Block
At The Beauty Block, our lash artists always put your eye and lash health first. If you’re recovering from stress-related shedding or simply want to enhance your lashes safely, we’ll help you choose the best approach for your lash goals — from lash extensions to lash lifts and everything in between.
If you’re searching for eyelash extensions in Calgary, come visit us at our welcoming studio at 1409 Edmonton Trl #102, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8. We’re located just minutes north of downtown with convenient parking.
✨ Want more lash care tips? Read next:👉 How to Grow Long, Healthy Lashes Naturally
FAQs
Do lost eyelashes grow back?
In most cases, eyelashes regrow within 6–12 weeks, depending on where they are in the eyelash growth cycle. Supporting healthy hair follicles with proper nutrition, gentle care, and high-quality lash serums can help speed recovery.
Why do I suddenly have no eyelashes?
Sudden lash loss may stem from stress and emotional factors, hormonal change, or underlying autoimmune disease like Alopecia Areata. Overuse of eyelash glue or harsh cosmetic products can also contribute.
What condition makes eyelashes fall out?
Conditions such as Alopecia Areata, thyroid imbalances, or autoimmune disorders can trigger eyelash hair loss. Stress-related disruption of the telogen phase is another common cause of this condition.
Can you lose eyelashes in pregnancy?
Yes, temporary hormonal fluctuations and endocrine shifts during pregnancy can cause lashes to prematurely enter the telogen phase. Most women notice regrowth within a few months postpartum.