Why Do Natural Lashes Get Damaged Under Extensions?

Lash extensions can help to complement natural lashes. However, from time to time, it can happen that a client gets his or her extension removed and notices that natural lashes seem to be damaged, looking thinner, weaker and/or shorter than expected. It raises the reasonable question – did extensions affect the health of natural lashes?

In general, extensions are not supposed to do any harm to natural lashes. Issues may arise because of some other reasons such as excessive weight, poor isolation, improper application, rough handling, inappropriate aftercare or removal of extensions. Having a good idea about what leads to damage helps a lot with prevention.

Application Technique Matters

Healthy wearing of extensions largely depends on the technique used when applying them. Professional lash application requires much more skills than just attaching an extension to any place with enough natural lashes to support it.

Proper isolation plays a significant role here. Every lash grows separately and is at a different stage of its cycle. Bonding several natural lashes together can create extra unnecessary tension in case of their further growth, which can result in discomfort and potential early shedding or breakage.

Thus, products alone are not enough here, as proper technique and training also matter. https://www.plapro.com/ unites products for professional lash extensions, adhesives, tools and lash education in one environment for professionals.

Weight of an Extension May Be Excessive for Natural Lash

There are considerable differences among natural lashes from person to person. Some lashes are rather thick and strong, while other ones may be naturally thin and short. While one extension can suit well for the first type of lashes, it may be inappropriate for another.

That is why, when designing a set of extensions, lash professionals take into account such factors as extension length, diameter, fan size and condition of the client’s natural lashes.

Repetitive placement of an excessive weight on a thin lash may cause unnecessary mechanical damage to it. More dramatic effect does not necessarily mean a better one if its achievement requires a natural lash to carry more weight than it is able to.

Poor Isolation Can Interfere with Normal Growth

Every lash goes through its own growth cycle. Therefore, at any particular session neighboring lashes may be at different growth stages.

Proper isolation enables the suitable lash to continue its cycle independently. In case of poor isolation there might appear so-called “stickies” when lashes that should be independent are bonded together.

Different rate of growth of bonded lashes causes tension. It is possible to feel some discomfort and weaker lashes can be put under additional mechanical stress.

Picking and Rubbing Cause More Damage than Expected

Not all the lash damage occurs during the application session. Care during the wearing period also matters a lot.

When extensions start shedding naturally, remaining lashes may look uneven. It may be tempting to try to pick a tangled lash or remove an irritating extension.

However, it is worth noting that an extension that seems loose can still be firmly attached to the lash. Its picking can cause premature shedding or breakage of a natural lash.

Frequent aggressive rubbing may cause similar problems. Regular friction by hands, towel, cotton pads or rough makeup removal puts an additional mechanical pressure on both extensions and natural lashes. Gently handling of the eye area is especially important during the process of eye makeup removal.

Healthy Cleanliness Helps to Maintain Extensions

While avoiding water and cleansing is not the solution to maintaining extensions, it is also necessary to keep an eye on the lashes hygiene. Eyelids and lash lines collect oils, makeup remnants, skin particles and various debris, so cleansing remains an essential part of lash care.

However, in case of extensions it is necessary to use a proper method and be gentle with the eye area. Instead of aggressive rubbing, proper cleansing should clean the lash line without putting additional mechanical pressure on bonds and natural hairs.

Proper Removal of Extensions is Important Too

When it comes to the removal of extensions, one should pay much attention to this stage too.

Peeling, picking or pulling of bonded extensions from the lashes may cause damage to the natural lashes while removing the extensions.

Even if an extension looks ready to be removed, there is no need to force it to do it.

Professional removal of extensions includes products and methods that will help to separate them without using any force. In case a full set of extensions needs to be removed beforehand, it is usually recommended to have it professionally removed instead of trying to find various ways to do it yourself.

Thus, the condition of natural lashes after removal depends on the way extensions were worn and removed.

Full Cycle Care is Important for Healthy Extensions

Taking care of natural lashes is not a one-off task. It begins with an evaluation of the client’s lashes and continues with proper selection of extensions, isolation, cleansing, gentle handling, filling and removal of extensions.

It is also important to remember that natural lashes go through continuous growth and shedding cycles. Shedding of lashes while wearing extensions does not automatically mean that they were damaged – extensions can make this process more visible as attached lash is easier to see.

Problems usually occur when natural lashes experience repetitive excessive weight, poor isolation, picking, rough handling or forceful removal. When the application is proper and aftercare is gentle, extensions are expected to create desirable effect while the lashes underneath are going on with their regular cycle.