Eyelash extensions, who wouldn’t love them?! The truth is that they are so popular and often worn by a ton of different women. They can suit all the eye shapes and will look lovely on different age groups or events when done the right way and by a specialized lash stylist. However, how to know when is the right time to get them, how often you might need a refill, and when is the right time to get a whole new set? This is a move that a lot of women tend to get wrong and they are not equipped with the right knowledge when it comes to lash extension maintenance. Keep on reading and find out all there’s to it down below.
So, What Exactly Is Lash Refill?
A lash fill is like a refresh button for your eyelash extensions. Over time, lash extensions lose their fullness as your natural lashes shed. During a lash fill appointment, new extensions are added to fill in the gaps, making your lashes look full and fresh.
The process involves applying extensions to new and natural lashes that may have lost their previous extensions. It also includes removing extensions that are close to falling off or overgrown to keep your natural lashes healthy.
The goal is to give you the long, full lash line you want while keeping everything tidy. To maintain this look, it’s a good idea to get a lash refill every 2 to 3 weeks since natural lashes lose about 20% every two weeks.
How Frequently Should You Get Lash Refills?
Lash extensions should be refilled every 3 weeks to maintain a full lash line with a minimum of 60% coverage. It’s completely normal to lose your extensions as your natural eyelashes move through the growth cycle.
Let’s use a real life example to illustrate this.
A new lash set will typically get you an 85% coverage. This means, 85% of your natural lashes now have an extension attached to it.
When a natural eyelash completes its growth cycle and falls out, the extension attached to it will fall as well. Therefore, assuming you have proper aftercare, you should expect a retention schedule similar to this:
75% extensions left after 2 weeks
55% extensions left after 3 weeks
35% extensions left after 4 weeks
For an optimal look, you want to maintain at least a 60% coverage. In other words, 60% of your natural lashes should still have an extension attached.
Below this threshold, your initial design won’t be optimal, and it will be possible to see gaps.
How To Prolong the Time Between Lash Refills?
Want to keep those luscious lash extensions looking fabulous for longer? We’ve got some friendly tips to help you prolong the time between your lash fill sessions.
First and foremost, remember that the health of your natural lashes is the key to preserving those stunning extensions. As they say, they’re the foundation upon which your extensions are built. So, if your extensions grow out too far, it’s a good idea to remove them and apply a fresh set to protect your natural lashes.
Now, onto some friendly maintenance advice.
- Switch to Sleeping on Your Back: If you find it comfy, this simple change can help reduce lash loss. Resting your face on a pillow can lead to extensions falling out faster.
- Gentle Face Washing: When you’re washing your face, be gentle. No need for a harsh scrub that could harm your extensions.
- Stay Dry: Avoid situations where your lashes get too much water and heat, like swimming or saunas. These can shorten the lifespan of your extensions.
- Watch Out for Oil: Here’s a friendly heads-up: steer clear of makeup and cleansers containing oil. Oil can break down the glue holding your extensions in place.
- Classic Mascara: If you’re a mascara lover, stick to classic lashes for the best compatibility.
- Be Kind to Your Eyes: Last but not least, be kind to your eyes – no rubbing or tugging. It’s a simple way to prevent any irritation and protect your lovely extensions.
These simple steps can help you enjoy your beautiful lash extensions for more extended periods between fills, even though you can’t control your lash growth cycle.