Why Lash Extensions Fall Out
Common Causes of Lash Loss
Causes of lash extensions falling out too quickly or easily can be attributed to a number of reasons. One reason given is that bonding period at the beginning. That adhesive bond between your lash extension and natural lash is mega sensitive immediately following application.
During those first four hours, take special care to preserve that connection! During this development period, exposure to water, sweat, tears, steam or intense heat can compromise the bond. This creates an environment for lashes to fall off too soon.
For example, jumping right into a hot shower or a heavy workout shortly after receiving extensions can be harmful. The heavy extensions can place strain on natural lashes, causing them to shed prematurely. Something else to look out for is any sort of eye rubbing or tugging, which can accidentally pull out the extensions.
Factors Influencing Lash Retention
One major factor that contributes to their retention is how you take care of your lash extensions. Daily cleaning is key! It does a great job of getting rid of all that build up of oils and bacteria that can breakdown the adhesive over time.
Maintaining clean lashes will also help them last longer. When removing your makeup, make sure you’re being gentle in your eye area. Lash loss can be caused by rough handling.
Do not expose your lashes to hot water or steam for 48 hours following the application. Doing so can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive. In reality, avoid leaning over a boiling pot of water. Don’t treat yourself to a sauna session immediately after receiving your extensions.
Natural Lash Shedding Cycle
It’s important to really understand the natural lash shedding cycle. On a normal day, a person loses 2 to 5 eyelashes each day. So it’s completely healthy to shed, on average, 15 to 20% of your lashes every two weeks.
That’s right—your natural lashes shed every 8 to 12 weeks. This cycle is what makes your extensions fall out with your natural lashes. If your extensions are coming out faster, it might mean you’re going through a natural shedding cycle.
Monitor them to see whether this trend continues. By understanding this cycle, you can more accurately set the stage for client expectations of lash extension longevity. Regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks should be scheduled to keep your lashes looking their best as your natural lashes are still on their own life cycle.
Preventing Lash Extension Loss
1. Maintain Proper Aftercare
Maintaining your lash extensions begins immediately after they’re applied. The first four hours, it’s very important to keep water, sweat, tears, steam, and extreme heat away from the area. We really want to help the adhesive bond!
Other alternatives such as employing a retention and speed booster enhance longevity as well. In my studio, we are continually suggesting Boosters or Superbonders to our clients. These are all great products for increasing the retention rate of the extensions, so they all do well.
Removing makeup from your lashes is just as critical. The best way to clean them is with a gentle, oil-free cleanser that won’t damage the adhesive. Most people skip this important step, but it’s a true game changer for holding onto those voluminous lashes for even longer.
2. Avoid Common Application Mistakes
Making it stick begins with proper application. Getting the lash bridge technique to the point where the lashes stay firmly attached becomes a priority. This approach is more effective in distributing the weight evenly, resulting in more durable outcomes.
Additionally, applying them with premium lash glue and following application directions will go a long way. Proper cleaning before applying any extensions ensures the client’s natural lashes are squeaky clean. This step also helps to make sure that there aren’t any oily residues or other debris that could compromise the adhesive’s bond.
3. Use Suitable Lash Products
Selecting quality products is an essential part of the overall alchemy in maximizing lash extension longevity. Oil-based skincare or makeup can break down the adhesive bond, making extensions slip off.
Choose oil-free versions, particularly when using them near the eyes. If you have naturally fast-growing lashes, Russian Volume lashes are the perfect option for you. They provide much more coverage and last longer on the lash than Classic lashes.
Set your expectations for a 2-5% retention rate, which is typical. Expecting 100% retention is a pipe dream and knowing that will go a long way in resetting expectations.
4. Schedule Regular Refills
Consistent upkeep is essential to maintain a lush, healthy appearance to your lash extensions. By scheduling your refills every 2-3 weeks, you will be able to replace the extensions your lashes have naturally shed with your lashes.
This regular process keeps the beautiful aesthetic and stops any holes from forming. At iBEAUTY CODE, we’re big on being consistent. Clients who remain on consistent refills tend to have superior results and a more natural-looking lash line.
5. Handle Lashes with Care
There’s no substitute for gentle handling for maintaining your extensions. Don’t scrub your eyes or tug your eyelids. If you must handle them, do so carefully.
Daily use of a lash brush will do wonders to keep them looking their best and not tangling up. It’s a small step, but it goes a long way. By doing the right things when taking care of your lashes, you’ll make them last longer and look amazing!
Tips for Longer Lasting Extensions
Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Regularly cleansing your lash extensions is the easiest, most straightforward way to keep them in great condition and extend their life. Dust, oil, and makeup residue break down adhesive, causing it to shed prematurely. Use a lash-friendly cleanser to gently clean your lashes.
Select an oil-free solvent to avoid dissolving the adhesive. A toothbrush or spoolie will do the trick in getting rid of any build-up without pulling on the lashes. Daily cleansing doesn’t just keep your lashes looking their best; it helps them grow healthy!
Don’t forget about the early aftercare. Most extensions need a period of drying time after application of up to 4 hours to allow the adhesive to completely cure.
Using Protective Sealants
For longer-lasting lashes, use a protective sealant. Sealants serve as a protective barrier, shielding the adhesive from moisture and other compounds such as humidity and oil that can compromise the bond.
With Superbonder, it accelerates the curing process of the adhesive, meaning you can expose lashes to moisture right after application. Plus, it has an even bigger effect on retention, leading to even larger effects on final results.
This can be especially helpful for your clients with oilier skin types. Boosters are proving to be a powerhouse, with an amazing 90% increase in lash retention. These products also extend the shelf life of your lashes so they look beautiful for more days.
They’re a secret weapon in any lash care arsenal and a total game changer.
Choosing Lash-Friendly Cosmetics
Choosing the best cosmetics for your eyelash extensions can significantly impact their longevity. Since oil-based products dissolve the lash glue, it’s smart to choose oil-free makeup and removers. If mascara is a must, opt for a water-based formula and use it sparingly, keeping it away from the base of the extensions. In addition to makeup, incorporating a lash serum into your daily regimen can enhance lash health.
If mascara is a must, it should be water-based and used very lightly, keeping it away from the base of the extensions. Outside of makeup, we recommend adding a lash serum to your daily regimen.
It’s essential to look beyond your beauty routine and focus on proper eyelash extension care. Being mindful of external factors that can affect your lashes is crucial before getting these extensions.
By prioritizing suitable products and caring for your natural lashes, you can maintain a flawless lash extension experience.
Understanding the Shedding Timeline
Understanding the natural shedding process is crucial for maintaining your eyelash extensions. This knowledge helps you manage expectations and ensures proper eyelash extension care, ultimately leading to better lash health and a comfortable lash extension experience.
Normal Shedding Process
Natural eyelashes grow and fall out in cycles, just like the scalp hair on your head. That cycle occurs every 60 to 90 days, and it’s absolutely natural. Many things play a role, including our genetics and our overall health.
On any normal day, it’s normal for someone to lose 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of their natural lashes. Shedding depends a lot on the individual. Some people shed more lashes than others, with the growth cycle of their lashes just as diverse as their anatomy.
That’s because, on average, a person loses close to 20% of their natural lashes bi-weekly. This percentage may seem alarmingly high, but it’s all part of nature’s cycle. An individual lash grows for three months, then falls out.
This sequential procedure opens up the opportunity for another lash to fill its position. Keep in mind that each lash is in a different stage in the growth cycle. This means that the shedding process is a gradual, ongoing process.
Timeline for Lash Extension Shedding
Since lash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes, the life of an extension is automatically dependent on the natural shedding cycle. It’s important to remember that natural lashes shed on a regular basis.
Therefore, lash extensions will naturally fall out when the lash you attach it to sheds. When a natural lash falls out, the extension attached to that natural lash will come out with it. This special link makes sure that both lashes hang in unison.
There are two significant shedding cycles associated with lash extensions: Fall and Spring. In the Fall, the onset of cooler weather can lead lashes to shed faster than normal.
Much like the Fall, the arrival of Spring and the warmer weather often has a similar effect, causing excessive shedding. These seasonal changes are normal and should be expected as part of the lash cycle.
Regular lash refills and aftercare is key to making sure your lashes will always look thick and healthy. Remember to book follow-up appointments to keep them looking fabulous!
When you know what this timeline looks like, you can love stunning lashes and caring for them to ensure they stay healthy and fabulous too.