Spotting When Your Lashes Are Having a Proper Wobble

Let's be honest: we all adore a good lash moment. Whether you're the sort that gets a lash lift every few months, swears by your reliable mascara, or only wears falsies on special occasions, our lashes do a lot of heavy lifting for our appearance. But here's the thing: much like your hair and nails, your lashes may become damaged. And once they're worn out, it's not just about appearance; unhealthy lashes may also be painful.

So, how can you tell if your lashes need some TLC? Here's a step-by-step approach to identifying the indications and treating your lashes properly. 

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The Tell-Tale Signs of Damaged Lashes  

1. They’re Falling Out Left, Right and Centre

A bit of shedding is very normal; lashes fall out and renew in cycles. However, if you notice clumps forming on your cotton pad every time you remove your makeup, this is cause for concern. Excessive fallout typically indicates that your lashes are fragile or strained.

2. They Feel Brittle and Dry 

Healthy eyelashes should be silky and flexible. If your lashes snap easily or feel like straw when you touch them, they've been overworked, possibly due to too much mascara, harsh makeup removers, or too many back-to-back lash treatments. 

3. They’re Looking a Bit Sparse 

Another red flag is an uneven lash line or obvious holes where lashes used to be. Sparse lashes are sometimes caused by repetitive tugging (for example, ripping off strip lashes in a hurry - guilty!) or by utilising cosmetics that do not work for you.

4. They’re Stubbornly Straight or Twisted 

Sometimes damaged lashes lose their original form. Instead of having a lovely shape, they could appear crooked, twisted, or just flat. This might be due to excessive processing from lash lifts or curling them too harshly.

5. They’re Shorter Than Usual 

If your mascara suddenly stops working and your lashes appear to have decreased, it's possible that they've broken off in the middle of their development cycle.

Common Culprits Behind Lash Damage

• Sleeping in mascara is something we've all done after a long night, but it clogs the lashes and makes them brittle.
• Cheap lash glue or extensions: Not all adhesives are made equal, and some can cause chaos.
• Clamping down too tight or putting curlers on mascara-coated lashes might cause them to shatter.
• Harsh cleaners take oils from your lashes and lids, leaving them susceptible.
• Back-to-back treatments - lash lifts and tints are great, but allowing your lashes to rest in between is essential.

Giving Your Lashes a Breather 

Okay, so what do you do if you see that your lashes are struggling?

• Take it easy on the cosmetics. Replace waterproof mascara with a softer product that removes without scraping.
• Discard the wipes. Use a creamy eye makeup remover or micellar water for minimal straining.
• Feed them. Lash serums, or simply a dab of castor oil at night, might assist to strengthen and nourish the hair.
• Take a rest between treatments. If you often have lash lifts or extensions, give your lashes a break every now and again.
• Maintain consistency. Regular treatment, similar to hair masks for your barnet, keeps your lashes in good condition.

At the end of the day, lashes serve more than simply aesthetic purposes; they also safeguard your eyes. Early detection of harm allows you to pamper them before the situation worsens. Consider your lashes to be your best friends on a night out; they've got your back (and your eyes), but if you push them too far, they'll cause a scene.

So, if your lashes are looking a little worse for wear - thinner, snappier, patchier - it's time to take a break from the glam and pamper them. With the correct care, they'll recover quickly and you'll be fluttering away.