How Do You Know If You Have Lash Mites?

As a lash artist with The Lash Professional, one of the questions clients rarely ask—but often wonder—is, How do you know if you have lash mites? Lash mites, also known as Demodex mites, are tiny, naturally occurring organisms that live on human skin and hair follicles. While the idea of mites on your lashes might sound a bit scary, they’re generally harmless as long as you’re keeping your lashes and lash line clean. But in some cases, lash mites can multiply and cause irritation. So let’s talk about how to know if you have lash mites, the signs to watch for, and how to keep your lashes and eyes healthy.

Before we dive into how do you know if you have lash mites, let’s go over what lash mites actually are. Lash mites (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis) are tiny, microscopic mites that naturally live on our skin, particularly in areas with hair follicles like our lashes, brows, and scalp. While they sound a bit creepy, lash mites are typically harmless and usually only cause problems when they become overpopulated.

When lash mites start to multiply excessively, they can cause irritation around the eyes, leading to symptoms that may interfere with lash extensions and your natural lashes.

If you’re wondering how do you know if you have lash mites, here are some telltale signs that might indicate an overgrowth:

Itchy, Irritated Eyes

One of the most common symptoms of lash mites is persistent itchiness around the lash line. If you find yourself constantly scratching or rubbing your eyes, especially at the base of your lashes, this could be a sign that lash mites have multiplied.

Redness and Swelling

If you notice that your eyelids are red, swollen, or feel inflamed, this could be another indication of an overgrowth of lash mites. The mites produce waste that can irritate the skin around the eyes, leading to redness and a puffy appearance.

Crusty Lashes or Sticky Lash Line

A crusty, sticky lash line—especially in the morning—can be a sign of lash mites. If you’re waking up with flaky or crusty residue along your lashes, this could indicate mite overgrowth. This buildup happens as the mites feed on dead skin and oil around the lash line.

Feeling of Gritty or Dry Eyes

A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes may indicate that you have lash mites, as their waste and movement on the lashes can irritate the surface of your eyes. This gritty sensation can sometimes be mistaken for dry eyes or an allergic reaction.

Lashes Falling Out More Than Usual

Lash mites can weaken your natural lashes by irritating the hair follicles, which can lead to premature lash shedding. If you notice your lashes are falling out more than usual, this could be a sign of an overgrowth of lash mites.

Now that we’ve covered how do you know if you have lash mites, let’s talk about why they might multiply in the first place. The primary reason for lash mite overgrowth is a lack of proper lash hygiene. Here are some common reasons mites might multiply:

Infrequent Lash Cleaning

Without regular cleaning, oils, dead skin cells, and makeup buildup can accumulate along the lash line, creating an environment where lash mites thrive. If you’re wearing eyelash extensions, it’s especially important to clean your lash line regularly to avoid mite overgrowth.

Try our lash extension safe cleanser! 

Excessive Use of Eye Makeup

Heavy or waterproof eye makeup that’s tough to remove can contribute to lash mite overgrowth. When makeup isn’t properly removed, it creates a breeding ground for mites and bacteria around the lash line.

Oily Skin or Overactive Oil Glands

People with oily skin or overactive oil glands may be more prone to lash mite growth. The mites feed on oils and dead skin cells, so excess oil around the eyes can encourage them to multiply.

If you’re worried about lash mites, don’t panic! With proper lash hygiene, you can keep them under control and avoid symptoms. Here’s what to do:

Clean Your Lashes Regularly

The most important step in preventing lash mite overgrowth is keeping your lashes clean. Use a gentle, oil-free lash cleanser to cleanse your lash line daily. At The Lash Professional, we recommend lash-safe cleansers that are designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup residue without irritating your eyes or weakening your lash extensions.

Remove Makeup Thoroughly

Always remove your eye makeup thoroughly at the end of each day. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners can be especially tough to remove, so use a gentle makeup remover or micellar water to cleanse the eye area completely. This will reduce the amount of buildup along your lash line and help prevent mite overgrowth.

Avoid Oil-Based Products Near the Lash Line

Oil-based products can contribute to a buildup of oils around your lashes, so stick to oil-free cleansers and moisturizers around your eyes. Oil-free products are also gentler on your lash extensions and help the adhesive bond last longer.

Schedule Regular Lash Fills with a Professional

Regular fills and maintenance sessions with a certified lash artist are essential for keeping your extensions looking fresh and healthy. A trained lash artist can assess the health of your lash line, apply new extensions safely, and offer guidance if you’re experiencing any signs of irritation.

Consider Taking Breaks Between Lash Extensions

If you’re noticing persistent symptoms or discomfort around your lash line, consider taking a short break from lash extensions to allow your natural lashes and skin to recover. A lash artist can help you with safe removal and offer tips for keeping your lash line clean during the break.

So, how do you know if you have lash mites? Look for signs like itching, redness, crustiness, and increased lash shedding. While lash mites are a natural part of our skin ecosystem, they’re only a problem if they start multiplying excessively. With good lash hygiene, regular cleansing, and lash-safe products, you can keep lash mites under control and enjoy beautiful, comfortable lashes.

At The Lash Professional, we’re here to help you keep your lash extensions healthy, safe, and stunning. If you have questions about lash mites or need help with lash care, reach out to us or visit The Lash Professional’s website for more tips and products. Remember, healthy lashes start with clean lashes!

By following these tips, you’ll avoid any issues with lash mites and keep your eyes feeling fresh and irritation-free. Happy lashing!

Now you know how do you know if you have lash mites and how to keep them at bay for healthy, comfortable lashes!