Are you getting eyelash extensions for the first time and worried about ruining your natural lashes? Or maybe you’ve had extensions before and experienced some lash loss. You’re not alone!
There are 3 common mistakes I have seen over the years again and again when a new client comes in from another salon. By sharing these, I just want to make the lash industry better.
Let’s get started!
Do Eyelash Extensions Damage Your Eyelashes?
Eyelash extensions do not damage your eyelashes when they are applied properly. To prevent damaging natural lashes, lash extensions should be carefully selected (length and thickness) and applied correctly to one natural eyelash at a time.
This is one of the most popular questions/concerns I hear about eyelash extensions, especially for someone who has never done eyelash extensions before.
You want to try eyelash extensions but of course, not at the expense of your natural lashes.
So you might say, “what are properly applied lash extensions anyways?”
There are many things that go into the application process to make sure your lashes stay healthy and strong. But if I had to choose the 3 most important ones, they would be:
- Respecting the growth cycle of your natural eyelashes
- Isolating the natural lash flawlessly
- Learn to say “No”
Let’s go over them quickly.
1- Respecting the Growth Cycle of Your Natural Eyelashes
The complete growth cycle of a single natural lash is approximately 90 days ± 5 days depending on the genetics of the individual. Hairs grow a certain length and then stop.
They eventually shed after having reached their maximum length.[1]
So why is this so important?
As a lash tech, it’s imperative to never apply an extension to a natural lash that is in its baby phase (anagen phase).
Applying an extension to a baby lash will put unnecessary stress on the natural lash which could lead to breakage or premature shedding.
When the growth cycle of your natural lashes is carefully respected, eyelash extensions will not cause any damage to your natural lashes. This is a fundamental concept that every lash stylist should master.
2- Isolating the Natural Lash Flawlessly
One to One application
Because eyelash extensions are applied one lash at a time to a single natural lash, the natural lash can freely go through the growth cycle and eventually shed with the extension attached to it.
As you can see in the picture above, I’ve isolated a single natural eyelash. I’m now ready to apply an extension to it.
This insures your eyelash extensions do not influence the growth cycle of natural lashes.
3- Learn to Say “No”
As a lash artist, it is your duty to know what’s best for your client. And sometimes that means you have to say “No” when they ask for something that’s not in their best interest.
For example, if a client has very few and/or weak natural lashes, a good lash tech would educate the client and explain why this is the maximum length/thickness of extension they can safely apply.
Clients will respect you for being honest with them and in the long run, they will be much happier with their results.
Of course, they can also run to a less scrupulous tech who will apply whatever the client wants, regardless of the health of their natural lashes.
And these are exactly the examples of bad lash extensions I’m about to show you next!
3 Examples That Will Ruin Your Natural Lashes
The 3 most frequent mistakes an eyelash technician can do that cause damage to your natural lashes are:
1- Extensions are too heavy: The most important factor in choosing the appropriate lash extensions is not only the natural lash length but also the natural lash thickness.
Accounting for these two variables will allow you to select an eyelash extension that will balance out with the natural lashes.
If the extension is too heavy, it will stress the natural lash to which it is attached. This could eventually lead to premature shedding and natural lash loss.
When an extension is too long and too thick for your natural lashes to support, your natural lashes may shed prematurely, causing your natural lashes to be thinner over time.
I’ve seen super long and super thick lashes attached on thin Asian lashes! Sure a client might ask for “Kim Kardashian” look but as a professional, we have to look at the clients’ lashes and determine what her lashes can handle.
On thin and sparse Asian lashes, it is very very difficult to achieve a Kim Kardashian type of look without butchering the natural lashes.
2- Stickies: A sticky is when two or more lashes and/or extensions are glued together. Stickies are a very common culprit amongst less experienced lash artists and a frequent cause of damaged lashes.
Here is what happens when you have stickies.
First, you have a cluster of lashes and extensions glued together. Not only is it not very aesthetically pleasing, but it is also very bad for your natural lashes.
If a natural lash in the sticky is still in the growing phase, it will continue to grow and pull on the other lashes glued to it. It can even pull out those other lashes.
When the natural lash completes the growth cycle it will eventually shed. However, by doing so, it also pulls on other lashes and extensions that it is glued to.
Pulling out natural lashes prematurely can affect and/or damage the hair follicle. Eyelash techs who have too many stickies will find their clients’ lashes very damaged over time.
3- Nailheads: A nailhead is when the eyelash extension was glued to the skin. This should never happen. A properly attached extension is carefully glued to a natural lash and the skin should never be in contact with the glue.
Nailhead glued on skin
In this picture, you can see that the glue formed a disc shape on the skin.
This glue was initially against the skin of the lash line.
Do you notice that the glue is now lifted and doesn’t seem to touch the skin anymore?
That is because the natural lashes have grown since the application and pulled the glue off the skin. This is terrible for any new baby lashes that were around since they got ripped out.
Moreover, it is hard for new lashes to grow since the hair follicle is clogged. A nailhead can also irritate the skin called dermatitis. This also is very uncomfortable for clients.
Will Your Natural Eyelashes Grow Back After Being Damaged by Extensions?
If you, unfortunately, got your eyelash extensions done by a lash technician that did not apply them properly and committed one of the three mistakes above (extensions too heavy, stickies or nailheads), you may experience damage to your natural lashes.
They may simply snap or get pulled out.
In such cases, will your natural lashes grow back?
Just like any hair on your body, your eyelashes will grow back on their own. The growth rate of your natural eyelashes is around 1/2 inch per month though some may grow faster and others slower under different circumstances.
It will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks for your lashes to be back to their original state.
You can use some lashes growth serums to help the damaged lashes regrow more quickly. Certain lash serums are known to have a faster rate that aids in the recovery process.
Over-the-counter lash growth serums contain special components that promote faster regrowth of the lashes.[2]
Also, there are certain no-smudge makeup removers and conditioners which will help to nourish your lashes after lash extensions. These ingredients will help promote faster regrowth of eyelashes naturally.
Should You Give Your Natural Lashes a Break Between Extensions?
It is not necessary to give natural lashes a break in between eyelash extension sessions when they are applied correctly.
Eyelash extensions won’t make your natural lashes fall out any faster than they would normally – the natural lashes are simply following their growth cycle.
At your refill appointment, your eyelash stylist will be able to access to health of your lashes. Shorter and/or thinner extensions might be suggested based on the observations made.
The extensions used on you will be checked and evaluated every time you come back for a refill.
Do Fake Eyelashes Ruin Your Eyelashes?
Fake lashes (or strip lashes) won’t damage your eyelashes when they’re applied with the right amount of adhesive, at the right place on your eyelid, and taken off correctly.
However, if you’re not careful, it’s very easy to damage your natural lashes when removing strip lashes. I’ve seen it too many times to count. A lot of people go the DIY route with strip lashes and end up making a costly mistake along the way.
FAQ
Does glue on lashes ruin your real lashes?
No, the glue itself is not what’s going to damage your lashes. There are no chemicals that can damage your hair if left on.
Do hybrid lashes damage your own?
Hybrid lashes don’t damage your own lashes when applied correctly. Just like classic or volume lashes, it all comes down to the application process and the products used.
What’s the maximum extension length to avoid damage?
As a rule of thumb, I would never extend a natural lash by more than 2 mm. Therefore, the maximum extension length would vary based on your natural lash length.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I get asked, “are eyelash extensions bad for you?” I always answer that eyelash extensions don’t damage natural lashes when they are applied correctly. They simply extend your natural lashes. Women love eyelash extensions because they give a long, beautiful, and youthful look to their eyes.
Lash extensions are among the best ways to make your eyes look younger with longer eyelashes. You can also make them darker naturally if you have a tired-looking look.
This post was full of horrific mistakes and terrible lash jobs. I wanted to leave on a good note and show you a few pictures of what you can expect!
Here is a recent lash set performed at our salon that will not damage this beautiful client’s natural lashes.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please leave me a comment below! 🙂
– Asako 🙂
References
- J Optom. (2018). The eyelash follicle features and anomalies: A review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6147748/ [Accessed 20th May 2021]
- Aesthetic Plast Surg. (2011). Enhanced Eyelashes: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Options. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036812/ [Accessed 20th May 2021]
Interested in learning more about lash extensions?
Explore my related guides & tutorials:
Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt?
How to Get the Most Natural Eyelash Extensions
Cluster Lashes: An Outdated Technique to Avoid at All Cost
Mega Volume Lashes Vs Volume Lashes
When I had my extensions after a week the extensions gets too sharp and poke my eyelids
What is the reason
Hey Anna, thanks so much for your comment. Do you still have a photo of your extensions? I would love to take a look at them for you so I can give you a proper answer, but here are some possibilities. The curl of the extension was too curly, the length was too long or the extension was too thick for your natural eyelashes. When the lashes are applied properly you shouldn’t feel them poking on your eyelids. I hope this was helpful 🙂
When my extension were grown out, I have noticed my natural lashes have lost their curl? Could this be due to the extensions? It has been almost 3 months sine they were applied and lasted about 3-4weeks before they all grew out.
Hi Nadine,
I have personally never experienced any of my clients losing the curl of their natural lashes. I always make sure to use lash extensions that have the proper length and weight that can be supported by the natural lash.
hi there. i used to always go to the same lash person but unfortunately she stopped doing lashes, so my friend started doing lashes last October and i’ve noticed she’s really improved (because i’m always scared to go to newer lash techs) a few of my friends had her lashes so i tried hers out! but now i don’t know if she applied them properly, i noticed the lashes are closer to my lash line compared to what my other lash perosn did and am curious. how long can these stay on before they ruin my lashes?? i’ve had them on for a few weeks now and had really thick long lashes before and i just hope they aren’t ruined! can you please let me know know how long it takes for them to ruin my natural lashes, thanks!!
Hey Sam,
Thank you for your message. The speed of damage can be different depending on how the extensions are applied. To let to you know exactly is very difficult without taking a closer look at your eyelashes. If you are worried, you can always seek another lash artist for a second opinion or you can simply take a break and wear extensions on a occasional basis! I hope this helps 🙂
Thank you so much for these tips! I have super sensitive eyes and tiny lashes and I ended up ripping them all out because of all these mistakes. Is there any particular glue or lash that you can recommend for sensitive eyes? And what can you do when you have 0 lashes left?
Hi Karen, thank you so much for your comment! I’m so happy to hear that you find the tips helpful 🙂 Are you eyes sensitive regardless of wearing eyelash extensions? Or is the extensions are the cause to your sensitivity?
Its possible that the extensions are not applied properly or you might be sensitive to the adhesive. If you end up with 0 lashes, it might be best to give your lashes a break and try other alternatives.
Hi!! I have my very first appointment for lash extensions this week, and I’m pretty nervous that it will ruin my lashes. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but now that I have an appointment I’m getting nervous. I have naturally long thick lashes, and I don’t want to ruin them. Is it truly worth the risk?
Hey Allie!
Thank you for your comment! Remember getting lash extensions doesn’t automatically mean it will ruin your lashes.
Its super important to find a experienced stylist who is able to select the right length and thickness and apply them correctly one to one. Combined with proper aftercare you can wear lash extensions without ruining your natural eyelashes!
I just got my lashes removed after wearing them for 8 months. They seem to be thinner, is that a thing or am I just not used to them?
Hi Jenn! Do you have before / after pictures of your appointments? This is something we generally take for our clients. Having said that, lash extensions can be addictive and I have had clients who can never go back because they now feel like their natural lashes are just not enough. Maybe you got addicted too 😉
Hi . I’m new to the eyelash experience. But I’ve used so far 2 different people , can’t seem to get it right . I ask for classic lashes the first time was great went twice to her ,they were never the same after both eyes looked different. Went to another person both eyes looked different again . What’s wrong!!! I’m going on Tuesday to another person my friend goes to .hers look great… I’m confused Help
Hi Angela, thank you for your comment. Finding the perfect artist for you can be a challenge. I hope your next experience will be a good one!
How do you remove lash extensions safely
Hi Lynne,
The safest way to remove eyelash extensions is going to a trained professional where they will use a special solvent to remove eyelash extensions! We also have article on how to remove eyelash extensions at home! When you have a chance, please take a look 🙂 https://divinelashes.ca/blog/how-to-remove-eyelash-extensions-at-home/
Hi Asako. What is the best way to prevent lash extensions from getting wet when washing your hair. I loved the article and learned so much from it.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the kind words 🙂 I’m happy you found this article useful.
To answer your question, you actually should get your lashes wet! It’s important to clean your lashes regularly. You can read my article about the story of one client who was wearing goggles when showering and developed lash mites.
Also, I’ve written a guide on how to take showers with eyelash extensions here.
However, it is always best to wait around 4 hours before getting your lashes wet so that the lash adhesive can cure completely.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions!
After 2 years of classic lash extensions and several technicians. I have found my lids irritated recently post procedure and I loose 50-60% of weekly reapply. The weekly appointment is necessary since so many lashes fall out on day 2-6 I am worried that I do not see many natural lashes in extension fallout areas I would like to get self glue on flash lashes of appropriate size/length to avoid putting pressure on my fine thin lashes which I worry are damaged by the extension and side sleeping with face smashed in a pillow. I am very frustrated with extensions which look great for 10 hours and are 60% gone in less than 1 week. Wouldn’t self applied artificial lash sets that are removed at night and reapplied daily be a better alternative to prevent natural lash breakage and loss
Hi Michele,
Thank you for your comment! I’m sorry to hear that eyelash extensions are not working out for you. Loosing almost half of your extensions after 1 week is very unusual, when they are properly applied and cared for you should retain about 50% after 3 weeks. If you are noticing that your natural eyelashes are thinning, it could be caused by poor application, poor extension thickness and length vs natural eyelashes, and poor aftercare. You can take a break from eyelash extensions and try a lash serum to help recover your natural eyelashes faster. And in the mean time trying alternatives like strip lashes or magnetic eyelashes can be a good option for you!
After a couple months of lash extensions and then having them removed, my natural eyelashes are nothing like what they used to be. I had long and thick eyelashes and now I barely have any left to even apply mascara, will this damage resolve itself over time ?x
Hi Caitlin, I’m so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience with eyelash extensions. Since you only had them on for a couple months, they will most likely grow back with some time. I might suggest that you can start using a lash serum to help speed up the process!
When I had my extensions done several years a go by a student, they were crispy to the touch. They drove me nuts so i never got them done again. Is that a normal way for them to feel?? Crispy and hard??
Hi Patti!
Not at all. Lash extensions should feel soft and natural. You can think of them as an extension of how your natural lashes feel. Don’t let one bad experience drive you away from lash extensions.
How long is a good time to keep eyelashes extensions for ?- Thank you- & also I am terrified about mites?
Some of my clients have been with me for years and come every 3 weeks on the dot. When lash extensions are applied properly with good isolation, respect the growth cycle of your natural lashes and respect the weight your natural lashes can support, eyelash extensions can be worn very long term without any risk.
Hi, I had lash extensions for about 2 mo last year. Due to conflicts in scheduling, I went about a month without a refill 2x so I had the service done twice. I started noticing my natural lashes that were growing back were much shorter. I decided to stop getting extensions and let my lashes grow back. This has been almost a year ago. My lashes are still no where near as long as they used to be, they are at least 1/4 inch shorter. I’m 46 so I’ve been applying mascara for many years, this is when the length difference is so obvious bc my mascara goes on completely differently. It’s not in my head, what can I do? What caused this? How can it be possible if all my lashes have to be regrown by now? I don’t understand….
Hi Kelly,
I’m not sure what is happening since I’ve never had any client experiencing what you are describing. Properly applied lash extensions with proper isolation would not damage your natural lashes, and certainly not cause them to be 1/4 inch smaller. Maybe you can try a lash growth serum? Some of our clients had great success with two products that I have talked about in this article : https://divinelashes.ca/blog/lash-serum-with-eyelash-extensions/
Hi,
What is your Instagram? Are you taking new clients? How do you know if your lash extensions were not applied properly? I always thought my lash tech was doing a good job until I read this article and now I’m scared for the health of my real lashes 🙁 the set of lashes I just got was poking my eyelid on the outer corner. When my lashes fall out, they always fall out with my lash attached to it. Is it normal for lash extensions to always go in your eye? I always have to pick them out of my eyes.
Hi Krys,
Here is the link to our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_lashes/
Yes of course we are taking new clients. We currently have 4 locations all in Canada. If you wish to book an appointment please visit this page : https://divinelashes.ca/book-appointment/
It is normal for extensions to fall with the natural lash attached. This is the natural shedding cycle. However, excessive shedding would be a source of concern. And no, lash extensions should never go in your eyes!
what is the best 3 lash serums to help lashes grow?
Hi Yoli,
I actually wrote an entire article on the best lash serums to use with lash extensions here : https://divinelashes.ca/blog/lash-serum-with-eyelash-extensions/
Have had professionally applied extensions for about 2 years with refills every 2 to 3 weeks max. Had them removed yesterday to give my eyelashes a pause…and I’m dismayed at the extensive damage to my formerly thick & full eyelashes. They’re non existent compared to before extensions.
Wish I’d never done this….they may never recover.
Hi Colleen,
This is terrible. However, I can assure you that the problem is not eyelash extensions but rather the application. Several of my clients have had lash extensions with me for many many years without taking a break and their natural lashes are just as healthy. The key is to respect the natural lash health. Proper application is a technique that takes time to master.