Q10- Why don’t eyelashes keep growing?

Eyelashes, like all hair on the human body, grow in cycles. Each hair follicle on the eyelid goes through a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase.

During the growth phase, the hair grows continuously for about 2 to 3 months, until it reaches a genetically determined length. Then, the hair follicle enters a resting phase, which lasts for several weeks. Finally, the hair falls out and the cycle starts again.

Eyelashes have a relatively short growth phase compared to hair on other parts of the body, which is why they do not grow as long as the hair on the scalp. This is because the hair follicles on the eyelids have a shorter anagen (growth) phase, and a longer telogen (resting) phase.

Additionally, the length of the eyelashes is also limited by the size and shape of the eyelids. Eyelashes that are too long could potentially obstruct vision or cause irritation to the eye, which is why the body has evolved to regulate their growth.

Therefore, while eyelashes do grow and fall out like all other hair on the body, their growth cycle and length is regulated by genetics and the size and shape of the eyelids.