If you’re curious about extensions, it makes sense to wonder: How long do lash extensions last?
After all, lash extensions can be expensive, and getting them done can be very time-consuming. The cost of lash refill appointments can add up, so the longer you can get your extensions to last, the more money you’ll save in the long run.
While there is no cut-and-dry timeframe, you can expect your lash extensions to last anywhere from 2-6 weeks. A few factors can impact how long your extensions will last, and there are plenty of things you can do to try to improve their longevity.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to do to keep your lash extensions looking great for as long as possible.
Table of Contents
- THE EYELASH GROWTH CYCLE EXPLAINED
- FACTORS AFFECTING EYELASH EXTENSION LIFESPAN
- HOW CAN YOU MAKE EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST?
- AFTERCARE TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR EXTENSIONS LAST
- HOW CAN YOU MAKE EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST?
- NORMAL LASH EXTENSION RETENTION RATES
- DIY EXTENSIONS AS AN AT-HOME ALTERNATIVE
- FAQs ON LASH EXTENSIONS LONGEVITY
THE EYELASH GROWTH CYCLE EXPLAINED
The main factor behind how long lash extensions last is your natural lash growth cycle. It’s normal to lose about 1 to 5 lashes per day, but when you have lash extensions, losing a lash usually also means losing an extension.
Our lashes go through different phases of growth. At the end of each eyelash’s life cycle, the lash is shed, and soon after, the hair follicle grows a new lash. Over the course of about 4 to 11 months, the lashes go through the following cycles:
- Anagen: This is the growth phase which lasts between 1 and 2 months. For most of this phase, the lashes are small and delicate, so lash technicians will not apply extensions.
- Catagen: This is the degradation phase when the lash stops growing after it has reached its maximum length. During this phase, the root of the hair starts detaching from the base of the hair follicle.
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Telogen: This is the rest phase, which can last anywhere from 4 to 9 months. During this phase, the lash rests within the hair follicle, although it’s not as well-attached as it was previously so it’s more prone to falling out. At the end of the telogen phase, the lashes finally shed (sometimes called the exogen phase), which paves the way for a new anagen phase.
FACTORS AFFECTING EYELASH EXTENSION LIFESPAN
There are a lot of other factors that can impact how long your lash extensions will last those play roles of varying importance.
- Your natural lash cycle: As mentioned, natural shedding because of the lash life cycle is the primary factor behind the lash loss.
- Quality of application: Applying professional lash extensions is not an easy skill, so lashes applied by an experienced lash technician will lash longer, while a poor application could definitely lead to a shorter lifespan.
- Quality of aftercare: How you care for your lash extensions will greatly impact their longevity. If you skip aftercare, you can expect faster lash loss.
- Lash care products: Some products, like lash serums, can help lash extensions last longer, while the wrong products can lead to a shorter lifespan.
- Friction and sleeping habits: Any friction or pressure applied to the lash line can cause lash loss. This is why how you sleep, whether you rub your eyes, remove makeup, or even shower, can impact the lifespan of your extensions.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST?
From choosing the right salon to caring for your lashes, here are all of the things you need to do to make lash extensions last for as long as possible.
Tip 1: Stylist Selection
First, there’s your lash technician’s equipment and skill. In general, lash technicians who have been working for longer and have more reviews are probably more experienced, so they’re more likely to create long-lasting extensions.
For best results, read reviews before choosing a salon. Look specifically for reviews that mention great lash retention, and see if reviewers mention how often they must go in for a refill.
Tip 2: Use a Lash Serum
Because lash serums help to prolong the length of your lash cycle, it means they can also prolong how long your lash extensions last. Using an extension-safe lash serum on a daily basis will go a long way toward helping your lashes look naturally longer while also fortifying them to prevent lash loss.
Tip 3: Proper Aftercare and Products
Finally, there’s the question of how you care for your lashes. Proper aftercare is essential - we give some tips for how to do it correctly below.
AFTERCARE TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR EXTENSIONS LAST
There’s a lot to remember when it comes to lash extension aftercare, but being diligent is the only way to ensure your lashes look awesome for the weeks to come.
- After getting your lashes done, avoid any exposure to water and humidity. Your technician will tell you exactly how long you need to wait based on the type of glue and how long it takes to set. Generally, you’ll need to keep your lashes dry for at least 4 hours and possibly up to 48 hours.
- Avoid pulling on your lashes or touching your eyes, as that can cause your natural lashes to fall off along with the extensions.
- Oil can disintegrate the lash adhesives, so only use oil-free skincare products or makeup removers around the eyes unless you want to remove your lash extensions.
- That said, it’s still important to keep your lashes clean. Once the initial curing period is over, make sure to wash your lashes every night with a lash-safe cleanser, like the one in our Lash Cleaning Kit.
- Your lash extensions may come off more easily if they get tangled. Use a spoolie to brush your lash extensions once or twice a day, and make sure they’re separated.
- Many lash technicians recommend using a lash sealant. Lash sealants look just like clear or black mascara. They create a protective coat over your lash extensions to prevent the adhesive from degrading. Our Lilac Lash Crystal Coat is fantastic for professional and DIY extensions.
- Finally, if you plan to refresh your lash extensions, don’t wait too long with refills. If you lose too many lashes, your technician will charge you for a full set of lashes instead of a refill.
NORMAL LASH EXTENSION RETENTION RATES
So we’ve covered the lash cycle and the other factors that can impact how long your lash extensions will last. But what’s actually a normal retention rate?
Different lash extension professionals report different lash loss rates, but it’s generally well-accepted that you’ll lose between 50% to 60% of your extension within three weeks. That’s why lash stylists recommend clients come in for refills every 2 to 3 weeks. Some people retain more than 50% of their lashes for up to four weeks, although it’s less common.
When you’ve lost half of your lash extensions, your lash line will start to look sparse and uneven. Plus, your lash technician will have to reapply too many new lashes. It might as well be considered a full set, which is much more expensive.
THINGS YOU MUST AVOID FOR LONG-LASTING LASHES
Keeping these key don'ts in mind will help you keep your lashes lasting a little longer. Make sure to avoid all of the following habits and practices:
- Rubbing your eyes
- Sleeping on stomach
- Not brushing or detangling your lashes
- Not washing lashes
- Sticking face directly under the shower head
- Using oil-based makeup removers or eye care products
- Removing makeup with cotton pads
- Wearing waterproof mascara (in fact, try to avoid mascara altogether)
DIY EXTENSIONS AS AN AT-HOME ALTERNATIVE
DIY extensions are a fantastic alternative to professional extensions if you're looking to save or are too busy to visit the salon consistently.
You can apply them by yourself at home, and they’ll stay put for multiple days. Lilac St. DIY extensions come in an extensive range of styles, from subtle and natural to glamorous and dramatic, and you can always mix and match to create your own style!
Our Pro Lash Glue ensures they stay put for up to 10 days. While they might not last as long as professional extensions, you’ll save time in the long run since they’re so fast and easy to apply.
FAQs ON LASH EXTENSIONS LONGEVITY
If you still have some questions related to how long lash extensions last and how to make them last longer, we’ve got answers!
Can you shower with eyelash extensions?
Yes! Once the initial period when you need to avoid water passes, you can shower. Make sure to avoid placing your face directly under strong water jets. For best results, it’s better to cup the water and splash it on your face when cleansing in the shower.
Why do my lash extensions fall out so fast?
If your lash extensions fall out rapidly, double-check that you’re doing your aftercare correctly. For example, ensure you’re not using oil-based products that can break down the adhesive. It’s also possible that the issue is with your lash technician, so you may want to find a different service provider.
If your lashes fall out quickly despite going to a reputable salon and following proper aftercare, your natural lashes might be the problem. Consider speaking to your doctor or seeking a referral to a trichologist to see if you’re dealing with a health issue leading to eyelash loss.
Can you get eyelash extensions forever?
If you take great care of your extensions and go in for consistent refills, you can keep your lash extensions forever. Remember that while lash extensions are probably safe, research is limited. We don’t know if there are any long-term repercussions to wearing extensions 24/7 for years and years.
How long do professionally applied eyelashes last?
Professionally applied lash extensions can last anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your natural lash cycle, aftercare, and the skill of your technician.
Is it worth having eyelash extensions?
Lash extensions can get expensive, but if you don’t enjoy applying mascara daily, their effect might be worth it. At Lilac St., our gorgeous DIY lash extensions give the same dramatic effects as professional extensions but are significantly more affordable.
How do you brush eyelash extensions?
To brush your lashes, you’ll need a clean mascara wand. The traditional, fluffy nylon wands are best. First, detangle your lashes by brushing them from above, starting at the base of the lash line. Pull the wand through to the tips with a gentle wiggle. Afterward, you can brush them again gently from below to help them curve upwards.
