Lush, healthy lashes are a universal desire, yet achieving them can feel like an elusive goal for many. Fortunately, there's a remarkable natural solution that has been used for centuries to nourish and revitalize lashes - iAMA Castor Oil.
In this blog post we'll explore the benefits of castor oil for eyelashes, debunk common myths, and provide a step-by-step routine to help you unlock your lashes' full potential.
Why Do Your Eyelashes Need Nourishing?
Your eyelashes are delicate, exposed strands of hair that are prone to environmental stressors and damage. They are constantly subjected to make up, cleansers, glue for extensions (if you do them), artificial chemicals, daily eye rubbing etc.
Over time, this can all affect your eyelashes, leading to dryness, brittleness, and premature shedding. Without proper nourishment and care, your eyelashes can become sparse, short, and weak.
Do Lash Extensions Damage Your Real Eyelashes?
While eyelash extensions can give you an instant and pretty dramatic transformation, prolonged and constant use can affect your natural eyelashs and follicles for the following reasons
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Mechanical Stress: The process of applying lash extensions involves gluing or adhering the artificial lashes directly onto your natural lashes. This added weight and tension can place significant stress on the delicate lash follicles, leading to premature shedding and weakening of the natural lashes over time.
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Lash Breakage: As the natural lashes grow out, the extension adhesive can create friction and cause the lashes to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This can result in sparse, uneven lash growth and an unhealthy, damaged appearance.
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Lash Loss: During the removal process, the adhesive used to apply the extensions can also pull out or damage the natural lash, leading to increased lash shedding and potential bald spots on the lash line.
- Infections and Irritation: Improper application or poor hygiene practices during the lash extension process can introduce bacteria, leading to eye infections, inflammation, and allergic reactions. These issues can further compromise the health and growth of your natural lashes.
For these reasons, incorporating iAMA Castor Oil into your beauty regime if you wear lash extensions is key to maintaining your beautiful foxy eyed lashes.
Can Short or Damaged Eye Lashes Actually Grow Back?
Yes! It may take longer depending on your age, your beauty regime and your overall health but your eyelashes do grow back. Patience (and daily use of iAMA Castor Oil) will come in handy here!
Your eyelash growth cycle consists of 3 phases:
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Anagen Phase: This is the active growth phase, where new lashes are rapidly produced. During this stage, which typically lasts 4-7 weeks, the lashes grow longer and thicker, reaching their maximum length.
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Catagen Phase: This is the transitional phase, where the lash follicle begins to shrink and the lash detaches from its base. This phase lasts approximately 2-3 weeks.
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Telogen Phase: This is the resting phase, where the lash reaches the end of its life cycle and eventually sheds. This phase lasts around 4-9 months, after which the cycle begins anew with the anagen phase.
By nourishing your lashes with castor oil, you can optimize the growth cycle, encouraging the anagen phase to last longer and promoting the healthy development of new, stronger lashes.
This, in turn, results in fuller, longer, and more vibrant lashes over time, as the cycle becomes more efficient and balanced.The
How Does Castor Oil Grow Your Eyelashes?
Castor oil, derived from the Ricinus communis plant, is a powerhouse of nourishing compounds that work in tandem to transform the appearance and health of your eyelashes.
At the heart of its lash-boosting properties are 3 key ingredients:
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Ricinoleic Acid: This fatty acid is the primary component of castor oil, making up 85-95% of its composition. Ricinoleic acid is renowned for its exceptional moisturizing and emollient properties, which are essential for maintaining the strength and flexibility of eyelashes.
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Vitamin E: Castor oil is rich in this potent antioxidant, which helps protect lashes from environmental stressors and free radical damage. Vitamin E also promotes healthy cell growth, contributing to the overall thickness and vitality of your lashes.
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Proteins: Castor oil contains a variety of proteins that work to fortify the structure of each individual lash, making them less prone to breakage and fallout.
When applied topically to your lashes every night, this dynamic trio of nourishing compounds work in synergy to hydrate, strengthen, and stimulate the growth of fuller, longer, and more lustrous lashes.
Busting The Most Common Myths About Castor Oil and Lashes
Before we dive into the transformative castor oil routine, let's address some common misconceptions that may be holding you back from achieving your lash goals:
- Myth #1: Castor oil is too thick and heavy for delicate lashes.
- Reality: While castor oil is indeed a thick, viscous oil, it actually has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the lashes without leaving a heavy, greasy residue. The key is to use a small amount and apply it meticulously to avoid over-oiling.
- Myth #2: Castor oil will cause lash irritation or allergic reactions.
- Reality: Castor oil is generally well-tolerated by most people, as it is a natural, non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) oil. However, as with any new product, it's always wise to perform a patch test first to ensure your skin doesn't have any adverse reactions.
- Myth #3: Castor oil will make my lashes grow uncontrollably long.
- Reality: Castor oil doesn't magically create lash growth overnight. Instead, it works gradually to nourish and strengthen existing lashes, promoting healthier, more vibrant growth over time. Expect to see gradual improvements in length, thickness, and volume rather than dramatic, overnight changes.
Now that we've cleared the air, let's dive into the step-by-step castor oil routine that will have your lashes looking their absolute best.
The Transformative Castor Oil Routine for Luscious Lashes
Incorporating castor oil into your lash care regimen is a simple yet powerful way to achieve the long, thick, and defined lashes you've always wanted.
Follow these steps to unlock the full potential of this natural wonder:
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Step 1: Cleanse and Prepare Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face and removing any makeup, oil, or dirt that may be present on your lashes and eyelids. This will ensure the castor oil can penetrate deeply and work its magic. Gently pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel.
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Step 2: Apply iAMA Castor Oil Using a clean fingertip or a small, clean cotton swab, apply a small amount of pure, high-quality castor oil to the base of your upper and lower lashes. Carefully work the oil through the length of each lash, taking care not to get any in your eyes.
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Step 3: Massage Gently Once the castor oil is evenly distributed, use your fingertips to gently massage the lashes and lash line in small, circular motions. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and ensure the oil is fully absorbed.
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Step 4: Leave On Overnight Allow the castor oil to work its magic by leaving it on overnight. For best results, consider wearing an old t-shirt or using a clean towel to protect your pillowcase from any excess oil.
- Step 5: Remove and Repeat In the morning, use a clean, damp washcloth to gently remove any remaining castor oil from your lashes and the surrounding area. Repeat this routine every night for optimal results.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to seeing transformative lash growth with castor oil.
Be patient and persistent, as it may take several weeks or even months to achieve your desired lash length and volume.
Should You Try It?
If you're curious about using castor oil on your eyelids, give it a go. It's safe, natural and there are no side effects as long as you use a high-quality, 100% organic, cold-pressed castor oil like IAMA's.
P.S To help you get the most out of nature's golden elixir, with every purchase of IAMA Castor Oil, you'll receive our FREE user guide!
P.P.S Check out our favourite castor oil beauty blends, rituals and recipes here
If you're unsure about anything or just want to say hi, you can get in touch by emailing contact@iamawellness.com or alternatively, drop us a message on Insta.