There are many facts about eyelashes that we all know. But there are certainly some that you haven’t heard yet – or at least that will surprise you! Check out the lash fun facts we found.
Like all other tissues in our body, our eyelashes are constantly changing – old ones fall out and new ones come in their place. In general, the lifespan of each eyelash is about 3 months. Eyelashes are considered the thickest and strongest of all hairs on the human body.
As for the length and quantity of eyelashes, they all differ from person to person. On average, each human eye contains between 150 – 250 individual eyelashes on the upper eyelid and between 50 – 100 on the lower. Eyelashes do not grow in straight lines, but in uneven rows: 5-6 rows on the upper eyelid and 3-5 rows on the lower.
As you already know, the upper eyelashes are always longer than the lower ones. Lashes on the upper eyelid are usually between 7-13 mm long, while eyelashes on the lower eyelid usually never grow longer than 7 mm.
In general, the length, curl and thickness of your eyelashes are genetically determined. This does not mean that the defects are irreparable. With proper care, you can correct many defects according to your own wishes.
Regular use of over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen can slow down the growth rate of your eyelashes, as well as your hair in general.
The color of your eyelashes, just like your hair, largely depends on the amount of melanin pigment they contain. The more melanin the eyelash contains, the darker the color (and vice versa). For most people, eyelash color and hair color are generally very similar, usually no more than a few shades apart. Since hormone levels change as we age, eyelash color can also darken.
Our eyelashes begin to form in the womb around the 20th week of pregnancy.
In addition to being a beautiful feature, eyelashes play a much more important role in our body – they are the key protectors of our eyes from various contaminants such as sand, dust, bugs and various other elements. The base of the eyelashes contains sebaceous glands that serve as a lubricant and protect against drying and irritation.
Based on historical data, the first evidence of “mascara” for eyelashes comes from ancient Egypt, where there are records of women using charcoal to dye their eyelashes. The first real mascara appeared on the market in 1917, and it was produced by the famous company Maybelline, which is still considered one of the strongest beauty brands in the industry.
Most people are surprised to hear that our eyelashes require the same care as our hair. On average, only one in ten women who were asked if they wash and care for their eyelashes confirmed that they do. In fact, most people don’t realize that our eyelashes require regular washing and conditioning, just like our hair. When not cared for properly, eyelashes can be damaged, develop various diseases and experience more shedding than usual.