Eyelash extensions are a popular beauty treatment that instantly provides lashes that look fuller and longer. However, many people find themselves concerned about this treatment asking, “Do eyelash extensions damage your lashes?” To put it bluntly, eyelash extensions can cause harm if proper care isn’t in application and removal. By adopting proactive care habits and following essential eyelash extension care tips, you can enjoy the benefits of extensions while protecting natural lashes and maintaining their health. This blog will guide you through the best practices for care after eyelash extensions, ways to prepare your lashes before application, and steps to promote recovery post-removal.

Do Eyelash Extensions Damage Your Natural Lashes?

Damaging natural lashes is a common concern for anyone considering eyelash extensions. While extensions themselves won’t necessarily harm lashes, improper application, lack of appropriate lash care, or incorrect removal of extensions weaken natural lashes over time. For instance, using low-quality adhesives, skipping regular touch-ups, or neglecting to clean lashes properly may cause breakage and thinning of natural lashes below the extensions. By following eyelash extension maintenance best practices, you can keep your natural lashes healthy and strong while wearing extensions.

How to Prevent Damage to Eyelash Roots Before Getting Extensions

Conditioning lashes in advance is an essential aspect of getting lash extensions without damaging natural lashes. When properly conditioned in advance, eyelashes are healthier and better equipped to withstand the weight of extensions. Before your eyelash extension application appointment, start conditioning your natural lashes with a nourishing serum like RevitaLash Advanced Pro Eyelash Conditioner. This innovative formula combines lipids and peptides to strengthen lashes, making them less prone to damage and breakage. When utilizing RevitaLash Advanced Pro Eyelash Conditioner to condition your lashes effectively: 

• • Begin applying RevitaLash Advanced Pro Eyelash Conditioner two to four weeks before your eyelash extension appointment for optimal results.
• • Apply the serum along the upper lash line during your evening skincare routine after cleansing skin and before applying moisturizer. The application technique is similar to applying liquid eyeliner.
• • Avoid over-applying. A thin layer applied each night is enough to fortify your lashes.

How to Protect Your Lashes While Wearing Extensions

Once your eyelash extensions have been applied, it’s essential to continue caring for lashes and avoid irritating skin around the eyes. Incorporate the tips below into your daily skincare routine to maintain both the extensions and the health of your natural lashes:

• • Avoid rubbing your eyes – rubbing your eyes not only weakens the adhesive bond of eyelash extensions, but it can damage natural lashes. You should avoid this habit, even when you’re not wearing eyelash extensions. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, gently tap the area or apply a cold compress to alleviate itch.
• • Be gentle when cleansing – one of the most essential eyelash extension care tips is to use oil-free makeup removers and gentle cleansers. Oil-based products can dissolve the adhesive, causing extensions to fall out prematurely. When cleansing, dab lightly around your eyes and avoid scrubbing skin or tugging at eyelashes.
• • Brush your lashes daily – extensions sometimes tangle, which may put unnecessary strain on natural lashes. Use a clean eyelash (spoolie) brush to gently comb through lashes at least once a day. This keeps lashes and extensions neat and prevents knots.
• • Adjust your cosmetics routine – applying the wrong mascara to lashes with extensions can make clumping and tangling more likely. Using conditioning or softening mascaras and protective primers keeps both the natural lashes and extensions looking great. Consider RevitaLash Double-Ended Volume Set Volumizing Primer and Volumizing Mascara. This two-in-one product includes a primer that protects and softens lashes as the richly pigmented mascara leaves natural lashes and eyelash extensions looking stunning. 

Post-Removal Care for Natural Lashes

Once your extensions are removed, lashes may feel weak or brittle or look thinner or shorter than before. Post-removal eyelash care is crucial for restoring their health and encouraging growth. Include the steps below as part of your care routine after eyelash extensions to ensure your natural lashes regain their strength and vitality:

• • Apply a nourishing lash oil – keep your lashes hydrated and resilient by applying a nourishing lash oil. Products like RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner or the RevitaLash Advanced Sensitive Eyelash Conditioner improve the health and appearance of eyelashes. Natural oils such as castor oil can also be used to moisturize lashes and prevent breakage. 
• • Use a lash-stimulating product – lash serums with ingredients like peptides and biotin promote stronger, healthier lashes after extensions. Apply these products nightly to your upper lash line to support growth and recovery.
• • Consider a hair growth supplement – a balanced diet provides many of the nutrients needed for optimal hair health, including eyelashes. Nutrafol HairBiotic MD is a supplement designed to improve hair growth and strength. Adding a supplement like this to your daily routine paired with a nutrient-rich offers an added boost to hair health. Consult a dermatologist to find the right supplement to support lash recovery and health.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Lashes Long-Term

By preparing your natural lashes and prioritizing eyelash extension care as part of your daily routine, you can extend the life of your extensions while protecting natural lashes. Some tips for long-term eyelash maintenance include:

• • Take extension breaks – while extensions are beautiful, giving your lashes occasional breaks gives them time to recover from the weight and stress of extensions. These breaks allow your natural lashes to grow.
• • Choose gentle adhesives – to reduce irritation and potential damage to lashes and skin, ensure your technician uses professional-grade adhesives. High-quality eyelash extension glues are less likely to harm natural lashes or irritate skin.
• • Opt for professional removal – removing extensions on your own can cause significant damage to your lashes and the skin around your eyes. Additionally, trying to dissolve eyelash glue on your own can lead to eye damage if the chemical used to dissolve the adhesive get into the eyes. Always visit a professional to safely dissolve the adhesive and remove extensions without pulling on your natural lashes.

Long Lashes Don’t Have to Mean Unhealthy Lashes

Eyelash extensions don’t have to harm your natural lashes. By preparing with nourishing products before application, following eyelash extension care tips during wear, and prioritizing care after eyelash extensions are removed, you can maintain healthy, beautiful lashes. Remember to periodically take breaks from extensions, use high-quality adhesives, and invest in professional removal services to avoid damaging your natural lashes.

Explore More from DermSkincare

With a little effort, you can enjoy the glamorous look of extensions without compromising your natural lash. Learn more about eyelash, hair, and skincare products by exploring DermSkincare. Our dermatologist-recommended range of skincare products are curated to include products to achieve a wide array of skin health goals. Read our blog regularly to get more tips to improve your skin’s health and appearance.