Contents
So long as you're taking good care of them.
Have you ever walked past someone with lashes that looked so good, you couldn’t tell if it was just mascara or if they had on a set of falsies? That’s the exact vibe that most clients want when they go in for a set of lash extensions. Your-lashes-but-better is what should be promised (whether you want natural or glam!). But once you invest in a fresh new set of flutters, how long do they last?
Meet the expert
- Gwendolyn Ogura is a senior lash artist at Hairy Little Things. Amanda Robinson is the founder of Iris+West Lash Co.. Dionne Phillips is a celebrity lash expert, esthetician, and the founder of D’Lashes.
According to the pros, that answer depends on how well you take care of them. So you get the most out of your investment (because yes, they are an investment), we've got all the tips and tricks to help you get the most out of them.
Typical Lifespan of Lash Extensions
So, how long do lash extensions last? The typical lifespan of lash extensions is four to six weeks. The exact number might vary and depends on your “natural lash growth cycle and how well you take care of them,” according to Dionne Phillips, celebrity lash expert, esthetician, and D’Lashes founder. Gwendolyn Ogura, senior lash artist at Hairy Little Things, adds: “it takes around 90 days for all of your natural lashes to fall out and grow back."
As far as how often you’ll need to get them touched up, again, it’s up to you! If you want to keep up with your extensions, you don’t need to go in for a full set every time. Instead, our experts tell us to go in every two to three weeks for a lash fill. “As your natural lashes shed, the extensions will come off with them,” Amanda Robinson, founder of Iris+West Lash Co. tells InStyle. “During a fill, the extensions that have come off will be replaced and any extensions that may have grown out will be removed and replaced as well.”
However, this timeframe can be significantly shortened if you aren't taking proper care of your lashes.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Lash Extensions
Picking or Pulling of the Lashes
If you find yourself touching, rubbing, picking, or pulling at your lashes, don’t be surprised if the lifespan you were promised significantly goes down. Robinson, founder of Iris+West Lash Co., says “picking can damage your natural lashes and leave your set looking sparse,” which is something we’re willing to bet you want to avoid at all costs. Ogura agrees. “Picking or pulling the lash extensions can prematurely pull the natural lash the extension is glued to," says Ogura. "And we won’t be able to glue extensions back in that spot until that lash has grown back (which can take upwards of three months).”
Waterproof Makeup
While we adore waterproof makeup (especially waterproof mascara because of the lift it gives our lashes), it’s something you might want to avoid if you have lash extensions. “The build-up around your extensions can create retention issues,” Robinson tells us of repeatedly using waterproof makeup. Using waterproof mascara repeatedly is bad for anyone (whether you have natural lashes or extensions), and according to Ogura, “the product can build up in your tear ducts and cause dry eyes.”
Oil-Based Products
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of your lash extensions is the use of oil-based products. “Using oil-based makeup removers, cleansers, or even heavy facial creams can break down the adhesive that bonds the lash extensions to your natural lashes, causing them to fall out prematurely,” says Phillips.
Extending the Lifespan of Lash Extensions
Brush, Brush, Brush
Just as you brush the hair on your head, lash extensions need to be brushed every single day to avoid misshapen, tangled lashes. You can purchase a pack of mascara spoolies online; they’re great for keeping in your bag and vanity. Brushing your lashes "ensures all the natural oils that build up at the base of your extensions are brushed towards the tips of your extensions," says Ogura. "If these oils sit too long on the base of the extensions, they’ll eat away at the adhesive and cause premature lash fallout.”
Avoid Mascara
This one should be a no-brainer, but please avoid using mascara. Imagine the pain of removing it—it will tug at your lash extensions, reducing the lifespan. Every now and then is fine—just make sure you follow the advice of Phillips and go for “a water-based formula specifically designed for lash extensions.”
Cleanse Your Lashes
Cleansing your lashes every day is vital not only to your hygiene but also to the longevity of your extensions. “We don’t want skin care, oil from our eyelids, or products building up around the base of our extensions,” shares Robinson. “Cleansing daily with a cleanser that’s meant for lashes and your eye area is super essential.”
Signs of Lash Extension Wear
Sparse, Twisted, Loose, or Falling Lashes
An obvious sign that your lash extensions might need to be touched up is if they’re sparse, twisted, or falling out. “If you notice gaps or thinning areas in your lash line, it’s a sign that your extensions are shedding and you may need a fill,” says Phillips. “During your fill, your lash artist will remove those ones and replace them with fresh ones down at the base of your natural lash, where they belong,” Robinson adds.
Sore or Itchy Eyes
If your eyes are sore or itchy, you’re either dealing with poor hygiene, poor application, or an allergic reaction. “Soreness, itching, or pulling on the skin are all signs of a bad lash extension set," says Ogura. "Lash extensions should absolutely never hurt. I always ask my clients at the end of the service if they feel anything because they shouldn’t feel anything at all!" She adds that reoccurring eye infections can also result from poor application and-or hygiene practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can lash extensions last longer than the average duration?
Simply put, yes, lash extensions can absolutely last longer than what your lash specialist promises. However, in order for this to happen, you’re going to need to be super diligent with aftercare, such as “avoiding excessive moisture, using lash-safe products, and not sleeping on your face,” shares Phillips.
What happens if lash extensions are not properly maintained?
The most obvious thing that will happen if you’re not properly maintaining your lash extensions is retention, aka, your lash extensions will start to fall out. As long as you’re cleansing and brushing this shouldn't be a problem. And if you find yourself doing everything right but are still dealing with lash fallout, it may be at the fault of your lash artist or the specific lashes they used.
Can lash extensions damage natural lashes?
Hear us loud and clear—yes—lash extensions can damage natural lashes—but they shouldn’t have to! Nine times out of 10, it comes back to your aftercare. And if it’s not that, it’s likely poor application. “This is why it’s so crucial to find a skilled lash artist who is dedicated to the craft and who knows the best form of aftercare to instruct you on,” Ogura says. So, to sum it up, if you take care of your lashes and go to a trustworthy tech, your natural lashes should be just fine.
While lash extensions won’t be for everybody, we think they’re a great beauty treatment for those looking to level up their everyday look. And as for the burning question, “How long do lash extensions last?” four to six weeks is the sweet spot, but go in every two to three weeks for fills. Just remember—as long as you’re properly taking care of your lashes and are going to a reputable lash tech, your lash extensions should last!