Cancer Treatment Chemotherapy What to Do If You Lose Your Eyelashes During Chemotherapy By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 04, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print The prospect of losing your hair can be overwhelming enough when undergoing chemotherapy, let alone hearing from your healthcare provider that may lose your eyelashes, as well. Eyelashes are an important feature for most people, particularly women. They frame the eyes and, as with all hair, can be central to a person's self-image and sense of self-esteem. Ikonica / Getty Images Losing Eyelashes During Chemotherapy Hair loss (alopecia) is a common side effect of chemotherapy and isn't just limited to the hair on your head. It is not uncommon to experience hair loss on one's legs, arms, pubic hair, eyebrows, and, yes, even the eyelashes. It's important to remember, though, that not everyone undergoing treatment will lose their hair. Each person responds differently to chemo, with some classes of the drug more likely to cause hair loss than others. The drug dose itself can also be a factor, with lower doses often resulting in less lost hair. The problem with losing your eyelashes is that it is not always easy to conceal if you want or need to. You may be able to cover your head quickly with a wig or a cap; false eyelashes are not so simple (and not a viable option for many men). Even more bothersome is the fact that eyelashes often do not fall out until well after chemotherapy has been completed. Moreover, some will experience the thinning or shortening of lashes rather than a complete loss, while others will go through recurring cycles of loss and regrowth. Simple Tips for Thicker Eyelashes Even if you don't lose your eyelashes during chemo, you will likely find that they'll be pretty delicate. Those who do lose them will often find that the regrown lashes are fine, prone to breakage, or visibly sparse. Reducing Eyelash Loss To help minimize the loss of your lashes:Refrain from rubbing your eyes (or patting your lashes to see if they are still there).Use a cotton ball and a natural eye makeup remover to gently wipe any makeup from your eyes.Avoid heavy mascaras, especially waterproof ones or those that require warm water to remove. These can be too harsh on delicate lashes. False Eyelashes False eyelashes are an option that many consider but check with your healthcare provider before using them. There is always a risk of infection when using these products, and it's possible to have an allergic reaction to the glue. False eyelashes are available at most drugstores and cosmetic counters, costing anywhere from $3 to $100 a pair. Before putting them on, you should always spot test the glue on the inside of your arm to confirm whether or not you have an allergy. If you have not used false eyelashes before, they can be a little tricky. This is especially true if you have no real eyelashes on which to situate the false ones. In this case, you may want to speak with someone at the cosmetic counter who can give you tips or even apply them for you. Pharmaceutical Options for Growth Promotion A newer, topical treatment may help you re-grow your lashes. Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is an FDA-approved product used to stimulate eyelash growth and darkening. It is applied topically to the base of the lashes each night. Results can vary and are typically seen after eight weeks of use. As with the false eyelashes, you should check with your healthcare provider or oncologist before use and always do a spot check on your arm. Insurance may cover the cost of Latisse but will most often require a pre-authorization letter or phone call from your practitioner. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Rossi A, Fortuna MC, Caro G, et al. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia management: Clinical experience and practical advice. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):537–541. doi:10.1111/jocd.12308 Kim YJ, Chung JK. Bilateral Eyelid Contact Dermatitis and Toxic Conjunctivitis due to Acrylate-Containing Glue. Ann Dermatol. 2014;26(4):543–544. doi:10.5021/ad.2014.26.4.543 Allergan, Inc. LATISSE: Highlights of Prescribing Information.