Many people notice that their lashes look sparser, shorter or lighter somewhere in their 40s or 50s. Mascara does not seem to go as far, the lash line looks less defined, and you might spot more stray lashes than you used to. It is a common change, and it is rarely a sign of anything serious, but it is worth understanding.
This article looks at what tends to change around midlife, which health conditions are worth ruling out, and the everyday habits and cosmetic options that can help your lashes look their best. For the full picture on lash loss, see our pillar guide to thin or falling eyelashes.
Key takeaways
- Hormone changes around menopause are one of the reasons lashes can look thinner in midlife, and menopause can also bring hair thinning and dry eyes [1][2].
- Thyroid problems, especially an underactive thyroid, become more common with age in women and are a known cause of lash loss [1][3][4].
- Gentle habits matter more with age: remove makeup softly, skip harsh curling and give lashes breaks from extensions [1][5].
- See an eye doctor if lash loss is sudden, patchy, affects one area of the lid, or comes with eyebrow or scalp hair loss [1].
Why lashes can look thinner after 40
There is surprisingly little research on how eyelashes change with age compared with scalp hair. What we do know comes mostly from what eye and skin specialists see in practice and from the broader research on hair and hormones.
Hormone changes and menopause
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) lists hormone changes such as menopause among the causes of eyelash loss [1]. Cleveland Clinic notes that menopause happens at age 52 on average, and that some people experience hair loss or thinning during the transition [2]. Lashes are hair too, so it makes sense that some people notice changes along the lash line at the same time as changes on the scalp.
Menopause can also bring dry eyes [2]. Dry, irritated eyes tend to get rubbed more, and frequent rubbing is hard on lashes.
Thyroid changes
Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid are listed as causes of lash loss [1][4]. Hypothyroidism is most common among females, and Cleveland Clinic notes the risk is highest for females over 60, particularly after menopause [3]. Thyroid symptoms can be subtle and easy to blame on age. Cleveland Clinic lists dry, coarse skin and hair and puffiness around the eyes among the signs of hypothyroidism [3]. If your lash or brow thinning comes with changes like these, or you simply feel off, it is worth asking your doctor about a thyroid check.
Eyelid conditions
Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, is one of the most common local causes of lash loss [1]. Ocular rosacea and chronic styes or chalazia are less common causes [1]. These can show up at any age, and they are easy to overlook if you assume thinner lashes are just part of getting older. Red, crusty, itchy or sore lids are a sign to have your eyes checked.
Years of habits add up
Decades of mascara, eyeliner, curling and makeup removal can take a toll. The AAO notes that leaving makeup on too long, lash extensions and eyelash curlers can damage lashes and speed up shedding [1]. Cleveland Clinic recommends removing eye makeup gently, limiting curlers and avoiding heated ones [5]. Our article on mascara and makeup habits that break lashes has a full checklist.
Medications
Cleveland Clinic lists certain medications, including some blood thinners and antidepressants, among the possible causes of lash loss [5]. Medication use tends to increase with age. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own, but if you notice lash loss after starting something new, mention it to your doctor or pharmacist.
Normal aging or something else?
| What you notice | More likely | Worth checking for |
|---|---|---|
| Gradual, even thinning along both lash lines | Age and hormone-related change, cumulative habits [1][2] | Thyroid problems if you have other symptoms [3] |
| Red, flaky, itchy or crusty lid margins | Blepharitis or irritation [1] | Ocular rosacea, allergy to a product [1] |
| A patch of missing lashes in one spot | Not typical of aging | Eyelid skin conditions, including rare skin cancers [1] |
| Lash loss plus eyebrow or scalp thinning | Possibly hormonal | Thyroid disease, alopecia areata, nutritional or autoimmune causes [1][4] |
| Loss after a new eye product or medicine | Irritation or medication effect [1][5] | Allergy; ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What helps thinning lashes after 40
There is no single fix, but a few changes can make a real difference in how your lashes look and how well they hold up day to day. Our lash care guide covers everyday habits in more detail.
Get any medical causes checked first
If something like blepharitis or a thyroid problem is part of the picture, treating it is the most important step. Cleveland Clinic notes that providers usually focus on the underlying cause, and that hair often returns once the cause is treated [4].
Be gentler with removal
- Use a fragrance-free eye makeup remover or micellar water, and hold a soaked pad against closed eyes for a few seconds before wiping [5].
- Wipe down and outward instead of scrubbing back and forth.
- Wash your face and eyelids daily with a gentle cleanser [1].
Rethink curlers and extensions
- Use a lash curler sparingly, and skip heated curlers [5].
- Give your lashes a break of a few months between extension sets or lash lifts [5]. If you have recently had extensions removed, see recovering your lashes after extensions.
Look after dry eyes
If your eyes feel dry, gritty or tired, talk to an eye doctor about options. Less irritation means less rubbing, which helps your lashes.
Choose makeup that works with thinner lashes
- Lightweight, tubing or washable formulas tend to come off more easily than heavy waterproof mascara.
- A soft brown or gray-black liner pressed into the lash line can make lashes look fuller without extra mascara.
- Replace mascara regularly, and never share eye makeup.
A simple daily routine for midlife lashes
Putting it all together, a gentle routine might look like this:
- Morning: Rinse your lids with lukewarm water or a gentle cleanser. If you use a lash serum, apply it to clean, dry lids before any eye makeup, following the directions for that product. Our guide on how to apply lash serum walks through the steps.
- Makeup: One or two light coats of an easy-to-remove mascara, focused on the outer lashes, is usually enough. Skip the curler on days your lashes feel brittle.
- Evening: Soak a pad with remover, hold it on closed lids, then wipe gently down and out. Follow with your usual cleanser.
- Before bed: Apply your lash serum again if you use one, and try not to sleep face-down rubbing your eyes into the pillow.
Consistency matters more than any single product. Lashes take weeks to cycle, so give any change in routine a few months before you judge it.
Lash serums after 40: what to know
Lash serums fall into two broad groups. Prescription bimatoprost (Latisse) is an FDA-approved drug for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes, meaning lashes that are not adequate or not enough [6]. Its label notes that the effect is not permanent and that lashes are expected to gradually return to their previous appearance after you stop [6]. Because it is a prostaglandin analog, it needs a prescription and comes with possible side effects such as darkening of the eyelid skin.
Cosmetic serums are a different category. Some contain prostaglandin-like ingredients, and many people over 40, especially those with sensitive or dry eyes, prefer to avoid them. A prostaglandin-free lash serum relies on conditioning ingredients such as peptides instead. Our guides on lash serum for sensitive eyes and how to spot prostaglandin analogs on a label can help you compare options.
A cosmetic serum will not change hormone levels or treat a thyroid problem. What it can do is condition the lashes you have so they look longer and fuller, as part of a gentle routine.
Looking for a prostaglandin-free lash serum?
XXtraLash is a prostaglandin-free eyelash serum that conditions lashes for a longer-looking, fuller-looking lash line. It pairs conditioning peptides with bioengineered sh-polypeptides, aloe and vitamin E, and each 3 mL bottle comes with a precision brush for applying right along the lash line.
When to see an eye doctor
Gradual, even thinning with age is common. Get your eyes checked, though, if any of the following apply [1][4]:
- Lashes fall out suddenly or in clumps.
- Loss affects both eyelids or leaves a visible gap in one spot.
- You notice a bump, sore, scaling or color change on the eyelid.
- You are also losing eyebrow or scalp hair.
- Your eyes are red, painful, crusty or itchy, or your vision changes.
- You have other new symptoms, such as dry, coarse skin and hair or puffiness around the eyes, that could point to a thyroid problem.
Seek emergency care if you suddenly lose vision or cannot move your eyes [4]. Our lash resources page has tips for finding an eye doctor or dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for eyelashes to get thinner with age?
Many people notice their lashes look thinner or sparser in midlife. Hormone changes such as menopause are one known factor, along with years of makeup and curling habits. Sudden or patchy loss is not typical and should be checked.
Does menopause cause eyelash loss?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists hormone changes such as menopause among the causes of lash loss, and Cleveland Clinic notes that hair thinning and dry eyes can occur during the menopause transition.
Could my thyroid be causing thin eyelashes?
It is possible. Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions can cause lash loss, and hypothyroidism is most common in women over 60. If you also notice dry, coarse skin and hair or other new symptoms, ask your doctor about a thyroid test.
Can I still wear mascara if my lashes are thinning?
Yes. Choose an easy-to-remove formula, remove it gently every night, replace it regularly and stop using anything that irritates your eyes.
Is a prostaglandin-free lash serum a good choice after 40?
Many people with sensitive or dry eyes prefer prostaglandin-free options to avoid side effects such as eyelid darkening. A cosmetic serum conditions lashes for a longer-looking, fuller-looking appearance but does not treat medical causes of lash loss.
Related reading
- Thin or Falling Eyelashes: Causes, Signs and When to Get Help
- Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out? Common Causes
- Lash Serum for Sensitive Eyes: How to Choose and Use One
- Latisse vs. Over-the-Counter Lash Serums: What’s the Difference?
- Mascara and Makeup Habits That Break Lashes
- Lash Care: Everyday Habits for Healthier-Looking Lashes
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out?
- Cleveland Clinic. Menopause: What It Is, Age, Stages, Signs and Side Effects
- Cleveland Clinic. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Symptoms and Treatment
- Cleveland Clinic. Madarosis (Eyebrow and Eyelash Hair Loss): Causes and Treatment
- Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out?
- AbbVie. LATISSE (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% Full Prescribing Information
