How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

If you have been curious to learn more about eyelash extensions, you’re not alone - the term has reached 883,000 search terms on Google per month.

From the types of extensions to the cost, it’s common to have dozens of questions before getting extensions. And perhaps the most important one of all: how long will eyelash extensions last?

Below we’ve created the following guide explaining how long you can expect your new eyelash extensions to last. From the type of lashes you choose to your extension-care routine, there are dozens of factors that come into play.

What are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are lashes made from silk, mink, or a lightweight synthetic material that are applied directly onto natural lashes. A lash artist will use a semi-permanent adhesive to attach the lashes to the lash line to create the most natural look possible.

Most of the time, eyelash extensions are applied on the top lash line and are either applied in groups known as “clusters” or “fans” or will be applied individually.

Everyone’s eyelashes are different, just like their experience will be with eyelash extensions. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of extensions before you can predict how long they’ll last.

Choosing the Right Eyelash Extensions That Will Last

When it comes to choosing your eyelash extensions, you’ll be deciding between materials, lengths, volumes, and curls. All of these components can affect how long your lashes will stay on.

Materials

Eyelash extension materials can be silk, mink, or a faux mink (also known as synthetic lashes.

Mink will usually be used if you’re going for the most natural look possible. Since mink lashes are natural, they’ll have a great quality to them that isn’t possible with synthetic material.

However, while mink lashes last a long time, they don’t keep their curl. If you don’t want to have to deal with the maintenance of recurring your lashes, mink isn’t the best choice for you.

Faux mink lashes are the most popular form of lashes used by artists today. They’re loved by lash artists because they hold their curl and they’re low maintenance.

Silk lashes are more flexible than synthetic lashes and are great for you if you have weak or flimsy natural lashes. If your lashes aren’t as strong, silk may be the option that will give your extensions the most longevity.

Lengths

Next, you’ll want to consider the length of the eyelashes. Eyelash extension lengths range from 5mm to 18mm.

A length that is too long could damage your lashes, while a length that is too short will look improper. And the wrong length could make you uncomfortable or feel like you are sending the wrong message.

Lashes that are too long could also become too heavy, which may interfere with the healthy growth of lashes from your follicle.

When choosing your eyelash extensions, always select ones that are 3mm to 5mm longer than your natural lashes.

You’ll also want to achieve balance with the diameter of your lashes. If your natural lashes have a thin diameter, lashes that are too thick will not mesh well.

If you are looking for a dramatic look with long eyelash extensions, choose ones of a thin diameter. This will keep your natural lashes healthy and safe while giving you your desired look.

Volumes

The diameter and volume of your lashes are different. While the diameter refers to the thickness of each individual lash, the volume refers to the number of extensions applied to each lash.

Volume lashes are often grouped together in what is referred to as a “fan.” Each lash within the fan is thinner and lighter than the previous one. These lashes are quite lightweight and give darker and softer results without damaging natural lashes.

If you’re looking for a look that will last a long time without damaging your lashes, 2D to 4D will give you the natural volume you desire without harmful results. For stronger eyelashes, opting for 4D to 8D may give you the best look.

Curls

The last element of the lash you choose is the curl type. There are numerous curl types, from the soft B curl to the most dramatic L+ curl.

The B-curl is the most natural-looking curl. It’s the best choice for individuals with straight lashes and will likely stay on the longest.

The C-curl is the most popular choice of curl because it suits almost all eye types. It adds an open and full look to all lashes, even thin ones. If you have thin or weaker lashes, you will be able to support a C curl and expect it to last.

For a more dramatic look, you would select a D-curl. Most of the time, D curls are for special occasions or certain looks. But for some people with especially curly lashes, D-curls may be the best choice to fit their natural lash shape.

Making your eyelashes last longer will depend on the curl type you choose. Very curly lashes won’t do well with a B curl, and very straight lashes won’t last as long with a D curl.

CC curls and L curls are rarely selected as they are quite dramatic. We recommend avoiding these types altogether if you want your lashes to stay on for as long as possible.

Last Extensions: The Timeline

In addition to learning how long your eyelash extensions will last, you may be curious to know more about the timelines of extensions in general. Here are a few answers to common questions about getting lash extensions.

How Long Does It Take to Get Eyelash Extensions?

The beginning of your eyelash extension process starts when you go your lash expert for your appointment. The time it takes to get lash extensions will depend entirely on the experience level of the artist.

An experienced artist can complete a complex look quickly, while a newer artist may take more time to perfect the look.

But for the most part, a full set will take about an hour to an hour and a half. This is for a client who is looking for a standard lash fill and is not getting a more intricate look for a special occasion.

How Long is the Downtime Period After Getting Extensions?

After you get your extensions, you can go about the rest of your day as normal. Your eyes may feel a bit heavy, but there won’t be any other side effects.

Do keep in mind that you cannot get your eyelashes wet for 48 hours after application. If they get wet, the water will weaken the bond of the glue and likely cause them to fall out.

It’s also a good idea to avoid exercising, doing any strenuous activity, or spending too much time in a hot environment for the first 48 hours as well. If you know that you’re someone who sweats easily, this advice is even more important for you.

How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

If you follow your technician’s after-case tips, you can expect your lashes to look and feel beautiful for 6 weeks (this includes going to your salon for infills during this time).

For some people, the best results will only last 4 weeks. Others might have their full set last up to 8 weeks. It all depends on the person.

Do Infills Make Eyelash Extensions Last Longer?

Infills are a must if you want your eyelashes to make it the full 6 week period. Over the natural course of your eyelashes life, some will fall out. So, some of your eyelash extensions will fall out during the course of your extensions.

Having infills done will fill in the gaps from natural shedding and maintain the full lash line that your extensions give you. Instead of getting a new full set every 2 to 3 weeks, you can just have a few lashes added here and there.

How to Properly Take Care of Eyelash Extensions

Like any other beauty treatment, your eyelash extensions are not a one-and-done process. They'll require continued maintenance to stay healthy and look their best.

Use Lash-Based Cleanser

The key to making your lashes last longer is to keep them clean and intact. One way of doing this is by washing your lashes daily with an approved lash cleanser.

Lash cleansers get rid of any oil, dirt, and debris that may lead them to fall off or get misshapen. The cleaner they are, the longer they will last.

Have a Lash Infill Every 2-3 Weeks

Never leave your lashes for more than a few weeks at a time without going for a fill. This could damage your natural eyelashes if extensions start to get damaged or worn without being tended to properly.

If you leave your extensions on for too long without going back to the salon for an infill, they will become heavy and outgrown. Your natural lashes may fall out if you’re not careful.

And if that’s not reason enough to have regular infills, you’ll also save money in the long run. Infills are significantly less expensive than getting a new full set every time you go to the salon.

Brush Your Lashes

Unless you have wild curly hair, you probably don’t go a day without brushing your hair. Keeping your hair brushed keeps it healthy - it’s a gentle massage that leads to hair growth, scalp stimulation, and higher blood flow.

And the same idea applies to your eyelashes. Keeping them brushed not only keeps them looking nice, but it also helps to keep them last longer. It even stimulates your natural lashes to grow and can help rejuvenate the skin near the lash line.

How to Make Your Eyelash Extensions Last

Following the proper eyelash care routine is critical to making your eyelashes last as long as possible. But there are other things you can do to ensure that they stay in beautiful condition.

Match Your Eye & Lash Shape When Choosing Lashes

Before getting eyelash extensions, make sure you understand your eye shape and lash shape. There are ten different eye shapes, including almond eyes, round eyes, wide-set eyes, and monolid eyes.

The shape of your eyes will play a role in how your eyelashes stay on your lash line. Lash placement on someone with upturned eyes will be different than someone with hooded eyes.

At your appointment, talk to your lash technician about all of the options that will look the best for your eye shape.

You’ll also want to look at your lash shape. Say you have very straight lashes and opt for mega-curled extensions. Not only will grow-out be obvious, but it will also be hard on your lashes as they will have difficulty supporting such a different shape. This will lead to fallout and the weakening of your natural lashes.

Choose a Lightweight Style

Once you know the best shape of the lashes, you’ll also want to choose a style that is the right mix of durable and lightweight.

In general, the thicker and fuller the extensions, the heavier they are on your natural lashes. This heaviness will make them fall out quickly.

But if lashes are too light and fine for your lash type, they may not withstand for very long either.

In most cases, opting for the classic lash extensions within the 0.05mm or 0.07mm range will be the right balance for your eyelashes.

Avoid Oil-Based Products

Avoid putting any oil-based products near your eyes while you have lash extensions. The properties of the oil will damage the bond of the glue and can cause the extensions to fall out.

Take time to inspect the products you’re using on a daily basis. Make sure your moisturizer and makeup remover have no oil. And read the labels of any eye creams to ensure that the ingredients are safe to be around both your lash line and your eyes.

Use Proper Eye Makeup

Although we’ve already covered that you should avoid oil-based products, we wanted to give special attention to eye makeup. From eyeshadow to eyeliner, many of the eye makeup products you use will be oil-based.

To maximize the life of your extensions, thoroughly inspect the eye makeup products that you use. Eyeshadow and eyeliner should have no oil in them.

In addition, it’s advised that you don't add mascara to your extensions. It is safe to use, but we don't recommend it if you want to extend the longevity of your extensions.

Adding mascara will damage the lashes and make them lose their shape. Over time, they’ll begin to look dirty because the mascara will be difficult to remove once it has touched the extensions.

And if you do use mascara, never use waterproof products.

Eyeliner won’t be a problem if you use an oil-free product. However, you must be extra careful when you remove it, as eyeliner removal often requires rubbing of the eye. And if you rub your eye with lash extensions, you will damage them.

When wearing eyeshadow, do your research to find a product that has minimal to no fallout. This will prevent any product from building up around your lash line and potentially causing infection.

Sleep on Your Back

If you’ve fallen asleep with your makeup on, you’re likely all too familiar with your makeup rubbing all over your pillow, face, and bedsheets. When we sleep on our stomachs or side, our face will be directly pressed up against those surfaces, as evident by the smudged makeup.

Every time you sleep on your stomach or press your face into the pillow with eyelash extensions, think of what would happen if you did the same thing with a face full of makeup. You’re putting pressure on the extensions, which will make them less secure and could cause breakage.

To make your lashes last as long as possible, sleep on your back.

Avoid Swimming or Other Intense Activities

After the first 48 hours of getting your extensions, you are safe to get your eyelashes wet. You will be perfectly fine should you decide to go swimming or engage in other strenuous activities.

However, every time your eyelashes get wet, they will weaken the extensions just a bit. So the more you go swimming and the more frequently you participate in sports, the more moisture you’re putting on the bond that connects your extensions to your lash line.

We’re not recommending that you opt-out of swimming or exercise altogether - but you can expect your extensions to last longer in the wintertime than in summers that are full of swimming, sunshine, and hot days.

Lash Extension FAQs

If you're wondering about how long your eyelash extensions will last, you likely have other questions about getting extensions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions from individuals who are considering getting extensions.

How Much Will Lash Extensions Cost?

You can expect your eyelash extensions to cost about $100-$150.

The average eyelash technician charges between $61 and $181 for a full set of lashes. Only 6% of technicians charge less than $60, while 12% say that they charge more than $181.

How Can I Tell if my Lashes Were Applied Correctly?

Lash extensions should never hurt after they are applied. You may feel a bit of heaviness or discomfort as your eyes adjust to the extra weight, you will not feel any pain.

Your lashes should also not hurt when they are growing out. If you begin to experience pain during the grow-out process, this is a sign that there are lashes stuck together.

You can also see if your eyelashes were applied correctly by looking at their placement on your eye. Good extensions will be close to your lash base but won’t touch the skin. There shouldn’t be any gaps of skin or any glue that prevents you from brushing them from base to ends.

Can I Remove Extensions Myself?

The glue on eyelash extensions works because it bonds the eyelash extensions to your natural lashes. So if your pull out the extensions, you’ll be pulling at your natural lashes.

Most likely, you’ll also end up pulling out your natural lashes, even if you’re careful. When you want the lashes removed, schedule an appointment with a professional so they can remove them effectively.

A technician will also be able to recommend products to you that will help make your natural lashes healthy if they have become damaged from growing out or removal.

Are Allergic Reactions Common?

Reactions to eyelash extensions are not common. The majority of people do not experience any problems with the adhesive.

However, if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about allergies, take a patch test to see if you’re allergic to the adhesive before getting extensions. If you have recently had your extensions put in but an allergic reaction occurs, we recommend having them taken out by your technician or discussing options for minimizing the reaction.

It may be a temporary reaction, but you should always consult with your technician before touching the extensions yourself.

Making Your Eyelashes Extensions Last

The first step to making your eyelashes extensions last is using a high-quality product. LashStuff offers top-of-the-line eyelash products for every salon, from lashes to tools.

To learn more about what to expect from eyelash extensions and to receive advice on running your lash business, visit our blog. Or contact us to learn more about the products that your growing salon needs!