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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin

Published on: July 3, 2025

Human eyelash characterization.

S Thibaut¹, E De Becker, L Caisey

¹L'OREAL Recherche, 90 rue du Général Roguet, 92110 Clichy, France.

The British Journal of Dermatology

|October 7, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Human eyelash follicles share structural similarities with scalp hair but exhibit distinct biological processes in their growth cycle and pigmentation. This study provides key insights into eyelash biology, differentiating it from scalp hair.

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Ex vivo Culture of Mouse Embryonic Skin and Live-imaging of Melanoblast Migration

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Published on: May 19, 2014

Area of Science:

Dermatology and Hair Biology
Follicle Morphology and Cycle Analysis

Background:

Limited biological data exists on human eyelash follicles.
Understanding eyelash follicle biology is crucial for cosmetic and medical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the growth, cycle, and morphology of human eyelash follicles.
To investigate biological mechanisms determining eyelash length, curl, and pigmentation.
To compare eyelash follicles with scalp hair follicles.

Main Methods:

Eyelash samples from 29 Caucasian female volunteers (aged 26-60).
High-resolution imaging and image analysis for length and renewal time.
Immunohistological analysis of eyelid biopsies for cellular and molecular characterization.

Main Results:

Eyelash anagen phase: 34±9 days; complete cycle: 90±5 days.
Growth rate: 0.12±0.05 mm/day; morphology similar to scalp hair but with key differences.
Unique stem cell distribution (K19+) and pigment expression (dopachrome tautomerase) in eyelash follicles.

Conclusions:

Eyelash structure resembles curly hair, but follicle cycle and pigmentation mechanisms differ significantly.
Identified unique biological markers in eyelash follicles warrant further investigation.