How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Lash Extensions?

If you’re going to invest in a service, you want to make sure that you’ll get good value for your money. Lash extensions in Colorado can run anywhere from $50 to more than $500, depending on the material and MedSpa, and they will need to be filled in after 4 – 6 weeks at an average cost of about $60.

The two biggest concerns for those who are choosing extensions as a long-term solution for sparse lashes are:

“Will they need to be replaced completely or will refills work in the same way as the natural cycle of natural lashes that fall out and regrow?”

and

“How will lash extensions affect the growth of my own lashes?”

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Extension Replacement vs Refills

The growth cycle of natural lashes is about six weeks. Fortunately, they don’t all fall out at once. Most lash techs recommend refills on a schedule of every three weeks to keep the look fresh. This isn’t as expensive as getting a full set, but it is still a commitment in terms of ongoing care and cost.

If you’re wearing the extensions long-term, you should have the full set replaced every three months. They won’t affect the growth or health of your natural lashes as long as you take care of them, so you can take a break from extensions every once in a while if you need it.

Why do Lashes Fall Out?

Provided that you take care of them, your lash extensions will last as long as the lashes they extend. Natural lashes fall out at a rate of about 2 – 3 per day. A shed rate any higher than that could be the result of eye irritation or an allergic reaction.

Because real lashes – and therefore, extensions – will shed at the same rate, you’ll need lash refills to keep the fullness and avoid bare spots. You do need to have adequate natural lash growth to support extensions because each extension is glued directly to the end of an existing lash on a 1:1 ratio.

A Word About Lash Materials

Lash extensions are made from three basic materials, synthetic, silk, or mink hair. Synthetic lashes are made from acrylic. They tend to be stiffer and more substantial in terms of their feel. One point in their favor is that they hold a curl really well. They’re also slightly heavier and glossier in appearance.

Synthetics are great for those who have more active lifestyles or when you want a more dramatic look. But, they may not be the best choice if your natural lashes are super fine or unhealthy. They’re also the less expensive option but have a shorter lifespan than natural materials.

On the other end of the spectrum in terms of price and feel is mink. These are super lightweight and delicate, but they’re a luxuriant choice that looks natural when applied. Despite their texture and feel, they last just as long as other materials if you take care of them.

This is a good choice if your lashes are fine or weak. Beware that they do dry super straight after you get them wet, so you should use a curler after they’re dry. Be gentle with them when curling.

Silk makes a good compromise. They’re lighter than synthetics but offer an alternative if you have ethical concerns about animal hair. They also offer the benefit of better bonding with the adhesive because silk stands are porous, natural materials that take better and are less likely to break. They’re created by twining two strands of silk together for each lash.

Another good reason to choose silk is its flexibility. They can look very natural or glamorous and full, and they hold a curl better than mink.

Another compromise selection is faux-mink. This gives you all of the advantages of mink without using actual mink hair. These extensions are created from a synthetic fiber that mimics all of the positive features of mink lashes, such as weight and appearance, without the negative features of other synthetic lashes.

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Prolonging the Life of Your Lashes

Provided that you’ve gone to a reputable MedSpa or salon for your extensions, the most important factor with lashes is aftercare. The things that will affect the look and condition of your lashes the most are:

  • Your natural lash condition and general health
  • The extension materials
  • Your lifestyle, habits, and sleep style
  • Substances you put on or near your eyes

You can still workout and live your life with extensions. But, excessive exposure to chlorine from swimming pools, your skincare routine and products, and sleeping on your stomach or tugging at your lashes will make breakage or lash fallout more excessive and noticeable.

By going that extra mile to care for your skin and look your best, you already have a solid self-care mindset. Here are some tips and recommended practices to keep your lash extensions looking and performing exactly as expected.

The First 48 Hours Make all the Difference

The adhesive used to secure lash extensions is a resin that’s meant to keep them in place without adding extra weight. We use a hypoallergenic lash adhesive to reduce the chance of allergic reactions and eye irritation.

The glue dries within an hour, but it takes at least a day to fully set. Avoid getting your lash extensions wet for the first 24 hours. Avoid makeup for the first 48 hours after having extensions applied. After that, you should be able to resume your regular skincare routine and activities, with a few minor adjustments.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners and Treatment

The products you use on your eyes will not necessarily harm the extensions, but they will degrade the adhesive and make fallout more likely. Products that contain oils or alcohol are off-limits, as are waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Waterproof makeup is hard to remove, which means harsh handling to get it all off, and the products used to remove them usually contain oil.

Try to avoid any activity that would result in contact with your lashes, use a silk pillowcase (which is good for your skin and hair in general), and resist the temptation to tug, pick, or pull at your lashes. When you shower, swim or wash your face, pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.

Mind What you put on or Near Your Eyes

It’s important to use conditioners and cleansers that are formulated specifically for use with lash extensions. We carry a line of beauty products that are specially formulated to enhance your results and keep your skin and lashes in good shape between appointments. Your lash technician will also provide you with full aftercare instructions before you leave our facility.

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Keep Your Lash Appointments

If you plan to rock lash extensions long-term, it’s important to keep all of your maintenance and replacement appointments. Those who are receiving other services at our medical spa can coordinate these with lash appointments according to the recommendations of your skincare specialist.

Give Your Lash Extensions the Best Foundation

Lash extensions are only as good as the material they’re made from and the technician who applies them. When you’re looking for lash extensions in Parker, CO, Timeless Aesthetics Beauty Lounge offers a selection of high-quality lashes and certified technicians who are dedicated to guest satisfaction.

Call us at (720) 499-6460 or visit our website to book an appointment today.