Lash extensions are probably the most transformative makeup technique. That is why many people turn to lash extensions whenever their natural lashes need a makeover. With lash extensions, you can add the perfect design, length, and volume to your natural lashes. One question lash techs get asked whether eyelash extensions can make natural eyelashes fall out. Keep reading to discover whether eyelash extensions can ruin natural lashes.
Although most people assume that eyelash extensions can make natural lashes fall out, the truth is lash extensions cannot damage eyelashes when appropriately applied. Just like the hair on different body parts, natural eyelashes also fall out for various reasons, including burns, picking, pulling, cosmetics, chemotherapy, eyelid disorders, and other conditions. (Source: Board of Cosmetology- Eyelash Extension Safety Tips) Fortunately, eyelashes usually grow back in most cases. Typically, the eyelash regrowth process goes through three phases which include:
Growth
Transition
Resting
1. This process takes anywhere from 4 to 16 weeks. During the growth process, also known as the anagen phase, new lashes grow from the follicles. The growth process can take up to 3 months.
2. After the growth process, your lashes go through the catagen phase or transition phase. During this phase, lashes stop growing and begin to shrink.
3. Finally, the eyelashes will undergo the resting phase or telogen phase. The process lasts anywhere from 4 to 9 months. Your lashes will hang out until they fall out during this stage.
Even when you get lash extensions, this cycle continues as usual. Since professional lash techs attach each extension to a natural lash, your lash extension will follow the same process. So, the next time a client asks you if lash extensions will damage natural lashes, tell them that they don't stop the regrowth cycle. Also, let them know that losing three to five lashes daily is normal.
What's more, properly attached lash extensions won't make your lashes shorter. A skilled lash technician will be gentle when applying your lashes to avoid damaging them. Moreover, such a lash tech will use correctly sized extensions to not weigh down on your lashes.
How Improperly Attached Eyelash Extensions Can Damage Your Natural Lashes?
As mentioned earlier, eyelash extensions can help you achieve your best looks without damaging your natural lashes when installed correctly. However, improperly applied lash extensions can contribute to abnormal loss of natural lashes. That's why you should only trust a licensed and certified lash technician. Let's discuss why poorly done lash extensions can damage your natural lashes.
⚠️Using the Wrong Materials
Lash extensions are made from various materials such as synthetic materials, mink, and silk. Synthetics are heavily used because they are cheaper than other materials. Each material comes with its fair share of benefits and disadvantages. Unfortunately, you might be allergic to some of these materials. Fortunately, licensed and certified lash technicians will conduct an allergy test before applying lash extensions.
⚠️Applying the Wrong Type of Lash Extensions
Lash extensions come in a variety of styles. Each style has a specific number of extensions applied to one natural lash. For instance, classic lash extensions are attached on a 1:1 ratio. In contrast, hybrid and volume style extensions have multiple extensions on one lash. You risk damaging your natural lashes if more than one extension is applied to a natural lash. Similarly, heavy and thick extensions can damage your natural lashes.
⚠️Applying the Wrong Adhesives
Nearly all adhesives have the same ingredients. However, the ratio of ingredients varies from one glue to another. The most commonly used ingredients are formaldehyde and cyanoacrylate. Due to the difference in formulas, some products can cause allergic reactions. Luckily, a skilled lash tech knows how to apply the right amount and use the suitable adhesive for your skin.
⚠️Improper Application
The lash tech applying the lash extensions can ruin your natural lashes. For instance, a technician who glues the lashes to the skin increases the risk of damaging your natural lashes. Similarly, too much glue and excess extensions applied to one area can ruin your lashes.
Do Damaged Natural Lashes Grow Back?
Natural eyelashes can grow back after damage. Typically, lashes grow approximately a half inch per month, depending on genetics and other factors. You can expect your lashes to regrow to their original state within six to eight weeks. You can try out some lash serums, no-smudge makeup removals, and conditioners to speed up the regrowth process.
Is It Necessary to Take a Break in Between Extension Sessions?
Since correctly applied lash extensions follow the same growth cycle as natural lashes, you don't have to take a break between extensions. A professional eyelash stylist has the skills and knowledge to assess the health of your lashes every time you go for a refill.
Final Thoughts
It's clear that lash extensions cannot damage or shorten your natural lashes when applied correctly. So, you don't have to take a break from this transformative makeup technique. Just make sure you choose a licensed and certified lash technician. Lash Training Center provides different lashes classes where you can choose the technique that you wish to learn.