Just when you finally got the lashes you wanted, they start falling out.
What do you do?
I’ve worked in the industry for the last decade and in that time, I’ve seen my fair share of people who say eyelash extensions don’t work for them because they start falling out right away. While this may be the case for some, the good news is, there may be hope just yet.
Your lash extensions may be falling out due to a number of factors and many of those can be easily controlled.
Wearing mascara
Why do women wear mascara?
To get fuller, longer, and curlier lashes.
Well, guess what?
Those are the very same things that lash extensions do for you.
This is why there is no need for you to wear mascara when you’ve had eyelash extensions applied. In fact, mascara has been proven to have the ability to break down the glue that holds the lashes together, especially if you’re using waterproof mascara. So if you continued wearing mascara while having eyelash extensions, this could be the culprit.
Overly active oil glands
Women who have oily skin often complain of breakouts and acne. What you may not know is that oily skin does not just affect your skin’s health, it could affect your lash extensions as well.
The oil on your skin has the power to break down the lash adhesive, which means that sometimes, the lashes don’t stick as they should. In fact, when the amount of oils is extreme, you may find that the lashes won’t even stick at all.
Accidentally picking on the extension
If you’re not used to the feeling of having extensions yet, you may find yourself wanting to pick on the extensions. This could loosen up the lash extensions, especially if the glue has not really done its job just yet. Leave your lovely lashes alone and they’ll thank you with more longevity.
Poor glue quality
Salons and technicians use different brands and types of glue.
This is one reason why some would have their lash extensions intact over a long period of time, while others find that theirs fall right off. The glue used in the latter scenario may not be of high quality.
Water or moisture
When you have your lash extensions applied, you would always hear the instructions to avoid water or moisture for the next 24 hours. This is because water works the same way as oil – it may prevent the glue from doing its job. Please refrain from showering or even cooking over a hot, steamy stove for at least 24 hours – this will help prevent the lashes from falling off prematurely.
Wrong environment
Applying the lashes in a room that has too much or too little humidity could cause the lashes not to bond properly. This is why lash extensions have to be applied in a controlled environment. The conditions have to be perfect for the glue to do its job well. You’ll notice at The Lash Spa, we have a number of dehumidifiers throughout the salon to ensure the conditions are perfect for lash retention.
Wrong extensions
Using the wrong kind of extensions could also cause them to easily fall off. Remember that the extensions will be glued onto your natural lashes. And when the weight and length of the extensions are not proportional to the natural lashes they are bonded to, chances are, the bind won’t hold for a long time.
Improper aftercare
Caring for your lashes goes way beyond the first 24 hours. Truth is, you’d have to take care of your lash extensions the entire time they’re there if you really want them to stay as long as they’re supposed to.
Brushing your lashes with a spoolie is one way of taking care of them, as long as you make sure your strokes are gentle. This ensures that they don’t get tangled and removes any dirt or residue that could cause them to be weighed down. Proper cleaning is also a must and allows you to avoid infection or inflammation around the area as well.
As you can see, a lot of work goes into the application of your lashes, but you also have to do your part in maintaining them. When you think about it, there are so many ways for you to make sure your lashes don’t fall off easily. With the correct application and the right aftercare, you can enjoy the full value of having beautiful lash extensions.
What can I Do to Make My Lash Extensions Last Longer?
The last thing you want is for your lash extensions to fall out prematurely. There are some things you can do to make your lash extensions last longer, including:
1. Brushing and cleaning your lashes every day will help extend the life of your lashes. When you keep your lashes clean and gently wash away unwanted oil and makeup, you will prolong the life of your lashes and keep them from falling out early. When you are cleaning your lash extensions, make sure you are using an oil and alcohol-free foaming cleanser that is designed for lash extensions. It is important to use a lash-cleansing brush to gently massage the cleanser into the lash line. Be careful and gently when washing your lash extensions so they don’t rub off and take your real lashes with them!
2. Always treat your lashes gently and try to avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing or tugging on the lashes can cause them to fall off prematurely. When you rub oils into the lash line, it can also mess with the adhesive, causing the lashes to fall off.
3. Schedule regular lash refills. If you are committing to lash extensions, it is important that you commit to the refills. You should be getting regular refills every two weeks to keep your lashes full and beautiful. If you wait too long between appointments your lashes may look sparse and you may have to get a bigger treatment.
4. Avoid products with oils around the eyes. One of the best ways to care for lashes and make sure they do not fall out early is by keeping the oily products away.
How Long Should Eyelash Extensions Last?
When applied and cared for properly, eyelash extensions should last you up to 6 weeks. If your lashes are falling out prematurely, you may want to check in with your technician to make sure he or she isn’t using too much or too little glue. Also, make sure you understand how to properly care for your lashes so you can enjoy them as long as possible.
How Do I Know if My Lash Extensions are Falling Out Too Early?
It is totally normal for some lash extensions to fall out. However, it is not normal for a noticeable amount of lash extensions to fall out at one time. If you are losing more than 3 lashes per day, something may be wrong.
The most common reasons lash extensions fall out prematurely include:
1. The extensions are too heavy, causing the real lashes to bend at the follicle and fall out
2. The lashes were applied poorly because of your technician rushing through the appointment, the technician using too much or too little glue, or the room is too humid, causing the adhesive to come off
3. You rub or tug on the eyelash extensions, causing them to rub off
How to Get Lashes that Won’t Fall Out
If you have been struggling with your lash extensions and feel like they keep falling out prematurely or aren’t looking the way you want them, it may be time to look for another lash extension technician who can give you the lash look you desire.
If you are thinking about changing technicians, or if this is your first-time getting lash extensions, you should look at examples of the technician’s work to make sure he or she has results that align with what you are looking for. After looking at their work, read up on client testimonials to see what other people are saying about his or her work.
Ways to Take Care of Your Eyelash Extensions so They Don’t Fall Out
There is nothing worse than getting a full set of gorgeous lashes put in only to have them fall out a few weeks or days after your appointment. We’ve put together some tips for caring for your lash extensions to keep them from falling out:
- Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach the night of your appointment. If you sleep on your side or stomach, your lashes may rub against the pillow, causing friction. This is especially hard on the lashes the first night because the adhesive may not be fully dry. You should try to sleep on your back after getting lash extensions to avoid any type of tugging during the night.
- Always keep your lashes clean — there is a misconception that you shouldn’t wash lash extensions. That is not true. In fact, one way to prolong the life your stunning lashes is by washing your face daily and keeping them clean.
- Avoid all oil-based products and cleaners. Avoid oil-based eye creams. Even when you use an eye cream under the eye and don’t apply it directly to the lash line, the oils can still travel to the lash line, causing the adhesive to loosen.
- While it is best to avoid mascara on your lash extensions, if you do decide to wear makeup, make sure it is lash-friendly. You can wear lash-friendly mascara and eyeliner, just make sure to wash it off with a gentle lash-friendly cleanser each night to avoid premature shedding.
- Apply a lash sealant that will help protect and seal the adhesive bond between your extensions and your real lashes. A lash sealant will keep your extensions from falling out.
- Use a silk pillowcase to protect your lashes while you are sleeping. A silk pillowcase prevents friction between your lashes and a cotton pillowcase that can irritate the lashes and make them fall out early.
- Avoid rubbing or itching your eyes as much as possible. Rubbing the eyes can cause the adhesive glue to rub off taking the lash extensions with it.
- Maintain a beautiful full set of lashes by scheduling regular lash refills. If you miss refills, your lashes will look sparse.
In addition to prolonging the life of your lashes, there are other benefits to taking care good care of them. The more careful you are with your lashes, the longer they will last, saving you time and money. You can schedule your lash refills longer between visits if you know how to properly care for them.
Lash extensions are a quick and easy way to enhance your natural beauty and make your eyes pop. If our eyes you have never gotten lash extensions but are wanting to try them out, you should! They will save you for the hassle of putting on makeup each morning and will make your already gorgeous eyes stand out.
If you are getting lash extensions for the first time, just make sure you understand what it takes to properly care for them so they will last long and not fall out prematurely. Do your research before getting a set of lashes to make sure you get the style and length you desire.
Talk to your technician about before and after care and set up a maintenance plan with refills to keep your lashes looking full and fabulous! If you are in for the commitment to maintain your set of lashes, you will love the way they look and feel!