Lashes fall out excessively for many reasons, from medical conditions to meds. Sometimes they drop in clumps, and occasionally, they all fall out. Whatever the cause or extent, this distressing experience can break your confidence and you might think:

I have no eyelashes, can I get extensions?

If you miss your lashes, you’re likely looking for a way to fill out your lash line, and might wonder if lash extensions can be a solution.

In this article, I’ll explain why eyelash extensions aren’t an option if you’ve got no lashes and will share what you can do instead.

Keep reading for other eye-enhancing ideas!

Why You Can’t Get Lash Extensions If You Have No Eyelashes

To get extensions, you need healthy lashes (even if they’re short and sparse).

Why is that?

Simply because they are “extensions” and by definition, they extend what’s already there.

Extensions add magnificent length and volume to your lash line, but only when there are lashes to stick them to.

In that case, you might be tempted to attach the extension to the skin of the eyelid if you don’t have natural lashes.

Applying extensions to the skin instead of the natural lashes is a big no-no. It’s a classic newbie mistake known as a nailhead. Lash pros carefully avoid this boo-boo because it can block the hair follicle and irritate the skin.

Now, does that mean you are doomed?

Fear not. Although individual eyelash extensions might be out of reach, there are other types of false eyelashes you can consider.

Can You Wear Magnetic Eyelashes if You Have No Eyelashes?

In short, yes you can wear magnetic lashes even if you’ve lost your natural eyelashes.

These false lashes don’t use any type of adhesive, instead, they rely on tiny magnets to stay in place. Therefore, it’s entirely possible to apply a thin line of magnetic eyeliner on your eyelid and secure your magnetic lashes on top, even if you don’t have any lashes of your own.

Can I Wear False Eyelashes if I Have No Eyelashes?

Strip lashes are secured to your eyelid using an adhesive. As such, you don’t necessarily need natural eyelashes to secure the strip onto your eyelid.

For example, if you have alopecia or suffer from trichotillomania and don’t have any lashes, you can still wear strip lashes. Simply apply the adhesive to your lash line and affix the strip lashes as normal.

Getting Your Eyelashes Back

Excessive lash loss is often temporary.¹ When the underlying cause is treated, or the medication or treatment that’s triggering it is stopped, lashes can regrow.

You can help your lashes grow healthy and strong by gently cleaning them daily with a mild cleanser (like hypoallergenic lash shampoo or diluted baby shampoo) and applying a nourishing oil or a good lash serum.

If your lashes return, you can celebrate by dressing them up in extensions, but check with your doctor before having the procedure. And make sure you’ve fully treated whatever caused the fallout before you invest in a fabulous set of extensions.

References

1. Lana Bandoim (2022). What Is Madarosis? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/madarosis (Accessed on 29 September 2022)