Ok, so c’mon, own up… who has a mini heart attack when you’ve JUST had your lashes done, go home and notice you’ve lost one already?
Yep, we’ve all been there, cursing our Lash tech. so here are the facts:
We can naturally shed around 2-4 lashes every single day… yes every single day! When we (correctly) apply eyelash extensions, we isolate your natural lashes ensuring each extension is carefully placed onto just one natural lash. This way we do not interrupt your lash growth cycle, so as those natural lashes shed – so does your extension “eeek”. Sorry, we can’t take responsibility for this one!
On average, we have between 90-160 lashes on our upper lid (depending if you’re blessed with little or lots!) We aim to apply an extension to every single one of those lashes that can healthily support an extension – so, let’s say around 100 extensions per eye on average.
Now let’s do the math:
- We will go in the middle and say we lose 3 lashes per day naturally.
- Over 1 week that’s 21 lashes
- 2 weeks is 42 lashes
- 3 weeks 63 lashes
So as you can see, over 2-3 weeks your lashes will now start looking a little sparse compared to your first appointment due to this daily shed. Some extensions that have grown quite high but not yet shed can become a little top heavy (think of your nail extensions after 3 weeks if you have them!). These extensions should be carefully removed to avoid too much tension on the natural Lash. A new one can then be applied lower down again to ensure a good distribution of weight.
Incase you’re a bit of a geek like me and like to know the ins & outs of everything here’s a bit more info on our Lash growth cycles:
The average eyelash grows to around 10mm in length and are located in several rows above the lash line. Eyelashes grow in cycles of replenishment, each cycle has 3 phases:
- Anagen Phase: Also known as the growing phase, this is the part of the cycle when the eyelash is actively growing in length. The length of this phase can be due to genetics, but on average it lasts around 30 – 45 days. Only about 40% of the upper lashes will be in the Anagen phase at any one time.
- Catagen Phase: Sometimes referred to as the transition phase this is the shortest phase of the 3. The lash has now stopped growing and the hair follicle begins to shrink, blood supply will now be detached from the eyelash. This phase generally lasts around 7-14 days.
- Telogen Phase: Also known as the resting phase, the hair follicle is now dormant. When the follicle begins to grow again, the base of the eyelash will break free from the root enabling it to shed. A new hair will now enter the Anagen phase and begin to grow in its place. This phase can last up to 100 days. It can typically take between 4-8 weeks to fully replace an eyelash.
Each eyelash will be in a different part of this cycle at any one time, some growing, some resting. When we apply extensions we DO apply them to lashes in the Telogen phase which means yep they could fall out tomorrow… ? BUT considering this phase can also last up to 100 days, those extensions could still be there at your next infill ?? we just don’t know, so getting as much coverage as possible for us will be a huge factor in how long your lashes last (along with a few other things of course!!)
Let’s not forget a few other things:
Everyone has different growth cycles – some quicker than others, which means more frequent infills for you! Sorry!!! However, if you have a slow growth cycle and you look after your lashes, you’ll be that lucky one that only needs to come in once a month. ?
If you’re using Lash serums, this will increase blood flow to the area and speed up your growth cycles… so more frequent infills for you too!
If you’re NOT following your aftercare or keeping those extensions squeaky clean, it’s also very likely you’ll be back sooner than necessary – dirt, oil, dead skin, makeup and all sorts of other beauties can build up over time when you’re not cleansing. Not only can this cause some nasty skin conditions or bacterial infections, those oils happily sitting on your extensions will gradually start to loosen the bond and lower your retention. Bye bye extensions!
PLEASE never pick your extensions, remember 4-8 weeks to fully replace a lash, if you’re picking your extensions it’s highly likely you’ll be taking your natural Lash with it. Continuous damage to lashes can damage the hair follicle… permanent damage to a follicle means no more lashes growing back ? don’t do it… just don’t!
So on that note: look after your lashes, keep your eyes clean and healthy and follow your aftercare advice for long lasting, damage free extensions! If you notice an extension coming out; don’t stress! That Lash was just ready to shed. ?
Layla xx