Eye Makeup

Bad Eyelash Extensions Got You Down? Here’s What To Do!

Ever had a lash mishap?


Written by Rinnie George

On Oct 5, 2023 – 7 minutes read

Bad Eyelash Extensions

Let’s talk about something that hits close to home for many of us – bad eyelash extensions. You walk into the salon with high hopes of batting those long, luscious lashes, but instead, you leave with a set that makes you look more like a confused baby owl than the sultry, wide-eyed beauty you envision. It’s a lash disaster that can leave you feeling like you’ve fallen into a beauty blunder.

Pitfalls And Dangers Of Bad Eyelash Extensions

Wearing fake lashes every day can be very time-consuming. It’s crucial to know the pitfalls and bad practices of eyelash extensions so that you can avoid them. 

🚫 Cheap, Low-Quality Materials

Imagine having extensions that start falling out after just a week or two. It’s a disaster waiting to happen! Bad practices often involve using synthetic lashes that look more like plastic than real hair.

Avoid using inexpensive, inferior materials for eyelash extensions since they may injure your natural lashes. It’s critical to spend money on reliable eyelash extension brands known for their high-quality products to avoid any potential damage.

🚫 Poor Application Techniques

Ever seen someone with eyelash extensions that resemble a clump of spiders? Poor application techniques are the culprit here. When lash technicians apply extensions haphazardly or use too much glue, it can result in an unsightly, clumpy mess. 

🚫 Heavy Lashes

When extensions are too long or too thick, they can weigh down your natural lashes, causing them to weaken and even fall out prematurely.

🚫 Unsafe Adhesive

Bad eyelash extension practices often involve using adhesives that contain harsh chemicals or allergens. These chemicals can make your eyes red, itchy, and swollen. 

🚫 Skipping Aftercare

Bad practices often involve clients skipping the essential steps to maintain their lash extensions. Proper aftercare, like gentle cleansing, avoiding oil-based products, and regular touch-ups, is crucial to keeping your extensions looking their best.

How Do I Know If My Lash Extensions Are Bad?

Let us decode the signs that can help you identify if your lash extensions are bad news.

🚫 Your Lashes Are Hard To Brush

Good extensions should be smooth, allowing you to run a lash brush or comb through them effortlessly. If your extensions are a knotty nightmare, it’s time to question the quality of the job.

🚫 Eye Irritation From Lash Extensions

Itchy, watery, or irritated eyes are a clear sign that something is amiss with your lash extensions. While a mild adjustment period is normal, prolonged discomfort isn’t.

🚫 One-Length Lashes

Good lash extensions should mimic the natural growth pattern of your lashes, which means they’ll have varying lengths. If all your lash extensions are the same length, it’s a sign of a rushed or inexperienced technician. Real lashes aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your extensions be.

🚫 Application Burns Your Eyes

If the application process feels like burning sensations or stinging eyes, it’s not a good sign. This could be due to the use of harsh or low-quality adhesives. 

🚫 Unnaturally Long Inner Corners

When the inner corners are disproportionately long compared to the rest of your lashes, it creates an unnatural, unbalanced look that can make your eyes appear droopy and out of proportion.

🚫 You Don’t Even Get a Week Out of Them

If your extensions start falling out in a matter of days, it’s a sign of poor attachment. Quality extensions should last several weeks before needing a touch-up.

🚫 Your Lashes Are Clusters Or Flares, Not Extensions

If your lash extensions look more like clusters or flares rather than individual extensions, it’s a major red flag. Cluster lashes are pre-made bunches of lashes that are often glued directly onto your natural lashes. They can be heavy, uncomfortable, and can cause damage to your real lashes. 

Side Effects Of Using Bad Eyelash Extensions

Side Effects Of Using Bad Eyelash Extensions

Not all eyelash extensions are created equal, and using bad ones can lead to some pretty unpleasant side effects.
1. Irritated Eyes
If you find yourself constantly blinking, itching, or experiencing redness after getting extensions, it’s a clear sign that something’s amiss. 
2. Allergic Reactions
Any kind of allergic reaction like swollen, puffy eyes, or red eyes is a sign of bad eyelash extension. 
3. Premature Lash Shedding
Your natural lashes have a growth cycle, and they usually shed one by one, making it less noticeable. However, bad extensions can weigh down your natural lashes, causing them to fall out prematurely in clumps. This can leave you with a patchy, sparse lash line that’s far from the lush look you desire. 
4. Infections
When lash extensions are applied improperly, they can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria near your lash line. This can lead to infections like conjunctivitis or styes. Nobody wants to deal with red, painful eyes and a trip to the doctor when all they want is fabulous lashes.

How Do You Get Rid Of Bad Eyelash Extensions?

Let’s talk about how to get rid of bad eyelash extensions without causing harm to your natural lashes.

How Do You Get Rid Of Bad Eyelash Extensions?

❌Avoid Pulling Or Picking

Resist the urge to pull or pick at your bad eyelash extensions. This can cause damage to your real lashes and lead to a more prolonged recovery period. Be patient and gentle with your lashes.

✅Lash Natural Growth Cycle

First things first, remember that eyelash extensions don’t last forever. They are attached to your natural lashes, which have their growth cycle. Typically, natural lashes fall out every 6-8 weeks and are replaced by new ones (1). This natural shedding process can help you get rid of extensions over time.

✅Consult A Professional

If you’re not comfortable waiting for your natural lashes to shed the extensions, or if they’re causing discomfort, it’s time to consult a professional. Go back to the salon or lash technician who applied the extensions. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove them without harming your natural lashes.

✅Professional Removal

A true professional will avoid tugging at the lashes and smoothly slide off the extensions for a flawless finish. How do professionals remove eyelash extensions? Lash technicians have a special adhesive remover that is safe for use around the eyes. They will typically apply this solution to the extensions, which will break down the adhesive bond and allow the extensions to slide off without damaging your natural lashes. This process is usually painless and takes about 15-30 minutes.

✅DIY Steam

Some people attempt to remove eyelash extensions at home using steam. You can do this by boiling a pot of water, and then carefully holding your face over the steam for a few minutes. The steam can help weaken the adhesive bond, making it easier for extensions to fall off naturally. However, this method is less reliable and can potentially damage your natural lashes if not done correctly, so it’s not recommended.

✅Oil-Based Removers

You may come across suggestions to use oil-based makeup removers or coconut oil to loosen lash extensions. If you choose this method, be gentle and avoid getting oil in your eyes.

✅Trimming

If your bad extensions are causing significant discomfort, you can trim them carefully with small scissors. However, this is a temporary fix and should be done with extreme caution to avoid accidentally cutting your natural lashes.

Will My Lashes Grow Back After Bad Lash Extensions?

Absolutely, your lashes will grow back after experiencing bad lash extensions. The human eyelash has a natural growth cycle, just like the hair on your head. Lashes go through phases of growth, transition, and rest, with each lash follicle following its own timeline. Typically, this cycle takes about 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

Final Take

Bad eyelash extensions can not only hurt your pocket but also waste a significant amount of your precious time. Before you commit, take the time to research and read reviews diligently. 

Before getting bad eyelash extensions, it is also vital to assess the pros and cons of eyelash extensions to make an informed decision about your beauty routine. Remember, your eyes deserve the best care and attention. So, prioritize your eye health, make wise decisions, and let your beautiful lashes do the talking!

FAQ

1. How Long Does A Damaged Eyelash Take To Heal?

The healing time for a damaged eyelash can range from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the damage.

2. Can Lash Extensions Damage Your Eyes?

Yes, lash extensions can potentially damage your natural lashes or cause eye irritation if not applied or cared for properly.

3. What Is The White Stuff On My Eyelash Extensions?

The white stuff on your eyelash extensions might be dried lash adhesive or debris. 

4. How Long Should Lash Extensions Look Good?

Lash extensions should look good for about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle and how well you maintain them. 

  1. National center for biotechnology information. (n.d). Bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861943/

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Rinnie crafts professional articles on a wide range of topics, including beauty, lifestyle, fashion, and motherhood. Her aim is to express her thoughts through words and share them with the world via social media captions, blogs and YouTube scripts.

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