What Happened When I Removed my Lash Extensions
A few summers ago, I got lash extensions for the first time and instantly fell in love. I mean, who doesn’t want to wake up with dark, full, and perfectly curled lashes? For the majority of the summer, I was diligent about getting my extensions filled. Every 2 weeks on the dot, I went in for an appointment so I could maintain my perfect lashes. They were such a lifesaver on vacation and seriously cut down the amount of time I spent getting ready every morning. So what wasn’t to love? Well for starters, the price. Biweekly fills add up! Not to mention the time. And I couldn’t help but freak out and wonder what was happening to my natural lashes underneath. I knew it was time to remove them, even if only temporarily. After a couple rounds of getting lash extensions and then removing them after a few months, here’s how I learned to take care of my lashes to minimize damage and get them back to normal.
Here’s what happened when I took my lash extensions off.
First, you have to get your extensions off. Let’s talk about how to remove lash extensions. At the end of my last cycle, I could see my natural lashes growing at the base of my lid and the thicker, darker extension would stand out. Seeing it dangling on the middle of my lash was so distracting, all I wanted to do was pull it off. DO NOT DO THIS! It will more likely than not damage your lash by ripping it out or weakening the hair. If you’re thinking about removing your lash extensions, do not do it yourself!!
How To Remove Lash Extensions Properly:
Go see a professional. Removing your eyelash extensions at home just isn’t worth the risk of damages your natural lashes. Think of it like a gel manicure – you can pick it off yourself, but you’re better off going to a professional. It’s worth the $10-$20 price tag.
The process takes less than half an hour. The specialist will use a special remover and tiny tweezers/tools specifically designed to remove lash extensions. My lash technician also told me that getting your lashes removed professionally is very important, because as your natural lashes grow out with the extension still on them, they can eventually break your lash in half.
Keep in mind, you have the option to wait it out and let our lashes fall of on their own. This can take up to five weeks depending on your lash growth cycle. I personally do not recommend waiting it out. Your false lashes will start to fall off, which creates opportunities to pick them off. As I mentioned above, avoid picking off your lashes yourself AT ALL COSTS. If you’ve ever had your eyelash extensions grow out naturally, you might notice that your lashes look extra stubby and short – this is most likely because your lashes broke when the lash extension came off!
Will Lash Extensions Damage Your Natural Eyelashes?
My lashes looked pretty close to what I recall before I started getting extensions (IMO). I made an effort not to pick my lashes, always went to a specialist, and took good care of them. I also start using lash serums when I know I am planning on getting them removed, to give my lashes an extra boost.
If you’re wondering if lash extensions will damage your lashes, I think it really depends on the specialist you go to and how long you’ve had them for. Most lash specialists will say that when done properly (with proper skill, equipment, and individual lashes vs. volume lashes), lash extensions will not damage your lashes. However, I’ve heard that many people think their lashes look thinner or shorter than before their extensions.
The reason for this is twofold – on the one hand, you may have just gotten used to the look of having extensions and forgot what your actual lashes look like. Or, there is the chance that the extension and glue weakened your natural lashes (which have been delicate to begin with), leading to thinner and weaker lashes.
Dangers of Lash Extensions:
I’ve heard about some of the dangers of lash extensions (thinner natural lashes, eye infections from improper sanitary care), but that isn’t why I chose to have mine removed. I really did feel like I got all of the benefits of lash extensions – I loved look of extensions and how they really simplified my daily beauty routine.
When I first had my lash extensions removed, I initially felt kind of naked. My eyes looked more bare than I had seen them in months. However, I quickly got used to the appearance of my natural lashes. I wasn’t sure if I was being paranoid or not, but I quickly researched all of the ways to make my lashes grow back fuller and thicker (just in case, or at least to give the illusion of fake lashes).
Do Eyelashes Grow Back After Lash Extensions?
If you’re wondering – do eyelashes grow back after lash extensions? The answer is, yes!! There are many serums and products on the market to help your natural lashes grow back stronger. I’ve been sticking to a more natural remedy: CASTOR OIL, but I also love some lash serums. I use RevitaLash, and have also heard good things about Grande Cosmetics lash serum as well.
Most people say that their lashes are back to normal within just a couple of months. Your real lashes go through natural growth cycles. They are constantly falling out and new lashes are constantly coming in. So don’t stress!
Are Lash Extensions Worth It?
At the end of the day, when I think about my experience with lash extensions, I have no regrets or real complaints. I LOVED having lash extensions and will definitely be getting them again in the future – for vacations or special occasions. [ Since I originally wrote this blog post, I have gotten lash extensions several times again, I love having them over the summer so you don’t have to do your makeup. ]
If you’re wondering if lash extensions are worth it, I would say YES! Just know that the upkeep and maintenance can be high, which was really the biggest and only downside to extensions.
I miss my lash extensions, no doubt. But thanks to using castor oil/lash serum regularly and my go-to mascara layering combo of Lash Primer + Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara, I’m happy with the appearance of my natural lashes. The best mascara tip I have – combine mascaras. Drugstore ones are great, honestly. If you’re looking to splurge, I linked my favorite mascaras below (tried and true – I’ve tried them all!). If I want a little extra boost, I combine a lengthening formula with a volumizing one.
Now I get to use oils and creams around my eye again (you’re supposed to avoid using cream based products when you have lash extensions because it weakens the glue), any kind of eyeliner I want, and I can rub my eyes!
You win some, you lose some.
Have you had lash extensions? Love them/keep them/lose them?
xx, Amy
Thank you so much for this honest review about lash extensions! I’ve honestly thought about getting them, but the process does scare me a little, but the idea of having full lashes without makeup or falsies is sooo tempting! 🙂 I’m going to do a bit more research before I really commit, but getting them for a vacation or a special occasion really sounds like a good idea! <3 Looking lovely as always, love! Have a great weekend!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Great post! Thanks for sharing that knowledge with us! I can’t use eyelash extension yet, so I take advantage of this time and improve my eyelashes. I loved Latisse, but it is very pricey. So I decided to purchase the generic version of Latisse which is the Careprost. So happy ❤️ I finally found ‘HOTLASH247’ in Google and got careprost (same as Latisse, but it’s a way cheaper, thanks girls 😊). There is no difference to me. Latisse and Careprost are the same thing. I could never go back to my normal lashes now. I have had phenomenal results with it. It is well worth the money for me. After trying it, I will never be without it! My lashes are twice as long and thick and I am already being asked if they’re natural, to which I can happily respond ”Yes”!
Dont do it!!! They will break off your.natural lashes. I had awesome lashes before mine and now they are stubby and short. I regret it.
Girlll I have a love and hate relationship with lash extensions! I also love getting them when I go on vacation or have a special occasion, but I always feel like I have no lashes when I take them off!! Thanks for sharing your experience love <3
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/baby-shower-gift-guide/
I love this honest post about lash extensions. I see so many of my friends and family getting them and I couldn’t decide if I wanted them or not. I’m still leaning more towards no especially because of the appointments you have to make every two weeks, it just seems like so much to schedule. But waking up and not worrying about your lashes does sound nice =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Thanks so much for going into detail about this! I’ve been curious about extensions because they’ve been so popular lately and it’s always good to hear honest and detailed feedback from someone 🙂 This sweater is really cute btw!
Vanessa
http://www.theretropenguin.com
I’m actually quite scared of the process too, which is why I want to thank you for your review. This is very educational. You look pretty as always dear, your sweater is sooo cute too.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I agree, seek help from the professionals removing your extensions. You look a lot more beautiful I must say. Stay gorgeous.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
How do you apply the castor oil to your lash line? Does it work?
Hey J! I take a clean mascara brush and coat my lashes in castor oil. This is just my experience, but I did notice it helped my lashes grow back quickly. They’re back to my pre lash extension fullness and health! Hope this helps xx
[…] more beauty posts see: What happened when I removed my eyelash extensions & why you should brush your […]
[…] more beauty, see what happened when I removed my eyelash extensions & why you should brush your […]
Hi. If you haven’t tried Lash Boost…it’s a MUST for anyone wanting longer, darker, fuller looking lashes that are 100% yours. The process is a simple swipe of the serum on the lash line at night. That’s it! If you want more info and to save some $$ on it…hmu😉
I’ve never had lash extensions but it’s something I’ve thought a lot about. The idea of the upkeep always kept me from investing. Thanks for laying out the pros and cons… I’ll start with the castor oil!
I JUST got extensions for the first time last week. I do LOVE the fact that I can throw some powder on my face and walk out the door! My lashes are the one thing I will put makeup on if nothing else. When she first did them, one was poking me, but I really did not notice till later on. Later in the night I noticed more and more, like fishing line poking the edge of my lid. By morning there was a slight swelling. I went right over and asked her if she could make it better. She looked and removed the area where it was hurting. She fixed them and all was well. I am still getting used to the lashes, they are so much fuller than mine, you do notice. I have another week of them before I go back, so I will have to see how it goes. So far, a win… But do see where it will be an upkeep thing if I keep them. But again, LOVE the way they look on! If you haven’t done it and have been wanting to try… I say, at least try it!
I would not recommend them. I honestly have no idea why people think these are so great and why they have become so popular . To take care of them correctly you’re limited to what types of Face Wash you can use, what types of moisturizers you can use, what type of eye makeup you can use, they advise you not to go in swimming pools or saunas and and if you work out at the gym and get sweaty they get tangled if you happen to wipe your face and accidentally touch them and you have to brush them everyday which is more work than actually putting on mascara . There’s probably something else I’m forgetting to list but it’s simply tons of maintenance.If you wear fake eyelashes you’ll be familiar with that feeling that you just want to get them off. Now imagine having that feeling constantly. 100% honestly… they really don’t look much better than a good pair of eyelashes you might get the MAC counter. And its extremely annoying when your eyelashes start to grow. When you hear that the eyelashes “shed” and you just need to get it filled every two weeks… That means that you have a GAP in near perfect fake eyelashes which is extremely obvious until you pay a professional to add more. So that 2 week fill appointment is basically how long you can let these expensive things looking gapped and raggedy. If you really want great lashes take that same time you have to lay down in the chair to get these extensions put in and 30 minutes -1 hour every two weeks learn how to place regular false eyelashes. And then buy yourself a new outfit and some shoes and take your girls out for a drink with the money you save.
Ive been wearing them for 2 yrs
I had lost all my eyelashes due to a parasite. Yup. Used Eyelash Serum of Dermalmd on one eye (& not the other). Eyelashes grew back on that eye within a week. Amazing! Brokedown and used on the other eye too! Great Serum! Highly recommend. Use nightly now and eyelashes much thicker.
I’m Johanna and I got Dermalmd eyelash growth serum because all my eyelashes got pulled out from fake lash extensions from the nail salon. I was truly embarrassed about having short lashes first of all after that I had none! So I decided to provide it a shot and Dermalmd eyelash growth serum best is amazing!! It’s cheap and really worked! I commenced seeing results through week four! Now my lashes are longer than they had been! They even contact my eyebrows when I open my eyes!
[…] have lash extensions, you can skip this section. Earlier this year, I hopped back on the lash extension train and am now in the process of growing them out (it’s much better to get them professionally […]
[…] Mascara – for years I was devoted to They’re Real, but lately (when I don’t have eyelash extensions!) I’ve been using Roller […]
I can recommend everybody searching for the best lash extensions artist in your city.
There are so many who cannot do professional lashes.
I see that every day. Nobody wants to have those terrible look on his lashes.
Xoxo
Tina from Wimpernverlängerung Salzburg
I’m getting my Extensions removed Tomorrow as I can’t Afford the upkeep And the hassle of getting them filled Every 2 weeks sometimes Earlier..
I’m Scared to Death to see my probable Short, Skimpy and Damaged Lashes..
Bringing Huge Sunglasses for ride home!😁
Should I be this Worried, or am I being Overly Paranoid?
I have been getting extensions for a yr now. I just decided to stop to give my lashes a break. Little did I know my lashes had already taken they’re own “Break” they are almost non existent 😞 and like little stubs! I will never do it again! I loved my extensions and the convenience but seeing what it does to my own lashes! Never again! I just ordered a lash serum, fully vested in knowing I will look like a mole rat for a while but I want my own healthy lashes back even if they aren’t mega lashes like the extensions!
After having fake lashes, for my bday. I lost all my eyelashes. My friend recommended dermalmd eyelash serum to me. After days I could see them growing back. This is the result just weeks in. Definitely recommend dermalmd serum. People keep asking if am wearing false lashes.
I love this blog extremely instructive thanks for setting aside the effort to compose this I will follow your tips. Eyelash enhancements destroyed my ordinary lashes and I only completed them 2x and that was sufficient for me never again, it’s just not great.
I have consistently completed my lashes and the last time they did a lot of damage to my eyes. I discovered Dermalmd Eyelashes Growth Serum that is simple and easy to apply. I just got it so I’m hanging tight for results but with the reviews I’ve read I’m really looking forward to my own lashes.
[…] For example, removing multiple lashes glued together would be a complex and slow process that can cause pain. Furthermore, the safest way to remove eyelash extensions is when it’s done by a professional. If you decide to go through the removal process yourself, you might be creating room for lash damage and eye damage. […]
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