Might be someone, somewhere, has probably told you, “Lash extensions ruined my lashes.” Maybe it was a friend, someone online, or even a beauty expert with a warning. So now you are left wondering… is it true? Lash extensions sound like a utopia: a semi-permanent solution that allow your lashes to appear fluttery and fuller without applying any makeup? Yes, please. There are, however, several horror stories about individuals who have gotten these extensions and had their natural lashes destroyed.
This article aims to break it down, separating what is real from what is just talk. The fact is that you don’t need to be concerned about whether or not lash extensions harm your lashes. Therefore, you must be cautious about the eyelash extension technician that you select. Contrary to popular belief, they will not damage your natural lashes.
It is important to make sure we are on the same page before we bust the myth. Lash extensions are tiny fibers (usually made from synthetic, silk, or mink-like material) that get glued to your natural lashes one by one. They come in different curls, lengths, and thicknesses, and when done right, they feel light and look pretty seamless. But that “when done right” part? It all comes down to proper application, good habits, and realistic expectations.
Many people think eyelash extensions damage your real lashes, but that’s not the case. This myth exists because people have experienced damage, but it’s not because of the extensions themselves. It is usually because the person applying them did not do it right.
Several factors can contribute to damaged natural lashes when getting extensions:
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A well-trained artist knows how to isolate lashes and choose the right size and weight. Lash extensions are glued onto existing lashes, not your skin. Oftentimes, this occurs because the person went to an inexperienced specialist who glued the false lashes to skin instead of the individuals’ actual lashes. This should never, ever, ever happen. Why? The glue used can remove natural lashes that have just begun to grow, as well as clogging your hair follicle.
When you have multiple lashes attached to an extension, and your natural lashes shed, they can pull out the other lashes that were attached to them, causing harm to the hair follicle. This is a typical problem with lash artists who are new to the job.
People have different lash thicknesses and lengths naturally. If your lash extensions are too heavy for your natural lashes to be able to support, this can cause your lashes to shed prematurely, which can impact their natural growth cycle. Extensions should be light as a feather. If yours feel heavy or droopy, they were probably too long or thick for your natural lashes.
Also known as stickies, when two or more lashes and/or extensions are linked together, this can harm your lashes since it is forcing them into a different growth pattern. When you have stickies, when your natural lashes shed, they can end up pulling out the other lashes that were glued to them, which can damage the hair follicle. This is a common problem with lash technicians who lack experience.
Not cleaning your lashes can lead to a buildup of oil, dirt, and even bacteria (ew). That can cause irritation, infections, or lashes falling out early. Avoiding water is not the move. Clean lashes mean healthy retention.
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Picking or pulling at your lash extensions (especially when they start looking wonky) is a recipe for disaster. A professional will use a remover that gently dissolves the glue. There’s nothing in a lash extension that weakens your real lashes. What can weaken them? Bad habits.
Excess moisture could weaken or spread the glue. Other directions may advise against actions that could tug on the extensions (like sleeping on your stomach, rubbing your eyes, or using an eyelash curler).
Extensions are glued to your existing lashes and will fall off when they reach the end of their cycle. Just like hair on our heads, eyelashes have growth cycles. Once they’ve reached a certain length, they’ll shed once they can’t get any longer. Lash extensions are applied to one natural lash at a time. When your natural lashes fall out, so will your lash extensions. One of the first things that lash experts learn is how to care for your lashes while they’re developing.
Your natural lashes will continue their normal eyelash shedding cycle.
Every lash artist has their own style, training, and hygiene practices. Some are super detail-oriented and precise. Others… not so much. When you visit a licensed lash practitioner, you can be certain that lash extensions won’t harm your lashes. An experienced lash technician will work with you and your natural lashes and consult with you in order to come up with a look that will look good for your face and work with your natural lashes.
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You should receive instructions for what to do before and after your appointment.
Of course, most eye care providers would prefer that you choose alternatives to eyelash extensions. You should avoid eyelash extensions if you have known skin sensitivities or reactions, or if you have any eye problems or disorders that affect your eyelids, tear film, or the meibomian glands in your eyelids. If you have any other questions about eyelash extensions and their safety, you can always reach out to your eye doctor.
Mascara adds pigment but can clump, smudge, and flake.
At NIMA, we provide lash lifts to emphasize your lashes’ natural beauty. The Skin Institute provides lash lifts that will enhance your lashes’ natural beauty and give you that look you want. We offer lash extensions as part of our specialty courses for students to take. It takes a lot of skill to apply lash extensions correctly, so we take great care to ensure our students have that.
If you’ve had the displeasure of visiting a lash expert who made a mistake during the lash extension process, your natural lashes will grow back on their own in time. Wondering how to get eyelash extension glue off? Never force it.
tags: #eyelash #extensions #damage #eyelashes
