Does Crying Make Your Eyelashes Grow Longer: Myth or Truth?

Few claims in the world of beauty myths and old wives’ stories have survived as solid as those implying that crying might grow out eyelashes. This concept has been handed on and resurrected in modern social media beauty groups over many years. But what does a scientific study show regarding the link between eyelash development and tears? It is imperative to separate real facts from lies while responding to a lot of common questions about the link between sobbing and eyelashes.

The Science Behind Tears

Before addressing the main question, it’s important to understand what tears are made of. 

Tears consist primarily of:

• Water (98%)
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium)
• Proteins (antibodies) help eyelashes to grow longer scientifically.

Can Crying Make Your Lashes Grow?

The quick response: No, sobbing does not cause your lashes to grow longer.Though there are many assertions, no scientific data points to tears having growth-stimulating effects especially for eyelashes.

Eyelash growth is primarily controlled by:

1. Genetics:  Your genetic makeup mostly controls the length, thickness, and curl of your natural lashes.
2. Hair growth cycle: Eyelashes go through an approximately 3-4 month complete natural growth cycle (anagen, catagen, and telogen phases).
3. Health factors: Overall health, diet, and hormone levels can affect eyelash development and condition.

Because wetness causes lashes to stick together or redness around the eyes gives a visual contrast, crying may momentarily make lashes more visible. This will help to darken lashes. Still, the outcome is merely a temporary optical effect—not actual growth.

Do Tears Make Eyelashes Grow?

Tears lack any development element meant especially for eyelash follicles. Though they include minerals and proteins, tears are not meant to change the hair follicle growth cycles.

Some feel that the moisture in tears can enhance eyelashes in the same way as conditioning treatments can for hair. However, brief exposure to tears when sobbing is insufficient to provide major conditioning advantages to eyelash hairs.

The Potential Negative Effects of Crying on Eyelashes

Contrary to promoting growth, crying may actually have some temporary negative effects on your lashes:

• Physical stress: Rubbing eyes while crying can cause eyelashes to break or fall out prematurely
• Mascara interaction: Tears can cause mascara to clump and harden, leading to increased brittleness and breakage
• Inflammation: Prolonged crying can cause eyelid inflammation that might temporarily disrupt the eyelash growth cycle

Can You Cry with Lash Extensions?

Yes, you can cry with lash extensions, but it’s best to avoid excessive tears if possible. Here’s why:

1. Adhesive concerns: The salt content in tears can potentially weaken the adhesive bond of eyelash extensions over time
2. Drying technique matters: Patting dry rather than rubbing is crucial to preserve extensions after crying
3. Aftercare importance: Following a crying session, gentle cleansing and brushing can help maintain extension integrity

Most high-quality lash extensions applied by professionals should withstand normal tear exposure, but excessive crying and rough handling afterward can shorten their lifespan.

Scientifically-Proven Ways to Enhance Eyelash Growth

Rather than relying on tears, consider these evidence-based approaches to improving eyelash growth and appearance:

• Prescription treatments: FDA-approved bimatoprost (Latisse) has been clinically proven to lengthen, thicken and darken eyelashes by extending the growth phase of lashes
• Nutritional support: Biotin, vitamins E and B, and proteins support overall hair health, including eyelashes
• Gentle care: Removing eye makeup properly and avoiding rubbing prevents premature lash loss
• Eyelash serums: Some over-the-counter serums contain peptides and conditioning agents that may improve lash appearance, though results are typically more modest than prescription options

The Psychology Behind the Myth

Why does this belief endure in the absence of any scientific data? There are probably multiple psychological elements behind the correlation between crying and eyelash development:

1. Confirmation Bias: People notice their lashes more after weeping, and any observed difference is attributed to tears.
2. Emotional Regulation: The myth could offer a positive aspect to the act of crying.
3. Cultural transmission: Beauty myths frequently spread across generations without scientific investigation.

Conclusion

Although the idea that tears promote eyelash development might be comforting, scientific data refutes this idea. Tears lack the growth hormones needed to affect eyelash follicles; consequently, any apparent expansion is most likely caused by temporary visual effects rather than actual development.

Evidence-based solutions include pharmaceutical medications, proper diet, and mild care techniques are more successful for those seeking longer, fuller lashes than tears. Like many beauty claims, it’s best to approach such misconceptions with reasonable doubt and look for dermatological research to support methods to accentuate your natural traits.

Recall that, like any aspect of appearance, eyelashes naturally differ from person to person. Although good lashes shield the eyes from allergies and dirt, inheritance rather than emotional reactions largely determines their length.