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Do I Need to Rest My Lashes?

Asked in the Salon

Do I need to rest my lashes?

"When do I need to rest my lashes? My last lash tech said I should."

A client asked me this in the salon today, because her previous lash tech had told her she needed to rest her lashes. The answer is simple. Healthy natural lashes with well applied extensions do not need a break. I have clients who have worn lash extensions for 14 years, and the only break they ever had was during lockdown.

Here is what is actually happening with your natural lashes, and how to keep them healthy while you wear extensions.

How a natural lash works

Every natural lash has its own life cycle. It grows, then rests, then sheds, and a new lash grows in its place. Each lash is at a different stage at any one time, so shedding a few natural lashes every day is completely normal. You just do not notice it until you wear extensions and start seeing them fall out.

A full cycle can take several months, which is why your lash line naturally looks fuller at some times than others.

How an extension is attached

When extensions are applied with care, each extension is attached to one single natural lash, sitting just away from the skin. It stays on that lash and grows out with it. When that natural lash reaches the end of its cycle, it sheds with the extension still attached.

That is why extensions fall out gradually, and why you need regular infills to replace them. Your lashes are not being pulled out. They are shedding as they always would.

How damage can happen

Healthy natural lashes can wear extensions for a long time. Problems usually come from one of these:

  • Lashes stuck together. If two or more natural lashes are attached to each other, the slower growing one gets pulled as the other grows. This can lead to lashes coming out before they are ready.
  • Extensions that are too heavy or too long. Every natural lash can only carry so much. An extension that is too thick or too long for the lash it sits on puts strain on the root over time.
  • Not keeping them clean. Oil, makeup and dead skin build up along the lash line. This can weaken the bond and irritate the eye area. Clean lashes last longer and stay healthier.
  • Picking and pulling. Pulling extensions off removes the natural lash with them, often before it is ready to shed.
  • Rubbing and oil based products. Rubbing your eyes, sleeping face down and oil based cleansers can loosen the bond and stress the lashes.

So do you need a break?

No. If your natural lashes are healthy and your extensions are well applied, at the right weight and length, there is no need for a break. Each extension grows out and sheds with its natural lash, just as that lash would have shed anyway. Your lashes are not being worn out or starved of anything.

A break is only needed when there is a reason, such as:

  • a reaction, such as redness, itching or swelling
  • natural lashes that have been damaged and need time to recover
  • you simply want time with your natural lashes

If you are told to take a break, ask what the reason is. A good lash tech will happily show you what they can see in your own lashes.

Looking after your lashes for long term wear

  • Cleanse them every day or every other day with a lash safe, oil free cleanser.
  • Brush them gently each morning with a clean spoolie.
  • Keep up your infills, usually every two to three weeks, so the weight stays balanced.
  • Have them removed professionally. Never pull or pick them off.
  • Avoid oil based products around the eyes, including some makeup removers and eye creams.
  • Tell your lash tech about any itching, redness or changes to your natural lashes.

Lash myths

  • "Extensions ruin your natural lashes." Extensions applied with care, at the right weight and length, and looked after well, do not damage healthy lashes.
  • "You should never get your lashes wet." Keep them dry for the first day or so while the adhesive fully sets. After that, regular cleansing is one of the best things you can do for them.
  • "Everyone needs a break every few months." Healthy lashes with well applied extensions do not need a break. Lashes can be worn for years with no rest at all.
  • "Losing lashes means something has gone wrong." Shedding is part of the natural lash cycle. Losing a few every day is normal.
  • "Thicker lashes always look better." The best look is the one your natural lashes can comfortably carry.

Questions to ask your lash tech

  • What length and thickness suit my natural lashes?
  • Do you patch test before a first appointment?
  • What adhesive do you use, and is it suitable for sensitive eyes?
  • How should I clean my lashes at home?
  • How often should I come back for infills?
  • How do you remove extensions?
  • If you think I need a break, what is the reason?

For lash professionals

If a client asks you this, they may have been told elsewhere that breaks are needed. Be clear and confident. Explain the natural lash cycle, how you attach one extension to one lash, and how you choose a weight and length their lashes can comfortably carry.

Consultation line: "Your natural lashes are healthy, so there is no need for a break. Each extension grows out with your own lash. I check them at every infill, and if I ever see a reason for a break, I will tell you."

FAQ wording: "Do I need a break from lash extensions? No. Healthy lashes with well applied extensions do not need a break. We choose a length and thickness your natural lashes can comfortably carry and check them at every appointment."

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