Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Marie Bautista
How long do lash extensions last?
Eyelash extensions have become the go-to product for anyone with sparse lashes, wants to avoid mascara or just anyone who wants to up their lash game.
So how long do lash extensions last?
The average lifespan is usually four to six weeks. If that sounds short and you want to improve how long they last, keep reading. We’ll outline three tips to make your lash extensions more durable to last longer.
Lash extensions fall off before four to six weeks because the glue breaks down. Sometimes, this occurs before your natural lashes grow long enough to apply new extensions. If they fall out, you must wait two to three weeks before reapplying in most cases.
Is It Strange For Natural Lashes To Fall Out With Extensions?
It’s hard to notice, but natural lashes shed daily as they undergo phases of the lash cycle. Three phases will help you understand why lashes last for a set duration and why natural lashes fall out.
The Growth Phase
The first phase of the lash growth cycle is the Anagen phase. In this phase, your eyelashes are growing. The Anagen phase starts and finishes within six weeks. Only some of your eyelashes are in this phase simultaneously. About 40% of your lashes will be in this phase at a given time. During this phase, follicles strengthen, making them unsuitable for more extensions.
The Catagen Phase
Once eyelashes peak, they stop growing. Peaking means they reach their longest length. After this, your natural lashes move into the catagen phase. Now, your lashes’ follicles shrink and move into their resting place. Your natural lashes will fall out at this time, but you need to wait for the follicle to regrow so you can apply more extensions.
The Telogen Phase
Your eyelashes enter the last stage of growth after the catagen phase. Your follicles start to weaken. Weakened natural lashes will join together. Once all the follicles of joined lashes are weak, they will fall out together. This process lasts about 100 days, allowing you to maintain a full set of eyelashes.
These are the phases of your natural lashes. Your eyelash extensions will inevitably fall out, so let’s understand how to lengthen that period.
Tips To Make Lash Extensions Last Longer
You need to care for your last extensions properly. If not, they will fall out sooner than expected.
Here’s how to avoid that in these simple steps.
Don’t Get Them Wet or Moist For 48 Hours After Application
A general rule for lash extensions is to avoid water and moisture for at least 48 hours. During this time, the bond between the extension and glue is strengthening. Getting your lashes wet or moist can cause the bond not to set.
When showering, use lukewarm water so not much steam is created. The moisture, like water, affects the glue’s ability to adhere to the lash extensions.
After 48 hours, you still need not to soak your lash extensions. Keep your lashes clean and avoid getting them wet. If you have a pending sauna appointment, you should cancel it unless you want your extensions to fall off.
Don’t Use Waterproof Mascara
Mascara is mascara, whether it’s waterproof or not. After applying mascara, you need to wipe it away. Rubbing can remove your lashes and tear them off. You could remove your natural lashes, which would be a disaster.
Extensions removed the necessity for mascara. But if you want a striking appearance and must use mascara, use regular mascara. Do not use waterproof makeup on the lashes.
Waterproof makeup can resist moisture, which sounds great when your lash extensions should stay dry. But using waterproof makeup will do more harm than good.
Sleep Belly Up
If you’re a stomach sleeper, you will find this tip hard, but it is necessary to make lash extensions last longer. You need to sleep on your back so your eyes face the ceiling. If you sleep on your stomach, your eyes may touch your pillow. When this occurs, the lashes will be pulled in various directions.
As you can guess, it means your eyelashes are more likely to be pulled off. So avoid sleeping face down as it causes more friction throughout the night for your lashes.
Clean And Brush Your Lashes
Don’t be afraid to clean your lashes. You should clean them to ensure they last as long as possible, but do it carefully. Use gentle wiping motions and avoid oil-based cleaners. Oil will cause your eyelash extensions to come off faster than wiping roughly.
Understanding the natural lash growth cycle and implementing our expert tips can significantly extend the life of your eyelash extensions. While it’s natural for lashes to go through their growth phases, with the right care, your extensions can remain glamorous and intact for longer. Remember, the longevity of your lash extensions doesn’t just depend on the application process but also on how you maintain them post-application.