Why Aren’t My Lashes Lasting? (Common Issues & What Actually Works)
So, you got your lashes done, loved them and then watched them all fall out a little quicker than you expected? Boy, do we hate the sound of that.
You’re probably asking “why are my lash extensions falling out?” We know, poor lash retention is super frustrating, but it’s also commonly misunderstood. We’re putting an end to the mystery by explaining the most common reasons your extensions are falling out early, how long they should usually last, what you can do for longer-lasting results and when it’s time to have a talk with your stylist about other solutions. The good news is that the fix is usually simpler than you think! 😁
How Long Should Lash Extensions Actually Last?
Professional lash extensions should last throughout your natural lash growth cycle, which is about every two weeks for most people. This means your lash extension sets should be lasting those two weeks, or even three weeks if your lashes were applied using our Purple Light ™. After those two (or three) weeks, we recommend you return to the salon for a refill to keep your set looking full. 📅
It’s super important for you to know that some shedding is completely normal. In fact, we lose roughly 20% of our natural lashes every two weeks as part of their growth cycle, and your extensions will shed right along with them. Seeing a lash or two on your pillow in the morning is nothing to worry about; that’s just what lashes do! 😌
The signal that something is off is when your sets look noticeably thin before the two-week mark. Remember—noticeably thin doesn’t mean you’ve lost a few lashes here and there, but instead you can see visible, large gaps throughout your lash line. If this is happening, don’t worry, we just need to evaluate your retention and adjust accordingly.
The Most Common Reasons Lash Extensions Fall Out Too Soon
False lashes falling off stem from a handful of causes, and just about every one of them is fixable once you know what to look out for. Here’s what’s usually responsible for early lash fallout:
Alcohol- and Oil-Based Products Near the Lash Line
Lash adhesive forms an important bond between the extension and your natural lash, and oil and alcohol should stay far, far away from it. Oil- and alcohol-based products break down and ruin those adhesive bonds. Swapping to oil- and alcohol-free products, and being extra gentle, around the eye-area can make a significant difference in your retention. 🧴
Skipping the Lash Cleanse
Cleansing your lash extensions isn’t just allowed… it’s essential! Skipping the cleanse allows for all sorts of buildup and oil to collect around your lashes, which can break down those adhesive bonds we were talking about. A gentle, lash safe cleanser, like our Lash Detox Foaming Cleanser, used daily is one of the best things you can do for your retention. 🫧
Getting Lashes Wet Too Soon After Application
After your appointment, your lash adhesive needs time to fully cure. Exposing your lashes to water, steam or sweat within the first eight hours can weaken the adhesive before it has time to set completely and cause early lash loss. 💧
Wait! There’s one exception to this one: if your set was applied using The Purple Light Experience, your adhesive was cured instantly so there’s no waiting period for you!
Rubbing or Sleeping on Your Lashes
You want to avoid rubbing, tugging and pulling on your lashes. Especially try not to sleep face-down on your lashes. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend picking up our 3D Contoured Sleep Mask to protect them from getting smushed while you snore. 😴
Natural Lash Health and Growth Cycle
Your lash extension aftercare can still be great, and your retention not so much, and that’s because your lash cycle plays a role too. Our lashes are in a constant growth cycle. Everyone’s lashes shed daily, but there are reasons that your shedding might be heightened, such as periods of stress, hormonal shifts or seasonal shedding. There’s no reason to be alarmed! Just remember, there are many reasons why your results might look different from one set to another.
If you’re wanting to learn more, this blog covers shedding in more detail.
The Lash Application Itself
Your retention also depends on how your extensions were applied, and how you showed up to your appointment. Always remember to show up with a clean, bare face that’s free of makeup and product. A long-lasting set is built with a clean foundation, proper isolation and correct technique, which is why going to a trained, certified stylist at The Lash Lounge is your best call. 💜
What Actually Helps With Lash Extension Retention
Good retention doesn’t require a complicated routine, just a consistent one.
Here’s our healthy lash habits cheat sheet:
- Use oil- and alcohol-free makeup remover, like our Gel Eye Makeup Remover.
- Cleanse your lashes daily with a gentle cleanser, like our Lash Detox Foaming Cleanser.
- Avoid getting your lashes wet for 8 hours post-appointment (except our Purple Light™ guests!).
- Wear a protective sleep mask at night, like our 3D Countoured Sleep Mask .
- Brush your lashes gently and daily with a clean spoolie, like our Crystal Lash Wand .
- Stay on schedule! Book your appointments for every two weeks (or three for our Purple Light™ guests!).
It’s that simple! A small, consistent routine goes a long way in making sure your lashes last longer.
When to Talk to Your Lash Stylist
If you’ve been on your A-game lately when it comes to your lash extension aftercare routine, you’ve been consistently scheduling those refills and you’re still wondering why are my lash extensions falling out—then it’s worth having a conversation with your stylist.
Your stylist can assess your lashes to try and see what’s going on. They may want to suggest adjusting the application method or find small tweaks that can make a significant difference.
Get Long-Lasting Lashes
If your lash extensions aren’t lasting as long as you’d like, the fix is usually a combination of the right aftercare habits and working with a skilled stylist who can customize the set to your specific needs. Retention issues are common, and almost all of the time solvable. 😌
The best thing to do is problem solve with your expert stylist, who is there to make sure you get the best outcome and result possible. Book an appointment at The Lash Lounge and let our stylists help you figure out what’s going on and find what will work for your lashes. 💜
FAQS:
Q: Why are my lash extensions falling out so fast?
A: The most common reasons lash extensions fall out faster than expected include exposure to oil-based products, skipping regular lash cleansing, getting lashes wet too soon after application, sleeping on the lashes or natural lash shedding. A lash stylist can help identify the cause if the issue persists.
Q: How long do professional lash extensions last?
A: Professional lash extensions are designed to last through the natural lash growth cycle, which is typically two weeks. Its recommended guests book their refills every two weeks, or three for Purple Light™ lashes, post-application to keep their set looking full. Some fallout within that window is completely normal.
Q: Is it normal for lash extensions to fall out?
A: Yes, some fallout is completely normal. Natural lashes shed daily, and extensions go with them. If your lashes are falling out noticeably before the two-week mark, lash extension aftercare habits or application may be a factor worth discussing with your stylist.
Q: What ruins lash extension retention?
A: Oil-based and alcohol-based products, skipping your lash cleanse, steam and sweat shortly after application, rubbing the eyes and friction are the most common factors that reduce lash extension retention.
Q: Does washing your lashes make them fall out?
A: No. In fact, the opposite is true. Gently cleansing lash extensions daily with a lash-safe cleanser helps remove buildup that can weaken the adhesive bond. Skipping the cleanse is more likely to cause fallout than prevent it.
Q: Can false lashes falling off mean something is wrong with my natural lashes?
A: Sometimes, faster-than-normal fallout is related to the natural lash cycle rather than the extensions or aftercare. Stress, hormonal changes or nutritional factors can affect how quickly natural lashes shed, which impacts how long extensions last. A stylist can help assess whether this might be a factor.
Q: What actually helps lash extensions last longer?
A: The most effective habits for improving lash extension retention include using alcohol and oil-free products around the eyes, cleansing lashes daily with a lash-safe foam cleanser, avoiding water and steam for 8 hours after your appointment, sleeping in a protective sleep mask and brushing lashes gently with a spoolie each morning.
Q: Should I talk to my lash stylist if my extensions keep falling out?
A: Yes. If you’ve tried basic lash extension aftercare adjustments and still experience faster-than-normal fallout, it’s worth a conversation with your lash stylist. They can assess your natural lash health, review the current set and recommend adjustments to the style or adhesive that may improve your results.