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If you’re looking for extensions or false eyelashes, it’s probably because you want fuller, longer lashes. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest concerns about these eyelash enhancements is whether they damage natural lashes. If you’ve wondered if your favorite pair of false eyelashes will ruin your real ones, you’ve come to the right place.
The article at a glance
- In this article, we discuss the potential damage that extensions and false eyelashes can cause to your real eyelashes. We also discuss other risks and how to prevent them.
- False eyelashes can cause a little damage to natural eyelashes, but it is rare. Usually, the damage is caused by incorrect use. Eyelash loss is usually reversible.
- Eyelash extensions are more likely to have harmful effects on the eyelashes and eyes. These are usually the result of allergies or poor training.
- As long as you follow good hygiene practices, trusted salons, consistent aftercare and proper removal, your real lashes will continue to look their best!
Will false eyelashes damage real eyelashes?
False eyelashes are incredibly popular. It is a temporary eyelash extension that sticks to the lash line with latex or acrylic based glue. But can false eyelashes ruin your real ones?
The good news is that false eyelashes, when used correctly, will not harm your lashes at all! Only when you apply too much glue or pull the lashes aggressively, some lashes may get caught and pulled out.
Never pull your lashes when it’s time to remove them. Instead, gently peel them off with makeup remover and a cotton swab.
As long as you don’t use too much glue, your natural lashes will stay perfectly intact. If you use falsies instead of mascara, they may even help keep your lashes healthier!
Some sources believe that the weight of false eyelashes on top of your real ones can have an impact. But it’s a theory, and as many avid falsies wearers (especially those who use our natural lashes) will attest, it doesn’t seem to be a real issue.
Will Lash Extensions Damage Real Lashes?
As any lash technician will tell you, one of the most common questions they hear is if extensions damage real lashes. The answer, depending on who you ask, is either “it depends” or “maybe.”
Lash loss is more likely to occur during incorrect removal. If you try to remove your extensions yourself, the risk of pulling your natural lashes is greater and you are likely to lose quite a few.
No research has been done on the effect of eyelash extensions on natural eyelashes. Some technicians assume that after removal, the lashes appear thinner because the client is used to bulky extensions. Once the extensions are gone, the difference can seem stark.
There are some theories behind how extensions could damage eyelashes, but they have not been proven. It is possible that the weight of the extensions puts pressure on the lashes and temporarily prevents them from growing, especially with voluminous styles. It is also possible that oil and residue build-up from improper cleansing can damage the hair follicle. Whether these issues are significant enough to cause eyelash loss is completely unknown.
The good news is that even if the extensions damage your lashes slightly, they will grow back. Human eyelashes go through a regular growth cycle. If you feel like you’ve lost more lashes than normal, they will replace themselves within a few months.
The only long-term risk to your eyelashes comes if you develop a skin allergy or infection. This can damage your follicles and prevent your eyelashes from growing in the future. We discuss this in more detail below.
Other risks associated with different types of eyelashes
There are a few more risks to consider when it comes to false eyelashes and extensions.
Fake eyelashes
As with most eye makeup products, there are some health risks associated with using false eyelashes. These risks are usually very easy to mitigate with a little research and good hygiene!
The two main risks of using fakes are allergic reactions and infection. Allergies are commonly caused by eyelash glues, especially when they are made of latex. It’s also possible to be allergic to non-latex glues, although it’s less common.
![Are false eyelashes ruining your real ones?](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/0304/9554/files/Untitled_design_36_1024x1024.jpg?v=1628673423)
Allergies tend to show up as mild irritation along the lash line, although more severe reactions are also possible.
Finally, if you borrow a friend’s lashes or fail to clean your lashes thoroughly between uses, you’ll be at risk of eye infection. This may have long-term effects to the health of your eyes.
Eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions carry a slightly higher risk than false eyelashes. Since they are a little more risky, it is not surprising that they can only be done by highly trained professionals.
The most common risk of eyelash extensions is an allergic reaction to the glue it contains cyanoacrylate. This type of reaction is usually mild, but in severe cases, it can lead to significant pain, redness, and swelling. It can even cause serious eye or skin problems, so consider doing a patch test with the glue before getting extensions.
However, allergies are unpredictable. You may not have any reaction the first few times you get extensions, despite being allergic. You are more likely to experience a reaction if the glue comes into contact with your skin. This is quite rare, especially if your lash technician is very experienced.
Commercial eyelash glues, incl the one produced by Lilac St., are made with milder adhesives so they are slightly less likely to aggravate allergies.
There is also a risk of eye infection, especially if you go to a disreputable salon that does not practice good hygiene.
Prevention tips
If you want to keep your natural lashes looking great, here are our tips for both false and lash extensions.
Fake eyelashes
- Always put a new eyelash glue on your forearm or behind your ear for a few days.
- Consider avoiding latex-based adhesives if you have sensitive skin.
- Never pull your eyelashes at the end of the night. Instead, gently peel them off with makeup remover and a cotton swab.
- In between uses, disinfect your false eyelashes with alcohol.
- To keep your lashes intact, skip mascara when wearing fasies.
Extensions
- Take your time researching and reading reviews to make sure you choose a reputable lash technician or salon.
- Book a consultation a few days in advance and ask to try the extension glue.
- For your first time, opt for a light, classic look that won’t weigh your lashes down.
- Follow the aftercare instructions given by your lash technician and keep your extensions clean and well-groomed and make them last longer.
- Never attempt to remove extensions at home. Always return to your eyelash technician for proper eyelash extension removal.
- Take a break from eyelash extensions for a few weeks if you feel like your natural lashes are starting to look sparse.
For Healthy Lashes
Both eyelash extensions and false eyelashes are pretty safe, even if they’re not foolproof. Making sure your fake lashes don’t ruin your real ones takes a little time and research. However, as long as you are very careful about hygiene and potential allergies, we think your lashes will be just fine. Here’s to healthy, gorgeous lashes!