Lashes are addictive. Just ask anyone who has tried them! Some people start out just getting them for a wedding or special vacation, so that they won’t have to worry about makeup and can look their absolute best for photos they can treasure forever. That’s great! And sometimes that’s all they need. But most people get lash extensions and realize just how much they love them. They realize how much faster and easier their daily routine becomes, and many are able to cut back significantly on the amount of makeup they wear on a day-to-day basis. Eyelash extensions are an easy luxury to adopt and love forever. Can they ever be too much, though? Is it a sustainable habit? Can it ruin your natural lashes? Can you have an allergic reaction? There are a few things to think about.

The first indicator that you may need to take a break would be if you experience irritation issues. This could be itchy eyes, redness of your skin or eyes, swelling, pain, or other inconvenient or painful issues. Obviously something is wrong, and the first step in the right direction would be to remove your lash extensions so your eyes can rest and heal. If your lash extensions have been applied poorly it can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive eyes or skin. More likely, though, the irritation isn’t the lash extensions themselves, but rather seasonal or inherited allergies. Either way, removing the lashes can give your eyes a break and allow your immune system to recover and heal. Consulting an eye doctor or allergy expert can help determine the root of the cause and repair the issue.

The other indicator that you need to remove your lash extensions for a little break is if you are a “picker.” If you pick frequently at your lash extensions, especially if you wait too long for fills. Towards the end of their cycle the lash extensions have grown out a little and sometimes get a little twisty or droopy, which is normal. Getting regular fills can prevent this, but if you wait too long it can be tempting to pick at them. This is a huge problem, since it means you are also yanking out the natural lash before it was ready to shed naturally. If you are a picker, or you’ve recently had a bad set of lashes applied poorly by an inexperienced lash technician it’s a good idea to give your natural lashes a break so they can grow back healthy and strong.

If you do feel that you fit either of these two categories, it’s smart to get your lashes removed professionally by a lash technician. They can use special products to carefully remove the lash extensions without yanking out natural lashes or leaving weird random lashes twisting and tangling. Whatever you do – DO NOT try to pull them off yourself! It can damage your natural lashes, sometimes permanently.

The good news is that for most people – you do not need to give your lashes a break as long as you are seeing professional lash technicians who use quality, reputable products such as Lash Bomb products. This is the best argument for going to a lash studio that uses Lash Bomb products: they carefully apply lash extensions with the best lash extensions products, meaning your lashes grow and shed naturally, and you will never need to take a break. If done well, eyelash extensions are healthy and beautiful!

Nikolette Moore