Introduction
For those who love the look of luscious, long lashes, understanding the lash cycle is crucial. Your natural eyelashes go through a continuous cycle of growth, maturity, and shedding. This cycle plays a significant role in the maintenance and longevity of your lash extensions. In this blog post, we'll explore the details of the lash cycle, what lash shedding season is, and how you can care for your lashes to keep them looking their best.
The Lash Cycle: An Overview
The lash cycle is the natural process through which your eyelashes grow, mature, and eventually shed. This cycle is continuous and impacts how long your lash extensions will last. Here’s a closer look at the stages of the lash cycle:
1. Anagen (Growth) Phase: This is the active growth phase of your lashes. It lasts between 30 to 45 days. The length of time your lashes remain in this phase determines how long they can grow.
2. Catagen (Transition) Phase: During this brief phase, which lasts about two to three weeks, the growth of the lashes stops, and the hair follicle shrinks.
3. Telogen (Resting) Phase: This final phase lasts for about 100 days. The lashes are fully matured and will eventually shed, making way for new growth.
Lash Shedding: A Natural Process
Everyone experiences lash shedding, which is simply a part of the natural renewal process of the lash cycle. On average, a person has between 90-160 natural lashes per upper eyelid and sheds about 2-5 lashes per day. As your natural lashes shed, any lash extensions attached to them will also fall off.
To maintain the fullness of your lash extensions, it’s common to schedule infill appointments every three weeks. This timing aligns with the natural shedding cycle, ensuring that your lashes always look their best.
What is Lash Shedding Season?
Lash shedding season occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn, as our bodies adjust to changing temperatures. Similar to how animals shed their fur, humans shed more hair, including eyelashes, during these transitional periods.
· Spring: As temperatures rise, your body may produce more oils and sweat, which can affect the retention of your lash extensions.
· Autumn: The drop in humidity and cooler weather can make your lashes more brittle, leading to increased shedding.
During these times, you might notice that you’re losing more lash extensions than usual. This is a completely natural phenomenon and nothing to worry about.
Managing Lash Shedding Season
Since lash shedding season is unavoidable, it’s essential to adjust your lash care routine accordingly:
1. Shorten Infill Times: To keep your lashes looking full, consider scheduling infill appointments more frequently during spring and autumn.
2. Use Gentle Products: Avoid using oil-based makeup removers and opt for gentle, lash-safe cleansers to maintain the adhesive bond.
3. Keep Lashes Hydrated: In winter, when lashes can become brittle, use a lash conditioner to keep them moisturized and flexible.
Conclusion
Understanding the lash cycle and how it affects your lash extensions can help you maintain beautiful, long-lasting lashes. By recognizing the natural shedding process and adjusting your lash care routine during shedding seasons, you can ensure that your extensions always look their best. Remember, regular infill appointments and proper aftercare are key to enjoying gorgeous lashes year-round.
July 5, 2024