Do Lash Extensions Damage Natural Lashes?
No! Lash extensions do not damage your natural lashes. I can confidently say this because 80% of my lash clients have been receiving lash extensions for over three years without taking a break. In fact, their natural lashes are just as healthy and in some cases healthier than when they started getting extensions. Damage is caused by artists who do not follow the principles of application, calculate the proper weight and length of lash extensions or take factors like age and medical conditions into consideration when working with clients. Next, how you care for your lashes at home is vital to maintaining beautiful and healthy natural lashes and lash extensions between appointments.
Proper Application of Lash Extensions Prevents Damage to Lashes
The proper application of lash extensions is the most challenging task I have learned as an esthetician. The principles are quite easy to grasp, but the application requires surgical precision which is key to preventing damage to the natural lashes. Most people are surprised to hear the average person has 120+ natural lashes per eye. Our lashes grow in a brick formation and the second and third layers are often hidden by the top layer. This is why the application principle of isolation is important. Isolation is the process of isolating one teeny tiny lash hair and then placing the extension on that hair only. As you can imagine, this process is tedious and is the main reason lash appointment takes about two hours. Isolation is key to prevent:
Clumping - Extensions are meant to give you a fuller, fluffier, and softer look than mascara. If lashes are clumped together you will be unable to achieve this look.
Damage to neighboring lashes
Premature shedding of the natural lashes
Because the health of your natural lash is important to me, I dedicate a few minutes during and after to check my work. Most clients think I am counting the lashes, but I am actually checking each individual extension to ensure it is not stuck to another extension or a natural lash. I also give clients a mascara wand and instruct them to brush from root to tip. You will leave the appointment feeling confident that your lashes are not clumped together.
Using the Correct Size of Lash Extension Prevents Damage to Lashes
I recently had a potential client inquiring about coming to see me for future lash fills/touch-ups. During our consultation, I noticed all the extensions were twisting, extremely long, and the same length and thickness from the outside and inside corners. She informed me the lash tech used 15mm length which is slightly longer than one-half inch. Based on the twisting and length of natural lashes, it was obvious the lashes were too long and too heavy for the natural lash.
Extensions that are too long or too thick cause stress to the follicle resulting in premature shedding. Additionally, the repeated use of improper length/thickness will cause future hairs to grow back shorter and finer and create noticeable gaps in the natural lash line. Above is an example of a new client who came for a consultation after dealing with premature hair loss from lash extensions. Needless to say, I was unable to perform the service and recommended using a conditioning serum and returning after a few months.
I am here to tell you, lash extensions are meant to be worn indefinitely if you choose. I personally have clients who have been wearing extensions for three to four consecutive years without a break. This is possible because I am honest with my clients! I listen to their goals and desires, but I also tell them if their natural lashes can support their desired length or thickness.
Cleaning Your Lash Extensions Daily Prevents Damage to Lashes
I use NovaLASH extensions and provide each client with NovaLASH CleanLASH pads. I absolutely love this 3-in-1 because it not only cleans the extensions, but it includes pomegranate seed oil which keeps the adhesive pliable and removes make-up and impurities while promoting healthy hair growth.
So, what happens when you don’t clean your lash extensions. You get lash mites which can actually cause damage to your natural lashes if left untreated. Take a few minutes to watch Sophy Merszei, the founder of NovaLASH as she educates us on the importance of cleaning your extensions. Please note, she is also a biologist and chemist and sought out assistance from medical professionals and other scientists in the development of products. This is the main reason I chose NovaLASH when researching lash companies.
Now that you know the truth about lash extensions, I welcome you to visit Brow to Toe Waxing and Skin Care Studio for a 30 minute lash consultation.