Thin or Falling Eyelashes: Causes & When to Get Help

Finding a few lashes on your cheek or pillow is normal. Noticing gaps along your lash line, or lashes that seem shorter and sparser than they used to be, is something else. It is natural to wonder what changed and whether you should be worried.

This guide walks through the normal lash cycle, the most common reasons lashes thin or fall out, the warning signs worth paying attention to, and when to see a doctor. It is educational, not a diagnosis. If you are also wondering about products, our guide to prostaglandin-free lash serum explains what to look for on a label, but a doctor visit comes first when lashes are falling out. For a quick, focused list, see why are my eyelashes falling out.

Key takeaways

Losing about 1 to 5 lashes a day is normal as lashes cycle through growth, rest and shedding.
Common causes of thinning include rubbing, extensions and lifts, harsh makeup removal, blepharitis, aging and certain medications.
Medical causes such as thyroid disease, alopecia areata, trichotillomania and chemotherapy need a doctor’s care.
See a doctor if lashes fall out in clumps or patches, if eyebrows are affected too, or if loss comes with redness, pain or other symptoms.

What normal lash shedding looks like

Like the hair on your head, each eyelash grows in cycles. It goes through a growth phase, a short transition phase and a resting phase, then falls out and is replaced [1]. Because every lash is on its own schedule, you lose a few at a time instead of all at once.

Cleveland Clinic, citing the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says most people lose about 1 to 5 lashes a day [1]. If you are losing lashes faster than they come back, that is called ciliary madarosis. It is a sign that something is causing the loss, not a disease by itself [1][2].

By the numbers

Most people lose about 1 to 5 eyelashes a day as part of the normal lash cycle, according to Cleveland Clinic [1].

It can be hard to judge lash changes day to day. One simple approach is to take a clear, well-lit photo of each eye with no makeup once a week for a month. Photos make it easier to see whether thinning is real, whether it is getting worse, and whether it is on one side or both. They are also very useful to show a doctor.

To learn more about how the cycle affects timing for any lash product, see how long lash serum takes.

Everyday causes of thin lashes

Many cases of thinning come from daily habits and beauty routines. The good news is that these are often the easiest to change.

Rubbing and tugging

Rubbing tired or itchy eyes, sleeping face-down, or tugging at lashes when removing makeup puts stress on the lash and can pull out lashes early. If you rub because of itching, an allergy or dry eye may be the real issue, and that is worth treating.

Extensions, lifts and tints

Lash extensions add weight and are bonded to your natural lashes, which can pull on them. The glue and the chemicals in lifts and tints can also irritate the lid or trigger an allergic reaction, according to Cleveland Clinic [1]. If you are taking a break, our guide to recovering your lashes after extensions covers gentle next steps.

Mascara and removal habits

Waterproof mascara that needs scrubbing, sleeping in mascara, and using a lash curler on coated lashes can all lead to breakage. Read mascara and makeup habits that break lashes for simple swaps, and our lash care guide for a full daily routine.

Aging

Lashes can become finer, lighter and sparser with age, and hormone shifts around menopause may play a role [1]. Our article on thinning eyelashes after 40 explains what changes and what helps.

Medical causes of eyelash loss

Lash loss can be an early clue to a health issue. A 2023 clinical review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology notes that the causes of eyebrow and eyelash loss are varied and that an accurate diagnosis is the first step in managing it [3]. These are some of the most common.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid edge. It can cause red, swollen, itchy or greasy-looking lids and crusted lashes. Mayo Clinic notes that blepharitis can cause lashes to fall out, lose color or grow toward the eye [4]. It is often linked to rosacea, dandruff-type skin conditions or tiny mites called demodex [1]. Daily lid hygiene often helps, and a doctor can prescribe treatment if it does not improve [4].

Thyroid disease

Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are listed causes of eyelash and eyebrow loss [2]. Thyroid problems often bring other symptoms too, such as tiredness, weight change or feeling too cold or too hot. A simple blood test can check your thyroid.

Alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss that can include the lashes and brows [2]. Other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and scleroderma, can also be involved [2]. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat these conditions.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a mental health condition that involves repeated, hard-to-resist urges to pull out hair. Mayo Clinic notes hair is usually pulled from the scalp, eyebrows or eyelashes, and it is not just a bad habit [5]. It is unlikely to improve without treatment, and support is available [5]. Our lash resources page lists organizations that can help.

Chemotherapy and radiation

Some cancer treatments cause hair loss, including on the lashes and brows [1][2]. The National Cancer Institute notes that hair often begins to grow back about 2 to 3 months after chemotherapy ends, and it may look different at first [6]. Read eyelashes after chemotherapy for gentle care tips, and always ask your care team before using any product near your eyes.

Nutrition

Low levels of iron, zinc or biotin may affect hair, including lashes [1]. Cleveland Clinic advises getting blood tests before taking supplements, because too much of some nutrients can be harmful [1].

Medications

Some medicines can thin lashes. Cleveland Clinic mentions blood thinners and certain antidepressants among them [1]. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Talk to the doctor who prescribed it if you notice lash changes after starting something new [1].

Other skin, eye and infectious causes

Contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, ocular rosacea, eyelid oil gland problems, and certain infections can also lead to lash loss [2]. Rarely, a growth on the eyelid causes lashes to fall out in one spot [1]. These are reasons to have new or one-sided lash loss checked.

Common causes at a glance

Cause	Typical signs	Who can help
Normal shedding	A few stray lashes a day; no gaps	No care needed
Rubbing, extensions, mascara habits	Gradual thinning, broken or short lashes	Change habits; eye doctor if irritated
Blepharitis	Red, crusty, itchy lid edges [4]	Optometrist or ophthalmologist
Thyroid disease	Lash and brow thinning plus body-wide symptoms [2]	Primary care doctor or endocrinologist
Alopecia areata	Smooth patches of loss; brows or scalp may be affected [2]	Dermatologist
Trichotillomania	Uneven gaps from pulling [5]	Doctor or mental health professional
Chemotherapy	Loss during treatment; usually returns after [6]	Oncology care team

Signs that point to something more

These patterns suggest it is time to see a doctor rather than try a new product:

Lashes falling out in clumps, or faster than they grow back [1].
Smooth, bare patches on the lash line, brows or scalp.
Loss on one eye only, or in one spot on the lid.
Red, swollen, crusty, itchy or painful eyelids.
Lash loss along with fatigue, weight change, or feeling unusually hot or cold.
Changes that started after a new medication.
An urge to pull your lashes that is hard to stop.

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare provider or eye care specialist when you notice lash loss along with changes in your eyes or the skin around them, especially with pain or discoloration [2]. Cleveland Clinic recommends getting care if you are losing lashes faster than they regrow, if lashes are thinning or falling out in clumps, if your eyelids are badly inflamed, or if you notice fewer lashes after starting a medication [1].

Go to the emergency room if you suddenly lose vision or cannot move your eyes [2].

An eye doctor is a good first stop for lid problems. A dermatologist is often the best choice for patchy loss that may involve the brows or scalp. Your primary care doctor can check thyroid levels and nutrition. Our lash resources page explains who does what and how to find them. Many causes are treatable, and lashes usually grow back once the cause is addressed [2].

What to expect at the appointment

Knowing what happens can make the visit feel less daunting. The doctor will usually start by asking when you first noticed the change, whether it is getting worse, and whether your eyebrows, scalp or body hair are affected too. They will ask about your makeup, extensions, lifts and lash products, any new medicines, and other symptoms.

Next comes an exam of your lids and lash line, often with a magnifying lamp. A dermatologist may look closely at the hair and skin with a handheld magnifier, a technique called trichoscopy, which can help tell one cause of lash loss from another [3]. Depending on what they find, they may order blood tests, such as thyroid levels or iron, or occasionally suggest a small skin sample.

It helps to bring a list of every product you use near your eyes, a list of your medications and supplements, and a few photos that show how your lashes looked before. Our lash resources page has a fuller checklist of questions to ask.

Gentle care while you wait

While you are waiting for an appointment or for a cause to be treated, a few gentle habits can protect the lashes you have:

Skip extensions, lifts and lash curlers for now.
Remove eye makeup gently every night with a soft pad and a mild remover, without scrubbing.
Try not to rub your eyes. If they itch, mention it to your doctor.
If your lids are crusty or greasy, keep them clean with warm compresses and gentle lid cleaning, as your eye doctor advises [4].
Pause new eye products so you can tell what helps and what irritates.

These steps will not fix a medical cause, but they can reduce extra breakage and irritation along the way.

Where a lash serum fits

A cosmetic lash serum is not a treatment for lash loss. Once a doctor has ruled out a medical cause, or if your lashes are simply finer than you would like, a gentle conditioning serum can be part of your routine. If you go that route, choose a clearly labeled prostaglandin-free formula and introduce it slowly. Our pillar on prostaglandin-free lash serum and our overview of lash serum types can help you compare.

Looking for a gentle, prostaglandin-free lash serum?

XXtraLash is a prostaglandin-free eyelash serum that conditions lashes for a longer-looking, fuller-looking lash line. Each 3 mL bottle comes with a precision brush for applying right along the lash line.

Learn about XXtraLash

Shop XXtraLash

Frequently asked questions

How many eyelashes is it normal to lose a day?

Cleveland Clinic, citing the American Academy of Ophthalmology, says most people lose about 1 to 5 lashes a day. Each lash goes through a growth, transition and resting phase before it falls out and is replaced, so a few stray lashes are normal.

What is madarosis?

Madarosis is the medical term for losing eyelash or eyebrow hair, either partly or completely. It is a sign of an underlying cause, such as blepharitis, a thyroid problem, alopecia areata or a medication, rather than a disease on its own.

Will my eyelashes grow back?

Often, yes. Cleveland Clinic notes that madarosis is usually reversible once the underlying cause is treated. Some causes, such as scarring, can lead to permanent loss, which is one reason to get a diagnosis early.

Can thyroid problems cause eyelash loss?

Yes. Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) are listed by Cleveland Clinic as possible causes of eyelash and eyebrow loss. A doctor can check this with a blood test.

Should I use a lash serum if my lashes are falling out?

Not as a first step. If your lashes are falling out faster than usual, in clumps or in patches, see a doctor to find the cause. A cosmetic serum can help lashes look longer and fuller, but it does not treat a medical condition.

Sources

Educational content, not medical advice · Reviewed and updated November 1, 2026 by the Get Longer Lashes Editorial Team · Medical disclaimer

Thin or Falling Eyelashes: Causes, Signs and When to Get Help