Eyelash extensions have been a popular beauty trend for years, helping many people achieve fuller, longer lashes and a more polished, wide-awake appearance. They undoubtedly have their benefits, but I wanted to share, why I stopped eyelash extensions. If you’d like to find out the reasons, keep on reading…
Why Are Eyelash Extensions So Damaging For Natural Eyelashes?
Eyelash extensions can be damaging to your natural lashes for several reasons. One of the main causes is the additional weight placed on your natural lashes due to the extensions.
Overfilling your lashes by placing multiple extensions on a single eyelash may cause your natural lashes to shed prematurely.
Another reason for potential harm to your natural lashes is the glue used during the application process. If you are sensitive to the chemicals in the glue adhesive, this can lead to skin reactions or allergies, causing discomfort and possible damage to your lashes.
Furthermore, improper care and handling of your lash extensions can contribute to the damage. Rubbing, tugging or pulling on your extensions can fracture your natural lashes and even cause permanent damage to the eyelash follicle. Unsanitary conditions during the application can also lead to complications.
To minimize damage, it’s important to:
- Choose a reputable salon with qualified technicians
- Take breaks between eyelash extension applications
- Avoid overfilling and excessively heavy extensions
- Maintain proper aftercare and gently clean your extensions
Following these guidelines, you can help protect your natural lashes and maintain healthier eyelashes while still enjoying the benefits of eyelash extensions.
How Long Are Eyelash Extensions Designed To Last?
Eyelash extensions are designed to last up to two months if they are applied properly and cared for correctly. Applying eyelash extensions is a technique that requires great skill, as the wrong application can have disastrous results.
When applying eyelash extensions, professionals apply individual false lashes onto each of your natural lashes one at a time, creating length and volume.
With proper care, you may get up to six weeks of wear before letting the extensions fall out with your natural lash cycle.
Lengthy wear times often depend on your own rate of eyelash growth and lifestyle habits; a person wearing the extensions constantly or someone who doesn’t regularly remove their eye makeup is likely to need more frequent touch-ups than someone whose lashes don’t come off quickly with water and leaves them alone when not wearing them.
Eyelash Extensions Pros and Cons
When considering eyelash extensions, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons to decide if they’re the right choice for you.
Pros:
- Efficient makeup routine: With eyelash extensions, your morning routine may be cut down by 20 to 30 minutes, as they eliminate the need for mascara and other beauty items.
- Instantly fuller, longer lashes: Eyelash extensions provide a semi-permanent solution to enhance your natural eyelashes, giving you a fuller, longer, and darker lash fringe.
- Customizable: You can choose from a wide variety of materials, lengths, and styles to achieve your desired lash look.
Cons:
- Potential allergic reactions: Some people may experience swelling, skin irritation of the eyelid, or even a temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes due to the glue used in the application process.
- Costly and time-consuming: Eyelash extensions can be expensive, and you’ll need to schedule regular touch-up appointments to maintain your set of lashes.
- Care and maintenance: You must be gentle with your lash extensions and avoid using oil-based products, which can cause the extensions to loosen or damage your natural eyelashes.
- Risk of infection or damage: If applied incorrectly or by an unlicensed professional, eyelash extensions may cause lash pain, infection, and even lash loss.
Eyelash extensions have both positive and negative aspects to consider when deciding if they are the right choice for you. Keep in mind the potential risks and make sure to have them applied by a licensed professional for the best results.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
When considering eyelash extensions, you might be wondering how long they will last. The lifespan of eyelash extensions can vary depending on several factors, including the type of lash extension, the skill of the lash artist, and your natural lash cycle.
There are three common types of eyelash extensions: mink, silk, and synthetic. Each of these options has a typical lifespan of approximately six to eight weeks.
However, the lasting period of your extensions is primarily dependent on your natural lash cycle, which can be as short as two weeks or as long as eight weeks.
Daily care and maintenance of your eyelash extensions can also significantly impact their longevity. Your lash artist should provide detailed instructions on how to care for the extensions post-application.
Proper aftercare typically includes washing and brushing your lashes daily, as well as avoiding moisture for the first few days after getting your extensions.
It’s important to note that the natural lash growth process means that you’ll gradually lose your extensions as your natural lashes fall out. On average, women can shed about 20 lashes per week. As a result, the overall appearance of your eyelash extensions may start to diminish over time.
Eyelash extensions can last for six to eight weeks, depending on the type, your natural lash cycle, and proper aftercare. Remember that maintaining your extensions will help ensure that they remain beautiful and long-lasting.
What Kind of Maintenance Do Lash Extensions Need?
Lash extensions can really enhance your natural beauty, but they do require some upkeep. To keep your lash extensions looking their best, it’s essential to follow a proper maintenance routine.
Firstly, you need to be gentle with your new lash extensions. When you wash your face, take extra care not to get water on your lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and when removing makeup, use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover instead of harsh scrubbing.
Cleaning your lash extensions regularly is also crucial for their longevity. Make it a habit to brush through your extensions with a clean spoolie brush every day.
This will help keep them untangled and looking neat. Additionally, cleanse your lash line with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to prevent any buildup that could lead to eye infections or lash damage.
Some activities can negatively impact the lifespan of your lashes, so it’s essential to steer clear of them to preserve your investment.
For instance, avoid swimming, excessive sweating, and exposure to humidity for at least 48 hours after the application of your eyelash extensions or any touch-up appointments. This will give the adhesive time to bond securely to your natural lashes.
When getting ready in the morning or for an event, remember to avoid using makeup products that contain oil, as these can break down the eyelash extension adhesive. Stick to water-based or lash extension-friendly cosmetics, and avoid using waterproof mascara on your extensions, as it is challenging to remove without causing damage.
In summary, proper maintenance of your lash extensions includes:
- Taking care not to get water on your lashes
- Gently washing your face and avoiding rubbing your eyes
- Regularly brushing through your extensions with a clean spoolie brush
- Cleansing your lash line with a gentle, oil-free cleanser
- Avoiding swimming, excessive sweating, and humidity for the first 48 hours
- Choosing oil-free makeup products and avoiding waterproof mascara
Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions
You might be wondering why someone might stop getting lash extensions. There are several reasons that can contribute to this decision. In this section, we will discuss some of the key reasons that led to stopping eyelash extensions.
The damage to the natural eyelash is a major concern. Frequent lash extensions can cause significant harm to your natural lashes, making them weaker and prone to falling out.
This issue becomes more concerning if you consistently opt for extensions without giving your natural lashes the chance to recover.
Another reason you may stop getting lash extensions is that they can be expensive over time. Since lash extensions need regular touch-ups or fill-ins, the cost can accumulate quickly. Not only that, but the time-consuming nature of maintaining extensions can also become a burden in your daily life.
Moving on, let’s discuss the potential for irritation and discomfort. When using lash extensions, it’s common for your eyes and skin to experience irritation.
This can result from the adhesive used to attach the extensions, or even an allergic reaction to the materials. It’s crucial to listen to your body and take these concerns seriously, as they can impact your overall comfort and well-being.
To sum up, there are several valid reasons to stop getting lash extensions, such as:
- Damage to your natural eyelashes,
- Financial cost and time-consuming maintenance,
- Potential irritation and discomfort.
Taking these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision about whether lash extensions are the right choice for you.
What Are The Risks Of Getting Lash Extensions
While eyelash extensions can enhance your appearance, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with them.
One common risk with eyelash extensions is eye irritation. The adhesive used to attach the extensions may cause a reaction if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.
Sensitive eyes are particularly prone to irritation, and it’s crucial to let your technician know about any sensitivities beforehand.
Moreover, stopping getting eyelash extensions may be necessary if you start to notice damage to your natural lashes.
Frequent use of lash extensions can gradually weaken your natural lashes, making them appear shorter, thinner, and more brittle. This damage can be long-lasting and requires time for your natural lashes to recover.
Consider the following risks when getting eyelash extensions:
- Infections: Improper application or unhygienic tools may lead to infections in the eyes, cornea, or eyelid.
- Temporary or permanent eyelash loss: Over time, the weight and strain from the extensions can cause your natural lashes to fall out or weaken.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to the adhesive used, leading to redness, swelling, or discomfort.
It is essential to weigh the potential risks against the benefits of eyelash extensions to make an informed decision on whether they are the right option for you.
Remember, choosing a reputable and experienced technician can help minimize these risks and ensure a safer and more satisfying experience.
Do Eyelash Extensions Make Your Natural Lashes Shorter?
Eyelash extensions have become a popular beauty trend, giving your eyes a fuller and more glamorous appearance. However, you might be wondering if these extensions can make your natural lashes shorter or damage them in any way.
First, it’s important to understand that with proper application and maintenance, eyelash extensions should not ruin your natural lashes. In fact, natural lashes can only be damaged if the extensions are applied incorrectly.
When extensions are applied properly:
- They are glued individually to your natural lashes
- They follow the natural growth cycle of your lashes
- They do not cause your lashes to grow short or fall out
It’s crucial to find a qualified technician for the application of eyelash extensions, as inexperienced technicians might apply the extensions incorrectly, leading to “stickies.”
Stickies occur when two or more natural lashes are glued together, which can impede natural lash growth and cause them to grow short or fall out entirely.
If you notice that your natural lashes are getting shorter or falling out, it could be a sign of other issues as well. For example, your extensions might be too heavy or too long for your natural lashes.
In this case, you should speak with your technician about using lighter or shorter extensions that won’t cause excess strain on your lashes.
To further protect your natural lashes when you have extensions:
- Always follow your technician’s aftercare instructions
- Avoid rubbing, tugging, or pulling on your extensions
- Use oil-free makeup and makeup removers
- Return to your technician for regular maintenance appointments, typically every 2–4 weeks
Eyelash extensions should not make your natural lashes shorter or damage them if applied and maintained correctly.
Choose a qualified technician, communicate with them about your lash health concerns, and take proper care of your extensions for the best results.
Summary
There are both pros and cons to consider when deciding whether eyelash extensions are right for you. Factors such as maintenance, cost, and the potential impact on your natural lashes should be weighed carefully.
So, the decision is yours to make, based on your individual needs, preferences, and budget, but my natural eyelashes are definitely healthier since I ditched eyelash extensions.