Why your client’s lashes fall out — and when it’s a cause for concern
One of the most common concerns lash clients have is this:
“My lash extensions are falling out — is that normal?”
The truth is — lash shedding is a completely natural process, and it’s actually a sign of a healthy lash cycle. But as a lash artist, it’s your job to help clients understand the difference between normal shedding and something that might be worth investigating.
Let’s dive into the facts so you can educate your clients with confidence, improve retention expectations, and maintain trust.
🧬 What Is Lash Shedding?
Just like the hair on your head, your natural eyelashes go through a growth and shedding cycle. On average, you have around 90–120 natural lashes per eye, and you shed 1–5 natural lashes per day.
That’s right — even without extensions, your lashes are constantly growing, resting, and falling out. This is called the lash growth cycle, and it includes 3 stages:
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Anagen (Growth Phase)
New lashes are actively growing from the follicle. This phase lasts around 30–45 days. -
Catagen (Transition Phase)
The lash stops growing and begins to detach from the blood supply. This phase lasts 2–3 weeks. -
Telogen (Shedding/Resting Phase)
The lash is fully grown and eventually falls out, making space for a new one to grow. This lasts 3–4 months.
🗓️ What’s Considered “Normal” Shedding with Lash Extensions?
Even with lash extensions applied, your natural lashes still shed as usual — meaning the extension bonded to them will fall off with the natural lash.
Here’s what’s normal:
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Losing 2–5 extensions per day
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Small gaps appearing between 2–3 weeks
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Needing an infill every 2–3 weeks to maintain fullness
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More noticeable fallouts during seasonal shedding (usually Spring & Autumn)
Pro tip: Encourage clients to take before-and-after photos of their set at 7 days and 14 days so they can see the retention rather than guessing it.
🚩 What’s Not Normal Lash Shedding?
If your client is experiencing excessive loss or discomfort, it might be time to investigate further. Red flags include:
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Losing clumps of lashes at once
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Natural lashes appearing weak, short, or damaged
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Lashes falling out with no natural lash attached
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Redness, swelling, or itchiness around the lash line
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Poor retention within the first 3–5 days after application
These issues could be due to:
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Poor lash prep or dirty lash line
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Incompatible products or lash adhesives
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Incorrect lash weights or lengths
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Uncured adhesive (especially with humidity issues)
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Poor client aftercare (rubbing, oil-based products, etc.)
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Lash mites or medical conditions (rare, but possible)
💡 How to Support Clients Through Shedding
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Educate them at every appointment
Explain the natural lash cycle and what to expect. Use diagrams or visuals if needed. -
Send aftercare reminders
A simple “Don’t forget to brush your lashes daily!” or “No oil-based products near your lashes” goes a long way. -
Offer lash-safe aftercare products
Retail lash shampoos, growth serums, or sleep masks to protect their investment and support healthy regrowth. -
Encourage regular infills
Most clients need infills every 2–3 weeks. Booking them in advance helps maintain a full, fluffy set.
👑 Final Thoughts
Lash shedding is natural — lash loss isn't always a problem, but it can be a sign of something deeper if it’s happening too fast or too often.
By educating your clients and providing the right aftercare, you:
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Build trust 🤝
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Minimise panic over “losing lashes”
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Improve retention + rebooking 💰
Want to stand out as a lash artist clients trust? Master the science behind lashes, educate confidently, and always tailor your advice to the individual — that’s how you create a premium client experience.