In 2018, over 1.7 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed, with breast, lung, and prostate cancer among the most common types. The idea of losing your hair during chemotherapy can be stressful, but many chemo patients risk losing their eyelashes as well. As an important feature for most peopleparticularly womeneyelashes frame the eyes and can significantly influence an individual’s image and self-esteem. If you’re worried about losing your eyelashes during chemotherapy, here’s what you need to know.
Losing Eyelashes During Chemo
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, as well as chemotherapy for other cancers. However, many patients don’t realize that hair loss isn’t limited to the hair on your headit can also affect leg and arm hair, pubic hair, eyebrows, and even eyelashes.
It’s important to keep in mind that not every chemo patient experiences hair loss. Each patient responds differently to chemo, and some classes of the drug are more likely to cause certain side effects than others. Some chemo medications frequently result in hair loss, while others tend to cause minimal hair loss. The dosage, timing of administration, and combination of drugs you receive during chemo can also affect your hair loss. In addition to chemo, targeted therapies and hormonal therapies for cancer can lead to hair loss, thinning, and dryness.
Although you can easily conceal your hair loss with a wig, eyelash loss is not always easy to hide. False eyelashes are not always simple to use, and they’re not a viable option for most men.
In some cases, eyelashes don’t fall out until the end of chemo. Some patients experience thinner, more delicate lashes instead of a complete loss, while others experience recurring cycles of eyelash breakage and regrowth.
Reducing Eyelash Loss
Not every chemo patient loses their eyelashes, but many patients find that their eyelashes become more delicate. For patients who experience eyelash loss, regrown lashes are typically fine, prone to breakage, and sparse.
Taking steps to reduce eyelash loss can help minimize breakage and strengthen your lashes. Try to refrain from rubbing your eyes or touching your lashes to check if they’re still there. To remove makeup, opt for a cotton ball and a natural eye makeup remover to gently remove makeup from the eye area. Additionally, avoid using heavy mascaras, including waterproof mascaras, as they can be too harsh on delicate or regrown lashes.
Using False Eyelashes
If you’re experiencing eyelash loss, false eyelashes can help restore your self-image and boost your self-esteem. However, because there’s a risk of infection when using false eyelashes, it’s important to ask your doctor before using them.
False lashes are available at many drugstores and cosmetic stores and can cost anywhere from a few dollars to $100 a pair. If you’re worried about applying glue, consider investing in magnetic lashes. Glamnetic’s mink magnetic eyelashes are extra long, full, and luscious, allowing you to wear beautiful, natural-looking lashes without dealing with glue or added weight. If you’re looking for a versatile but dramatic pair of false lashes, magnetic lashes can help complete your look in seconds. Since magnetic lashes don’t require glue, they can last over 30 uses with proper care.
If you’ve never used false eyelashes before, applying them correctly can be challenging, especially if you don’t have real lashes. If you’re having trouble applying false lashes, consider asking someone at the cosmetic counter for tips.
Eyelashes are integral to the self-esteem and image of many people. If you’re experiencing eyelash loss or breakage during chemo, taking steps to reduce eyelash loss and investing in false lashes can help you minimize breakage and feel confident again.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind