Have you ever walked past someone whose lashes looked so amazing you couldn’t tell if they were wearing mascara or a set of falsies? That’s the vibe most clients want when they get lash extensions. What should be promised is that your lashes will be better than before. But how long does a new set of flutters last?
According to the experts, the answer is dependent on how well you care for them. So you can make the most of your investment (because, yes, they are an investment), we’ve got all the tips and techniques you need.
Typical Lifespan of Lash Extensions
So, how long do eyelash extensions last? The average life of lash extensions is four to six weeks. The actual quantity may vary depending on your “natural lash growth cycle and how well you take care of them,” according to Dionne Phillips, celebrity lash specialist, esthetician, and D’Lashes creator. According to Gwendolyn Ogura, senior lash artist at Hairy Little Things, “it takes around 90 days for all of your natural lashes to fall out and grow back.”
It is entirely up to you how often you will need to have them touched up! If you want to keep up with your extensions, you don’t have to get a full set every time. Instead, our experts advise us to visit every two to three weeks for a lash fill. “As your natural lashes shed, the extensions will come off with them,” says Amanda Robinson, founder of Iris+West Lash Co. to InStyle. “During a fill, the extensions that have come off will be replaced and any extensions that may have grown out will be removed and replaced as well.”
However, if you do not care for your lashes properly, this timeframe might be drastically reduced.
Picking or Pulling the Lashes
If you find yourself caressing, rubbing, picking, or pulling on your lashes, don’t be shocked if the lifespan you were promised is dramatically reduced. Robinson, creator of Iris+West Lash Co., says “picking can damage your natural lashes and leave your set looking sparse,” something we’re sure you want to avoid at all costs. Ogura agrees. “Picking or pulling the lash extensions can prematurely pull the natural lash the extension is glued to,” according to Ogura. “And we won’t be able to glue extensions back in that spot until that lash has grown back (which can take upwards of three months).”
Waterproof makeup
While we love waterproof cosmetics (particularly waterproof mascara since it lifts our lashes), you may want to avoid it if you have lash extensions. “The build-up around your extensions can create retention issues,” Robinson warns us about using waterproof makeup too often. Using waterproof mascara frequently is unhealthy for anyone (whether you have natural lashes or extensions), and according to Ogura, “the product can build up in your tear ducts and cause dry eyes.”
Oil-Based Products
Using oil-based cosmetics might also shorten the life of your lash extensions. “Using oil-based makeup removers, cleansers, or even heavy facial creams can break down the adhesive that bonds the lash extensions to your natural lashes, causing them to fall out prematurely,” Phillips adds.
Brush, Brush, Brush!
To avoid uneven, knotted lashes, brush your lash extensions every day, just like you brush your hair. You may buy a bundle of mascara spoolies online; they are ideal for keeping in your luggage or vanity. Brushing your lashes “ensures that all the natural oils that build up at the base of your extensions are brushed towards the tips of your extensions,” according to Ogura. “If these oils sit too long on the base of the extensions, they’ll eat away at the adhesive and cause premature lash fallout.”
Avoid mascara.
This should be obvious, but please do not use mascara. Consider the agony of removing it—it will yank on your lash extensions, shortening their lifespan. Every now and then is fine; just make sure to follow Phillips’ recommendations and use “a water-based formula specifically designed for lash extensions.”
Cleanse Your Eyelashes
Cleansing your lashes every day is essential not only for cleanliness, but also for the longevity of your extensions. “We don’t want skin care, oil from our eyelids, or products building up around the base of our extensions,” Robinson says. “Cleansing daily with a cleanser that’s meant for lashes and your eye area is super essential.”
