Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions? Well, the reason behind it may come out as a bit shocking. Little did I know what it would do to my eyes and skin when I first went in for it? My desire for a lavish, lustrous lash line had let me try the lash extensions.
And honestly, they are nothing short of a boon for short lashes. They accentuate your overall look in any situation. Until you know where you will end up after wearing them for an extended period, something similar happened to me, and I can’t wait to share my opinions here.
As I share my experience with the lash extensions and cover other details like their types, usage, removal, drawbacks, and reviews, stick till the end to know all about the eyelash extensions.
Contents
Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions? | The Real Reason?
Before I delve deeper into my experience of using lash extensions, let’s know the different types of eyelash extensions and what medical experts generally opine about wearing them.
Types Of Lash Extensions
There are broadly three types of lash extensions – Classic (full), Hybrid (fuller), and Volume (fullest). If you select the classic option, your beauty professional will apply one fake lash over one natural lash and fill alongside the lash line. It is the most basic form of lash extension.
The Hybrid option uses both Classic (single lash) and Volume (lash fans) to cover your entire lash line, adding density. While the Volume only requires the fan-like lashes to be attached to your natural lashes, giving you a more ‘Barbie-like,’ extra-voluminous lash line. Depending on your eye shape, you may choose your extensions’ style (fox-eye, cat-eye, doll-eye, natural, etc.).
The lash extensions come in varying lengths, thicknesses, and curls that you can choose from with the help of your beauty professional. There are Synthetic, Silk, and Mink lash textures to go for. Mink lashes come from real animal fur, and silk lashes come from a silkworm’s cocoon. Synthetic Mink or Synthetic Silk are cruelty-free and have soaring demand. Usually, the extensions last up to six weeks on natural lashes.
Experts’ Opinion
The prolonged usage of lash extensions can cause Madarosis, the loss of lashes, or short or stubby lashes. Our eyelashes are a natural barrier and protect our eyes from the external world. But using extensions on lashes can cause eye trauma or contact dermatitis. Ophthalmologists and Optometrists see many eye complications due to lash extensions. Irritation and allergy infliction symptoms are rampant due to the glue containing Methyl Cyanoacrylate in most adhesives.
The long lashes may droop as the adhesives wear down after a certain period, causing Corneal Abrasions (a peripheral scratch on the cornea). You may also develop chronic inflammation of the eyelid. The lash extensions may impair your normal ‘blink reflex,’ leading you to flutter the lashes instead of blinking them properly. It may cause dry eyes and affect Meibomian Gland, a gland on the eyelid that helps lubricate the ocular surface.
The long-term effects of eyelash extensions may cause the silk, synthetic, or mink lashes to weigh down your natural lashes, thus breaking them. Additionally, these extensions may link skin conditions like Blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids) or Rosacea (redness and rashes on the lids) near your eyes. Having the falsies on 24/7 causes severe discomfort, so take an extended break if you are a frequent user to let your eyes breathe a sigh of relief.
My Personal Experience
I thought of getting lash extensions last year. I saw my friend, Kathy, putting the wisps on and nailing her look. After I showed initial signs of interest, she nudged me to get the extensions done. I decided to stay in the midline and got ‘Hybrid‘ (medium) lash density made up of ‘Synthetic Silk‘ as it is cruelty-free and trendy too. And doing it from a certified and well-reputed esthetician lowered my initial tension.
The esthetician applied tape, inquired about my sensitivity, desired lash curl, length, and thickness that would look best on me, and applied the single and fan-like wisps following my lash line’s natural pattern. It took me 4 hours to complete the session, and she imparted me with the necessary instructions to maintain them. That 4-hour duration kicked in the worst level of discomfort inside me. It did not burn or sting; I was just not restful with her hands constantly working around my eyes.
The excitement faded as the second week popped up, and I had to go for an infill. The costly expenses started taking a toll. The lashes used to feel heavy and clumsy at times. Nothing mattered really until my natural lashes began to fall off. My eyelids puffed and reddened, and the harrowing journey of severe irritation embarked.
I was diagnosed with contact dermatitis and had to get the eyelash extensions removed very soon afterward. While I’m thankful that my doctor’s indication of suffering bald eyelashes after extensions did not come true, I do not intend to take any risks furthermore. Moving forward, remember that you can remove extensions by a professional or yourself.
How To Remove Eyelash Extensions?
I know the reasons for removing or cleaning lash extensions may differ for each individual. The fake lashes may protrude, exceeding your natural lash length. Or that you need help handling your existing extensions properly. Allergies to glue may also be the ‘why’ behind your urge to eliminate extensions. You can remove your eyelash extensions (even at home) in three ways.
Most professionals use either cream or a gel extension remover. The cream lash remover has a thicker consistency. It has less chance of trickling into the eyes, while the latter with a thinner consistency may seep into the eyes and burn or sting. Generally, you can use either of them (or coconut oil), but use a cream remover to prevent the trickling if your skin or eyes are a bit sensitive.
- If you use gel remover, apply them on the lash extensions and on its baseline, where it can break down the glue. Avoid getting it on the actual skin.
- If you are using a cream remover, follow the same process. But if it touches your skin, it may not be as reactive as in the case of the gel remover.
- You can try coconut oil if you remove extensions using none of the above two options.
- Cover your under-eye area (near lower lashes) with gel eye pads. Secure them with clear medical tape as the gel or cream removers dissolve the paper tape. Ensure that it comfortably hides your skin.
- Close your eyes and take the gel or cream remover in a Q-tip or a wand to apply back and forth on the extensions (avoiding the skin).
- Coat the base well so that it eats up the glue. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and the extensions slide right away with your gentle strokes of the Q-tip; if it doesn’t, apply the remover and let it sit again to weaken the glue.
- When you use coconut oil, dip the cotton pad into the liquid oil, and place it on your closed eyelids for 5 minutes. Then take off your extensions using the same process. Repeat it till you get off all of them.
- Dab your lashes with Q-Tips to remove the gel residue. Take off the tape and gel pads. Rinse your eyelash area with clean water and a lash bath. Dry them with a paper towel, and welcome your free natural lashes.
Remember that your natural lashes do not come off in the process. Also, flush your eyes with water if the stinging sensation multiplies. Or else, a slight irritation upon the products flow into the inner or outer corner shouldn’t be bothering as it dissipates later.
Eyelash Extensions Pros and Cons
Pros
- It does not come off as quickly as false lashes.
- Lash extensions give us the much-seeked dense lash line.
- It makes the hooded eyelids with short lashes look lively and lush.
Cons
- The infills of extensions are costly and unsustainable.
- Eyelash extensions may hamper the natural physiology of our eyes.
- It may trigger various allergies or reactions due to the glue or the lashes.
- Not wearing the extensions make the users feel insecure about their everyday look.
User Stories | Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions?
Case Study 1
This lady started getting eyelash extensions during college but later found out that those extensions were falling off one by one. It was a major turn-off for her, who also thought it was financially unsustainable to refill those extensions often. Even though she liked how luscious her lashes would look afterward, she knew that the long-term effects of eyelash extensions were destructive for her eyes (and pockets too). Refilling them per set would cost $180, which was not okay with her. She concluded by putting on the false eyelashes. She complimented how effortlessly they managed to look natural and attractive, making her ‘feel good’ about herself.
Case Study 2
This Redditor did away with her extensions after wearing them for the first time. Many people casually inquire why eyelash extensions are worth it. The answer lies in boosting users’ confidence about their newly-enhanced beauty. Hence, despite all the discomfort that the extensions brought to this girl, she rooted for them. Not only was she unable to rub her eyes, but also, it weakened her natural lashes. She took the critical decision of not using them onwards. Still, she misses her confidence in longer, fuller lashes that earlier made her eyes look ‘open and brilliant.’
FAQs | Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions?
The questions related to eyelash extensions are not stopping flooding internet sites, so I’m here with their answers. Check them out below to better understand the lash extensions and their true nature.
Should I stop getting lash extensions?
The lash extensions may hamper your natural lash cycle, and the chemicals from its glue seep into the follicles. Plus, they are highly uncomfortable to carry and come with many restricted guidelines to maintain them. It is usually costly and needs constant infills to sustain its shelf life. Some people even become addicted to it and do not consider themselves beautiful enough without it.
What happens when you stop getting eyelash extensions?
Suppose the extension’s glue didn’t cause any significant damage. In that case, the natural lash cycle continues even after you cease to get eyelash extensions. Generally, our lashes shed every five to six weeks to regenerate new ones. By taking this decision, you save yourself time, money, and a hassle-free daily schedule.
Why won’t my lash extensions come off?
The lash extensions tightly bind to your natural lashes with the help of the strong lash glue. One of its ingredients – Cyanoacrylate, forms a strong adhesive that is usually waterproof and makes the fake lashes stay put for weeks. However, your lashes will quickly come off if you use any of the above methods I shared here earlier.
Why am I losing so many lash extensions?
One of the prime reasons for the fake extensions to fall off is the presence of oils on or around them. Be it our body’s natural oil, sebum, or any external oil successful in making its way to the lashes, lash extensions come off prematurely. Another reason may be not following the rules of post-application.
Will my eyelashes ever grow back after extensions?
Your eyelash cycle should retain its natural path after you stop wearing eyelash extensions. But, if it doesn’t, remember that it may signal an underlying illness or disease such as Alopecia (hair loss in the body due to an auto-immune disorder) or Madarosis (loss of brows and lashes), and then you need to visit a doctor.
Are lash extensions going out of style?
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that people are drawn to safe, secure, and ethical beauty standards and practices more than ever. And today, it reflects upon their choices and interests. The popularity of wearing lash extensions is no exception, as its dwindling demand displays people’s openness toward embracing their ‘real lashes’ and themselves.
In A Gist | Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions?
Now you know why eyelash extensions are a terrible choice for your eyes. We often get the extensions done by a non-certified esthetician, which costs us dearly later. You may use false lashes instead of extensions. It is best to avoid wearing extensions altogether.
However, if you still insist on having them, scrutinize the ingredients list of the adhesives and the lashes. Cyanoacrylate is a well-known, old toxic substance. Still, you could also develop irritation with other preservatives used in the glue. Also, Methylisothiazolinone in the gel pads irritates the skin around the eyes and may trigger allergic reactions.
Ask your aesthetician and perform a little patch test of the adhesive on your skin and leave it for 48 hours. Proceed with the extensions only when you do not feel any discomfort. Lastly, remember that your natural lashes make you no less beautiful, and accepting them would actually give you so much liberty, as it did to me!
Let us know what you think about lash extensions in the comments below. You can even drop down your queries, and we will reply soon.
I’m Sarah Abraham, the founder and co-author of Blushastic.com and a professional makeup artist. Beauty is more than just skin deep, and that’s why I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience to help people feel confident and beautiful on the inside and out.
Whether it’s skincare, haircare, or fashion, my goal is to empower women to feel their best. With my expertise in the beauty industry, I strive to provide practical advice and tips that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level or budget.