Lash extensions can give a stunning result — but they're also a treatment that affects your natural lashes. Here we walk you through what happens to your lashes during extensions, how to care for them properly, and how to rebuild damaged lashes.
What happens to your lashes during lash extensions?
Lash extensions are a salon treatment where a trained professional bonds individual lashes onto your own using a semi-permanent adhesive.
The extensions come in a range of materials — both real hair and synthetic. As well as different materials, you can also choose between one extension per natural lash or several fine extensions per lash.
Extensions typically last up to around four weeks. A fair number will fall off before then, and when they do, your own lashes often come with them.
It's completely understandable that your natural lashes shed in the process — their roots simply aren't built to carry twice the weight they normally do, plus the adhesive that comes with it. This can leave you with noticeably weaker lashes after a treatment.
To avoid going around with sparse lashes, many people top up with extensions again — and so the cycle begins.
Aftercare and longevity after lash extensions
The results after lash extensions are often beautiful. You can choose between a more natural look or something more dramatic.
To keep your extensions looking their best for as long as possible, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 48 hours.
- Be gentle and avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause the extensions to fall off prematurely.
- Avoid oil-based products around the eyes, as these can break down the adhesive.
Your salon will often send you home with specialist aftercare products to help extend the life of your extensions and protect both the extensions and your natural lashes.
Damaged lashes after lash extensions – how to rebuild them
If your lashes have become fragile or feel damaged after lash extensions, it is possible to rebuild them. It takes a little patience and gentle care.
Let your lashes rest from mascara and curling
The first thing we'd recommend is giving your natural lashes a break from anything that puts strain on them. That means avoiding:
- curling your lashes
- using mascara
Mascara tends to dry out lashes, and when you remove it in the evenings, there's a risk of pulling or breaking them. We know this can be tough, but it will be worth it in the end.
When you do eventually go back to mascara, it's the removal you'll want to think about most. That's often when fragile lashes get worn down, as you rub away with a cotton pad and make-up remover. Lash Booster Mascara is a tubing mascara that won't smudge or flake and stays put all day — then in the evening it comes off with lukewarm water, around 38 °C, with no rubbing needed. The formula contains panthenol, biotin and hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients, to moisturise and condition, so your lashes stay soft and flexible while they recover. If you're also using Xlash Eyelash Serum, apply the serum in the evening to clean lashes and the mascara during the day.
Rescue damaged lashes after lash extensions with an eyelash serum
As well as letting your lashes rest from anything that can dry them out or put them under stress, our biggest tip is to use an eyelash serum.
A good eyelash serum can make a real difference. Your lashes won't just return to how they were before — they can actually become longer and fuller than they were originally. If you'd like to dig deeper into how eyelash serum works in practice, read our article “Does Eyelash Serum Really Work? Yes — Here's How”.
What is an eyelash serum and what does it do for your lashes?
In short, an eyelash serum is a clear, liquid product. It almost always comes in an eyeliner-style tube and holds anywhere from around 1 ml to 6 ml of serum.
An eyelash serum's main job is to nourish your lashes. That nourishment can result in longer and stronger lashes.
How does an eyelash serum work on weakened lashes?
The serum contains nourishing vitamins and minerals that can help extend your lash growth cycle while at the same time speeding up growth.
This gives your lashes more time to grow to their maximum potential length, whilst also boosting that growth. As the lashes grow longer, they also become stronger thanks to the nourishing ingredients.
This makes an eyelash serum particularly beneficial if your lashes have been weakened by lash extensions. Want to understand more about what happens during your lash growth cycle? Read our guide “Your lashes' 3 phases explained”.
How to use an eyelash serum — step by step
Just as with how the serum works, using it is also incredibly straightforward. To see visible results, it's important to use your eyelash serum consistently.
All serums are different, but the one we'd like to recommend is Xlash Eyelash Serum, which is designed to be applied once a day. Here's how:
- Make sure your face and eye area are clean and dry.
- Use the brush provided and paint a thin line along the roots of your upper lashes.
- Repeat once a day — ideally in the evening after cleansing your face.
After that, it typically takes around 28 days to see visible results. Continue applying the serum once a day until you feel your lashes can't get any longer or fuller.
Once your lashes have reached their full potential, you can reduce usage to two to three times a week to maintain the result.
Are lash extensions worth it — and when should you take a break?
We completely understand the appeal of lash extensions. They look incredible and are relatively low-maintenance — at least you can skip the mascara.
They can be a great option if you're getting married or have a particularly social period coming up. That said, they're not something we'd recommend as a long-term routine, as they do put strain on your natural lashes — which is a real shame.
If you've been having them regularly and have started to notice the negative effects, it's not too late to turn things around. With rest, gentle care and an effective lash serum, you can help your lashes recover.
We hope you get your lashes back on track, and that this article was helpful — good luck!
