The number one question every lash artist hears day in and out is: how long do eyelash extensions last?
The usual answer is: it depends.
The lifespan of each type of extension is about six to eight weeks. However, the actual retention time depends on the growth rate and lifespan of your natural lashes.
Because each lash extension is attached to a separate natural lash, it falls off when the natural lash falls. The lifespan of a natural lash can last from just two weeks to as long as eight weeks.
Eyelash Growth Cycle
Since the lifespan of eyelashes varies from hair to hair and their growth rate also varies, then, of course, eyelash extensions also fall out with them at very different times and not all at once.
Therefore, the solution to this situation is regular fills offered by eyelash salons.
The lifespan of your lashes also depends on how well you take care of them - both natural lashes and lash extensions. Fortunately, there are many methods to help you keep your natural lashes healthy and strong, and lash extensions firmly in place.
How many eyelash extensions fall out per day?
One to five lashes fall out a day, depending on the person, their age, health, lifestyle, and a thousand other factors. It is perfectly normal and occurs with or without eyelash extensions. Thus, about 20% of our lashes fall out every week.
The eyelash life cycle consists of three phases:
1) growth
2) rest
3) falling
All these phases last a total of 60 to 90 days, which is much faster than the other hairs on our heads - the hair, eyebrows, mustache, and beard - who then have them.
Before a single lash hair falls out, the new hair is already in the growth phase and replaces the last one. This process is endless, fading slowly only as of the person gets older or when bad habits damage the lashes.
Lash shedding season
Shedding of natural eyelashes
Like hair loss, eyelash loss is seasonal. Usually, we lose most hair in spring and autumn, so this time is called the "eyelash fall season."
There are several causes of seasonal hair loss. The two main ones are both related to hormones.
1) Sunlight. Even if you spend most of your time indoors, you get the most sunlight in spring and summer. It makes your body produce melatonin, which affects the levels of hormones in your scalp.
2) Testosterone levels are affected in spring and autumn. Although testosterone is commonly seen as a male hormone, it exists in both men and women and is known to cause hair loss.
Therefore, do not worry too much if you lose more lashes than usual in spring or autumn. The normal growth cycle will soon be restored.
Shedding of eyelash extensions
However, eyelash extensions can fall the most in summer and winter. In summer, it is caused by sweat, the amount of which increases due to the warm weather, and its moisture makes the lash adhesive soft.
However, the winter cold and dry air make the eyelash extensions brittle, and the lash glue may crumble.
In any case, try to avoid significant environmental changes, excessive moisture in the eye area, and extreme temperatures.
How to make the lash extension retention last longer?
Although you can't change the rate at which natural lashes fall out, you can do your best to keep your lash extensions on existing lashes as long as possible.
- For the first 48 hours after applying the lashes, avoid contact with the water. Water and moisture, in general, significantly reduce the effectiveness of the lash glue, softening its consistency. Avoid sauna, swimming, washing your face with hot water.
- Avoid oil-based cosmetics near the eyes and oil-based make-up removers.
- Do not use an eyelash curler or other curling method. Your lash extensions and the glue that holds them in place are too delicate for that.
- Brush your lashes every morning with a clean lash brush to keep them beautiful and well-groomed. Brush your natural lashes even if you don't have lash extensions installed.
- Keep your lashes clean! They must be cleaned daily.
How to wash eyelash extensions
In addition to washing eyelash extensions to help prevent eye inflammation and other discomforts, a proper cleansing routine requires removing the grease that has accumulated on the lashes.
If you have oily skin or if you have worn makeup that contains oil, some of it will always store on your lashes.
However, if you do not clean your lashes regularly, this grease will stay there, gradually breaking down the lash glue. Oil is a dangerous enemy to any lash adhesive. So by washing your lashes, you extend the retention of the extensions.
4 steps for proper lash bath with a lash cleanser
- Remove eye makeup with an oil-free make-up remover.
- Wet your face or eyelashes with lukewarm water. Apply a tiny amount of BL Foam Cleanser to the back of your hand. Gradually apply it to each eye and gently, very gently pull over the lashes.
- Rinse the foam thoroughly with clean water and gently dry the eyes with a soft towel.
- Then comb your lashes gently with an eyelash brush.
Eyelash extension care - with eyelash extension sealer
The best manufacturers of eyelash extensions also offer proper tools for the maintenance of extensions, which are sold by the best salons and eyelash extension resellers.
Eyelash sealer protects the area between eyelash extensions and natural lashes from water, dust, moisture, tears, grease, sweat, dust, and dirt. This way, the extensions stay in place more securely and last longer.
We recommend that anyone wearing eyelash extensions also use a lash sealer to protect the extensions.
The product should be used by everyone once or twice a week. Apply the sealant on the lashes after taking a shower, after cleaning the lash extensions.
Those who spend a long time in a wet, steamy, and humid environment, should use eyelash sealer at least three times a week.
We recommend using BL Black Diamond Eyelash Coating Sealant.
Additional tips for applying lash sealer:
Do not apply the product to the lash line, leave 2-3 mm free of lashes to the skin. Namely, this area is challenging to clean later.
Like any other water-based care product, it should be avoided for 48 hours after lash care and application to allow the lash glue to dry properly.
More suggestions for long-lasting eyelash extensions
- Do not apply lash extensions that are too long or too heavy. They hurt your natural lashes and cause them to break or fall out prematurely.
- Use a suitable eyelash glue, taking into account the lifestyle, living environment, climate, and the type of extensions chosen.
- Only use the services of a certified eyelash technician who has a proven list of satisfied customers.
Regular maintenance of eyelash extensions
To keep your lashes beautiful and fresh, you should take care of them every 2-4 weeks. This way, the set of extensions always remains perfect all year round.
4 Must-Share Lash Extension Cleaning Tips For Your Customers
A Must-Have Clear Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
Your Guide To Healthy Natural Lashes
Eyelash Extension 101 - A Complete Guide to beginners
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