There are many ways to enhance the look of your lashes, from false lash strips to eyelash extensions. But are fake eyelashes bad for lashes?
Eyelash extensions, or fake eyelashes, are not inherently bad for your natural lashes. However, when they are applied incorrectly or not taken care of properly, damage to the natural lashes can occur.
How Do Eyelash Extensions Affect Eyelashes?
Eyelash extensions are safe for the eyelashes as long as they are applied correctly and taken care of properly. However, in circumstances where they are applied incorrectly, they can cause damage to the natural lashes.
3 Benefits Of Eyelash Extensions
You Don’t Have To Remove Them Every Day
One of the main benefits of eyelash extensions is that they stay on the lashes, meaning you don’t have to take them off every day and reapply them in the morning.
As it can take significant time getting ready in the morning, you could save a lot of time.
Eyelash extensions also give you the benefit of having the appearance of makeup even on no-makeup days.
They Are Water Proof
Eyelash extensions are waterproof. This means that you can shower with them, swim, and sweat without worrying about ruining them.
The one exception to this is that you cannot get them wet within 48 hours after having them applied.
Eyelash extensions Are Customizable
One of the main reasons why eyelash extensions are so popular is that they are highly customizable.
Each eyelash extension is secured individually, so the eyelash artist will customize the length and volume of the lashes to your natural lashes and what look you’re going for.
Downsides Of Eyelash Extensions
For people with sensitive skin and eyes, eyelash extensions can actually be quite irritating.
Most eyelash artists will carry an adhesive more suited for sensitive eyes, but it can also be an irritating application process.
If you do have sensitive eyes, a patch test is always recommended.
Also, eyelash extensions are definitely a hefty financial commitment. The appointment for the initial set usually costs a couple of hundred dollars.
On top of that, you are required to get fills every few weeks which can be anywhere from $50 to $150 per fill on average.
Are False Eyelashes Bad For Natural Lashes?
Eyelash extensions are better for your natural lashes compared to traditional false eyelashes. With false eyelashes, you are pulling at the natural lash line every time you remove them which can be damaging. Also, the quality of eyelash glue you use can affect the health of natural lashes.
Wearing false eyelashes every day could have a negative effect on your natural lashes.
If the glue gets on your lashes, it has a higher chance of pulling them out when you remove them.
If you do not want to commit to eyelash extensions and you go the false eyelashes route, the key to keeping your natural lashes in good health is how you remove the falsies.
You can read more about Lash Glue And Its Effect On Your Eyes
How To Safely Remove Eyelash Extensions
Removing eyelash extensions is much more tricky than removing traditional fake eyelashes.
It is always recommended to get them removed professionally or just wait for them to fall out on their own.
But if you really need or want to remove them by yourself and can’t wait, here is how to do it safely.
- Heat up a bowl of water until it is steaming hot. Place your face over the steam and put a towel over your head to trap in the steam. Sit like this for a few minutes until the bond from the adhesive is loosened.
- Get coconut oil, castor oil, vegetable oil, or any other kind of skin-safe oil and warm it up slightly. This is going to go on the lashes, so make sure it isn’t unbearably hot.
- Then, soak two cotton pads in the warm oil and place them over your eyelashes. Let the cotton pads sit on your eyelashes for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it loses its heat.
- After this time has passed, you can begin to gently wipe the lash line, and the eyelash extensions should easily slide off.
What Is The Safest Type Of Eyelash Extensions?
There are three main types of eyelash extensions: silk, mink, and faux mink. All three are safe for the eyelashes, but most eyelash artists prefer faux mink.
Faux mink eyelash extensions are lightweight and made out of versatile material.
They are generally the most comfortable eyelash extensions, and they come in a wide range of sizes, so they are completely customizable.
Also, since faux mink is not using real mink fur, most faux mink eyelash extensions are cruelty-free and vegan!
For more on this, check out our other post – Are Eyelash Extensions Vegan?
Symptoms Of False Eyelashes Affecting Your Natural Lashes
Even though false eyelashes are supposed to be harmless to your natural lashes, some damage may still occur for a variety of different reasons.
Here are the symptoms to look out for if you think false eyelashes are negatively affecting your natural lashes:
Irritation
If you are experiencing any type of irritation, this is definitely a sign that your natural lashes are being damaged.
Irritation can include itchiness, discomfort, redness, swelling, and more.
Usually, you will notice irritation within the first 48 hours of getting eyelash extensions applied.
In this case, let your eyelash artist know immediately, and they will probably have you come in to take a look at them.
Rash Or Discoloration
One of the symptoms if you have an allergy to the lash extensions or adhesive being used is a rash developing on the lash line.
If this happens to you, go to your eyelash artist immediately and they will remove them for you.
Other symptoms of an allergy include itchiness and burning.
Lash Fallout
If you begin to notice that more eyelashes are falling out more than normal, this could be a sign that false eyelashes are affecting your natural lashes.
This can be due to the eyelash artist not putting the extensions on correctly or you not taking care of them properly.
This normally happens when people rub or itch their eyes which is not advisable to do with lash extensions.
Will Your Natural Eyelashes Grow Back After Eyelash Extensions?
Yes, the natural eyelashes will grow back after you have had fallout due to eyelash extensions.
The regrowth period is usually about 1 to 3 months on average, but it varies from person to person.
Unless you have a condition where it takes longer for hair to grow back or it doesn’t grow back at all, your eyelashes will grow back as they normally would.
Can You Wear False Eyelashes Every Day?
It is generally safe to wear false eyelashes every day, but there are definitely some drawbacks to doing so.
For one, the glue may become stuck to the natural lashes, pulling them out when you remove the eyelash strip.
After doing this every day, you may begin to notice that your natural eyelashes have weakened or become less dense.
Also, especially for people with sensitive skin, wearing false eyelashes every day can cause irritation.
If this happens, it is recommended to stop for a few days to give your natural lashes a break and time to breathe.