Eyelash extensions are a great way to enhance your lashes. Once you get them, you are officially addicted and want to get them repeatedly.
But I hear this question time and time again; do lash extensions damage your natural lashes?
Let’s find out.
So, Do Lash Extensions Damage Your Lashes?
No, if appropriately applied.
Eyelash extensions are synthetic fibres applied to the natural lashes one by one. Therefore, the lash technician needs the experience to know which extensions to choose based on the features of a client’s eye shape and natural lashes.
Far too often, we see newer lash technicians thinking bigger is best.
In honesty is not the case; there are many options in styles and lengths that can create a beautiful lash line without looking tacky or creating damage.
The extensions stick to the natural lashes and follow their growth cycle, which means that they naturally shed in the natural lash cycle. As a result, they last up to 8 weeks – that’s the longest time it can stay on a lash.
Since the growth cycle of lashes are not at the same phase when the extensions are applied, they shed in different stages. Some sooner than others.
So why do some people end up with damaged natural lashes:
The extensions come in different lengths, thicknesses and curls.
Unfortunately, not everybody can choose the longest and thickest lashes out there. A good lash technician will carefully choose extensions about 2mm longer than their natural lashes after assessing the clients’ natural lashes.
When they are applied too long or heavy, they will stress the natural lash, making it weak and causing breakage. Applying the wrong lash extension sizing continuously will – permanently destroy eyelashes causing severe alopecia.
A good lash tech needs to know exactly how much glue to use when applying eyelash extensions, it only requires a small amount since the adhesives are strong. If the technician uses too much glue, this is where things can go wrong. Too much glue can make the lashes clump together pulling at the lashes making it extremely uncomfortable for an eye as well as the lashes.
Allergies to the ingredients in a lash glue, such as formaldehyde can be another possible complication. While there are specially designed adhesives for sensitivity, it would be helpful if they do a patch test beforehand just in case.
If more than one extension is applied to one natural lash, it can damage it and cause premature shedding, disaster right?! This mistake is something a good lash tech will never make, but it’s not uncommon in beginners or in dodgy salons.
This becomes problematic if they are, glued to the skin because they can clog the hair follicle. This makes it almost impossible for the new baby lash to grow.
Eyelash extensions are a significant enhancement, but they are not low-maintenance.
After the application, things like rubbing, pulling, or using a lash curler are a big no-no. Products like foundations, skincare and eye creams that are oil-based don’t work well with the lash glue and are also something to avoid, because they will also cause premature shedding.
Now, I’ve been a lash technician for over 10 years now and I see this as the MOST common problem. The way I see it, it’s like going for a killer gym session than eating McDonald afterwards. Not sustainable and of course not the right choice.
Eyelash extensions need to be washed if not every day at least whenever you wear make-up. Yes even if you just wore foundations or eyeliner on the bottom lashes. The whole reason we have eyelashes is to catch the dirt and dust in the air to protect the eye. Add even more lashes? They’ll catch even MORE!
If you don’t wash the extensions with a formulated lash shampoo the oils, dust, and dirt will create a build-up, and it really doesn’t look lovely.
Dirty lashes affect the lash glue causing the bond to broke. It can also damage the natural lashes and it’s honestly a lash tech’s worst nightmare.
If you are unsure how to correctly wash your lashes, ask your lash tech. They will gladly point you in the right direction.
The lifespan of your extensions is about 3-4 weeks. Obviously, they won’t look as fabulous by this time but you will have sparse extensions, which you’ll probably want to remove. They won’t all shed at the same time.
It’s not advisable to remove your own because you can pull the natural lashes with them. The lash tech should do eyelash extension removal because they know how to do that properly, and they have products for safe eyelash extension removal.
Wearing extensions for months (with regular infills) can also be problematic because it stresses natural lashes. Yes, the use of a lash serum will help with this and keep them strong but from time to time and give your natural lashes time to recover.
Consider a lash lift during your extensions free break.
If you somehow end up do end with damaged lashes, try not to freak out they will grow back. The cycle may take up to 8 weeks, but they may be weak and thin depending on how much they are damaged.
I recommend a lash growth serum to improve the health of your natural lashes until they recover completely. Don’t forget hormones, pregnancy, age, and other factors that can affect your natural lashes.
So, do lash extensions damage your lashes? If applied correctly and by a certified, experienced lash technician, they are not supposed to.
So, when choosing your lash artist, ask a friend for a recommendation and online portfolio and google reviews.