Do Eyelash Extensions Ruin Your Natural Lashes? The Good, The Bad, & The Better Way
By Christina Lyon
Who doesn’t want envious, voluminous, alluring, come-hither lashes that look flawless 24/7?
Eyelash extensions offer precisely that — but at what cost? False eyelashes save you valuable time and give you that enticing curl that makes your eyes pop! But the question remains: do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes?
Women looking to save time getting ready in the morning will love the convenience of falsies, but what about those horror stories? You know the ones…
“Eyelash extensions ruined my natural lashes.”
“I now have bald eyelashes after extensions.”
“I had an allergic reaction, and my eyes swelled up.”
Yikes! Are lash extensions worth it? Do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes? You came here because you know there are risks, but is there any merit to the rumors? In this guide, we’re cutting through the noise to get to the root of the topic.
What’s The Scoop On Eyelash Extensions?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about false lashes and their long-term effects.
What are Lash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are synthetic eyelashes that you apply to your natural eyelashes with glue. These semi-permanent lashes have been a women’s staple for decades. But these aren’t your momma’s strip lashes.
Lash extensions are glued individually onto the lash line, right on top of your natural eyelashes. Typically, the process is done by a professional lash technician. The stylist will apply a partial or full set, depending on what you prefer.
How Long Do Lash Extensions Last?
Depending on how frequently you wear falsies and how you take care of them, lash extensions have a lifespan of about 6-8 weeks.
When they’re done gracing your eyelids, the lashes fall out, and you can head to your lash technician for a touch-up or to replace individual lashes.
Your sleeping and beauty patterns also influence the lifespan of your false lashes.
- A silk pillowcase has gentler fibers that won’t rub against your new lashes.
- We recommend a Spoolie lash brush to gently detangle your false lashes in the morning, after showering, and before going to bed.
- Use an oil-free eye makeup remover to protect your eye area and your lashes. Any rubbing, tugging, and tension on your eyes can result in allergic reactions, or tear your false lashes out prematurely, so keep the right product on-hand.
That covers the basics of false lashes 101, but let’s dive a little deeper.
Are False Eyelashes Dangerous?
If you have sensitive eyes or are prone to allergic reactions, you’ll want to be strategic about the type of lash extensions you choose. Generally, lash extensions are safe. But why is it such a common question do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes? Does that happen?
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In the past, mink eyelashes were the status-quo. But they’re also prone to allergic reactions. Synthetic silk extensions are hypoallergenic and a safer alternative if you have sensitive skin.
Do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes long-term?
Consider that with lash extensions, there is a risk of developing traction alopecia, a hair loss disorder. Over time, bad application can disrupt the hair growth cycle, destroy hair follicles, and cease hair growth. What happens then? Your lashes fall out permanently. No one wants this, but you can avoid losing your lashes with proper care.
Plus, this reaction is rare. If you’re going to go to a lash technician, ensure proper protocol and vet the salon for great reviews.
What About Finding the Right Lash Expert?
A reputable technician will always wash their hands, wear a mask, sterilize their utensils, and rely on single-use eyelash brushes.
But you’ll also want to ask about lash glue. Formaldehyde is a known allergen, but many uses contain this toxic chemical, resulting in eye infections or itchy, swollen, red eyes.
Instead, choose a salon that uses glues with butyl cyanoacrylate and octyl cyanoacrylate to protect the sensitive eye area.
Okay, so you’ve got a good grip on the pros and cons of lash extensions. What about if you’d rather flaunt your own lashes? We’ve got you covered!
How to Get Longer Eyelashes Naturally
Are you still stuck wondering, “Do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes?” even if you know the real risk of it? We get it. There are alternatives to enhance your own lashes instead. Add these eye makeup products to your lash routine to enhance your own lashes and achieve fluttery eyelashes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lash Growth Volumizer. If you want to volumize your own lashes, we recommend the RevitaLash Enhancing Serum. Apply a thin line to the lash line daily to grow stronger, longer lashes.
- Lengthening Mascara. Rather than layering on coats of mascara that cause clumps and irritate your eye area, choose a lengthening mascara that, in one coat, creates longer, defined, voluminous lashes.
- Volumizing Eyelash Curler. Sure, there are fancy mechanical volumizers, but you can’t go wrong with a good old fashioned, trusty eyelash curler. Just be careful not to curl too close to the lash line, which can irritate your eyes and cause inflammation.
- Lash Defining Eyeliner. Defining your eyes requires more than lashes. Use a defining eyeliner like this one from RevitaLash to trace the lash line and illuminate your eye shape.
- Reusable False Eyelashes. If you’re still looking for an added boost, experiment with natural-looking false eyelashes you can apply yourself. This will get you familiar with the idea of wearing falsies in the event you want to advance to extensions.
Ready to Lash it Out?
Okay, so you’ve learned a lot, but do lash extensions ruin your natural lashes? Let’s recap.
Do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes? Not neccesarily! Eyelash extensions are generally safe, but the wrong glue, technician, or material can turn your dream lashes into a nightmare. Before you even consider heading to a lash salon, read the reviews and vet the brand to learn about their safety protocols. Choose safe glues that are hypoallergenic and silk lashes to minimize long-term effects.
If you find that the risk isn’t worth the reward, enhance your natural lashes with the lightweight makeup products we shared above to get the volume you crave.
Chances are, a few tweaks in your beauty routine can give you lashes that turn heads. Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons and see what’s right for you. If you opt for natural lashes, own your look and lash it out!
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