Understanding the Lash Growth Cycle: What Every Beauty Professional Should Know

We all love long, luscious lashes — whether they're natural or enhanced. But behind every flutter lies a fascinating growth cycle that determines just how long, thick, or full your natural lashes can be. If you’re a beauty professional offering lash lifts, extensions, or lash growth serums, understanding the lash growth stages is key to educating your clients and setting realistic expectations. Let’s dive into the science behind the strands.

🌀 The Lash Growth Cycle: 3 Essential Phases

Like the hair on your scalp, your eyelashes follow a continuous growth cycle consisting of three distinct phases:

1. Anagen Phase (The Growth Phase)

• Duration: 30 to 45 days
• What Happens: This is when the magic of growth happens! During this active phase, the hair follicles produce new lashes. However, not all lashes are in the growth phase at the same time, which is why we don’t shed them all at once.
• Why It Matters: Lash serums often target this phase to maximize growth. A longer anagen phase = longer lashes.

2. Catagen Phase (The Transition Phase)

• Duration: 2 to 3 weeks
• What Happens: The lash has stopped growing, and the follicle begins to shrink. This is the shortest and most fragile phase — if a lash falls out here (from rubbing, extensions, etc.), it won’t regrow until the cycle resets.
• Why It Matters: Be extra gentle with lashes in this phase. Overuse of lash curlers or aggressive lash removal can damage the follicle.

3. Telogen Phase (The Resting & Shedding Phase)

• Duration: 3 to 4 months
• What Happens: The lash is fully formed and rests before naturally shedding to make way for a new one. It’s totally normal to lose 1–5 lashes per day during this time.
• Why It Matters: Encourage clients not to panic if they notice shedding — it’s part of the natural cycle! However, if lash loss seems excessive, it could signal an underlying issue like stress, poor diet, or an allergic reaction.

💡 Pro Tip for Lash Artists

Since not all lashes are in the same phase at the same time, lash fills and extensions should be scheduled around this cycle — typically every 2 to 3 weeks. This keeps the lash line full and even while accommodating new lash growth.

✨ Supporting Healthy Lash Growth

Want to help your clients maintain fuller lashes longer? Here’s what you can recommend:

• Lash Serums with peptides and biotin to support the anagen phase
• Oil-Free Cleansers to avoid follicle clogging
• Healthy Habits like good nutrition and sleep
• Lash Breaks between extensions for follicle recovery

Final Thoughts

Lashes are delicate but mighty. When you understand the lash growth stages, you’re not just offering a service — you’re offering expertise. Use this knowledge to educate your clients, manage their expectations, and recommend the right care for their natural lash cycle.