Recently, you’ve just treated yourself to the magic of eyelash extensions, and you were thrilled with the results. But now, you’re noticing a not-so-magical change: your once-long lashes seem shorter and stubbier. What’s the deal? First, you’re definitely not alone in this. It’s a common issue, often caused by problems during the extension application. The great news is there are solutions to help your lashes recover and regain their natural beauty. This blog will dive into why this happens and offer practical tips for lash regrowth. Say goodbye to those short stubby lashes after extensions and get ready for a healthier, fuller flutter!
I. Why You Get Short stubby lashes after extensions: Figuring out the Reasons
Lash extensions can offer a glamorous and dramatic look, but there’s a common concern that arises – shorter and stubbier lashes once the extensions are removed. This unexpected result is often attributed to poor application by inexperienced or untrained lash technicians, sometimes referred to as a “lash crime.”
Ideally, extensions should not harm your natural lashes; each extension should be carefully isolated and applied to a single natural lash. However, issues arise when extensions are glued to multiple natural lashes, leading to breakage, loss, and the thinning of your natural lashes.
Perfect isolation is the key to preventing this damage and achieving those fluttering, beautiful lashes with extensions.
Several factors contribute to short stubby lashes after extensions. We will discuss them all below.
1. Glued 2 (or more) natural lashes:
One key factor contributing to the dilemma of shorter and stubbier lashes following extensions is the “stickies.” This is a common consequence of poor application, where two or more natural lashes or extensions are accidentally glued together.
Here’s how it plays out: since natural lashes don’t grow in sync, they’re often at different growth stages. When a stronger lash gets stuck to a weaker one, it tends to pull on the weaker lash, causing it to fall out earlier than intended.
The end result? Your lash line looks thinner, and you’re left with fewer lashes overall. This is a straightforward way to understand why your lashes might end up short stubby lashes after extensions.
2. Baby Lash Application:
Lash extensions should NEVER be applied to baby lashes. These are the delicate, newly grown lashes that are still in the early stages of their growth cycle.
If a lash artist attaches heavy synthetic lashes, such as C curls at 11mm in length, to baby lashes, it can lead to premature breakage and loss of the natural lash. The weight of these extensions is simply too much for the fragile baby lash to handle during its growth phase.
To maintain healthy and strong lashes, it’s crucial for lash technicians to apply extensions only to lashes that have advanced further in their growth cycle and can support the weight. Applying extensions to baby lashes can result in short and stubby lashes after extensions, which is something best avoided.
3. The Wrong Length:
Choosing the right length for lash extensions is essential to avoid damaging your natural lashes.
Let’s break it down with an example: if your natural lashes are roughly 9mm long, and you’re aiming for a natural look with a 2mm extension, your lash technician will select the appropriate extension length.
However, here’s the catch – your natural lashes aren’t always exactly 9mm long; they can range from 7mm to 10mm. To maintain healthy lashes, it’s crucial to choose different extension lengths to accommodate variations in your natural lash length.
This balance ensures that even shorter natural lashes get that 2mm extension without experiencing excess stress that could lead to breakage or premature shedding.
If, for instance, you opt for dramatic volume styles that your natural lashes can’t support, they may face tension and breakage, ultimately causing your lashes to become shorter than they were before the lash extension.
So, lash technicians must carefully choose the right length and weight of extensions to preserve the health of your natural lashes and avoid short stubby lashes after extensions.
- Apply the same length of extensions for entire eyes
4. Nailheads:
Nailheads, often known as extensions glued to the skin, are a significant pitfall in improper lash treatment. When untrained lash technicians attach extensions directly to the skin of your eyelid, it creates what’s called a Nailhead.
This is a lash extension no-no. The extensions should always be affixed to your natural lashes, with a crucial 1mm to 2mm gap between the extension and your eyelid.
Poor application that sticks extensions to the skin prevents block lash growth, and the outcome is shorter and stubbier natural lashes. So, avoiding Nailheads is essential for maintaining healthy, full lashes.
II. How Long Does It Take for Lashes to Grow Back After Extensions?
After saying goodbye to your extensions, you might be curious about how quickly your natural lashes will make their grand comeback.
Typically, it takes around 9 to 12 weeks for new natural lashes to fully grow back, aligning with their complete growth cycle. The reassuring news is that your natural lashes will eventually make a comeback.
The growth rate of individual natural lashes can vary from person to person, but on average, a single lash grows at a pace of about half an inch per month and requires approximately 90 days, with a slight 5-day fluctuation, to complete the shedding process.
Understanding the distinct phases of the lash growth cycle can shed light on this process:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This stage spans 4 to 10 weeks.
- Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): It encompasses 2 to 3 weeks.
- Telogen Phase (Resting/Shedding Phase): This phase extends for about 3 to 4 months.
Generally, the regrowth period can take between 60 to 90 days, but the precise duration relies on various factors, including the health of your natural lashes and the careful application and removal of the eyelash extensions.
You may want to know more about: Eyelash regrowth – all you need to know
The typical lifespan of an eyelash is approximately three months, and several key factors influencing the regrowth process will be explored in more detail below.
III. How to fix short stubby lashes after extensions?
Are your natural lashes feeling a bit worse or even short and stubby after lash extensions? Don’t worry; there are five simple steps to help them recover.
1. Take a Break:
The first and most crucial step is to give your natural lashes a break from lash extensions. This allows them to rest and regain their strength. Keep in mind that they might remain shorter for a few weeks until new lashes grow. Don’t worry because it is in the Resting phase, it’s gonna move to the Growth phase soon.
2. Try a Lash Serum:
Lash growth serums can be incredibly beneficial when dealing with short stubby lashes after extensions. They nurture your natural lashes while also promoting the growth of new, healthy eyelashes. Look for serums that contain ingredients known to thicken, lengthen, and darken lashes. Some even can provide the essential vitamins and nutrients your damaged natural lashes need to regrow.
3. Apply Natural Oils:
Natural oils like castor oil and vitamin E can help stimulate the growth of your natural lashes. To use them, apply a small amount of oil to a cotton tip and gently apply it along your lash line. This can help nourish your lashes and encourage them to grow.
4. Skip Waterproof Mascara:
To maintain healthier lashes and promote natural lash growth, it’s wise to avoid waterproof mascara. It can be challenging to remove, leading to excessive rubbing and lash damage. By opting for non-waterproof eye makeup, you minimize friction and reduce the risk of losing your natural lashes, helping them stay strong and long.
5. Use a Gentle Lash Cleanser:
Maintaining healthy and long lashes involves daily cleansing. This helps remove makeup, dirt, and pollution that can damage your lashes. Opt for a gentle and hypoallergenic lash cleanser to prevent irritation. Alternatively, you can use baby shampoo or oil-free makeup remover to clean your lashes thoroughly.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively repair your natural lashes after a disappointing experience with lash extensions. Patience and proper care will help your lashes regain their strength and beauty.
In summary, if you get short stubby lashes after extensions, don’t worry. This is a common issue often due to poor application. You can fix it by taking a break, using lash serums, applying natural oils, avoiding waterproof mascara, and maintaining a gentle lash cleansing routine. These steps will help your natural lashes recover and regain their beauty. With patience and care, you’ll soon enjoy healthier, longer lashes.
