Lots of people (yes, mostly women) spend lots of time trying to grow thick, lustrous eyelashes. Mascara and other cosmetics can do the trick, at least temporarily. But some very preliminary research (as well as beauty bloggers and YouTubers) suggests that the road to fuller eyelashes doesn’t run through the make-up aisle. Instead, head over to the olive oil section.
While it is important to note that there is no definitive proof that applying olive oil to eyelashes will stimulate eyelash growth, it is an intriguing approach that doesn’t pose any downsides or risks.
Why Would Olive Oil Help Grow Eyelashes?
Olive oil’s potential benefits for eyelash growth come from its abundance of fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. With potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, plenty of people around the world swear by olive oil for fatty acids’ alleged benefits to hair and skin.
Here is how olive oil’s fatty acids may help hair growth:
- Oleic acid helps regulate sebum production, which keeps away bacteria and hydrates the eyelids leading to healthier eyelash follicles.
- Palmitic acid acts as an emollient that can help soften the skin or eyelashes.
- Linoleic acid helps keep hair follicles healthy by encouraging skin cell turnover to prevent clogged or dead hair follicles.”
Research On Olive Oil and Eyelash Growth
Some research, including a 2018 study of mice, suggests that safflower oil, which like olive oil, is high in linoleic acid, may also encourage hair growth.
Another study from 2015 concluded that applying oleuropein to the skin of mice helped regulate their hair growth.
But these effects on humans are inconclusive and need further research. Additionally, the processing olives undergo after picking can impact the amount of oleuropein any given bottle of olive oil contains.
How To Use Olive Oil On Your Eyelashes
If you want to give olive oil a go on your eyelashes, here’s how to do it:
- Before going to bed, lightly dip a clean mascara brush in some olive oil.
- Lightly coat the top layer of your lashes from root to tip along the lash line.
- Wash it off when you wake up in the morning.
- Repeat daily (or as directed by your dermatologist) for several weeks.
The typical eyelash growth cycle lasts between 30 to 60 days, at which point hair rests before falling out. That means you can expect to see results within two to four months. Please note: we do not advocate trying this without consulting a hair loss physician first!
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At the Miami Hair Institute, our world-renowned hair restoration physicians diagnose and treat hair loss using the most effective and cutting-edge approaches. We have helped tens of thousands of patients regain their hair and their confidence through advanced hair restoration surgical techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.
To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.