Madarosis: Why You Are Losing Your Eyelashes and What Helps

Quick answer: Madarosis is the medical term for losing your eyelashes or eyebrows. It has many possible causes, including chemotherapy, alopecia, thyroid conditions, blepharitis, lash extension damage, ageing, and lash pulling. Because the causes differ, the first step is to see your doctor to find out why it is happening. To support your lashes you can use a gentle, prostaglandin-free serum, and glue-free magnetic lashes give you a full look while your lashes recover.

This guide, written with input from our founder, a qualified pharmacist and cosmetic chemist, explains the common causes of madarosis and the gentle options that help.

What is madarosis?

Madarosis simply means the loss of eyelashes or eyebrow hairs. It can be partial or complete, and it can affect one eye or both. Sometimes it is temporary and sometimes it is ongoing, depending on the cause. Because your lashes protect your eyes from dust and debris, noticing lash loss is worth taking seriously and mentioning to your doctor.

Common causes of eyelash loss

• Chemotherapy. Treatment affects fast-dividing follicles, so lashes often thin or fall out. Read our guide to lashes for chemo and cancer patients.
• Alopecia. An autoimmune cause of patchy or complete hair loss. See our guide to eyelashes and alopecia.
• Thyroid conditions. An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause hair and lash thinning.
• Blepharitis and eye inflammation. Chronic irritation of the lash line can lead to lash loss.
• Lash extension damage. Weight and adhesive can weaken natural lashes. See how to repair lashes after extensions.
• Trichotillomania. Repeated pulling of the lashes. See our guide to rebuilding lashes after trichotillomania.
• Ageing and nutrition. Lashes can naturally thin with age or with certain nutritional deficiencies.

Step one: find the cause with your doctor

Because madarosis can be a sign of an underlying condition, the most important step is to see your doctor, especially if the loss is sudden, patchy, or affecting your brows as well. Treating the cause is what makes the biggest difference.

Step two: support your lashes gently

Alongside your doctor's guidance, a nourishing serum can support the lashes you have and any regrowth. Our Eyelash Growth and Repair Serum is made in Australia, prostaglandin-free, and gentle enough for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Please check with your doctor before starting it, particularly if you have an eye condition or are in treatment.

Step three: full lashes today with no glue

Glue-free magnetic lashes give you a full, natural look no matter how sparse your lashes are, because they attach to a magnetic eyeliner rather than to your own lashes. There is no adhesive on delicate skin. Begin with the Magnetic Lashes and Liner Kit, choose the undetectable Invisible Magnetic Lashes and Liner Pen Kit, or pick a soft, natural style from our Short and Natural Lashes collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the medical name for eyelash loss?

It is called madarosis, which refers to the loss of eyelashes or eyebrow hairs.

Why am I losing my eyelashes?

Common causes include chemotherapy, alopecia, thyroid conditions, blepharitis, lash extension damage, trichotillomania, and ageing. A doctor can help identify the cause.

Can eyelashes grow back after madarosis?

Often yes, especially when the underlying cause is treated. A gentle serum can support regrowth, and magnetic lashes provide a full look in the meantime.

A note from our pharmacist

Youthphoria was founded by a qualified pharmacist and cosmetic chemist, so our formulas are developed with safety in mind. This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Eyelash loss can signal an underlying health condition, so please consult your doctor or a personal health care professional before starting any new product. For personal questions, email us at info@youthphoria.com.au.