You leave the salon with a stunning, complete set of lashes, soft, fluffy, and flawless. But just a couple of weeks later, you’re asking yourself: Why are my lash extensions falling out? Before you panic or blame your lash artist, take a deep breath. Premature lash fallout is often preventable. Most of the time, it’s caused by small habits that quietly sabotage your lash retention.
The great news? With the right eyelash extension cleanser, consistent aftercare, and simple daily habits, you can keep your lashes full, clean, and beautiful for longer.
Let’s break down the top seven mistakes that make lash extensions fall out, and what to do instead:
You’re Not Cleaning Your Lashes Daily
One of the biggest culprits behind poor lash retention is skipping your daily cleanse. Many still believe washing their lashes will make them fall out faster, but that’s a myth. “Good hygiene is essential for eye health. Failing to properly remove makeup or cleanse around the eyes can lead to buildup, irritation, and infection,” according to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology.
Failure to cleanse your lashes, particularly when wearing extensions, can cause:
- Clumping and poor lash separation due to build-up at the lash line
- Premature lash shedding and infection.
- Bacterial buildup that can threaten ocular safety.
Pro Tip:
- Use a professional lash cleanser or lash extension shampoo twice daily.
- Choose an eyelash extension cleanser that’s oil-free, pH-balanced, and safe for sensitive eyes. Try Prolong Lash Cleanser- the world’s most trusted formula for gently removing oil, dirt, and debris without compromising retention.
While Eyelash extensions are a fabulous instant beauty enhancement, proper cleansing remains the key to ocular safety. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) states that: “The best way to stay safe when using eyelash extensions is to choose high-quality products, have a trusted professional handle the application and removal, and practice good hygiene for your lashes and eyes.”
Think of it as your daily lash bath and remember, Clean lashes = long-lasting, healthy lashes.
You’re Sleeping on Your Face (or the Wrong Pillowcase)
Your sleeping position can seriously affect lash retention. If you’re a face-down or side sleeper, friction from your pillow can bend, twist, or pull out lash extensions overnight.
Pro Tips:
- Sleep on your back when possible.
- Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase; these materials create less friction than cotton.
- Brush your lashes gently each morning with a clean spoolie to realign them.
- You’re Using the Wrong Skincare or Makeup Products
Even though modern adhesives aren’t broken down by oil, oil-based skincare and makeup can still cause buildup that clogs follicles and attracts dirt. This buildup affects the lash life, especially if you skip cleansing.
Pro Tips:
- Avoid applying heavy creams or oil-based removers near the lash line.
- Use a lash extension shampoo or eyelash extension cleanser morning and night to remove product residue.
- Opt for products labeled oil-free and lash safe.
A clean lash line supports healthier, natural lashes and stronger retention for your extensions.
You’re Over-Brushing or Tugging at Your Lashes
Yes, brushing keeps lashes fluffy, but brushing too hard or pulling on loose extensions can cause unnecessary stress on the natural lashes underneath. Remember, losing 2-5 natural lashes per day is part of a completely normal lash cycle.
Pro Tips:
- Use a clean, soft spoolie to brush in gentle downward strokes.
- Never pull or pluck out loose lashes; let them fall naturally.
- If you need to remove extensions, see a professional or use a lash cleanser to keep the area clean until your next appointment.
You’re Waiting Too Long Between Refills
Your natural lashes grow and shed on a 6–8 week cycle. By waiting too long for infills, you create uneven weight and gaps that weaken the remaining extensions.
Pro Tips:
- Schedule refills every 2–3 weeks.
- Maintain a consistent routine so your lash artist can evenly balance your set.
- Between fills, cleanse daily with a lash extension shampoo to prevent oil, dust, and dead skin buildup from loosening extensions.
You’re Using the Wrong Cleansing Products
Micellar water, baby shampoo, or alcohol-based makeup removers might seem harmless, but they’re not lash-friendly. These formulas can upset the pH balance of the eye area, cause irritation, or dry out the delicate lash line.
Pro Tips:
- Only use a cleanser formulated specifically for lash extensions.
- Look for products that are clinically tested, including:
-
- Ophthalmologically tested for eye safety
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Over 95% Naturally derived ingredients - Foaming Pump
- Formulated from naturally derived surfactants and ingredients - Concentrate
- Free from parabens, phthalates & oil
- Vegan and oil-free
- pH-balanced
- No added synthetic fragrance
Prolong Lash Cleanser ticks every box. It’s the world’s most loved eyelash extension cleanser, used by lash artists and lash enthusiasts worldwide. Safe, gentle, and effective, it’s the only lash extension shampoo you’ll ever need.
Bonus: Quick Lash Retention Checklist
- Wash lashes twice daily with a professional lash cleanser
- Avoid sleeping on your face
- Use oil-free skincare and makeup
- Brush lashes gently once a day
- Book refills every 2–3 weeks
- Cleanse after heat or steam exposure
- Only use trusted eyelash extension cleanser formulas
Remember: Clean Lashes = Long-Lasting, Healthy Lashes
So, if you’re wondering why your lash extensions are falling out, it may not be the glue or your lash artist; it could be your routine. Minor adjustments and consistent cleansing will make all the difference.
