Eyelash extensions offer an excellent strategy for improving the natural appearance of your lashes. They are a more permanent solution compared to false lashes and do not require mascara. While generally safe, many people still want to know if extensions ruin your eyelashes. It comes down to the application process, as with the right adhesives, sanitary conditions, and high-quality materials, eyelash extensions are generally considered safe. We take a closer look at the pros and cons of eyelash extensions, and whether they can actually do harm to your natural lashes.

What are eyelash extensions?

Eyelashes do play a role in how you look and feel about yourself. For a fuller, bolder look, you’ll usually turn to mascara. Eyelash extensions offer a strategy that helps to mimic this type of appearance without having to apply mascara to your lashes.

It is important to note that eyelash extensions are not the same as fake lashes. With fake lashes, you’ll usually get a strip that attaches to your eyelid. Eyelash extensions, however, are attached individually to your lashes. It is a process that takes much longer compared to fake lashes, but most people agree that the results are superior.

The extensions are considered semi permanent. This is because they will fall out with your lashes during the natural growth cycle they go through. With this said, when applied during the anagen phase of the lash cycle, they can still last for several weeks before you may need to go for a maintenance session.

Eyelash extensions should only be applied by a trained and certified professional. This is because of several risks that have been associated with the improper application and use of the extensions. Depending on the complexity of the task, it can take a couple of hours for the professional to properly apply the extensions to your individual lashes.

The pros & cons of eyelash extensions

When asking if extensions ruin your eyelashes, it’s important to carefully consider both the pros and cons. This will help you get a better idea of what to expect and ensure you are able to make an informed choice.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the main benefits that eyelash extensions can offer:

  • They provide an enhancement to your natural lashes to make them appear fuller and bolder.
  • Eyelash extensions tend to last for the entire lash cycle.
  • Unlike fake lashes, eyelash extensions do not attach to the skin on your eyelids.
  • Eyelash extentions also help to save time. Applying mascara every morning takes a lot of time and these extensions ensure you no longer have to add this particular task to your makeup routine.

It is also important to keep in mind the risks and cons that come with these extensions:

  • Using incorrect materials or adhesives can increase the risk of an eyelash extension infection. This can affect your eyelids and even spread to your eyes.
  • Irritation and allergic reactions[1] are not uncommon with eyelash extensions. This type of reaction can cause itchiness, swelling, and redness.
  • In certain cases, eyelash extensions can actually cause damage to your natural lashes. This can cause temporary loss of your lashes or, in more serious scenarios, permanent loss of your eyelashes.

  • Some studies[2] have shown that certain compounds used in the glue to attach these extensions to your lashes may cause additional problems, such as occupational asthma and rhinitis.
eyelash extensions damaged

Really, have eyelash extensions damaged your eyelashes?

When you notice problems with your natural lashes following the attachment of extensions, then the application of these extra strands is automatically to blame. It is true that there are cases where extensions ruin your eyelashes, but it is not always directly the result of the extensions.

In cases where you do not use proper care techniques, it could leave your eyelash extension damaged. This can happen if you decide to use inappropriate cleansers or makeup products while you have the extensions on. Rubbing your eyes, trying to move the extensions, and several other factors can actually contribute to the damage you notice on your natural lashes.

With this said, there are cases where extensions ruin your eyelashes due to factors that are directly related to the materials and adhesives used. An infection in your eyelid is generally one of the most important factors to note here. If the professional who attaches the extensions does not use proper sanitary methods, then it could create an opportunity for an infection. The infection can affect your eyelid and even cause damage to the hair follicles that are responsible for the growth of your eyelashes.

3 mistakes to avoid when you use eyelash extensions

There are certain mistakes that people often make when they opt for eyelash extensions. Understanding what these mistakes are gives you an opportunity to implement the necessary precautions. This, in turn, can help to effectively reduce your risk of infection, eyelash loss, and other complications associated with the use of these extensions.

  • Application by Non-Certified Individuals: The mistakes you make can actually start even before you have your eyelash extensions on. The person who installs them will play an initial role in the overall efficacy and safety of the procedure. You should ensure a certified professional attaches the eyelash extensions and that they use the proper procedure, such as sterilizing their equipment, providing you with clean towels, and washing their hands. If the person is not certified, it means they may not be able to follow the proper procedure, or they could use materials that are not considered appropriate for your eyelashes.
  • Using Mascara: One of the main benefits that eyelash extensions give you is the fact that it mimics the appearance of mascara. Your natural lashes look fuller and like they already have mascara on. Some people may still apply extra mascara, but this is actually a mistake. The issue becomes even worse when looking at waterproof mascara, as this can increase the chances of damaging your natural eyelashes.
  • Using Incorrect Cleansing Products: When you have eyelash extensions, you need to understand that certain cleansing products can actually cause harm. You should not use any products close to your eyes that have an oil-based formula. This includes makeup removers, as well as facial cleansers. Instead, use formulas that do not contain oil in order to take better care of your eyelash extensions.

Will eyelashes grow back after you use extensions?

When extensions ruin your eyelashes, the important question that remains is whether or not your lashes are going to grow back. The good news is that in most cases where these extensions cause a loss of your lashes, the problem is only temporary. This means you should start to notice lashes growing back in a few weeks.

With this said, there are scenarios where extensions cause permanent loss of your eyelashes. This may be the case when the extensions cause an infection that affects the hair follicles in your eyelids, for example. In cases of permanent loss, your natural lashes will not grow back.

If extensions ruin your eyelashes, it’s a good idea to check with a professional. They can do a thorough analysis and determine how bad the damage is. This would also allow the professional to determine what the most appropriate steps would be to rectify the problem you are facing.

Understanding the natural eyelash cycle

Your eyelashes go through a natural cycle. This cycle starts with the growth of the lashes and then enters a phase where the eyelashes remain the same size for some time. After this phase, the lash falls out and makes way for the growth of a new strand.

Let’s take a closer look at the natural eyelash cycle closely:

  • The initial stage of the cycle is known as the anagen phase. This is when the lash grows, and it lasts for up to 45 days. At any given point in time, around 40% of your upper lashes are in this phase. Among your lower lashes, around 15% are in the anagen phase right now.
  • The next stage is called the catagen phase. It is a transitional phase during which the lash will no longer continue to grow. During the catagen phase, the follicle also goes through a process where it shrinks.
  • The telogen phase is when the lashes rest before they fall out. It is the longest phase in your natural eyelash cycle. Once the lash falls out, the process restarts from the first phase.
care for your eyelashes

How to care for your eyelashes?

Taking proper care of your eyelashes can help to minimize loss and improve their overall appearance. If extensions ruin your eyelashes, then it can take some time for them to recover properly, but you can still implement a care routine in order to promote their overall health.

Start by using a high-quality eyelash serum. These serums are specifically formulated to help nourish your eyelashes and to ensure they remain moisturized. It is also important to avoid the use of makeup products that can dry your eyelashes out. Dry eyelashes break off easily, especially when you rub your eyes.

You should also ensure you remove your makeup at night. Sleeping with your makeup on is drying on both your skin and eyelashes, so it is another thing that can contribute to breakage and a loss of lashes.

An eyelash comb is also a good option when you want to take proper care of your lashes. These combs can help to remove tangles from your eyelashes, which contributes to a reduced risk of breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should not do eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are not for everyone[3]. If you have alopecia areata, blepharitis, trichotillomania, or eyelid dermatitis, then it is not advised to get extensions. You should also be careful if you have sensitive skin in general.

What to avoid with lash extension?

Don’t use mascara, and avoid moving the lashes. You should also avoid cleaners and makeup removers that have an oil-based formula. Rubbing your eyelashes can cause problems and you should avoid chemical peels while wearing these extensions.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

Eyelash extensions will usually last for the duration of the natural lash cycle. This means you should be able to wear these extensions for a period between six weeks to two months, depending on how quickly your lashes fall out.

How to grow eyelashes?

Taking proper care of your lashes can help to speed up their growth. Volumlash is the best eyelash serum also show that this type of serum can help to nourish your lashes and support their natural growth.

Conclusion

The use of eyelash extensions can help to add that finished look without the need for mascara every morning. When asking whether or not extensions ruin your eyelashes, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Proper care and ensuring the extensions are applied by a licensed professional can help to reduce the risk of complications.