Eyelash extensions and lash serum are two beauty products that do the same thing: improve the look of your lashes. But can you use both of them together? 

As a lash artist, I often get asked if that’s safe and if it would cause the lash extensions to fall out sooner.

Also, make sure to read until the end because I’ll share two growth serums I’ve personally used with my clients and had great results.

Let’s get started!

Can You Use a Lash Serum With Lash Extensions?

Several of my clients use a lash serum in combination with eyelash extensions without any adverse effects. It’s quite the opposite.

Here are my top 5 pieces of advice to ensure your lash serum and eyelash extensions will have a happy ending coexisting together.

1- Do Use a Lash Serum Without Oils

Some eyelash serums rely heavily on oils to achieve their intended results. Castor oil, coconut oil, and almond oil are three of the most common oils used to make eyelash serums.

It turns out that oil is a notorious solvent for the adhesive used when applying eyelash extensions.

Make sure to take a look at the ingredient list before buying a lash serum and avoid those that contain oils.

2- Do Not Apply a Lash Serum Right After Your Lash Appointment

A lash Serum should not be applied right after your eyelash appointment.

The adhesive used to affix an extension to your natural lash is cyanoacrylate-based. The adhesive typically takes about 4 hours to completely cure.

You should avoid putting additional moisture from a lash serum on your lashes during the curing period.

Once the 4 hours curing period is over, it is safe to use a lash serum.

3- Do Use a Lash Serum With Vitamins

Vitamins in a lash serum are key. They will keep your lashes nourished and hydrated.

Amongst all the vitamins to look for, Biotin is the most important one. Biotin is more than just a beauty vitamin. It’s involved in helping your body convert food to energy, and also makes it easier for you to have healthy skin, hair, and nails. This ingredient makes the eyelash growth serum completely worth it and improves your results rapidly.

4- Do Not Apply a Lash Serum With a Mascara Wand

There are generally two main types of applicators when it comes to lash serums: a mascara wand or a liquid eyeliner.

The liquid eyeliner type is preferred when wearing eyelash extensions.

It allows applying the lash serum along the root of your upper lash line. Then, work your way along the lash line (from the inner to the outer corner).

Make sure to apply the lash serum along the lash line on the eyelid and not directly on your lash extensions. That’s why the liquid eyeliner type of dispenser is perfect for lash extension wearers

A mascara applicator forces you to apply the lash serum on the entire lash. This is problematic for lash extension wearers, especially if you have volume lashes since it would essentially cause the volume fan to close.

The same concept applies to mascara with eyelash extensions. Using mascara with volume lashes would cause the volume fan to close and the lashes to mingle together in mascara.

5- Do Make It a Habit

To achieve the best results, a lash serum should be applied rigorously daily.

You should try to include the application of the lash serum in your morning regimen if you can.

Why Use a Lash Serum With Eyelash Extensions

Most of our eyelashes become thin and weaken as we get older according to Dermatologists.^[1]

Usually, coconut oil or natural oil is recommended for conditioning them. But when you’re wearing lash extensions, coconut oil, or for that matter, any oil is a big NO-NO since they can be used to remove lash extensions at home!

Since eyelash extensions are applied directly onto your natural lashes, well you first need to have natural lashes!

I know… big surprise.

That’s where lash serums come into play.

Lash serums are peptide-infused formulas that stimulate lash growth. They work on improving the health of natural hair follicles, boosting their ability to grow stronger and thicker lashes. Applying lash serum regularly extends the phase of growth (telogen), making your lash growth cycle longer.

The healthier and stronger are your natural lashes, the more flexibility you will have with your lash extensions. You can even experiment with long and thick eyelash extensions or different styles when you have lush natural lashes.

Another advantage of having stronger natural lashes is that your lash extensions will last longer.

Since eyelash extensions are applied individually to your natural lashes, they will fall out gradually as your natural lashes shed.

However, if you can extend the growth cycle of your natural lashes with the use of a lash serum, you effectively gained more time between your lash extension refills!

Keeping your extensions longer means a fuller look and saving money.

Interested to know more about ways to make your lash extensions last longer? Take a look at my article on how long eyelash extensions last.

How to Apply Lash Serum With Extensions

Lash serum is the best way to protect your lashes and keep them looking healthy. But, if you have extensions, applying serum can be tricky – it’s easy for the product to get stuck in the extension!

Here’s how to apply a lash serum with extensions:

Step 1: Choose the Right Product

Not all lash serums are made to be used with eyelash extensions. Make sure to read the label and choose a lash growth serum especially tailored for lash extensions.

Keep on reading because I will reveal the lash growth serum I have been recommending to my clients over the years and had very positive results.

Also, only use a lash serum that has a liquid eyeliner type of applicator. Avoid mascara wands.

Step 2: Do an Allergy Test

Before using it on the skin, test the serum by adding a drop of it to your neck, forearm, or other areas of the body.

Step 3: Clean Your Face

Clean your face with warm water to remove makeup, oils, dirt, and dust to create a clean surface for easy application and absorption of the serum.

Step 4: Apply The Serum

Grab the brush and apply the serum just like you would apply liquid eyeliner. Apply the lash serum along the root of your upper lash line from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Wait for a few minutes before applying any eye makeup around the lash line after the application of lash serum.

Lash Blossom actually made a quick and helpful video on how to apply a lash growth serum while wearing eyelash extensions. Take a look!

2 Best Lash Serums for Lash Extensions

Many products claim to help lashes grow longer and thicker but not all of them work as well as others.

In this article, I want to recommend 2 lash growth serums that I have personally tested over the years. Dozens of my clients had positive results with this lash serum while maintaining their eyelash extensions.

Make sure to check my complete review of the best lash serums for budget, lash extensions, prescription, and Amazon here.

So, here we go. Here are my two favorite lash serums for eyelash extensions!

1- LashLuxury

2- Vegamour

Which Lash Serums You Can (Or Can’t) Use With Lash Extensions

Although I’ve shared my 2 favorite lash growth serums that are safe for extensions, I very often get asked if a particular serum can be used with extensions.

So below I’ll cover the most popular brands I get asked about and what you need to know.

But before that, I want to make it clear that I didn’t try all of these as it would be quite a challenge to try them all. My recommendations below are based on the official ingredient list, research of the reviews, and what I could find on the company’s website.

Here’s the list of serums I’ll cover:

1. GrandeLASH (yes)
2. RevitaLash (yes)
3. E.L.F. (no)
4. Latisse (yes)
5. Dime (yes)
6. Uklash (yes)
7. RapidLash (no)
8. The Ordinary (yes)
9. Sweed (no)
10. Babe Lash (yes)

1- Can You Use GrandeLASH With Lash Extensions?

Yes, GrandeLASH is a water-based solution that will not affect the lash glue or extensions in any way. This eyelash growth serum is oil-free which makes it suitable for eyelash extensions. You can find their full ingredient list here.

2- Can You Use RevitaLash With Lash Extensions?

Yes, RevitaLash is also suitable for use with eyelash extensions. This solution is free of oils and contains biotin which helps to strengthen lashes. Check out their full ingredient list here.

3- Can You Use E.L.F. Cosmetics Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum With Lash Extensions?

Because this product contains castor oil, I wouldn’t recommend using it with extensions. Castor oil is a great ingredient for promoting hair growth but unfortunately is notoriously bad for lash extension retention. Check their ingredient list here.

4- Can You Use Latisse With Lash Extensions?

Latisse can be used in combination with eyelash extensions. The presence of lash extensions would not interfere with the action of Latisse.

Latisse is a prescription treatment that can help you grow longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes. Latisse is an FDA-approved product with over 10 years of testing behind it.^[2]

Note that prescription serums have reported side effects to alter the color of the iris and you must use them only at the advice of your doctor.^[3]

To use both products together, you should consult with a dermatologist first for safety reasons. Find the ingredients here.

5- Can You Use Dime Lash Serum With Lash Extensions?

Yes, Dime Lash Serum is safe for use with eyelash extensions. This lash serum does not contain any oils that can weaken the adhesive and is also free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The full list of ingredients can be found here.

6- Can You Use Uklash With Lash Extensions?

Yes, Uklash can be applied to your lashes if you have extensions on. It contains vitamin E and biotin which help nourish, strengthen and volumize your lashes. The full list of ingredients can be found here.

7- Can You Use RapidLash With Lash Extensions?

Although RapidLash states on its website that it’s suitable for lash extensions, its ingredient list includes Soybean oils that can make the eyelash glue weak. I’ll let you be the judge of that, but I would personally not use this one when there are so many other options. Check their ingredients here.

8- Can You Use The Ordinary Lash Serum With Lash Extensions?

Because this serum is water-based and oil-free, it’s perfectly fine to use it with extensions. The Ordinary’s Lash Serum contains peptides that can help boost the strength and growth of your natural lashes. The ingredient list is here.

9- Can You Use Sweed Lash Serum With Lash Extensions?

This product has pumpkin seed oil which can compromise the adhesive’s hold. Therefore, it’s not advisable to use this product with extensions. You can find the full ingredient list here.

10- Can You Use Babe Lash With Lash Extensions?

Yes, Babe Lash is OK to use with extensions. It’s a water-based serum, free of oils and fragrances that won’t weaken the glue. Their full ingredient list can be found here.

References

1. Dee A Glaser, Derek Jones, Jean Carruthers, Antoinette Campo, Susan Moench, Greg Tardie, Joan Largent, Carrie Caulkins (2014). Epidemiologic analysis of change in eyelash characteristics with increasing age in a population of healthy women. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25347452/ [Accessed on 28 August 2021]
2. Latisse. About Latisse. Retrieved from https://www.latisse.com/AboutLatisse.aspx (Accessed on 28 August 2021).
3. Jennifer Boidy Registered Nurse (2021). How to Use Eyelash Growth Serum. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Eyelash-Growth-Serum (Accessed on 28 August 2021).