Will my eyelashes recover after extensions?

Author: Alysha Grant PhD  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

Eyelashes have a relatively short lifespan, lasting only three to five months on average. This means that if your eyelashes are damaged from lash extensions, it will take approximately 16 weeks for them to fully regrow.

How long does it take for lashes to recover after extensions?

The glue used for the extensions can permanently damage your eyelids and eyelash follicles, but if you're lucky enough to avoid permanent damage, expect to see your eyelashes quickly grow back within six weeks. However, your eyelashes may take longer to recover if there's ongoing irritation, redness, and inflammation.

How do you fix damaged eyelashes after extensions?

You can fix it by taking a break, using lash serums, applying natural oils, avoiding waterproof mascara, and maintaining a gentle lash cleansing routine. These steps will help your natural lashes recover and regain their beauty. With patience and care, you'll soon enjoy healthier, longer lashes.

Why are my eyelashes so short after lash extensions?

Extensions are applied to your natural lashes, and they shed as part of your lash's natural growth cycle. If you removed your extensions after 4 weeks, it's possible you're seeing shorter baby lashes that are just starting to grow in.

Is lash extension damage permanent?

It's highly rare to see permanent damage to natural lashes when the lash artist applies the extensions properly, and when they are well taken care of by clients.

HOW TO GROW YOUR LASHES AFTER EXTENSIONS | EYELASH REHAB! 😱

Will my lashes ever be the same after extensions?

Eyelashes have a relatively short lifespan, lasting only three to five months on average. This means that if your eyelashes are damaged from lash extensions, it will take approximately 16 weeks for them to fully regrow.

How often should I take a break from lash extensions?

As a general rule of thumb, many lash experts recommend taking a break every 6-9 months, especially if you've been wearing extensions continuously. Given that the natural lash growth cycle from start to finish can range from 3 to 4 months, individual lashes are at different stages of this cycle at any given time.

Is it normal to lose lashes after extensions?

Don't worry; it's pretty common to see some lashes come loose after a new set. Your natural lashes undergo a regular shedding cycle where old lashes fall out, and new ones grow in their place – something that is completely normal and part of having healthy lashes.

What do eyelashes look like after removing extensions?

You will likely find that your lashes look just as they did before. Sometimes the natural lash may appear shorter because the tip may have broken off when wearing extensions or during the removal.

What is the best eyelash growth serum?

Best lash serum overall

As mentioned above, Latisse is the only FDA-approved eyelash-enhancing serum. “It does work. It takes about eight weeks of nightly use,” says Dr. Russo.

Will damaged eyelashes grow back?

There's hope if the eyelashes become singed because of a fire-related incident. As long as the roots of the hair follicles aren't destroyed and the eyelids are healthy, the eyelashes should grow back after six weeks, as this is when a new growth cycle starts.

Why are my eyelashes flat after extensions?

In short, if your lashes appear short and stubby after extensions, don't worry—it's a common issue often caused by improper application. To restore them, take a break from extensions, use lash serums, apply natural oils, avoid waterproof mascara, and follow a gentle lash cleaning routine.

Does removing lash extensions ruin your lashes?

Don't pull out your extensions at home. Rubbing or pulling at the extensions can injure your natural lashes and possibly even the hair follicle. Damaged hair follicles may not grow new eyelashes easily and can lead to long-term (or even permanent) bald spots along your lash line.

How to repair damaged lashes after extensions?

Below we have laid out five top tips on how to speed up the repair of your natural lashes and achieve a long and luscious look naturally:
  1. Use an eyelash serum daily to boost growth. ...
  2. Take your vitamins. ...
  3. Use a lengthening mascara. ...
  4. Eat more whole foods. ...
  5. Make sure to remove make-up daily.

What do damaged eyelashes look like?

Eyelashes that have turned a lighter colour than usual, have dark spots, or look rough instead of smooth, could be damaged. Discolouration can be caused by various factors, including excessive use of mascara, improper lash care, harsh adhesives, or incorrect eyelash extension application and removal.

Does vaseline help your eyelashes grow?

Since Vaseline is made purely of petroleum jelly, and petroleum jelly does not aid in eyelash growth, it is safe to say that Vaseline itself does not help your eyelashes grow. The benefits of vaseline on your eyelashes are limited to: Locking in moisture. Gentle on skin.

Why are my eyelashes so short after extensions?

If your lash extensions were applied by an inexperienced, uncertified, or untrained technician, your natural lashes may become shorter as a result of a “lash crime.” Properly applied extensions should not cause harm to your natural lashes, as each extension is meticulously isolated and applied to a single natural lash.

How to wean off lash extensions?

You have two options with a break: let the lashes shed gradually over time, or pop into the salon to have them removed professionally. It takes around five to six weeks for a typical lash set to shed completely, and even then you might find a few very determined stragglers. If this is easier, we'd say go for it!

Does castor oil help lashes?

As you've seen previously, some evidence shows that castor oil benefits lashes by preventing premature lash loss. Castor oil also has excellent nourishing and moisturizing effects on your lashes. In short, it remains a low-risk remedy for soft, hydrated, and less prone-to-breakage lashes.

Why do my lashes look thinner after extensions?

If your lash extensions are too heavy for your natural lashes to be able to support, this can cause your lashes to shed prematurely, which can impact their natural growth cycle. Lash extensions that are too heavy for your natural lashes can cause your lashes to grow back thinner and lead to natural lash loss.

Do eyelashes get damaged with extensions?

Lash extensions, if too heavy or applied incorrectly, can lead to breakage, thinning, or even loss of natural lashes over time. On the other hand, proponents of lash extensions often highlight the benefits when applied correctly, including enhancing volume and length without the need for mascara.

Is it good to give your lashes a break from extensions?

We recommend that you have a short break of 1-2 months from eyelash extensions at least once a year to allow the eyelid line to be thoroughly cleansed after the months of make-up build-up and bacteria, and also for the natural lashes to grow and thicken.

How to transition from lash extensions to natural lashes?

Removing Lash Extensions at Home
  1. Hold Back from Plucking. ...
  2. Choose an Oil-Based Makeup Remover. ...
  3. Use a Daily Eyelash Glue Remover. ...
  4. Try Using Steam. ...
  5. Apply Castor Oil as a Nightly Treatment. ...
  6. Mask The Extensions. ...
  7. Care for Your Natural Eyelashes.

How long does it take for eyelashes to grow back?

Did you know that it will typically take around 6 weeks for the eyelash to grow back, if it's been cut or burned with no damage to the follicle or eyelid. However, if you pull an eyelash out, it may take longer for the eyelash to grow back, as the act of pulling can slow down the replacement process.

Which area of the eye do you put the longest lashes in?

The longest lashes are put in the middle of the eye and you can use as many different lengths as you want, they are to be placed equally both sides of the longest section. For example if you start with 8mm in the inner corners, you should lash the outer corner also with an 8mm.

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