Time to Let Go: Knowing When to Ditch Outgrown Lashes

Similar to that one pair of pants you adore, lash extensions initially feel and look fantastic but ultimately lose their original fit. Lashes grow out, regardless of how well-made the set was initially. Keeping outgrown lashes hanging on for dear life may cause more damage than good, so it's not just about appearances when they do.

When is the appropriate moment to bid someone farewell? Let's talk about the importance of removing overgrown lashes and how to tell when it's time to let them go.

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Why Do Lashes Grow Out in the First Place? 

Your natural lashes go through a development cycle and don't stay in one place permanently. Each lash lasts for around 6 to 8 weeks on average before falling out and giving way to a new one. Since the extensions are connected to your natural lashes, they will move with your genuine lashes as they do.

It's not a huge problem at first. However, those extensions eventually slide away from your lash line after a few weeks, giving you a rather skewed and, let's face it, untidy appearance.

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Signs It’s Time to Remove Outgrown Lashes 

Here are several indicators that it's time to schedule an appointment for eyelash extension removal or infill:

• Halfway along your lash, they are hanging. An extension should be removed if it has migrated so far beyond the lash line that it is essentially waving at you in the mirror.
• They're flipping, twisting. Outgrown lashes begin pointing in all directions and lose their tidy position. There's nothing worse than having a single errant lash prod you each time you blink.
• Your lash is being pulled by them naturally. The weight distribution changes as the extension travels out. Your natural lash may get weaker or possibly break as a result of the additional pull. Not the best option if you want to maintain the health of your lashes.
• Your set appears to be spotty. The overall appearance changes from fluttery to scruffy when some lashes are desperately trying to hold on while others have already fallen out. 

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Why You Shouldn’t Just Leave Them 

Not only are outgrown lashes a cosmetic faux pas, but they can also be harmful. An extension that weighs too much on the tip of your natural lash may cause stress on the follicle, which may result in bald areas or early shedding. This implies that your technician will have less natural lashes to work with when you return for a new set.

Furthermore, nobody is spending a lot of money on extensions only to appear as though they haven't had a fantastic night out for three weeks in a row.

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So, When’s the Right Time? 

The rule of gold? every two to three weeks. Most people find it to be the ideal location for an infill, which entails cutting out the overgrown extensions and adding new ones in their place. If you wait any longer, a complete removal and new set will be necessary.

However, each person has a unique lash cycle. While some fortunate women shed more quickly, others might extend it to four weeks. Don't be afraid to schedule sessions a little earlier if your lashes develop quickly; your lash technician will appreciate it.

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Can You Remove Them Yourself? 

The short answer is no, don't. Your natural lashes may be harmed by tugging or plucking at overgrown ones, and greasy do-it-yourself "hacks" just result in a sticky mess. A professional lash technician has the right lash remover, which softly breaks down the glue without damaging your lashes. Your eyes are too valuable to take a chance, so leave it to the professionals.

It may seem simpler to keep outgrown lashes around, but you know deep down that it's not helping you. It's like holding onto an ex. Your lash line will stay healthy, your extensions will look gorgeous, and your future sets will be perfect if you know when to let go.

So, it's probably time to schedule that removal or infill if your lashes are drooping, twisting, or making you feel less than snatched. I promise that both your natural lashes and your future self will appreciate it.