Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out? Common Causes

Finding a few eyelashes on your cheek or pillow can be unsettling, especially if it seems to happen more often than it used to. The good news is that some lash shedding is completely normal. Every lash has a life cycle, and when one falls out, a new one is usually already on its way.

Still, losing more lashes than usual can be a sign that something is irritating your eyelids, or occasionally a clue to a health condition elsewhere in the body. This guide walks through what normal shedding looks like, the most common reasons lashes fall out, and when to get them checked. For a broader overview, see our pillar guide to thin or falling eyelashes.

Key takeaways

Losing about 1 to 5 eyelashes a day is considered normal, because lashes shed and replace themselves in a natural cycle [1].
Common local causes include eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), makeup and extension habits, eyelash curlers and allergies to cosmetics or lash glue [1][2].
Lash loss that also affects your eyebrows or scalp can point to body-wide causes such as alopecia areata or thyroid conditions [1].
See an eye doctor promptly if lash loss affects both lids, comes with eye or skin changes, or if you lose eyebrow or scalp hair too [1].

How much eyelash shedding is normal?

Eyelashes are hairs, and like the hair on your head, they do not grow forever. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that lashes cycle through growth, shedding and replacement every six to 10 weeks, and that losing one to five lashes a day is normal [1].

The ophthalmology reference EyeWiki notes that lashes grow slowly, about 0.15 mm per day, and that a lash takes roughly 8 to 10 weeks to grow and lasts about 5 to 6 months before it falls out [3]. Because each lash is on its own schedule, you lose a few here and there rather than all at once.

So a stray lash on your mascara wand or washcloth is not a reason to worry. What matters more is a change: noticeably more lashes coming out, gaps appearing along the lash line, or loss that comes with redness, itching, crusting or other symptoms. If you want to understand the cycle in more depth, our article on how the lash cycle works covers the phases in plain language.

Madarosis: the medical term

When lashes or brows fall out beyond what the follicles can replace, doctors call it madarosis. Cleveland Clinic describes it as any condition that makes your eyebrows or eyelashes fall out, and notes that loss of eyelashes specifically is called ciliary madarosis [2]. Doctors also separate it into non-scarring types, which are usually temporary, and scarring types, which can be permanent [2][3].

Common causes of eyelashes falling out

The AAO groups causes into two broad buckets: those that affect only the lashes, and those that also affect the eyebrows or scalp [1]. That split is a useful way to think about what might be going on.

Blepharitis and eyelid inflammation

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, and it is one of the most common local causes of lash loss [1][3]. According to the AAO, eyelids may look red or swollen and feel sore or burning, and flakes or oily crusts can collect at the base of the lashes [4]. Causes include bacteria at the base of the lashes, problems with the oil glands in the lids and an overgrowth of Demodex mites in the lash follicles [4]. It is especially common in people with oily skin, dandruff or rosacea [4].

The AAO suggests warm compresses held over closed eyes for at least a minute and gently cleaning the base of the lashes with diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes [4]. Blepharitis has no cure, but an ophthalmologist can prescribe treatments to keep it under control [4].

Makeup, extensions and curlers

Cosmetic habits are a frequent and very fixable cause. The AAO lists eye makeup left on too long, lash extensions and eyelash curlers (heated or not) as things that can damage lashes and speed up shedding [1]. Rubbing hard to remove waterproof mascara adds friction too. Our guides to mascara and makeup habits that break lashes and recovering your lashes after extensions go into detail.

Allergies and irritation

Some people are allergic to an ingredient in mascara, or to the adhesive used for lash extensions, and the resulting irritation can lead to lash loss [1]. Contact dermatitis around the eyes is listed by Cleveland Clinic among the skin causes of madarosis [2]. If your lids get itchy, red or puffy after a new product, stop using it.

Pulling or rubbing (trichotillomania)

Trichotillomania is a condition in which a person repeatedly pulls out their own hair, including eyelashes [1][2]. It is a health condition, not a bad habit to feel ashamed of, and it responds to support from a healthcare provider. Frequent hard eye rubbing, for example from allergies, can also loosen lashes.

Styes, chalazia and infections

Less often, chronic or repeated styes and chalazia, ocular rosacea, and mite, bacterial or fungal infections are behind lash loss [1]. Cleveland Clinic also lists infections such as herpes zoster (shingles) among possible causes [2].

Eyelid skin cancer (rare)

Rarely, lash loss in one spot is a sign of skin cancer on the eyelid [1]. EyeWiki lists basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma among the scarring causes of madarosis [3]. This is uncommon, but it is the main reason a patch of missing lashes that does not come back, especially with a bump, sore or change in the lid skin, should always be examined.

When lash loss is part of a bigger picture

If you are losing eyebrow or scalp hair as well as lashes, the cause is more likely to be something affecting the whole body [1].

Alopecia areata. An autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss and can affect the lashes and brows [1][2].
Thyroid disorders. Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid are listed as causes of lash loss [1][2][3].
Other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Psoriasis, lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis are among the less common causes [1][2].
Hormone changes, stress and nutrition. The AAO mentions chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies and hormone changes such as menopause [1]. Our article on thinning eyelashes after 40 covers age-related changes.
Medical treatments. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and certain medications can cause lash loss [1][2]. See eyelashes after chemotherapy for gentle guidance.

A 2022 review in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology points out that there is relatively little research on eyebrow and eyelash loss compared with scalp hair loss [5]. That is one more reason to let a professional sort out the cause rather than guessing.

Local vs. whole-body causes at a glance

Pattern	Possible causes	Who to see
Lash loss only, with red, crusty or itchy lids	Blepharitis, allergy to makeup or lash glue, styes or chalazia [1][4]	Optometrist or ophthalmologist
Lash loss after extensions, curling or heavy makeup	Traction, friction, irritation from products [1]	Eye doctor if irritated; otherwise give lashes a break
One patch that does not return, or a bump on the lid	Rarely, an eyelid skin cancer or scarring condition [1][3]	Ophthalmologist, promptly
Lashes plus eyebrows or scalp hair	Alopecia areata, thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions [1][2]	Primary care doctor or dermatologist
During or after cancer treatment	Chemotherapy or radiation [1][2]	Your oncology team

What you can do at home

Once a doctor has ruled out a medical cause, or while you wait for an appointment, gentle habits help protect the lashes you have. Our lash care guide has more ideas.

Remove eye makeup every night, gently, without scrubbing.
Wash your face and eyelids daily with a gentle cleanser [1].
Take a break from extensions, lash curlers and strip lashes.
Replace old mascara and do not share eye products.
Stop any product that stings, itches or makes your lids red.
Try not to rub or tug at your eyes.

Where a cosmetic lash serum fits

A cosmetic lash serum cannot fix an underlying medical cause of lash loss, and it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Once your eye doctor says your lids are healthy, some people like adding a conditioning serum to their routine for longer-looking, fuller-looking lashes.

If you go that route, many people prefer a prostaglandin-free lash serum, because prostaglandin analogs can carry side effects such as darkened eyelid skin and, rarely, eye color changes. Our article on prostaglandin lash serum side effects explains why. Prescription bimatoprost (Latisse) is a different category: it is an FDA-approved drug for hypotrichosis (inadequate lashes), and you need a prescription for it.

When to see a doctor

Most lash shedding is harmless, but the AAO recommends getting care promptly if [1]:

Lash loss affects both eyelids.
You are also losing eyebrow or scalp hair.
You notice skin changes on the lids, such as a bump, sore, scaling or discoloration.
You feel pressure in or around the eye.
Your vision changes.

Cleveland Clinic adds that you should see a healthcare provider as soon as you notice unusual lash or brow loss, especially with pain or skin changes, and go to the emergency room if you lose vision or cannot move your eyes [2]. An eye doctor can examine your lids and lashes up close, and may refer you to a dermatologist or your primary care doctor for blood tests if a whole-body cause is suspected. Our lash resources page can help you find the right specialist.

The encouraging part: in non-scarring madarosis, lashes often return once the cause is treated [2].

Lids healthy and ready for a lash routine?

Once your eye doctor gives the all-clear, 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

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Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to lose eyelashes every day?

Yes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says losing about one to five lashes a day is normal, because lashes go through a cycle of growth, shedding and replacement.

Will my eyelashes grow back?

In most cases, yes. When lash loss is non-scarring and the cause, such as blepharitis or an allergy, is treated or removed, lashes often return. Scarring conditions can cause permanent loss, which is why persistent gaps should be checked by a doctor.

Can stress make my eyelashes fall out?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists chronic stress among the less common causes of lash loss, usually alongside hair loss elsewhere. Because many other conditions look similar, ask a doctor to check before assuming stress is the cause.

Can mascara make eyelashes fall out?

Mascara itself is not usually the problem, but leaving eye makeup on too long, scrubbing it off and being allergic to an ingredient can all contribute to lash loss. Remove it gently every night and stop any product that irritates your eyes.

Which doctor should I see for eyelash loss?

Start with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who can examine your lids and lashes. If you are also losing eyebrow or scalp hair, a dermatologist or your primary care doctor can look for whole-body causes such as thyroid problems or alopecia areata.

Can a lash serum fix eyelashes that are falling out?

A cosmetic lash serum does not treat the cause of lash loss. Get the cause checked first. Once your eyes are healthy, a prostaglandin-free conditioning serum is an option some people use for longer-looking, fuller-looking lashes.

Sources

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