Dry, brittle, and damaged natural lashes are a major frustration for both clients and lash artists! The good news? Prevention and repair are possible.
Improper lash extension application or neglecting aftercare can lead to issues, turning once-perfect lashes into a lackluster mess.
But don’t panic—even severely damaged lashes can be restored with the right approach and care.
Ready to help your clients retain their natural lash health in between extension applications?
Here are the common reasons for natural lash damage:
Natural lashes won’t get damaged on their own! Even clients who pay great attention to their appearance may end up with brittle, dry, or irritated natural lashes if they don’t follow proper post-treatment care.
The most common causes of natural lash damage are as follows:
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Incorrect application: The problem often begins with the initial application. If lash extensions are applied improperly, damage to natural lashes is highly likely!
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Inadequate client aftercare: Post-treatment care guidelines exist for a reason, so ensure your clients understand them before they leave your salon.
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Excessive use of extensions: Even good things can be overdone! Lash extensions should be reapplied at intervals of at least six weeks (with a maximum interval of six weeks between reapplications).
All these factors can weaken or stress natural lashes, causing gaps in eyelashes, irritated lash lines, and dysregulated lash growth circles.
Identify Signs of Damaged Natural Lashes
Lash technicians are crucial in detecting early damage and educating clients on prevention. But how can you tell if an eyelash follicle is damaged?
Here are key warning signs lash pros should watch for when evaluating a client’s lashes:
- Thinning lashes
- Brittle or fragile lashes
- Premature lash shedding
- Irritation or redness
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Disrupted growth patterns

Similar to the hair on your scalp, the lashes along your lash line adhere to a natural growth cycle. This cycle consists of three primary stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
- The anagen phase is the active growth stage.
- The catagen phase serves as a transitional stage.
- The telogen phase is the resting and renewal stage.
The optimal period for applying lash extensions is during the anagen phase, when natural lashes are long, strong, and healthy. During this phase, lashes can grow at a rate of 0.12–1.14 mm per day, making new lashes an ideal base for extensions.
By keeping an eye on premature lash shedding, you can identify potential problems early and help clients determine the right timing for their next lash appointment.
Combat Lash Damage with Proper Products and TechniquesFor professional lash technicians, understanding how to preserve the health of natural lashes is a fundamental skill. By learning to evaluate lash health and offer customized solutions, each
SHELASH products can ensure clients stay satisfied long-term while safeguarding the integrity of their natural lashes.
While damaged natural lashes are a common issue, they don’t have to be a permanent problem!
Help clients maintain happy, healthy lashes by:
- Educating them on lash health best practices
- Using preventative techniques during treatments
- Relying on trusted products that deliver quality results
With the right approach, you can defy lash damage and keep every set of lashes in optimal condition!
Want to know more Lash Tips? Please visit our website: shelash.com to find out more products and tips.