7 Signs You Have Bad Lash Extensions

Lash extensions are a fine skill and art. They take a long time to master so choose your lash technician wisely.

1. Brushing your lash extensions causes discomfort

When this happens it's a sure sign too much glue has been used and perhaps your lashes are stuck together. This can lead to lash damage and breakage. You should be able to brush your lashes daily easily without any discomfort. Too much glue means poor isolation of your lashes during application.

Solution: I suggest finding another lash technician!

2. Your lash extensions poke, twist around and irritate your eyes

This happens when a lash extension hasn't been properly applied to your natural lash or the extensions are too long causing the extension to spin, twist, droop and turn. This means your extensions will sit every which way but nicely - poking you in the eye in the process. Not fun! Lashes should always be comfortable to wear.

Solution: I suggest asking for a shorter length next time, or finding another lash technician.

3. Your inner lash extensions are too long and unnatural looking

This comes down to the lash technician using extensions that are too long for such a short area of natural lashes. When lashes that are too long are used in the inner corner it creates a very fake appearance which is not what you want. Lashes should always look believable, natural and beautiful.

Solution: Ask for shorter lashes to be used in the inner eye area next time. If your lash technician doesn’t want to do that for you, then find somewhere else.

4. Your extensions are all one length from the inner to the outer eye

This happens with the lash technician hasn't considered eye shape or thought about what would suit you best when applying your lashes. A mix of 2-3 or more lash lengths should be used to avoid your lashes looking like you've applied a cheap fake lash strip. Your lashes should always suit your eye shape.

Solution: I personally would find another lash technician - lack of attention to detail in the styling of my lashes would be a deal breaker for me!

5. The application process burns your eyes, long after it's over!

I've had many new clients tell me they've had bad experiences with glue fumes burning their eyes badly during, and even after the application has ended. One client told me she got in her car after having lashes applied and had to sit with the air conditioner blowing in her eyes to stop the burning. This isn't normal! Slight eye watering can occur, but constant discomfort afterwards is unusual - the process should be relaxing, pleasant and comfortable.

Solution: Always let your lash extension technician know if anything is bothering you during the application. It might be that your eyes may not be properly closed, the eye pad might be rubbing on your eyes or their glue might not be great quality.

6.  Your lash extensions only last a week!

This often happens when not enough lash extensions have been applied. If you think you've found the cheapest technician around then the chances are they aren't spending enough time during the appointment to provide a long lasting, full lash effect. A good lash application should take 1.5-2+ hours. A full set of lashes should mean they’re applied to all your natural lashes (those that are long enough).

An application shorter than 1.5 hours and you're likely receiving a quick treatment that will start to show wear within a week. By 2 weeks all your lashes will be sure to be gone. Remember you will lose 2-5 lashes a day naturally, so do the math.

Keep in mind that if your natural lashes are very sparse, delicate and fragile your extensions may not last as long as other people's do. Unfortunately, lashes can only accentuate what you have naturally.

Lash extensions can last 3+ weeks with proper care and great application. Refills are recommended every 2-4 weeks to keep your lashes looking full, time between fills will always depend on your lash aftercare, your natural lash cycle and how many lashes you have to work with.

NOTE: following at-home care advice is key to your lashes lasting, always follow this advice.

Solution: Book a longer appointment/refill or choose a new technician who specifies time spent on their appointments.

7. Your lashes aren't extensions, they're lash flares or cluster lashes

This is the worst type of "lash extensions".  Never should cluster or flares be applied with permanent lash glue. Lash breakage and infections are common when lash flares are applied and not to mention the look is not desirable as your lashes appear more like spiders than the pretty, luscious lashes you should have.

An example of bad lashes

The client below came to me with the worst lashes I've ever seen (image 1). 

Her friend had used cluster lashes on her which are not true extensions and should never be applied with permanent glue, everrr!

Fortunately, I was able to save her natural lashes (image 2) with little resulting damage and created the natural set you see below (image 3).

Another example of bad lashes that I've had to remove...

Have lash extensions damaged your natural lashes and they need some lash rehab?

If your lashes are not coping with extensions I recommend having your lash extensions professionally removed ASAP. Do not try removing them at home as you’ll damage them even more!

Then, start using a lash growth serum like my proven favourite, Long Lashes Lash Enhancer that I sell to give your lashes a few months to recover. If you’re going to miss having lash extensions on during the time it takes to repair your lashes, then a set of my Bond Liner Lashes will get you by. I also recommend Long Lashes Lengthening Mascara for a nourishing mascara that will help regrow your lashes.

Are you based on the Sunshine Coast, QLD? If so, find out more about my eyelash extensions service.

Related: How to Clean Your Lash Extensions

I hope this post was helpful to you, remember to subscribe to the blog further down this page to get email updates on future posts.

- Tasleema