Do Lash Extensions Actually Affect Your Real Lashes? (2025)

Beauty

Here's everything you need to know if you're a fan of getting lash extensions.

by Kyla Villena

Published on May 6, 2025

Do Lash Extensions Actually Affect Your Real Lashes? (2)

PHOTO: Instagram/haileybieber

There are several keys to always looking put together, and having bright, opened-up eyes is one of them. This is one of the reasons why lash extensions have become a beauty staple through the years. Having your lashes done requires extra effort, but they do make you look effortless—it’s no wonder why the internet has called it a “high maintenance” treatment that makes you stay “low maintenance.”

With lash extensions, you can skip the mascara or the falsies. And who doesn’t want to feel ready to step out in the same look they woke up in? Despite its many pros, from giving boosts of confidence to saving time each day, there are still many things to consider. Ahead, we look at the impact of lash extensions on the natural lash cycle, and the possible signs to look out for when it comes to taking a break from the fluttery look.

Do Lash Extensions Actually Affect Your Real Lashes? (3)

The Natural Lash Cycle

Whether you already have lash extensions on or you’re just thinking about getting them, understanding how your eyelashes grow can contribute greatly to the results of your lash services, how you maintain them, and what your personal expectations are overall. There are only three phases to keep in mind. Note that not all hair follicles go through each stage at the same time, assuring you that your lashes won’t shed all at once. This also makes it easier to identify if you’re losing more eyelashes than usual.

The Anagen Phase (4-10 weeks): Simply put, this is the active growth phase. Your lashes will lengthen more each day.

The Catagen Phase (2-3 weeks): Also known as the transition phase, this is when the lashes stop growing. If an eyelash falls during the Catagen Phase, it won’t grow back until it’s time for the Anagen Phase again. This makes the Catagen Phase an optimal time to use lash serums to enhance their fullness. By this time, your lashes are stronger and more welcoming of lash extensions.

The Telogen Phase (3-4 months): This is a period of rest. Your lashes will naturally fall out, while new ones start to grow in.

Do Lash Extensions Actually Affect the Natural Lash Cycle?

The short answer is no—but there is a but! Lash extensions can affect your real eyelashes if they are not properly applied. This is why it’s important to get high-quality treatments done by professionals, especially if they’re around something as delicate as our eyes. Extensions done correctly are attached to individual eyelashes rather than the hair follicles themselves, leaving enough room for natural lashes to have an uninterrupted cycle. Skillful professionals can assist in choosing the right style, thickness, and length specific to you, so that your eyes don’t get weighed down and your extensions will feel lightweight.

Do Lash Extensions Actually Affect Your Real Lashes? (4)

Signs That Your Lashes Need to Rest from Extensions

Now that you’ve gotten to know your real eyelashes better, you should be able to point these signs a little easier. These are what you should look out for to tell if they’re in need of a break.

Thin or Sparse Natural Lashes: If this is happening despite proper care and at a time when you’re not due for a refill yet, it may be an indication that your lashes already need a period to recover.

Irritation or Redness: Any feelings of discomfort should not be ignored. They can signal that your eyes or your eyelashes are receiving stress or are not reacting well.

Brittleness or Breakage: Stress can also cause your natural lashes to feel brittle or to break more often, especially from the added weight of extensions. Similarly, if your lash extensions are falling out more quickly, that can also mean that your natural lashes need to regain their strength.

Taking Care of Your Real Lashes

There’s no denying that lash extensions can enhance your appearance, open your features, and help you achieve certain looks more easily. However, your natural eyelashes can benefit from having a breather from them. After all, where will we have our lash extensions attached if our real lashes are never strong enough anymore? Part of what makes it a high maintenance treatment is the constant need to take care of your real lashes, and that includes occasionally stepping away from the extensions, so that you can have a more beautiful experience in the long run. And if you feel like simply taking a break is not enough, there are lash serums formulated for strengthening and growth available in the market.

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Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.