Do Lash Extensions Ruin Your Natural Lashes?

It's the question I hear most on my lash bed here in Kerrville. Usually right before someone books their first set. Sometimes right after a bad experience somewhere else.

The short answer is no. Extensions done right, and cared for right, don't ruin your natural lashes.

But "done right" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. So here's what actually causes damage, and how to avoid it.

First, a little shedding is normal

You lose a few natural lashes every day. They grow, rest and fall out on their own cycle. When a natural lash sheds, the extension on it comes off too.

But not every extension that falls out will have a natural lash on it. Some will and some won't. It depends on where that lash was in its shedding cycle.

Now, if you're finding a lot of lashes on your pillowcase, that usually isn't shedding. It's more than likely because you're sleeping on your side or on your face. That pressure and rubbing is what loosens them.

What actually damages natural lashes

Too much weight. Every extension sits on one natural lash. If it's too long or too heavy for that lash, it pulls. Over time that can weaken the lash or make it fall early.

Lashes glued together. When two natural lashes get stuck together, they can't shed on their own schedule. One is ready to go and the other isn't. That tug is what causes breakage.

Picking and pulling. When a set starts to grow out, it's tempting to pull at the loose ones. That can take your natural lash with it.

Removing them at home. Oil, tweezers, rubbing. At-home removal is one of the fastest ways to lose natural lashes. Removal belongs on the bed, with a proper remover.

What a good artist does differently

Before I apply anything, I look at the lashes you have right now. How long they are. How strong. Whether there are gaps. I'll tell you what I see, even if it isn't what you hoped to hear.

That decides what I use. If your natural lashes are fine or short, I'm not going to put a heavy, dramatic set on them just because that's the photo you brought. We'll find the version that looks full and still keeps your lashes healthy.

Each extension goes on one lash, kept apart from the ones around it. That takes longer. It's also the part that protects your lashes.

Your part at home

Your lashes stay healthiest, and your set lasts longest, when you:

• Brush them daily with a clean spoolie

• Keep them clean, because oily makeup and buildup break down the bond

• Don't pull, pick or rub

• Sleep on your back or on a silk pillowcase if you can

• Come back for fills on time

My full aftercare guide is here: Lash Aftercare.

Do you need to take a break?

Not if your lashes are in good shape. Healthy lashes can wear extensions long-term.

If they're not in good shape, a break helps, and so does finding out why. When someone comes to me with a set from somewhere else, I check first. If there's a good base, I fill it. If not, I remove it and we start fresh.

And if you want the look without extensions for a while, a lash lift works with your own lashes. Here's how the two compare: Lash Lift vs Extensions.

The bottom line

Extensions don't ruin lashes. Heavy sets, rushed work and pulling do.

So ask your artist what condition your natural lashes are in right now. If they can't tell you, that's worth knowing too.

See the full menu of services, or book your appointment.