Are there any simple remedies for ingrown lower eyelashes?
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
A few simple methods that can be tried for ingrown lower eyelashes include gently combing the lashes, using lash styling products, applying corrective eye patches, regularly trimming the ingrown lashes, and applying warm compresses to relax the eyes. Use a clean mascara wand or a cotton swab lightly dipped in a cleansing solution to gently comb the lashes from the base to the tips, guiding the lashes that are growing toward the eyeball back into their normal position. Keep your hand steady during the process and avoid touching the eyeball.
For ingrown lower eyelashes (trichiasis), several simple home remedies can be tried, including gently combing the lashes, using lash styling products, applying corrective eye patches, regularly trimming ingrown lashes, and warm compresses to relax the eyes. Details are as follows:
1. Gently comb the lashes: Use a clean mascara wand or cotton swab dipped in a small amount of lash conditioner to gently comb from the base to the tips of the lashes, guiding the inward-growing lashes back into their normal outward direction. This can be done 1–2 times daily. Keep your hand steady during the process to avoid touching the eyeball.
2. Use lash styling products: Choose a mild, non-irritating lash fixative or waterproof mascara and apply a thin layer to the ingrown lashes to hold them in the correct position using the product’s adhesive properties. Be careful not to use too much, as excess product may enter the eye and cause discomfort.
3. Apply corrective eye patches: Use transparent adhesive eye patches specifically designed for trichiasis. Gently attach them along the edge of the lower eyelid; the tension from the patch slightly everts the eyelid, moving the ingrown lashes away from the eye. Do not wear the patches for extended periods each day, and always remove them before sleeping.
4. Regularly trim ingrown lashes: Carefully trim excessively long ingrown lashes with sterilized small scissors. Only cut the tips of the lashes—avoid cutting too close to the roots or scratching the delicate eyelid skin. Adjust the frequency based on lash growth speed, typically once every 1–2 weeks.
5. Warm compress to relax the eyes: Apply a warm towel at around 40°C to the lower eyelid for 10–15 minutes once daily. The warmth improves blood circulation around the eyes, relaxes eyelid muscles, reduces irritation caused by ingrown lashes rubbing against the eye, and alleviates the sensation of a foreign body.
These methods are suitable only for mild cases with few affected lashes. If there are numerous ingrown lashes, or if symptoms such as eye pain, excessive tearing, blurred vision occur, or if no improvement is seen after trying these measures, prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary. Avoid rubbing the eyes in daily life to prevent corneal scratches and further eye damage.
