The Do’s And Don’ts Of Growing Longer Natural Lashes

It’s late summer and what once felt like a necessity—eyelash curlers, mascara, and extra volume lashes—are now falling a little out of style . Instead, celebrities, like Zendaya and Meghan Markle, are skipping mascara in favor of their naturally long lashes. And, even Beyoncé seemingly seconded the natural lash trend as Cécred’s new Restoring Lash & Brow Builder couldn’t have come at a better time. So, if your retired lash habits left yours looking short and sparse, don’t fret. Ahead, eyelash experts explain everything you need to do—and don’t—when trying to grow longer, thicker, and healthier natural lashes. How to Grow Longer Natural Lashes “Lashes naturally grow in cycles,” founder of Sweed Beauty Gabriella Elio tells ESSENCE. That means it takes between four to eight weeks to completely replace a lash. However, waiting out your natural lash cycle is just half the work. “It really comes down to keeping them hydrated and conditioned, because that’s what stops them from stripping or breaking off before they reach their full length,” says Jas Imani, lash tech and licensed esthetician. “Your lashes are naturally hydrated; it’s usually something we’re doing that dehydrates them.” To avoid this, she recommends cleansing your lashes daily with a gentle lash cleanser, micellar water, or an oil cleanser. That, and light exfoliation from gently brushing through your lashes with a clean mascara wand keeps your lash line healthy.  According to Elio, “a lash …