Do Lash Extensions Ruin Natural Lashes?
Are you dreaming of luscious, voluminous lashes that make your eyes pop without the hassle of mascara?
Have you been thinking about getting lash extensions but have heard horror stories about how they ruin your natural lashes?
In this blog post, we will put your fears at ease and share tips to help you maintain healthy eyelashes while wearing eyelash extensions.
The Natural Growth Cycle of Eyelashes
To understand whether lash extensions can ruin your natural lashes, we need first to understand the natural growth cycle of eyelashes. Like any hair on our body, our eyelashes have a growth cycle that consists of three phases:
Anagen phase: The active growth phase where new lashes are formed.
Catagen phase: The transitional phase where the lash stops growing and separates from its follicle.
Telogen phase: The resting phase where old lashes fall out, making way for new ones.
On average, this cycle lasts around 4–10 weeks. However, it can vary from person to person. During this cycle, we naturally lose a few lashes every day, and new ones grow in their place.
Can Lash Extensions Damage Natural Lashes?
No, eyelash extensions don't ruin your natural lashes. But there are a number of things to do with eyelash extensions that can cause damage to your natural eyelashes. These include:
Improper application by an unskilled lash technician. Proper isolation techniques and application are crucial to avoid damaging the natural lashes.
Using heavy or excessive lash extensions that weigh down your natural lashes, causing them to break or fall out.
Not following proper aftercare instructions, such as rubbing or pulling at the extensions, can also pull out your natural lashes.
Not properly removing eye makeup and debris buildup around the lash line leads to infection and potential damage to lash follicles.
If done correctly by an experienced and skilled lash artist using high-quality products, eyelash extensions should not cause any harm to your natural lashes. They can even protect them from external factors like waterproof makeup and eyelash curlers, which can be harsh on delicate lash hairs.
But How Can I Know if My Extensions Are Causing Damage?
You obviously can't see what your lash technician sees, so how can you tell if your extensions might be causing damage? Here are some signs you can look for:
More than one lash per extension: How many natural lashes are attached when an extension comes out? There should only be one! If you notice 3-5 eyelashes at the base of your extension, your lash artist is not using the proper isolation technique.
Pinching or pulling: Your extensions shouldn't feel uncomfortable as they grow out. Your lashes grow at different rates, so if you feel pinching or pulling, it could be because a baby lash was stuck in the glue of the adjacent extension. The irritation could be caused by the baby lash being pulled out faster than it naturally grows.
Clumps of lashes: If clumps of extensions are coming out together, your lash artist may have used too much glue and didn’t properly isolate, leading to potential damage to your natural lashes.
Excessive weight: If your extensions feel heavy or uncomfortable, they are probably too long and/or thick for your natural lashes to handle. The hair follicles will be under stress, leading to breakage or premature fallout.
If you experience any of these signs, it's important to speak up and ask questions. If your lash artist is unwilling to address your concerns and spend more time on proper isolation, it might be time to find a new one. 😬
How Can I Maintain Healthy Lashes While Wearing Extensions?
To keep your natural lashes healthy while wearing extensions, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose a reputable and experienced lash technician who uses high-quality products.
Listen to your tech's recommendations for length and width for your natural lashes. Longer and thicker isn't always better!
Follow your lash tech’s instructions on how to clean lash extensions properly.
Be gentle with your eye area. Don't rub or pull at the extensions, as this can cause damage to both the extensions and your natural lashes.
Consider using a nourishing lash serum to promote natural lash growth and keep them healthy.
Check out this post on our blog: 8 Tips To Get the Most out of Your Lashes, for more ideas on how to keep your natural lashes healthy!
The Best Eyelash Extensions in Calgary, AB
Lash extensions are a great way to achieve long, voluminous lashes without the hassle of mascara or strip lashes. With proper care and application by a skilled technician, they should not cause any harm to your natural lashes.
At The Beauty Block, our skilled lash artists pride themselves on extreme precision in lash artistry and continuing education! Whether you are new to lashes or in need of lash rehab, we have something for everyone. Book your appointment with us today, and let us help you achieve the lashes of your dreams! 🩷
FAQ
Do eyelashes grow back?
Yes, eyelashes can grow back even if there has been lash damage. However, it may take some time for them to grow back fully. Using a nourishing lash serum can also help promote healthy lash growth.
Is it bad to have eyelash extensions for a long time?
It is not necessarily bad to have eyelash extensions for a long time as long as they are properly applied and cared for. It's important to follow proper aftercare instructions and make sure that your natural lashes are healthy and able to support the weight of the extensions. Regular fills are also recommended to maintain the health of your lashes.
Will my natural lashes grow back after extensions?
Yes, your natural lashes will grow back after extensions. It's important to professionally remove the extensions and avoid any damage to your natural lashes while wearing them.