Eyelash extensions are all the rage these days. They can work wonders, from making you look younger to making your makeup routine more manageable, but lash extensions do require some research and maintenance.
In this article, we’ll talk about what can cause your lashes to fall out and what you can do to prevent them from doing so prematurely.
Why Are My Lashes Falling Out?
There are several reasons why your extensions may be falling out:
Natural Lash Shedding
Your lashes shed naturally, following your natural lash cycle of 90 to 120 days. During this period, you’re bound to lose 1 to 4 lashes per day. Don’t panic—this is totally normal.
However, premature lash shedding may also occur if the extensions attached are too heavy for your natural lashes. If your hair follicles suffer too much damage from inappropriate or incorrectly attached lashes, there may be cases when they refuse to grow back.
Wearing Mascara
With lash extensions, you don’t need to apply mascara. Mascara can actually break down the extension adhesives, which can cause them to fall off. If you still want to wear mascara, make sure that you start applying it from the middle, going out to the tip. When removing mascara, take extra care not to tug at your extensions.
There are a few oil free mascara’s on the market which are safe to use with eyelash extensions – our recommended product and the one we sell in salon is Maybelline Great Lash which has been around for a long time – just make sure you don’t get the waterproof one because that does contain oils!
Excessively Active Oil Glands
Having overly oily skin might cause your lashes to fall off prematurely. The excess oil can break down the adhesive, which makes it difficult for the extensions to stick.
Excessive Moisture
Remember to let your lashes cure during the next 24 hours. You should avoid coming into contact with water or excess moisture as this can prevent the adhesive from doing its job.
Accidentally Picking or Rubbing Your Extensions
There are instances when you just need to rub your eyes. Still, note that excessive rubbing or picking may cause the adhesive to loosen, which in turn can cause your lashes to fall out.
Sleeping Style
If you sleep on your stomach or on your side with your eyes pressed into the pillow, there’s a big chance that your extensions might rub or bend against the lash adhesive. This constant pressure and movement can cause a few to fall out each night, and in the salon we can tell which side you sleep on based on the remaining extensions at your infill appointments.
For front or side sleepers we recommend using a contour sleep mask which we well in salon. They’re a little bit like very soft goggles that provide a pocket of protection while you sleep.
Lack of or Improper Maintenance
If you don’t regularly clean your lashes properly, dirt or debris might accumulate and loosen the extensions. Not cleaning your extensions may also make you vulnerable to infection or inflammation.
How to Avoid Premature Lash Fall
- To avoid premature lash fall, observe these tips:
- Avoid rubbing or picking around your eye area as much as possible.
- Try to alternate your sleeping positions and avoid lying on your stomach or side for too long.
- Avoid hot showers or saunas for as long as you intend to keep your extensions.
- Brush your extensions gently with a spoolie to reposition them when necessary.
- During the 24-hour curing period, make sure to avoid getting your lashes wet – so no showers, swimming, or walking in the rain – even the steam from cooking can have negative results on the glues ability to bond properly.
- Try to also avoid strenuous activities during the 24-hour curing period as excessive sweat may lead to premature lash fall out.
- Always set an appointment with an experienced master lash technician to ensure high-quality work.