How to Repair Damaged Eyelashes After Eyelash Extensions

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References

Eyelash extensions are used to add length and volume to your existing eyelashes using extensions glued onto your eyelashes. These extensions are supposed to last approximately 3-5 weeks before you would need to get them filled again. However, if this process is not executed properly by a specialist, the extensions may pull on your natural eyelashes, causing them to fall out. While it's rare, the extensions might also weigh your natural eyelashes down, and you may notice that when you get your extensions removed, your eyelashes are shorter, thinner, and have no curl in them. If you have gotten your eyelash extensions removed and experience any of these problems, no need to worry! These steps will get your eyelashes back into shape in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Repairing Damage with Coconut Oil

1
Buy some coconut oil. Ever heard of using coconut oil to add moisture to your hair and promote growth? It's the same for your eyelashes!^{[1]
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Research source} Purchase a bottle or container of fractionated coconut oil (this is coconut oil in liquid form).
2
Squeeze a little bit of the oil on your finger or in a bowl. If you prefer, you can also warm up the oil a little bit before applying it.

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3
Close your eyes and gently massage the oil from your eyelids to the tips of your eyelashes. Continue to massage the oil for 1-2 minutes. You can do this before bed and let the oil sit on your eyelashes overnight, or you can wash it off after you have finished massaging them.
- Mixing in lavender and/or rosemary essential oil with the coconut oil may be beneficial as well.
4
Avoid applying the oil directly from the bottle onto your eyelashes. It can be annoying and/or painful if you get any oil in your eyes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Eyelashes

1
Avoid damaging and drying mascara formulas. Many mascaras contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your eyelashes and can irritate the skin around them.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alicia Ramos
Skincare Professional
Expert Interview. 12 June 2019.} Make sure you check the ingredients before purchasing a mascara.^{[3]
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Research source}
- Try to find an all-natural mascara that works for you. It is better for the environment and better for your eyelashes in the long run. The more natural, the better!
2
Avoid water-proof mascara. When you go to take it off at the end of the day, it can be damaging to your eyelashes because it requires quite a bit of rubbing to get it all off, and often there is still residue build up since all of it doesn't always come off.
3
Purchase a good quality eyelash serum. Preferably a serum that is as natural as possible, comes in a bottle with a little syringe to apply it, and protects your eyelashes from further damage.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.}
- Apply the eyelash serum before putting on your mascara, and/or before going to bed. Let it sit on your eyelashes overnight.
4
Consider a break from extensions. Give your eyelashes a break every couple of months, even if you feel you need extensions all the time. They need time to heal, and the weight of the extensions can be very heavy and damaging on your natural eyelashes.
- Try swapping out the extensions for fake eyelashes. If you have very thin or short eyelashes naturally, falsies are a great way to give them an extra boost. The best part is, you can take them off before bed and give your eyelashes a break overnight.
- Try only getting eyelash extensions for special events, and allow them to fall out on their own.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Yourself

1
Consume a protein-rich diet. Protein is very beneficial for promoting eyelash growth and strengthening them to repair damage. Since hair is mainly made up of protein, eating foods such as eggs, beans, yogurt, fish, etc, is very important to repair your eyelashes and keep them healthy. Soy proteins work just as well!
2
Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water is so important for repairing your eyelashes. It will be very beneficial for your eyelash health and overall health. Eyelashes that are well-hydrated don't break off as easily, and repair themselves much faster.
- Consider downloading a water tracking app on your phone so that you can keep track of how much water you are consuming throughout the day.
- Try adding sugar-free flavours to your water.
3
Consider taking vitamins to help repair your eyelashes. Certain vitamins seem to help repair, strengthen, thicken, and grow eyelashes, although this might not be the same for everyone.^{[5]
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Research source}
- Try taking biotin, as it is very important for eyelash growth. Also known as Vitamin H, this supplement thickens the hair follicles, prevents eyelash fallout, and helps your body to absorb essential nutrients for eyelash growth and repair.^{[6]
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  Research source}
- Consuming Vitamin E may also be beneficial. It is an antioxidant that will help protect your eyelashes from environmental damages and free-radicals. It also helps transport blood and oxygen to your hair follicles, and it also prevents eyelash breakage.^{[7]
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  Research source}
- Taking B-vitamins such as B3, B5, B6, and B12 will also aid in repairing your damaged eyelashes. They promote blood flow to your hair follicles, prevent hair loss, strengthen the hair follicles, and stop the eyelashes from drying out.
- Talk to your doctor about whether these vitamins are safe for you before you start taking them. Make sure you know if they will interfere with other medications you might be on. Watch out for potential side effects you might be experiencing while taking any of these vitamins. Try them one at a time, so you know which ones work for you and which ones don't.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do eyelashes grow back after extensions?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

They will, and you can help promote thick and healthy growth by applying a lash growth serum.

Warnings

Do not get essential oils or kitchen oils in your eyes. If you do, wash them out immediately with water.

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Do not take these vitamins without knowing how they might interfere with other medications you might be taking.

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Contact your doctor if you experience any negative side effects of these vitamins.

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Eyelash extensions do not cause damage to everyone's eyelashes, and these methods may only work for certain people.

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