How to Make an Eyelash Serum to Grow Long Eyelashes

Co-authored by Hannah Metz

Last Updated: December 21, 2022 References

Are your eyelashes short, stumpy, or prone to breaking? Have you been considering a growth serum, but you're nervous about the potential side-effects (like permanently changing your eye color)? Instead, lengthen your lashes with your very own DIY growth serum. Learn to make your own serum using natural products you can find around the house or at a local health foods store.

Ingredients

1 Teaspoon castor oil
1 Teaspoon coconut oil
1 Teaspoon Jojoba oil (optional)
1 Teaspoon almond oil (optional)
1 Vitamin E capsule (optional)

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Your Own Eyelash Serum

1
Add 1 teaspoon castor oil to a small container. Many people use castor oil on its own as a hair-growth treatment. Castor oil's anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help break down clogs and buildup that might be slowing hair growth.
- Castor oil also contains Vitamin E, proteins, and Omega fatty acids that condition, strengthen, and moisturize hair.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
- Look for cold-pressed castor oil and avoid anything meant for industrial use.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
2
Add 1 teaspoon coconut oil to the container. Coconut oil is often a solid at room temperature, so you may want to heat it in the microwave for a few seconds so it liquefies and is easier to mix.
- Coconut oil is a highly effective moisturizer that is quickly absorbed by the skin so it can begin working faster.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Coconut oil reduces protein loss in your hair to repair and nourish your eyelashes.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- The medium chain triglycerides found in coconut oil may also help waterproof and protect your hair from drying out when you use products that can sap the moisture from your hair.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Add additional oils, like jojoba, sweet almond, or a Vitamin E capsule. The castor and coconut oils create the base of your serum, and you can add different oils or vitamins to further enhance the effects of your serum.
- Jojoba oil is an emollient that is also very efficient in unclogging hair follicles that may not be growing hair or growing hair inefficiency.
- Sweet almond oil contains biotin, a B vitamin that is believed to strengthen hair and increase growth.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
- Vitamin E is often sold in capsules. Pierce the capsule with a needle and squeeze it into your serum. Vitamin E is said to keep your hair follicles healthy by increasing circulation and strengthening hair.
4
Mix the serum with a small spatula or toothpick. Make sure all the ingredients are incorporated and there is no separation.
5
Apply the serum to your lashes with a cotton swab or a spoolie brush. Wipe off any excess serum so it doesn't drip into your eye or onto your skin. Focus most of your attention on the roots of your eyelashes so your skin can absorb the oils.
- Swipe the cotton swab over your lashes or run the spoolie brush through your lashes. Make sure your lashes are completely coated with the serum.
- You can also apply the serum with the tip of your fingers (this may help liquify the coconut oil if it has solidified). Just be sure your fingers are clean so you don't get any dirt or germs in your eyes.
- These ingredients won't harm your eyes if a little of the serum drips into them, but your vision may be temporarily blurry. It's a good idea to try to avoid contact with your eyes.
6
Apply the serum every night before bed so it can soak in overnight. It will take several weeks to see results. The ingredients in this serum work because they strengthen and condition your eyelashes so they look thicker, healthier, and can reach their full-length potential. It is important to note, however, that genetics determine how long your lashes can ultimately grow. So if your eyelashes are healthy but still short, it may be that they simply do not grow any longer naturally.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Prescription growth serums work by tricking your hair follicles into a longer growth period. With a longer growth period, your lashes may, in fact, grow longer than your genetics would normally allow. These serums do have some severe side effects, so discuss these with your doctor before asking for a prescription.
- Vitamin E is very rich and can clog pores. If you are prone to breakouts or oily skin, you may want to try another ingredient or just be extra careful not to get any on your skin. ^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
7
Wipe the serum off your eyes in the morning. Carefully remove the serum when you wake up, or your skin may look greasy. The oils in the serum may also keep your makeup from adhering to your skin or lashes, so make sure it's completely wiped off before applying makeup.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Taking Care of Your Eyelashes

1
Brush your eyelashes with an eyelash comb. The idea here is two-fold: you are distributing healthy, natural oils along the length of your lashes^{[9]
X
Research source} as well as stimulating circulation at the root of your lashes. Combing your lashes will remove any lingering mascara or other product that could be drying out your lashes.
- Separating your lashes by combing can also make them appear longer.
2
Gently massage your eyelids along the root. As with brushing, massaging your eyelids will stimulate circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles.
- Use the pads of your fingers to very gently rub the base of your lash line. Use circular motions and don't tug or pull on the skin.
3
Try applying Vaseline to your lashes. A coat of Vaseline will seal the moisture into your eyelashes, preventing them from drying out. Though this doesn't necessarily increase the length of your eyelashes, it can make them thicker and healthier, which can make them look longer.
4
Apply green tea to your lashes. Brew yourself a cup of green tea and use a cotton swab to apply the (cooled!) tea to your lashes. The flavonoids and caffeine in green tea are said to stimulate new hair growth.
5
Avoid false lashes. Though they will temporarily make your lashes look long and voluminous, removing them can destroy your eyelashes. When you remove the lashes, you will pull out some of your existing lashes. Plus the glue and the solvent that removes the glue can be harmful to your eyes.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- If you are constantly pulling out your eyelashes as you remove the false lashes, you can actually cause traction alopecia, which means your lashes will no longer grow.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
6
Use an eye makeup remover before bed. Leaving mascara on your lashes overnight can cause them to dry out, bend, and break.^{[12]
X
Research source} Not only does this cause a sparse lash-line, but a bent eyelash can actually scratch your eye in the night.
- Try to avoid waterproof mascara, as it can dry out your eyelashes, which makes them more prone to breaking.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
7
Eat a healthy diet. Your hair is made of protein, and without it your body won't be able to create new, healthy hair. A healthy diet will give your body all the building blocks to make and nourish your eyelashes.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Eat dark greens like broccoli, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard for vitamin A and C. Vitamin deficiencies can actually cause your eyelashes to fall out.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- Proteins like turkey, chicken, nuts, beans, lentils, eggs, yogurt, and cheese will give your body the building blocks it needs to grow new hair.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Bananas, beer, oats, and raisins contain silica, a mineral that may increase hair thickness.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
8
Don't pull or rub your lashes. Whether it's a nervous habit or a method of mascara removal, pulling on your eyelashes is a major don't. You may pull out or damage your eyelashes and may actually cause trauma to healthy hair follicles, which can make them dormant so they won't grow new hair.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- If you have stubborn mascara that won't come off (like a long-lasting or waterproof mascara), try an oil-based makeup remover to break it down. Gently rub the oil over your eyelid, then hold a cotton pad against your eyelid for about 30 seconds. Swipe the pad downward and this should remove most of the mascara.
- Rubbing itchy eyes can also cause damage to your lashes. Try allergy-fighting eyedrops instead and keep your hands in your lap!
9
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use any other oil, like olive or sunflower?

Community Answer

You can use olive oil as it is known for it's great benefits, like moisturizing. But not sunflower oil as it is only used to cook.
Question

I've mixed almond oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and Vitamin E oil together and applied the mixture on my lashes, but every time I do so, my eyes tend to burn and sting. Why is that?

caroline hoel

Community Answer

Maybe you're allergic to one of the ingredients. You should test each one at separate times to figure out which it is, and then remove that from your mixture.
Question

How do I make teaspoon long eye lashes?

Community Answer

Make your own conditioner. Use a tiny brush, and brush your eyelashes carefully.

Warnings

Make sure you test each ingredient on your skin before use. If you develop a rash, your skin becomes itchy, or you have any sign of an allergic reaction, do not use it.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0