How Long Do Lashes Really Take to Grow?
Long, fluttery lashes have always been a beauty ideal. But while mascara, extensions, and falsies give quick results, the truth is that real lash growth comes down to one thing: your body’s natural lash growth cycle.
So, how long do lashes actually take to grow? Why do some people's lashes grow quicker than others? And more importantly, how can you support them to look longer, fuller, and healthier? Let’s break it down.
The Lash Growth Cycle: 4 Key Stages
Like the hair on your head, your lashes grow, rest, and shed in repeating cycles. Each lash is on its own timeline, which is why you don’t suddenly lose all your lashes at once. Here’s how it works:
1. Anagen Phase (Growth Stage)
• This is when the lash is actively growing from the follicle.
• For eyelashes, this phase usually lasts 30–45 days.
• About 35–40% of your upper lashes are in this stage at any given time.
Why it matters: This is the stage where lash serums make the most difference, because they nourish and strengthen the follicle while the lash is actively lengthening.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition Stage)
• Growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink.
• The lash detaches from the blood supply but stays in place.
• Lasts 2–3 weeks.
Why it matters: If a lash falls out during this stage, the follicle has to complete catagen before moving back into growth mode - meaning you won’t regrow immediately.
3. Telogen Phase (Resting Stage)
• Lashes “rest” in the follicle without growing.
• Beneath the skin, a new lash is quietly forming.
• This stage can last up to 3 months for scalp hair, but shorter for lashes.
Why it matters: This is why results vary - if more of your lashes are in telogen, it may take longer before you see visible new growth.
4. Exogen Phase (Shedding Stage)
• The old lash falls out naturally to make way for the new one.
• On average, we lose 1–5 lashes a day - completely normal.
✨ Why it matters: Seeing a few lashes fall out isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s simply part of the cycle.
So, How Long Does It Take for Lashes to Grow?
On average, eyelashes take 6–12 weeks to fully grow back after shedding. But because every lash is in a different stage of the cycle, visible results depend on:
• How many lashes are in the growth phase (anagen)
• The health of your lash follicles
• Genetics, age, and overall health
• If you're using a lash serum like Sown which extends the growth phase.
This explains why some people see results in as little as 3 weeks, while others take closer to 12 weeks.
Why Lashes Don’t Grow Overnight
If you’ve ever been disappointed by lash serums that promised “instant results,” here’s why: nothing can override the natural growth cycle.
Lash serums work best when they:
• Nourish follicles during anagen (growth phase)
• Strengthen existing lashes so they don’t snap or shed prematurely
• Support the lash line environment with moisture and nutrients
Consistency is everything - think of it like skincare. You don’t see overnight transformation, but daily use compounds into visible results.
Supporting the Lash Growth Cycle Naturally
Not all lash serums are created equal. Many mainstream brands rely on prostaglandin analogues - hormone-like chemicals originally used to treat glaucoma. While they can stimulate growth, they come with dangerous side effects like darkened eyelids, eye irritation, and even permanent iris color change. Read the full dangers of prostaglandin lash serums in our article here.
At SOWN, we take a different approach.
Our Root 1 Lash Serum is completely prostaglandin-free and hormone-free. Instead, we use our Rootboost Technology which is made up of a potent blend of:
• Root botanicals like ginseng, mulberry, pumpkin, and licorice to nourish follicles
• Peptides to fortify lash strength and density
• Amino acids & vitamins (B3, B5, B6, C, E, Biotin) to protect against brittleness and shedding
• Moisture-locking complexes to create the perfect environment for growth
By extending the length of the growth stage, Root 1 helps lashes reach their full potential — growing longer, stronger, and fuller than they would naturally.
Why Results Vary From Person to Person
Remember, lash growth is cyclical and personal. Your journey depends on:
• Stage of growth cycle – Some see new lashes sooner simply because more follicles are in the growth phase.
• Lifestyle & health – Stress, diet, and overall wellness affect hair growth.
• Consistency – Daily use is essential. Missing applications interrupts progress.
That’s why we recommend applying Root 1 Lash Serum every morning and night for the first 12 weeks. Once you’ve completed a full growth cycle, you can maintain results with 2–3 applications, once a day per week.
Ready to Begin Your Growth Journey?
Start today with Root 1 Lash Serum. Clinically tested, ophthalmologist reviewed, and powered by root botanicals — for results you can see in as little as 3 weeks.
