Here's Why You Should Skip Eyelash Extensions (And What To Try Instead)
The eyelash industry is a booming business that has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past few years. But what if we told you you could naturally achieve longer and fuller lashes without the risk of damage and eye infections?
Longer and fuller lashes are definitely something most of us dream of, which is why you'd be happy to find out about the alternative ways of achieving this desired feature without the hefty price tag that comes with maintaining extensions and, even better, without any of the risks that come with them.
From making tweaks to your daily routine to using natural oils and growth serums, let’s explore some of the best ways to get that enviable fullness and length without the need for eyelash extensions. But before we get to the how of taking great care of your natural lashes, let's go over why to skip lash extensions altogether.
Evie's product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
Why Eyelash Extensions May Not Be Worth It
Eyelash extensions may be an excellent way to make your natural lashes look longer, fuller, and more voluminous; however, there are several reasons why they may not be as good as you think.
Eyelash extensions can severely damage your real lashes as their weight can strain your natural hairs, causing them to become weak and fall out over time. Additionally, the adhesives used to glue eyelash extensions to your natural lashes will stick to them and cause real hairs to come off during removal, essentially leading to sparse, damaged lashes down the line.
Eyelash extensions also can trap a lot of dirt, debris, and bacteria, which is why they should be cleaned properly and frequently. Even wearing minimal daily makeup can cause accumulation on the extensions and increase the risk of eye irritations, infections, and further damage to the natural lashes.
There’s also a lot of maintenance required for eyelash extensions. They take a lot of upkeep and require visits to the salon every couple of weeks for touchups and cleaning. This means you'll be spending more money to keep them fresh and full and minimize your risk of eye irritations and infections.
Eyelash extensions, no matter how well-crafted, will always look fake compared to natural lashes.
Even just sleeping can mess up your extensions, which can curl in all sorts of patterns overnight. This is how you often end up with crooked curls and unnatural lash shapes the following day. They’re a short-term beauty solution that won't last longer than a few days in great shape and more than two weeks before they will need a retouch.
While eyelash extensions come in different lengths, curls, and thicknesses and can be made to look more natural or dramatic, depending on the individual preference, one thing they will never be is unnoticeable. Eyelash extensions, no matter how well-crafted, will always look fake compared to natural lashes, and it seems the once-popular eyelash extensions have become passé in many beauty circles as more natural and low-maintenance looks, as well as a focus on long-term results through nourishing what you already have, are on the rise.
Natural Alternatives To Enhance Your Eyelashes
Eyelash extensions can make your lashes look fuller and longer for a few days until they curl up, fall out, or require retouching. Natural alternatives, on the other hand, nourish your lashes and help them grow longer, healthier, and fuller, only making them look better with time.
So, if you want to give your natural lashes a boost, here are a few steps you can introduce to your daily routine:
Nutrition
Making a few changes to your diet can dramatically improve the health of your eyelashes, along with your skin and your hair. Your daily menu should consist of essential nutrients that promote healthy eyelash growth, such as protein, vitamins A, C, D, and E, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein is particularly important as it provides the building blocks for hair growth, while omega-3 fatty acids help in the production of our natural oil, which moisturizes the lashes and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle.
Supplements
Supplements can be a fantastic way to get an extra boost of vitamins and minerals if your diet doesn't provide enough of the essential nutrients needed for healthy eyelash growth. Supplements like biotin, vitamin E, glycine, and iron help with the production and strengthening of keratin, a protein that makes up your hair, lashes, and nails and determines their health and appearance.
Product To Try: The Nue Co. Growth Phase Hair Supplement, $65
Natural Oils
Natural oils such as castor, coconut, almond, and olive oil can be used as natural growth boosters and lash nourishment. Castor oil, in particular, has been used to promote lash and hair growth for centuries, while coconut and almond oils are packed with nourishing components that will help improve lash density and prevent damage. Additionally, squalane, which is one of the most structurally similar oils to our natural sebum, can be another great option; however, finding it in its purest form can be somewhat tricky as it is mainly used as a supporting ingredient in beauty products.
Product To Try: Kreyòl Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil - Original, $18
Eyelash Serums
Investing in eyelash serums containing growth factors such as peptides, hydrating components such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and nourishing ingredients, such as oils that soften and protect the lashes, can be another fantastic addition to your beauty routine that will help promote healthier, longer, and denser lashes. These serums usually come in conveniently packaged tubes with mascara or eyeliner-like applicators which make them easy to use daily for better long-term results.
Product To Try: Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum, $36
A Guide To Mascara Wands and Brushes for Maximum Definition
While caring for your lashes will be the best long-term game plan to replace the unnecessary cost and potential damage of eyelash extensions, results will take time to show. In the meantime, a good mascara with the right wand and formula will be the best option to turn your sparse lashes into ultra-voluminous ones in a pinch. So, here are some fantastic mascaras for various lash shapes, lengths, and densities that will help you achieve your lash goals without any harmful or expensive practices: