Eyelash extensions can be transformative by adding to the length and volume of your natural lashes in a manner that not even the best mascara can achieve. These semi-permanent fibers are attached to the natural lashes to make them look longer, fuller, and darker.
With the growing trend of lash extensions among women have come divergent views and reviews of the beauty product, mainly based on individual user experiences. Key among the issues raised about eyelash extensions is the myth that the extensions can damage your natural eyelashes. Whether you are a lash professional who encounters this question from clients on a regular basis or simply a curious newbie eager to know more about eyelash extensions, this article goes into the nitty-gritties to debunk the truth and misconceptions behind the myth.
Can Lash Extensions Ruin Your Natural Eyelashes?
The short, straightforward answer to this question is Yes! If not well-installed well or well-maintained, lash extensions can leave your natural lashes ruined. However, when installed and managed well, lash extensions do not cause damage to your natural eyelashes. Below are mistakes that can increase the chances of having your natural eyelashes ruined.
1. Wrong Choice of Extension and Adhesive
Eyelash extensions are made from different materials including mink, silk, and synthetic materials. Synthetic extensions are mimics of natural types and are usually cheaper. The different materials have their own good and bad and may react differently to different users – mainly due to allergic reactions.
Apart from the material used to make the extensions, the adhesive used to stick the extensions to the lash may also react differently on different users.
2. Incorrect Size of Lash Extension
To have your lash extensions installed, you need a lash professional who can correctly determine the size and length of the lash extensions. Using too long and too heavy lash extensions can cause stress to the follicle and make your natural lashes twist and eventually shed prematurely.
Repeatedly using improper length/thickness causes your natural lashes to mutate and grow shorter and thinner, leaving large gaps between natural lash lanes.
3. Improper Application
Eyelash extensions are a big beauty investment with the initial set costing between $100 and $300 while refills cost between $50 and $150. Add on the almost two hours you spend having your initial set installed and the almost one hour for refills.
With this huge financial undertaking and personal commitment, the last thing you would want is to have your extensions improperly installed, maybe because of an incompetent lash tech, wrong lash material, or wrong adhesive.
4. Stickies
Stickies arise when two or more lashes or extensions are glued together during installation. It mainly occurs due to improper isolation during preparation and is a common mistake among less experienced lash artists.
The clustered lashes and extensions may damage your natural lashes in addition to being aesthetically unpleasing.
Natural lashes glued together with other lashes and extensions will grow and pull along these extensions and /or lashes, which leads to uneven distribution of lashes and extensions. Pulling premature natural eyelashes may cause damage to the lash follicle and ruin your natural lashes in the long run.
Will Natural Lashes Grow Back After Lash Extensions?
Damage to your natural lashes may occur during installation, in the course of the lashes’ lifespan, or during removal. Removing your extensions before they fall off can cause some natural lashes to be pulled out too. Premature removal of lash extensions leaves behind bald spots that take longer to grow natural lashes again.
That said, your lashes will always grow back even if they were damaged. The speed of growth differs from one individual to another as well as the nature and level of damage. Naturally, your lashes should grow back within 6-8 weeks.
It is advisable to let your lash extensions fall off naturally to allow new ones to grow naturally without leaving bald spots. While you may need to prematurely get rid of your bad extensions, the same may come at a cost of pulling out your natural lashes and prolonging the healing period.
Maintaining Your Lash Extensions
Your extensions’ longevity will partly depend on the level of care and maintenance you give them. In addition, proper management of your extensions will minimize damage to your natural lashes.
Always brush your lashes to keep them isolated and aerated. Also, remove any debris that may accumulate between lashes like wax. This keeps your lashes isolated and reduces stickies.
Avoid using oil products around the eye as this leads to weakening of the adhesive in addition to causing stickies. Keep a close watch over your extensions and correct any damage early enough before damage to your natural lashes. Consult a lash professional artist on when to remove your extensions or get a refill. It is advisable to let your extensions fall off naturally instead of removing them in order to minimize damage to your natural lashes.
Always wash and clean your lash extensions to avoid getting lash mites, which cause irritation and extensive damage to your natural lashes.
Do I Need Breaks Between Lash Extensions?
If you regularly apply lash extensions, it is recommended to take breaks of at least two months. The exact length of these breaks may differ based on several factors, but generally, the breaks allow your natural lashes to recover and regrow.
After applying lash extensions, watch out for any strange reaction by your natural lashes or the skin underneath. Breaks are also recommended to avoid developing allergies to some materials due to continuous use.
Final Take Away
There is a lot of chatter among both professional and newbie lash extension users about the possibility of lash extensions damaging your natural lashes. While it is possible for extensions to damage your natural lashes, there are factors that lead to this damage, and which can be avoided. To prevent damaging your natural lashes, only use a professional artist during application and ensure only the right materials are used. Keep your eyelashes well maintained to minimize damage to your natural lashes.
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