Regardless of gender, most people wish they had fuller, longer-looking lashes. There’s a whole industry making millions of dollars on our insecurities, but there are a few tricks and tips that we can do, at home, to make us feel like our best selves.
Table of Contents - Click To
- Common Ways To Thicken Eyelashes
- Coconut Oil for Eyelashes
- Is Coconut Oil Actually Good for Eyelashes, Or Is It Another Fad?
- Coconut Oil and Softer, Stronger Lashes
- Is Coconut Oil Dangerous For My Skin?
- Coconut Oil and Eyes
- Can Coconut Oil Really Help My Lashes Grow?
- The Limited Length Of Eyelashes
- How Do I Use Coconut Oil on My Eyelashes?
- Is Coconut Oil Better Than Getting Fake Lashes Or Lash Extensions?
- What If I Want To Grow My Lashes Naturally?
- Summary
Common Ways To Thicken Eyelashes
Of course, if you want fuller, longer-looking lashes, the first go-to would be to apply mascara.
If you wear mascara, you know how much of a staple it is. However, even the most expensive mascara brand can only define the lashes. There are tons of products that claim they can lengthen and boost your lashes, which gives the same results as a drugstore mascara.
So, you’re left with dozens of products that achieve the same results, and a big overall dent in your bank account, not the mad move you were hoping for.
The thing is, wearing too much mascara can have adverse effects on your lashes. At the lower end, it can just make your lashes look a tad overdone, which is a polite way of saying ‘tacky’.
At the more serious end, wearing too much mascara can damage your lashes. This can result in the lashes breaking off, or increasing the likelihood of your lashes falling off.
Now, you’re not going to completely lose your lashes, but if your aim is for fuller-looking lashes, then you’re going in the wrong direction.
Or, you can of course get your eyelashes lengthened by a professional. These are gorgeous treatments that truly work, and result in long, thick lashes. When not done correctly by a professional, eyelash extensions can also only weaken the hair shaft.
The issue is, not everyone can afford to get their eyelashes done. It’s a luxury that not every budget can cater for. In certain cases, many people can afford to get their lashes professionally done but aren’t willing to spend the cash on a temporary procedure, no matter how great the results are.
Whatever your reason for not wanting to see a professional for eyelash extensions, it’s okay. There are tricks and tips that can give you gorgeous-looking lashes, and we’re going to discuss them today.
So, what trick do we have up our sleeve? Speaking of tricks did you know some believe crying can help grow longer lashes.
Coconut Oil for Eyelashes
You’ve likely heard of coconut oil before. It was an incredibly popular alternative to olive oil for cookery and has been a very popular method of keeping hair silky soft.
You’ve likely seen coconut oil feature in many brands’ skin and face products, due to the great properties that coconut oil has.
What you might not know, is the remarkable impact that coconut oil can have on your eyelashes.
Coconut oil can help lashes appear softer, shinier, and longer. It also helps your eyelashes grow thicker and stronger, resulting in more beautiful lashes.
Whether you use virgin coconut oil, organic coconut oil, or any type of coconut oil for eyelashes, or even vaseline for your lashes you’ll be doing your lashes a real favor.
Is Coconut Oil Actually Good for Eyelashes, Or Is It Another Fad?
We all know that beauty trends come and go. Some are keepers, some are better left in the past. We’ve all heard of the benefits of castor oil for our lashes, but what about organic, virgin coconut oil?
Well, when it comes to coconut oil, this isn’t a fad…it’s definitely a keeper.
No, we’re not kidding, it genuinely can make your eyelashes stronger and healthier, and that’s thanks to science. Coconut oil helps to stimulate hair growth and nourish the lashes to help prevent hair loss.
So, coconut contains a lot of different healthy properties, one in particular, is natural fatty acids. We need these to help cells grow in the body.
So, as coconut oil contains natural fatty acids, it encourages the cells in the eyelashes to grow and repair. So, if you’re looking for healthy eyelashes, then coconut oil is the way forward.
Coconut Oil and Softer, Stronger Lashes
Given that it’s an oil, it also helps to make your eyelashes softer. If you’ve ever applied coconut oil to your hair, then you can tell the drastic difference between the before and after.
The same works with your eyelashes. It works in your favor because they look luscious, longer, and more natural. Think about it, would you want hard eyelashes?
It’s not really a chic look. The softer the eyelashes, the prettier they look.
If you’re not keen on the idea of softer-looking eyelashes, then think about it another way. If your eyelashes are soft and strong, then they will hold mascara better. The mascara can glide easily onto your lashes, and there are fewer chances of breakage.
This means when you apply your mascara, you’re going to see further benefits. The mascara will lengthen the lashes further, and the softness of the lashes will help decrease the chances of the product clumping on your eyes (although, do make sure your wand is clean).
Another benefit of using coconut oil on your lashes is that your eyelashes will be moisturized, which will help ensure your eyelashes are separated.
By keeping your eyelashes moist and separated, you’re further decreasing the possibility of your lashes becoming clumped together when you apply mascara.
Even without mascara, you’re going to see an improved definition of the lashes.
Plus, your lashes are going to look glossy, which will give them a fresh and healthy look.
Is Coconut Oil Dangerous For My Skin?
So, is coconut oil safe? In short, yes, but it can cause irritation in some people if it gets into the eye itself.
If you’re allergic to coconuts, do not use coconut oil. Avoid coconut products. If your skin gets irritated and inflamed when it touches coconut oil, do not use the product.
It does not agree with your skin, and if you irritate it further, you could end up with a nasty reaction — or worse.
If you’ve not used coconut oil before, then do a patch test. Apply coconut oil to your skin, a good place to try would be your hand and wait 24 hours.
If your skin does not negatively react to coconut oil, then you should be good to go. If you get immediate irritation or a reaction later in the day, avoid the product and check in with your doctor.
Coconut Oil and Eyes
Assuming you are not allergic to coconut oil, then, of course, you will be fine. If you can use coconut oil, which most people can, you’re going to get tons of benefits. Coconut oil is actually very good for your eyes.
As we discussed, coconut oil is full of natural fatty acids, which help repair cells. These acids help your lashes grow and help them stay hydrated. A lot of these fatty acids are lauric acids.
Lauric acid has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which is incredibly good for your eyes. It helps to prevent eyelashes from falling victim to infections of the eye.
This helps protect you from infections that could badly irritate and hurt you, while also encouraging healthy skin growth. So, coconut oil is very good for your eyes and is very safe for the surroundings of your eyes.
Do not put coconut oil directly into your eye, as that will certainly cause irritation, but generally, if you use coconut oil around the eye area, it should be completely fine.
You can also use coconut oil as a makeup and eye makeup remover to cleanse the skin and provide lash boosting nutrition at the same time.
When you apply coconut oil to your lashes, be very gentle. Be careful not to accidentally pull any of your lashes out, and be careful not to get coconut oil into your eyes.
If you do end up applying too much, wipe it off with some cotton wool, and then wash your face. It won’t hurt you, but if it’s too greasy, you can easily clean it up.
Can Coconut Oil Really Help My Lashes Grow?
Yes, yes coconut oil really can help your lashes grow but in a more indirect way through nourishing and strengthening the eyelash.
As I stated above, the fatty acids in coconut oil encourage cell growth, which when applied to the eyelashes, will encourage the eyelashes to grow.
Just think about it. You’re giving your eyelashes the nourishment they need, and eyelashes are pretty undernourished when it comes to beauty routines. A lot of people apply various makeup products to their eyes and eyelashes, but when it comes to applying skincare, the eyelashes are almost always left out.
By applying coconut oil to the lashes, you’re offering your eyelashes a form of conditioner. We know if we apply conditioners to our hair, that our hair will have increased hydration, and it helps to replenish the hair.
This, in return, helps us grow healthy, happy hair. The same principle applies to our eyelashes, but we never discuss them. It’s a simple extra in your beauty routine, that can encourage your lashes to grow thick and healthy.
The Limited Length Of Eyelashes
So, let’s get down to the facts.
While using coconut oil for eyelashes will make your lashes stronger, it won’t actually make your eyelashes grow past their natural length.
Hear me out.
You’re probably wondering, how can coconut oil both make my eyelashes longer and not make them grow longer, at the same time?
The nourishment that coconut oil gives your lashes gives the appearance of longer lashes. It will encourage eyelashes to grow to their full natural length, which may, or may not be, longer than your current lash length.
All eyelashes have a natural length that they grow until. Some people have very naturally long eyelashes, and they only discover this after using coconut oil. Others have naturally short eyelashes.
When they use coconut oil, they notice that their eyelashes look stronger, fuller, and overall prettier — but not necessarily longer.
This is going to be your own personal experience, as everyone is so unique, we cannot truly state whether your lashes will grow past their current length.
They might give the appearance of being longer, or they might grow longer, that’s going to be your own journey. Either way, your lashes will look a thousand times better and healthier, which is the main point.
How Do I Use Coconut Oil on My Eyelashes?
When it comes to applying coconut oil to your lashes, you’re in luck, because there are hundreds of different methods.
Some people like to use coconut oil as a makeup remover, and hence, their eyelashes get naturally coated. I don’t advise this method, but for some it works wonders, so if you’d like to try it, it’s likely going to be the easier method.
All you would need to do is apply coconut oil to a cotton pad, gently wipe and remove your makeup with it, until your face is clean. Pretty simple.
I don’t always advise this, because you should generally use a cleanser to remove your makeup, to ensure that there is no residue left. Then, you can apply a serum or your moisturizer.
It would then be the ideal time to apply your coconut oil directly to your top and bottom lashes, as your whole face will have had the correct nourishment that it requires. This should keep the skin free from possible allergic reactions, and your eyelashes healthy.
Now, as we said before, coconut oil is very good for the skin. Depending on how your face reacts to coconut oil, it could be great for you.
For others, the excess oil could make you break out more, or just generally feel uncomfortable with the amount of oil on your skin.
Ideally, you would leave the coconut oil overnight, to give your eyelashes a full conditioning treatment to help stimulate lash growth to help make the lashes longer over time.
While you can apply coconut oil to your hands, or a cotton pad, and apply it to your eyes that way, there’s also an alternative. You could use a spoolie to apply the coconut oil to your eyes.
If you don’t know what a spoolie is, it’s basically a mascara wand, minus any mascara. It will help you get right to the edges of your lashes and help the coconut oil be evenly applied.
If you can, try to avoid using disposable spoolies. Instead, find a reusable spoolie and find a case to pop them in. You don’t have to do this, it’s just better for the environment, and your bank balance.
Is Coconut Oil Better Than Getting Fake Lashes Or Lash Extensions?
Whether coconut oil, fake lashes, or lash extensions are better for you depends on your personal preference.
Coconut oil is simply good for your skin and eyelashes. It will make them healthier. In doing so, you will get stronger, stronger and glossier eyelashes.
Eyelash extensions are very good for certain people, and they provide beautiful results. If done by a trained professional, you can get gorgeous, long eyelashes.
They can look natural, or fake, depending on your desired outcome. It’s generally very low risk, with only a small percentage of people getting eye infections.
The only real disadvantage would be the cost, and depending on your location, it could be a decent percentage of your disposable income.
When it comes to fake lashes, these are an easy temporary fixture. You can get long and thick eyelashes, eyelashes that look fake, eyelashes that look insanely natural, eyelashes that add depth, and so forth.
While you can only really wear them for a day, they are incredibly popular. Over time, fake eyelashes can cause damage to your natural eyelashes. People will also occasionally get eye infections too.
Again, this is on an individual basis. Many people have worn eyelashes without experiencing any problems. Other people have had very bad experiences, where their vision was put at risk.
Whenever you’re placing any product on your eye, you need to be aware of the risks involved, even if the percentage of something going wrong is very low.
Generally speaking, coconut oil is better than the two alternatives, because unless you have an allergy, it will not hurt your eye. It is incredibly low maintenance, and very cost-effective. It is also best to use high-quality, organic virgin coconut oil for the best results.
However, coconut oil is a long-term project. You won’t have overnight results. Like with your skincare, you require patience and wait for the coconut oil to work.
Also, it won’t lengthen your eyelashes past their natural point, so if you’re looking for extra length, coconut oil might not be for you.
With that said, if you use fake eyelashes for a temporary fixture, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t use coconut oil at night, to protect your lashes. It will aid your eyelashes, and lower the chance of them breaking.
When it comes to lash extensions, seek advice from your professional. They may recommend that you do not put any products on your eyes. In fact, I’ve heard case stories of people using coconut oil overnight to aid in removing their eyelash extensions.
Therefore, I doubt it will have many positive effects on your lash extensions. I do not recommend you put anything on your eyes unless confirmed by a professional.
Even if you are not allergic to coconut oil, you do not know how it will react, and you do not want to risk damaging your eyelashes, nor your eyes.
What If I Want To Grow My Lashes Naturally?
Like I said, coconut oil can only do so much. It cannot make your eyelashes grow past their natural length.
If you want longer lashes, and you have tried coconut oil (in some cases, it can encourage lashes to reach their maximum length), there is another alternative.
Of course, the more obvious alternative is to use lash extensions or fake eyelashes, but there is another trick I have up my sleeve.
You can use an eyelash growth serum. An eyelash serum nourishes the lashes in a similar way to virgin coconut oil. It contains key ingredients which help boost the lashes, producing longer and thicker natural lashes to help boost hair growth.
We recommend using this one: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Serum, or investing in some castor oil to help nourish the hair follicles and give you stronger, healthier, thicker lashes.
Summary
To conclude, coconut works miraculously on eyelashes. If you’ve got short lashes, then you can utilize virgin coconut oil to help stimulate hair growth and nourish the eyelash follicles.
The medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid found in coconut oil will not only help to keep the lashes healthy, but coconut oil makes the hair follicles become stronger and reduce the risk of breakage and hair loss.
In summary, coconut oil can help eyelashes grow thick, strong, and glossy. Depending on the individual, your eyelashes may grow longer, or they may stay the same length.
Coconut oil cannot make your eyelashes grow longer than their natural length. It can either encourage the eyelashes to reach their natural, maximum length or give the appearance of longer lashes.
The appearance of longer eyelashes is due to the eyelashes looking thicker, stronger, glossier, and overall more defined!
Kaija has been in the beauty industry for over ten years, with certification in Microblading. She has also been certified to do permanent makeup and brow lamination for five years.
She recently ventured out and got certified in lash extensions, lifts, and tints. Kaija strives to make her clients feel beautiful and enjoys sharing her beauty tips and tricks with those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the ever-changing beauty industry.