Does Zinc Help Eyelashes Grow? Understanding the Facts

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study involving patients with alopecia areata, significantly lower zinc concentrations were found in affected individuals compared to healthy controls. This established link between zinc and hair loss often leads to a key question: does zinc help eyelashes grow, and if so, how?

Quick Summary

An adequate intake of zinc is crucial for healthy hair follicles, but its direct role in accelerating eyelash growth requires context. It aids in cell repair and protein synthesis, preventing thinning caused by deficiency, but is not a magic bullet for longer lashes.

Key Points

Zinc Supports Follicle Health: Zinc is crucial for cellular repair and keratin synthesis, providing the fundamental building blocks for healthy hair follicles, including eyelashes.
Deficiency Causes Thinning: A lack of zinc can disrupt normal hair growth cycles, leading to thinner, more brittle eyelashes and increased shedding.
Dietary Intake is Best: For most, obtaining zinc from a balanced diet of foods like oysters, legumes, and nuts is safer and more effective than relying on supplements.
Excess Zinc is Harmful: Too much zinc can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals and cause adverse health effects, so proper dosage is critical.
Zinc Works with Other Nutrients: For optimal results, zinc should be combined with other hair-supporting nutrients like Biotin, Iron, and Omega-3s through a healthy diet.
A Holistic Approach is Key: Best results for lash growth come from combining good nutrition with gentle care, proper makeup removal, and a healthy lifestyle.

The Role of Zinc in Hair Follicle Health

Zinc is an essential trace mineral vital for numerous bodily functions, including supporting hair growth. It helps the hair matrix, one of the body's fastest-growing tissues, by aiding DNA synthesis and cell division. Zinc is also a co-factor in the enzymes needed for keratin production, making hair less brittle, and helps maintain healthy oil glands around follicles for moisture. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant and helps regulate hormones that can impact hair growth.

The Connection Between Zinc and Eyelash Health

Zinc's role in scalp hair growth extends to eyelashes. A deficiency can manifest as thinning hair and increased shedding, potentially affecting eyelash health and appearance. Low serum zinc levels are linked to hair loss conditions like alopecia areata.

The Impact of Zinc Deficiency on Eyelashes

A lack of sufficient zinc compromises hair follicle integrity, potentially leading to:

Slower eyelash regrowth.
Increased fragility and breakage.
Thinner or sparse-looking lashes.
Greater risk of inflammation around the lash line.

Can You Overdo It? The Risks of Excessive Zinc

Excessive zinc intake from supplements can be harmful, causing side effects like nausea and vomiting. More importantly, it can interfere with the absorption of other vital minerals like copper and iron, which are also crucial for hair health. A balanced intake is essential.

Dietary Zinc vs. Supplements

Obtaining zinc through a balanced diet is generally sufficient and safer than supplements. Supplements should only be used if a deficiency is confirmed by a healthcare professional.

Zinc-rich foods include:

Oysters (very high source)
Red meat and poultry
Legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
Seeds (pumpkin, sesame)
Nuts (cashews)
Dairy (cheese, yogurt)
Eggs

The Lash Growth Comparison: Zinc vs. Other Nutrients

Zinc is most effective when part of a nutrient-rich diet. Here's how it compares to other key nutrients for hair and eyelash health:


Nutrient	Primary Function for Lash Growth	Best Sources
Zinc	Cell repair, keratin synthesis, oil gland function, preventing deficiency-related thinning.	Oysters, red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)	Keratin production, improving hair strength and texture.	Eggs, nuts, salmon, sweet potatoes.
Iron	Carries oxygen to hair follicles, prevents lash fallout from deficiency.	Red meat, spinach, lentils.
Vitamin C	Supports collagen production, protects follicles with antioxidants.	Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers.
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, improves blood flow to the lash line.	Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Nourishes hair follicles, reduces inflammation.	Salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts.

A Holistic Approach to Eyelash Growth

Achieving longer, healthier lashes requires more than just focusing on one nutrient. A comprehensive approach includes proper nutrition, good hygiene, and gentle care.

Handle Lashes Gently: Avoid harsh rubbing and use a gentle cleanser for makeup removal.
Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the lash line to prevent clogged follicles.
Consider Serums: Lash serums with peptides and antioxidants can help nourish and strengthen lashes.
Prioritize Sleep: Adequate rest is vital for cell regeneration, including hair growth.
Manage Stress: High stress levels can contribute to hair loss.

Conclusion

Does zinc help eyelashes grow? While not a direct growth stimulant, zinc is essential for healthy hair follicles and preventing thinning due to deficiency. A diet rich in zinc and other key nutrients provides the best foundation for strong, healthy lash growth. If you experience thinning lashes, consult a healthcare provider to check for deficiencies. Combining good nutrition with proper care offers the most effective strategy.

For further information on zinc and hair loss, consult research findings available through sources like.

For additional details on the importance of micronutrients like zinc for overall health, refer to the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zinc supplements will not make eyelashes grow faster in someone who is not deficient. They are most effective at restoring normal hair growth patterns in individuals whose hair thinning is caused by a zinc deficiency.

Signs of a zinc deficiency that can affect eyelashes include excessive shedding, hair that is dull, brittle, or dry, and noticeably thinner hair. A blood test is the only way to confirm a deficiency.

While topical zinc has been explored for overall hair growth, particularly in animal studies, its effectiveness for specific eyelash growth in humans is not well-established. Getting adequate dietary zinc is the primary recommendation.

Yes, excessive zinc intake can be harmful. It can disrupt the absorption of other minerals and potentially contribute to hair loss, making it important to adhere to recommended daily dosages.

Foods rich in zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, legumes (like chickpeas and lentils), nuts (especially cashews and almonds), and seeds (like pumpkin and sesame).

Zinc is important, but not more so than other essential nutrients. Optimal lash health depends on a balance of many vitamins and minerals, including biotin, iron, and Omega-3s, working together.

If a zinc deficiency is the root cause of lash thinning, improvements may be visible within a few months of correcting the deficiency through diet or supplementation. Results will vary by individual.