How Many Lash Extensions Fall Out a Day

by Joan Wong

The first thing you need to understand as a lash artist is that lash extensions fall out along with our natural lashes during the lash growth cycle. When the natural lash starts to fall out, the lash extension that is attached will fall along with them.

So, tell your clients not to be surprised when they see extensions fall, this is totally normal and expected.

Number of lash extensions that fall out a day

On average, you lose around 1 to 5 natural eyelashes daily. This means if your lash extensions are attached to your natural lashes, that’s how many lashes will fall out.

Woman with fallen lash extensions on face. Cartel Lash

This fallout is then replaced with a baby natural lash at the beginning of its lash cycle. However, the speed of growth will vary depending on the person’s age, health, lifestyle, and other factors. 

12 common causes of lash extensions falling out

There are various reasons why lash extensions are falling out, here are a few:

1. The natural lash growth cycle

All hair on a person’s body will undergo a natural growth cycle. It includes Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. On average the lash growth cycle usually lasts 3 months. Usually, eyelashes are naturally shed when they complete the cycle. This is usually called the shedding phase.

Eyelash Life Cycle and Growth Phases for lash extensions. Cartel Lash

2. Getting their eyelashes wet right after the eyelash extension application

Lash adhesives need 24 to 48 hours to fully cure. Meaning, your client shouldn’t get their eyelashes wet within this time frame. Otherwise, the lash glue used will bond poorly, becoming weak and won’t last long.

3. Medical conditions

Medical conditions such as Alopecia Areata, Truchotillamonia Tangle, Chemotherapy, and Thyroid Condition can cause lash extensions to fall out quicker.

4. Diet 

Your diet can also affect eyelashes. A proper diet will make your eyelashes healthy. In contrast, when the body lacks certain nutrients and vitamins, the hair on the body will become brittle and prone to breakage.

5. Mascara

Wearing mascara, especially waterproof ones, can cause oil, dirt, and other debris to build on the eyelashes and lash line. This can cause the premature breakdown of the adhesive.

Female hands holding mascara wand and bottle on grey background. Cartel Lash

6. Lash serum 

Lash serum and other eyelash conditioners help nourish the eyelashes. They help make the eyelashes grow stronger, healthier, and thicker. However, be sure to check the ingredients first. Do not use lash growth serum that contains oils, as it will adversely affect the performance of the adhesive.

7. Weather

When the environment is windy, your eyes easily water. The person will wipe away the tears which cause friction and potentially cause the eyelashes to fall out. Heat and humidity will also affect the drying and curing process of the lash adhesive you use.

8. Improper daily aftercare routine

Clients need to properly clean and brush their eyelashes daily to remove all dirt, oil, and leftover makeup to prevent the bond from weakening.

9. Lash retention of the adhesive you use and improper usage

Check the bonding time of each of the lash adhesives you use. Each bottle has a different bonding time and optimum range for humidity and temperature. Make sure you are familiar with the settings your adhesive needs to perform its best.

Lash extension tweezers dipping extensions into adhesive. Cartel Lash

10. Sleeping position

Tell your clients to always sleep on their backs or wear 3D eye masks to protect their lash extensions. If they sleep face down, expect eyelashes to fall out a lot sooner. 

11. Touching or picking the eyelashes too much 

Let your clients know to refrain from touching or picking their eyelashes. The fingers contain oils that are harmful to the lash adhesive used and weaken its bond. Touching and picking can become habitual and without even realizing your client will want to pick at their extensions and pull them off prematurely, possibly pulling the natural lash and causing follicle damage. 

12. Application error 

As a lash tech, you need to make sure you properly attach each and every extension. Placement and the proper amount of glue are key! Otherwise, the lash extensions will fall out earlier and your clients will not be happy. 

If you want to ensure your client can enjoy their beautifully applied lash extensions, you need to explain these factors. Especially when it comes to their aftercare routine.

Las tech applying lash extensions on woman. Cartel Lash

How to make lash extensions last longer

Here are 3 tips you can tell your clients to help their lovely lash extensions last as long as possible:

Be gentle handling lashes

It is very important to let your clients know that they should never rub, tug or pick their eyelashes. They should always BE GENTLE when touching their lashes. 

This is something a lot of lash lovers overlook especially when they woke up. There are people who unconsciously rub their eyes first thing in the morning. 

Brush and clean lash extensions every day

Cleaning and brushing eyelashes daily should always be included in your morning and evening routines. Cleaning the eyelashes will help remove all the dirt, oil, or makeup residue left around your eyelashes and lash line. Also, brushing them will separate individual lashes and preserve the curl.

Use lash extension friendly products

Choosing the right products for your client’s aftercare routine is important. Oil is one of the biggest culprits to why the bond in the lash adhesive doesn’t last. It causes the bond to weaken and break, leading to premature shedding.

Quality lash extension supplies make lashes last longer. Cartel Lash

Look for oil-free and lash extension friendly products. If your client is using mascara, it is important to not use waterproof! Steer clear of waterproof eyeliner and mascara as they are very hard to remove. While removing them, your client might end up tugging their eyelashes and pulling them out.

Regular maintenance, a proper daily cleaning routine and careful handling can go a long way when it comes to the longevity of your lash extensions. 

For all your lash supply needs, find everything you need at Cartel Lash or speak to a product specialist at 📞(604) 437-0011 for recommendations!