Hair and eyelashes get their color from the pigmentation which is called melanin. It is existing in our hair follicles. When melanin in hair follicle is depleted, the hair will turn grey or white, the so-called transparent hair. It is the same for eyelashes, which is part of the hair of human body. Many different reasons might cause white hair (including eyelashes), including the result from natural, medical impact or genetic disorder. Aging is the leading and most common cause of grey or white hair. For people who are over 40s, they begin to grow lighter colored hair and gradually white finally. But it takes longer for eyelashes to lose its color, so white eyelashes are not very common appearance for people even over 70s. As to other reasons, albinism must be the first to come into our minds. Albinism is a congenital disorder. Albino can’t produce melanin themselves, so their hair and eyelashes are usually white and their skin is pink. As to another medical disorder, vitiligo, it is different from albinism. Albinism is a genetic disorder, and it impacts the whole body of patients. While vitiligo is thought to be immune system problem, and it impact patients by patches of skin. In severe blepharitis cases, patients might develop white eyelashes too. I suggest you to visit a doctor for detailed examination. For in some cases, the color could be reversed. Good luck to you.
