ABSTRACT
Eye Lashes Na et al. performed a study to determine differences in eyelash shape and growth rate in Asian and Caucasian volunteers. Lateral digital photographs of upper eyelashes were taken and curl-up and lift-up angles of the upper eyelashes were measured from lateral views. Additionally, the phototrichogram technique was used to determine total number, length, and thickness of upper eyelashes. The central portion of the eyelashes or whole eyelashes was clipped and images were taken immediately and seven days later to obtain the growth rate and anagen ratio. The number and thickness of the cuticular layers were measured by electron microscopy. Asian eyelashes revealed lower lift-up and curl-up angles, fewer numbers, and a thicker transverse diameter compared to Caucasian lashes. No statistical difference was found in length or growth rate. The duration of the anagen phase was estimated at about two months. The eyelash anagen rate obtained was approximately 17.8%. The number of cuticular layers was greater in Asians (8.0) than in Caucasians (6.5), but no statistical difference was found in the thickness of a single cuticle layer between the two groups (74). No data is available for African eyelashes. Eyelashes of people of African descent seem to be curlier compared to those of Asians or Caucasians.
