Asako’s Take:

Yes, you can use lash serums with eyelash extensions, as long as the serum is oil-free. Oils can break down the adhesive and cause extensions to fall out prematurely. Apply the serum along the root of the lash line just as you would with a liquid eyeliner.

Ever wondered if you can have the best of both worlds—lash extensions and a lash serum that works its magic?

As a certified lash tech, I get this question all the time!

The good news is, yes, you absolutely can use a lash serum with your extensions—as long as you do it the right way.

Stick with me and I’ll show you how to keep your lashes long, healthy, and flutter-worthy without compromising your extensions! 🙂

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Why Use a Lash Serum With Eyelash Extensions

Before and after picture of woman with lash growth

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

And since the 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 improve the health of natural hair follicles, boosting their ability to grow stronger and thicker lashes. A regular application extends your eyelashes growth cycle by making the telogen phase longer.

The healthier and stronger are your natural lashes, the more flexibility you will have with your lash extensions. You’ll be able to experiement with more thicknesses, lenghts and styles.

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, you effectively gained more time between your lash extension refills!

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

5 Rules for Using Growth Serums with Lash Extensions

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 in these products.

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 carefully.

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

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

You should avoid putting additional moisture during the curing period.

That includes water obviously but also any serum.

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 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.

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

There are generally two main types of applicators provided: 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 along the lash line on the eyelid and not directly on your lash extensions.

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, since it 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, make sure you apply your serum daily.

I like to use it at night once my bedtime routine is completed.

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 one that is compatible. The key ingredients to avoid are any types of oils.

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

Step 2: Do an Allergy Test

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

You’ll be able to see if you have any rash, irritation or reaction to the product.

If you do, sadly it’s best not to use it.

Most of the time, clients will react to a specific botanical ingredient in the formulation. You can try to choose a product that doesn’t have botanicals (i.e. lavender extract, red clover extract, coffee extract, etc.).

Step 3: Clean Your Face

Before application, clean your face thoroughly with warm water to remove makeup, oils, dirt, and dust. This will create the best environment for easy absorption of the product into your eyelashes.

Step 4: Apply The Serum

Grab the brush and apply the serum just like you would apply liquid eyeliner. Apply it 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 your growth serum.

Lash Blossom actually made a quick and helpful video on how to do it. Check it out below!

2 Best Lash Serums for Lash Extensions

These are the two products I personally use. Dozens of my clients had positive results with this lash serum while maintaining their eyelash extensions.

Top Picks: Make sure to check my complete review of the best lash serums if you are looking for different options such as budget, lash extensions, prescription, and Amazon.

1- LashLuxury

Source: LashLuxury

LashLuxury is a naturally-based, vegan serum that will help you achieve the look of long and luscious lashes. It’s made with highly concentrated ingredients which are clinically proven to promote eyelash growth in both length and thickness.

It’s also safe for use on extensions, making it perfect for anyone who wears them!

I was very impressed with their refund policy. They are so confident in their product that they offer a 60-day guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your results, they’ll send a full refund.

They also ship for free within North America (Canada and USA) and the UK. There’s so much to love about this product. You can find LashLuxury Lash Serum on their official website here.

2- Vegamour

Vegamour lash serum for extensions
Source: Vegamour

For eyelash extension wearers who love the Vegamour GRO Lash Serum, there’s good news. It’s perfect for use with extensions since it’s oil-free while boosting lash growth and thickness.

I’ve been recommending Vegamour to my clients for years now, and this product has done wonders. Not only are my client’s lashes stronger, but they also grow longer and much faster.

The best part is that it’s easy to find in stores or online, which means you can always have some on hand! It looks great right? You can find Vegamour growth serum here!

FAQ

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.

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.

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.

The presence of lash extensions would not interfere with the action of Latisse.

Latisse is a prescription treatment and 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]

Find the ingredients here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bottom Line

As a lash tech, I’ve seen it all—lash serums that work wonders and those that wreak havoc on extensions.

The good news?

With the right serum and a little care, your extensions and natural lashes can thrive together. So, follow these tips, and let’s keep your lashes looking fabulous, one flutter at a time!

— Asako 🙂

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14 Comments

  1. I just bought Essynaturals Eyelash Serum. I cannot tell from reading the ingredients list if it is oil free. I got lash extensions a couple of days ago and want to make sure I can use it before applying. The packaging doesn’t say that it can be used with extensions.

    Thank you for any help you may provide!
    Kris

    1. I don’t have personal experience with the Essynaturals Eyelash Serum so I went on their website but couldn’t find their ingredient list. I find that very odd. In that case, I would err on the side of caution and avoid using it. You could contact the manufacturer directly to have that information.

  2. Hello if I’m purchasing these serums you have suggested are okay with lash extensions.
    As a lash tech can I apply this serum on the clients natural lashes before doing a full set?

    1. Yes, I’ve been using these serums with my clients for a long time and they work great with lash extensions. It shouldn’t be applied just before doing a set thought.

  3. I currently have extensions and I have started using an eyelash growth serum. I am hoping when this set falls off my natural lashes will be longer and thicker. My goal is to take the summer off and not get extensions for a few months. Is this a realistic plan or will my natural lashes be damaged when the extensions fall out?

    1. Hi Nancy,

      Yes this plan makes sense! I don’t know which serum you use, but most of them need at least a few weeks before seeing noticeable results. Having said that, when lash extensions are done properly, there wouldn’t be any damage to your natural lashes. So you shouldn’t worry about that.

  4. Hello, I was wondering if you had looked at the ingredients in the new serum from the ordinary? Hoping it is lash extension safe .Let me know your thoughts on this one! Thanks!

    Aqua, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Caffeine, Panthenol, Arginine, Glycine, Glycoproteins, Larix Europaea Wood Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dextran, Maltodextrin, Zinc Chloride, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Metabisulfite, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

    1. Hi Lauren,

      On their product page, I don’t see any indication to say it’s safe for lash extensions. Having said that, I checked their ingredients and it’s an oil-free serum. I’ve added it to the list.

        1. Good point. I’ve personally not seen issues with a serum containing glycerin but it’s something I want to keep my eyes on.

  5. I don’t know if they recently changed the formula, but from what I see Dime Beauty lash serum currently has vegetable oil in it. Is that ok for extensions?

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