Very similar to the hair on our head, our eyelashes can become thinner and less lush as we get older. The good news? It is possible to thicken thin, sparse lashes. From instant fixes to long-term solutions, we polled experts for their best tips and tricks. To learn how to get thicker lashes, keep scrolling.
How to get thicker lashes: Rub on coconut oil
Skin’s production of natural oil slows as we age. The result? Brittle lashes that are prone to breaking and shedding. “Keeping lashes hydrated prevents breakage and helps hairs complete their growth cycle,” says New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, who recommends using coconut oil. While other oils just sit on top of fine lash hairs, coconut oil’s smaller-chain fatty acids penetrate lashes to moisturize from the inside out. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use near the delicate eye area. To do: Use a clean spoolie to brush a drop of coconut oil onto lashes daily to see results in four weeks. Since the oil can momentarily blur contact lenses, Dr. Fusco advises applying it right before bed.
How to get thicker lashes: Reach for a lash serum
There are many eyelash serum options available that promise to promote hair growth. A few notable ingredients to look for are peptides, castor oil and antioxidants as they all help strengthen and nourish existing hairs while stimulating new, healthy growth. For expert-backed lash growth serums, see our list here.
How to get thicker lashes: Sweep on this mascara
It may sound wacky, but you can bulk up and regrow lashes with a magnetic mascara! How it works: The magnet’s positively charged ions cling to the body’s negatively charged hairs, wrapping a tube-like coat around each one so they appear thicker. We like Pür Fully Charged Mascara, which also contains panthenol—it’s study-proven to moisturize lash hairs so they grow back thicker and stronger with less fall-out. Tip: When applying mascara, place and hold the mascara wand at the lash’s base for 10 seconds (this props up hair at the roots for added volume), then wiggle it from side to side as you move to lash tips.
How to get thicker lashes: Sleep with an eye mask
A silky mask, like Blissy Sleep Mask, creates a friction-free barrier that prevents lashes from rubbing up against a pillowcase’s harsh fabric (it can damage delicate hairs and lead to breakage) while sleeping. Plus, the protein-based material locks moisture into lash hairs so they remain healthy and lush.
How to get thicker lashes: Dust on baby powder
When thinning eyelashes need a boost, reach for baby powder. The fine, gentle powder coats strands to make lashes appear thicker. To do: Simply swipe a light layer of mascara onto lashes as usual, then use a clean spoolie brush to apply a small amount of baby powder on top of mascara. Follow up with a second coat of mascara for a standout, voluminous finish.
How to get thicker lashes: Nosh on chia seeds
Minerals like magnesium and calcium in the seeds hydrate and strengthen eyelashes. Plus, their omega-3 fatty acids stimulate hair follicles to promote growth. To reap the rewards, incorporate 2 Tbs. of the seeds into your daily diet for fuller lashes in 30 days. Easy ways? Add them to a smoothie or oatmeal or sprinkle on a salad.
Bonus: Mascara trick for instantly thicker-looking lashes
The savvy hack that celebrity makeup artist Jami Svay uses to pump up lash volume in seconds? Two shades of mascara! First, she applies one coat of dark brown mascara all over lashes and lets dry for 2 minutes. Then, she dabs a light coat of black mascara onto just the lash tips. “This creates a subtle ombré effect that gives lashes more depth while drawing attention to the ends, together creating the illusion of fuller, longer lashes.”
