Long, dark, healthy-looking eyelashes can make the eyes appear more defined, but lash growth is naturally slow. Human eyelashes have a much shorter growth phase than scalp hair, and one complete lash cycle lasts roughly three months. Average growth is only about 0.12 millimetres per day, so no homemade oil can produce dramatically longer lashes in a few nights. (PubMed)
Natural care may still improve the appearance of eyelashes by reducing dryness, limiting breakage, keeping the eyelid area healthy, and adding temporary shine. Coconut oil has evidence for reducing protein loss in human hair fibers, although this research was performed on scalp hair rather than eyelashes. (PubMed)
The image shows castor oil, which is widely promoted for lash growth. However, strong clinical evidence that ordinary castor oil lengthens eyelashes is lacking. Research around the eyes has examined specially prepared castor-oil formulations for eyelid inflammation and blepharitis, not for producing longer lashes. (PubMed)
Because the eyes are delicate, the remedies below use small amounts and simple application methods. Never place homemade mixtures on the wet inner eyelid, directly inside the eye, or along the lower waterline. Use a clean disposable applicator and stop immediately if burning, redness, blurred vision, swelling, discharge, or persistent watering occurs.
Remedy 1: Coconut and Jojoba Lash Conditioning Serum for Normal Skin
This lightweight remedy is designed for healthy eyelids and lashes that occasionally feel dry or look dull.
Ingredients and Scientific Working
Virgin coconut oil — 1/4 teaspoon: Coconut oil can enter the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. This may help protect existing lashes from dryness and breakage, although it has not been clinically proven to stimulate lash follicles.
Jojoba oil — 1/4 teaspoon: Jojoba is a lightweight liquid wax that coats hair and provides lubrication without requiring a thick layer.
Cold-pressed sunflower seed oil — 1/8 teaspoon: Sunflower oil supplies emollient fatty acids and helps soften dry skin around the lashes.
Pure aloe vera gel — 1/4 teaspoon: Use only on the outer eyelid skin, not directly on the lash roots. Aloe provides lightweight hydration.
Sterile saline — 1 teaspoon: Use separately to clean the eyelid before applying the oil blend.
Procedure
Clean the eyelids gently with sterile saline and allow them to dry. Mix coconut, jojoba, and sunflower oils in a clean container.
Place a tiny amount on a new disposable mascara wand. Wipe almost all visible oil from the brush, then lightly coat the middle and tips of the upper lashes. Keep the mixture away from the inner lash margin and eye.
Apply aloe separately to dry outer eyelid skin only.
How Often to Apply
Apply once nightly for five days. Afterward, use three nights weekly.
Initial Results
Within one to three days, lashes may look glossier, darker, and better conditioned. Real additional length should not be expected during this period.
Remedy 2: Green Tea and Light Oil Routine for Combination Skin
Combination skin may have oily eyelid margins but dry outer eye areas. This two-step remedy avoids placing heavy oil near oily lash roots.
Ingredients and Scientific Working
Plain green tea — 1 cooled tea bag: Green tea contains antioxidant polyphenols. It may provide a refreshing compress, but homemade green tea is not proven to stimulate eyelash growth.
Jojoba oil — 3 drops: Provides light conditioning for dry lash tips.
Virgin coconut oil — 2 drops: Helps reduce dryness and may protect the hair fiber from breakage.
Pure aloe vera gel — 1/4 teaspoon: Provides hydration to the dry outer eyelid area.
Sterile saline — 1 teaspoon: Gently removes surface residue before treatment.
Procedure
Clean the eyelid area with saline. Place a freshly brewed, completely cooled tea bag over each closed eye for three minutes. Do not allow tea to enter the eye.
Mix the jojoba and coconut oils. Place a trace amount on a clean disposable brush and lightly coat only the lash tips. Apply aloe to dry skin near the outer corners, remaining well below the lash roots.
How Often to Apply
Use on alternate nights for five days. Continue two or three times weekly afterward.
Initial Results
The eyelid area may feel refreshed, while lash tips may look smoother and more flexible within two or three applications. The routine does not permanently increase follicle number.
Remedy 3: Clean-Lash Routine for Oily Skin
Oil, makeup residue, and eyelid inflammation can collect around the lash roots. Keeping this area clean may help reduce breakage and prevent unnecessary lash loss.
Ingredients and Scientific Working
Warm boiled water — 2 tablespoons: A warm compress softens dried residue around closed eyelids.
Sterile saline — 1 tablespoon: Provides a gentle cleansing liquid without fragrance.
Virgin coconut oil — 2 drops: Used only on dry lash tips, not at oily roots.
Jojoba oil — 2 drops: Adds light lubrication and reduces a brittle appearance.
Clean cotton pads — 2: Provide gentle cleansing without scraping the eyelid.
Procedure
Soak clean cotton pads in comfortably warm water and place them over closed eyes for three minutes. Remove the pads and gently clean the outer eyelid with sterile saline.
Allow the lashes to dry. Mix coconut and jojoba oils, then apply only a trace amount to the final half of the upper lashes. Avoid coating the roots.
Do not apply oil when the eyelids are red, crusted, painful, swollen, or actively inflamed.
How Often to Apply
Perform the cleansing step once daily for five days. Use the tip-conditioning oil only three times weekly.
Initial Results
The lashes may look cleaner and more separated within one to three days. Reduced residue can make them appear fuller, but it does not create new lashes.
Persistent crusting, itching, or lash loss may indicate blepharitis. This condition can contribute to eyelash shedding and requires appropriate eye care. (EyeWiki)
Remedy 4: Sunflower and Coconut Moisture Seal for Dry Skin
Dry eyelid skin and brittle lashes need gentle conditioning without rubbing or pulling.
Ingredients and Scientific Working
Cold-pressed sunflower seed oil — 1/4 teaspoon: Provides lightweight lipids that soften dry surrounding skin.
Virgin coconut oil — 1/4 teaspoon: Helps protect the hair fiber and may reduce protein loss and mechanical damage. (PubMed)
Jojoba oil — 1/4 teaspoon: Coats dry lash fibers and improves flexibility.
Pure aloe vera gel — 1/2 teaspoon: Hydrates the outer eyelid skin but should not be placed inside the eye.
Sterile saline — 1 teaspoon: Cleans the eyelid without using fragranced products.
Procedure
Clean around the eyes using saline and pat dry. Apply a very thin film of aloe below the lash line and over dry outer eyelid areas.
Mix the three oils. Using a clean disposable brush, apply a nearly invisible amount from the middle of the upper lashes toward the tips. Never soak the lashes or allow oil to drip.
How Often to Apply
Use nightly for five days. Continue three nights weekly for four to six weeks.
Initial Results
Dry lashes may look smoother and more flexible after one or two applications. Reduced breakage may support a fuller appearance over several weeks.
Remedy 5: Minimal Cooling Routine for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive eyelids may react to essential oils, botanical extracts, fragrances, homemade serums, or even commonly used plant oils. A simple routine is safer.
Ingredients and Scientific Working
Boiled and cooled water — 2 tablespoons: Provides a gentle cooling compress.
Sterile saline — 1 tablespoon: Cleans the outer eyelid without perfume.
Soft sterile cotton pads — 2: Reduce rubbing and friction.
A clean disposable lash brush — 1: Separates lashes without pulling.
Pure jojoba oil — 1 drop, optional: Use only on lash tips after a patch test. Omit it if the eyes are highly reactive.
Procedure
Soak the cotton pads in cool water and rest them over closed eyes for three minutes. Clean the outer eyelid gently with saline.
Allow the lashes to dry, then separate them carefully with a new disposable brush. Do not repeatedly comb or pull.
When the skin remains comfortable after patch testing, spread one drop of jojoba oil between clean fingertips and transfer only a trace to the lash tips.
How Often to Apply
Use the cooling and cleansing routine once daily for three days. Apply jojoba no more than twice weekly.
Initial Results
The eye area may feel calmer within one to three days. This routine protects sensitive lashes from unnecessary irritation but does not directly stimulate growth.
Does Castor Oil Really Grow Eyelashes?
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and can form a glossy coating over hair. This may make lashes look darker and thicker temporarily. However, current research does not prove that ordinary castor oil increases eyelash length, density, or follicle activity.
A controlled study found that a specifically prepared castor-oil treatment improved some signs of blepharitis, but the study did not demonstrate eyelash growth. (PubMed) Applying household castor oil with an unclean brush may also introduce contamination or allow oil to enter the eye.
For this reason, do not fill an old mascara tube with homemade castor oil. Old mascara containers can contain bacteria, and dermatologists generally advise replacing mascara approximately every three months. (American Academy of Dermatology)
What Is Clinically Proven to Grow Eyelashes?
Prescription bimatoprost has strong clinical evidence for increasing eyelash length, thickness, and darkness. It is believed to work by increasing the number of hairs in the active growth phase and extending that phase. (FDA Access Data)
However, it is not a natural home remedy and should be used under appropriate medical guidance. Possible effects include itching, eye redness, eyelid darkening, unwanted hair growth where the liquid repeatedly touches, and potentially permanent increased brown pigmentation of the iris. (FDA Access Data)
Over-the-counter lash serums vary widely. Some contain prostaglandin-like ingredients, while others contain peptides, conditioners, or botanical extracts. Evidence and safety are not equal across products. (PubMed)
Final Tips for Longer, Healthier-Looking Lashes
Remove mascara gently before sleeping. Leaving eye makeup on for long periods, rubbing during removal, allergy to mascara, and eyelash-extension glue may contribute to lash loss. (AAO)
Do not pull mascara from the lashes with dry cotton. Hold a suitable eye-makeup remover over the closed eyelid briefly, then wipe gently without tugging.
Avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, lash curlers, or eye brushes. Wash hands before touching the eyes and keep applicators clean. (American Academy of Dermatology)
Limit frequent eyelash extensions and heavy false lashes when natural lashes are becoming thin. Repeated tension and adhesive irritation may contribute to breakage or shedding.
Never apply onion juice, garlic, lemon juice, rosemary essential oil, peppermint oil, undiluted tea tree oil, or homemade herbal powders to the lash line. The eye area is much more delicate than the scalp.
Visible conditioning may begin within two to three days. Reduced breakage can improve the appearance of fullness over several weeks. Natural lash growth should be assessed after at least eight to twelve weeks rather than after a few nights.
Diet Plan for Healthy Eyelashes
Diet cannot lengthen lashes overnight, but normal hair production requires adequate energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Breakfast: Choose eggs with whole-grain bread, unsweetened oatmeal with milk and nuts, or plain yogurt with seeds.
Mid-morning: Eat guava, orange, kiwi, papaya, berries, or another vitamin-C-rich fruit.
Lunch: Include lentils, chickpeas, beans, eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, or lean meat with vegetables and whole-wheat roti or rice.
Evening snack: Choose almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or fresh fruit.
Dinner: Eat vegetables with beans, lentils, eggs, fish, tofu, or chicken. Include adequate protein because eyelashes are made primarily from keratin.
Hydration: Drink according to thirst, climate, activity, and medical needs.
Continue the balanced diet for at least eight to twelve weeks. Do not take high-dose biotin solely for longer lashes unless a clinician has identified a need. Biotin deficiency is uncommon, and large supplemental doses may interfere with some laboratory tests. (PubMed)
Use the appropriate lash-conditioning routine for three to five days initially. When well tolerated, continue two or three times weekly for eight weeks. Stop immediately if the eyes become red, painful, swollen, itchy, watery, sensitive to light, or affected by blurred vision.
See an eye doctor or dermatologist if eyelashes fall out suddenly, disappear in patches, affect only one eye, or are accompanied by crusting, eyelid inflammation, scalp hair loss, eyebrow loss, rash, or other unexplained symptoms.
References for the above remedy
- Thibaut S, et al. Human Eyelash Characterization.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19804590/ - Baiyasi M, et al. Eyelash Serums: A Comprehensive Review.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38475901/ - U.S. Food and Drug Administration. LATISSE Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution Prescribing Information.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/022369s014lbl.pdf - Glaser DA, et al. Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Bimatoprost Solution for Eyelash Hypotrichosis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25296533/ - Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of Mineral Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Coconut Oil on Prevention of Hair Damage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/ - Muntz A, et al. Randomized Trial of Topical Periocular Castor Oil Treatment for Blepharitis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32422285/ - American Academy of Ophthalmology. Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out?
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-are-my-eyelashes-falling-out - American Academy of Ophthalmology. How to Use Cosmetics Safely Around Your Eyes.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eye-makeup - American Academy of Dermatology. When to Toss Your Makeup and Sunscreen.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/replace-makeup-sunscreen - Mock DM. Biotin: From Nutrition to Therapeutics.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28701385/