“I was so upset when I lost my eyelashes during chemo,” one MyBCTeam member shared. “I had very long and thick eyelashes. I didn’t really care that I lost my hair during chemo, but I felt my eyelashes were a big part of me.”

If you lost your eyelashes during chemotherapy, you may be eager to wear mascara again, yet worried about the effects on your lashes. As one member explained, “I started wearing a little bit of mascara, and I noticed my eyelashes falling out. I don’t know if I am being paranoid or if the little bit of mascara is causing them to fall out.”

Here are some tips on when and how to start wearing mascara again after chemotherapy.

🗳️ Did your eyelashes regrow after chemotherapy?

Yes, similar to before treatment

Yes, but more sparse

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Regrowing Lashes After Chemo

Lash regrowth after chemotherapy varies from person to person. While some people experience eyelash regrowth shortly after completing treatment, others may take several months or even up to a year for lashes to regrow.

Chemotherapy can leave the lashes and the surrounding skin sensitive. The regrown lashes may be fragile and delicate, making them more likely to be damaged or broken. “My eyelashes started growing once the chemo stopped, but they still fell out easily,” one member shared.

Another member said, “It’s been two and a half years since finishing with chemo and radiation. My hair came back, and then my eyebrows. My eyelashes are still not back to the way they were before.”

Check With Your Doctor Before Wearing Mascara

Before applying cosmetics after chemo, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your circumstances.

Your oncologist will assess your overall health and consider any ongoing treatments or medications that may affect the regrowth and health of your natural lashes. They can advise you on the right time to introduce mascara into your routine.

Your oncology provider might suggest easing back into using eye makeup slowly to see how it affects your lashes. Some MyBCTeam members have found that they’re more sensitive to makeup than they were before cancer treatment.

“I still can’t wear mascara because it burns my eyes so badly now, and they just water. It all runs off anyway,” one member said.

Consider a Patch Test

Before using any new mascara, you may want to perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of mascara on the back of your hand or behind the ear and watch for any signs of discoloration, itching, or irritation.

Dermatologists recommend applying the product to a test patch of skin twice a day for seven to 10 days. If you experience any discomfort or allergic reactions, don’t use that particular brand of mascara.

You can shop for hypoallergenic products that are more suited for sensitive skin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using cosmetics near your eyes only if they are meant for your eyes.

Caring for Your New Lashes

When it comes to using mascara after chemotherapy, patience and caution are key. Apart from using mascara cautiously, you should also avoid rubbing or pulling on your lashes, which can damage them or cause them to fall out.

Be gentle when removing eye makeup, using an oil-free and gentle makeup remover specifically formulated for the eyes. If you experience any irritation or discomfort while using mascara, stop using it immediately.

Make sure to follow sanitary makeup application tips to minimize the risk of damaging your regrown lashes:

• Avoid pumping the mascara wand in and out of the tube, as this motion can introduce bacteria and potentially contaminate the product. Instead, twirl the wand inside the tube to pick up the desired amount of mascara.
• Replace mascara every three months, and wash your hands before applying to reduce the risk of infection.
• Always remove mascara before going to bed to avoid irritation and keep your eyes healthy.

Options Beyond Mascara

If mascara doesn’t give you the look you want after breast cancer treatment, ask your care team before trying lash serums, false lashes, or extensions. “I’ve been a licensed esthetician for over eight years, and I’m glad I was fortunate enough to be able to create eyebrows with makeup and apply lashes,” said one MyBCTeam member.

Over-the-counter lash serums haven’t been FDA-tested, so their safety and effects aren’t known. Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is the only eyelash growth serum currently approved by the FDA and requires a prescription. Ask your doctor whether it’s appropriate for you.

False lashes and extensions can be an option for some people, but they should be used with caution. Lash extensions and glue come with risks, including irritation, infection, allergic reactions, and temporary or permanent eyelash loss.

You can also meet with a makeup artist to learn how to apply new makeup or use temporary lashes at home once your healthcare team feels it’s safe.