From the Research
The natural name for eyelashes that is not a style is simply "eyelashes" or "natural eyelashes." These are the hair follicles that grow naturally along the edge of your eyelids, serving the biological purpose of protecting your eyes from debris, dust, and sweat. Unlike styled eyelash extensions, falsies, or treatments like lash lifts and tints, natural eyelashes have not been artificially enhanced or modified. They vary in length, thickness, and curvature from person to person based on genetics. The average person has about 90-150 eyelashes on their upper eyelid and 70-80 on their lower eyelid. These natural lashes grow, fall out, and replace themselves in a cycle that typically lasts 4-8 weeks. While many cosmetic treatments focus on enhancing eyelashes, the unaltered, natural state of eyelashes is simply referred to as "eyelashes" without any style designation, as noted in studies discussing the aesthetics and health of eyelashes 1.
Some key points to consider about natural eyelashes include:
- They serve as a protective barrier for the eyes
- Their growth and replacement cycle is influenced by genetics and overall health
- Conditions such as madarosis can affect the health and appearance of natural eyelashes, as discussed in more recent studies 2, 3
- The term "madarosis" refers to the loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, and can be associated with various underlying health conditions, highlighting the importance of considering the health implications of changes in natural eyelashes 4, 5.
Overall, the term "eyelashes" is used to describe the natural, unaltered hair follicles that grow along the edge of the eyelids, and their health and appearance can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, overall health, and certain medical conditions, as discussed in the most recent and highest quality study 3.