Should You Apply Lumigan 0.01 to Lash Roots or Tips? Expert Breakdown & Safe Technique
If you are thinking of using Lumigan 0.01 (bimatoprost) to grow eyelashes, a fundamental question is where to put it—lash roots (base) or lash tips? The correct placement can determine the efficacy and safety of growth. This guide offers evidence-based guidance, step-by-step application, safety considerations, and expert advice on how to apply Lumigan effectively.
Table of Contents
- Why Application Location Matters
- What Is Lumigan 0.01 & How It Works
- Lash Roots vs. Tips: Which Is Correct?
- Step-by-Step Application at the Roots
- Why Avoid Applying to Tip of the Lashes
- Safety Tips & Hygiene Best Practices
- Expected Timeline & Results
- Side Effects & How to Minimize Them
- Maintenance Routine After Growth
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Application Location Matters
The active drug bimatoprost must drive hair follicles at the base of the eyelash—its action is by extending the anagen (growth) cycle. Application at the tip of the lash or brow places no active substance into the follicles and decreases growth effectiveness. Mistargeted application also could increase risk of irritation and side effects.
2. What Is Lumigan 0.01 & How It Works
Lumigan 0.01 is a prescription eye drop with 0.01% bimatoprost, initially marketed for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Since bimatoprost has an effect on the hair follicles, customers found that lashes became darker, longer, and thicker when the drop covered the base of the lashes
Research has proven mean eyelash growth of almost 2 mm following 6 weeks when used at the lash roots. Crucially, use must be at the lash margin, not on the lashes, in order to achieve follicle contact
3. Lash Roots vs. Tips: Which Is Correct?
- Lash Roots (Recommended): Using Lumigan at the top eyelid margin—the area where lashes connect skin—has medication absorb into the follicles and support hair growth best.
- Lash Tips (Incorrect): Application on tips does not deliver bimatoprost to follicles, with no growth effect and possible product waste or drip to hair shaft only.
The official directions for Latisse® and Lumigan treatment both stress applying solution along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes with sterile applicators, not on the lash shaft or tips
4. Step-by-Step Application at the Roots
Follow this expert-recommended routine:
- Clean your face and eyes with a gentle cleanser; remove all makeup and contact lenses. Dry skin fully.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Use a sterile, single-use applicator (such as an eyeliner microbrush or sterile strip).
- Place one drop of Lumigan 0.01% onto the applicator—not directly into the eye or touching the bottle tip.
- Gently glide the applicator along the upper lash line skin, from inner to outer corner—like applying eyeliner. The medication will contact lash follicle roots.
- Blot excess solution away from the eyelid with a tissue to prevent dripping or spread.
- Use a new applicator for the other eye.
- Dispose of the applicator immediately and store Lumigan at room temperature, away from light.
Do not apply on the lower lid, lash tips, or get the drop directly into the eye.
5. Why Avoid Applying to the Tips of the Lashes
- No follicle stimulation: bimatoprost must reach the follicle base to trigger anagen phase.
- Potential eye irritation if product drips or transfers inward.
- Risk of stray hair growth on skin adjacent to eyelashes if excess flows out.
- Reduced efficacy and wasted product overall.
6. Safety Tips & Hygiene Best Practices
- Use only once daily in the evening. More frequent application won’t speed up growth and might raise side effect risk.
- Do not reuse applicators—cross-contamination may lead to infection or uneven dosing.
- Blot excess immediately after application to minimize skin contact and potential pigmentation.
- Keep the bottle tip clean; never allow it to touch any surface to avoid contamination.
- Avoid contact lenses for 15 minutes after application.
7. Expected Timeline & Results
- Begin to see subtle changes between 4 and 6 weeks; full results typically appear at 12 to 16 weeks with consistent nightly use.
- Discontinuing usage may result in gradual return to baseline lash length over weeks to months.
8. Side Effects & How to Minimize Them
Possible side effects include:
- Eye redness or itchiness (~30% of users)
- Skin darkening around eyelids (~4% in studies)
- Potential tear film changes, dry eyes
To minimize risk:
- Keep product precisely at lash roots
- Immediately blot excess
- Maintain hygiene
- Stop use if persistent irritation or skin discoloration occurs
## 9. Maintenance Routine After Growth
- After achieving desired lash length (typically around 16 weeks), reduce application to every other day or 2–3 times per week for maintenance.
- Continue proper placement and hygiene routines.
- If discontinued entirely, lashes will gradually return to pre-treatment state.
10. FAQs
Q: Can I use Lumigan on lash tips?
A: No. Only the lash root/application along eyelid skin delivers the active compound to follicles for growth.
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: Skip the missed dose—do not double up. Resume nightly application the following evening.
Q: Can I wear mascara or falsies during treatment?
A: Yes, but apply Lumigan first and wait until dry before using cosmetics.
Q: Does Lumigan 0.01 stain iris or skin permanently?
A: Iris color change is rare and more associated with prolonged exposure. Skin pigmentation, if it occurs, is typically reversible when use is discontinued.
Q: Can contact lenses be worn?
A: Remove lenses before application, wait at least 15 minutes after applying Lumigan to reinsert.
11. Final Thoughts
For effective and safe eyelash growth with Lumigan 0.01 , the answer is clear:
Always apply at the lash roots—on the upper eyelid margin, not the tips of lashes.
This placement ensures direct follicular contact, maximizes efficacy, and minimizes risk of adverse effects. Combined with proper hygiene, patience, and minimal dosing, you’re set for longer, fuller lashes—safely and effectively.
