Jul 11, 2025

Eyelash Growth Cycle & Extension Retention: What You Need to Know

"I just got my lash extensions, but they're already falling out..." "I feel like I have fewer lashes lately..."

Do you have concerns like these about your eyelash extensions? The cause might lie in your "lash cycle"

Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes have a natural cycle of shedding and regrowth. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for alleviating client concerns and helping them appreciate the appeal of lash extensions more deeply.

This article will explain everything from basic lash knowledge to the lash cycle that significantly impacts extension retention, and tips for maintaining healthy lashes.

Lash Basics: Role and Characteristics

You might not think about them often, but eyelashes play a vital role in protecting our eyes.

Eye Protection: They prevent dust and other foreign particles from entering the cornea and conjunctiva.
Japanese Average:
- Length: Approx. 5-10mm
- Count (per eye): Approx. 100-150 upper lashes, about half that number for lower lashes.
Growth and Shedding: About 5 lashes naturally fall out per day, growing approximately 0.1-0.18mm daily.

What is the "Lash Cycle"? The Eyelash Regrowth Cycle

The lash cycle, or hair cycle, is the mechanism by which body hair replaces itself. Eyelashes constantly repeat a cycle of growth and rest, shedding and regrowing.

Anagen (Early Growth Phase):
- Lashes begin to grow inside the skin.
- Hairs are thin, weak, and lack resilience. Unsuitable for lash extension application. Applying extensions forcibly can hinder growth.
Anagen (Active Growth Phase):
- Lashes emerge from the skin surface and grow thicker and longer.
- They gain resilience, but are still growing. Applying extensions during this phase can cause the design to look uneven after 2-3 weeks, so application requires careful consideration.
Catagen (Transition Phase):
- Lash growth stops.
- The period from the end of the Anagen phase to the beginning of the Catagen phase is considered the optimal time for applying extensions.
Telogen (Resting Phase):
- The lash naturally sheds, and the follicle enters a preparation (resting) period before new growth begins.
- Applying extensions to lashes in this phase means they will fall out quickly, so it should be avoided.

Compared to the hair on your head, which has a cycle of 3-6 years, the eyelash growth cycle is very short, ranging from 3 weeks to 4 months. This is why eyelashes only grow to a certain length. The reason the number of lashes appears consistent is that while some follicles are resting after shedding, others are actively growing new lashes, maintaining the cycle.

The Relationship Between Lash Cycle and Extension Retention

If you experience extensions falling out soon after application, it's highly likely they were attached to lashes close to the Telogen phase, nearing their natural shedding time.

While lash artists try to assess the lash cycle during application, perfectly judging the stage of every single lash can be difficult. Therefore, it's somewhat inevitable that some extensions attached to naturally shedding lashes will fall out soon after the procedure.

It's important to understand that this is not caused by the extensions themselves but by the natural cycle of your own lashes.

Furthermore, if you feel your lashes look shorter or sparser after removing extensions, it might simply be that many of your lashes happened to be in the Telogen or early Anagen phases at that time. Hormonal imbalances and stress can also affect the lash cycle.

Nurturing Healthy Lashes

Growth hormones play a role in lash development.

Quality Sleep: Sleep during the peak growth hormone secretion period (10:00 PM - 2:00 AM) is particularly important.
Balanced Nutrition: A healthy diet contributes to healthy lashes.
Lash Care: Using lash serums to provide nutrients and care is also effective.
Stress Management: Stress and poor health can disrupt the lash cycle.

Summary: Understand Your Lash Cycle to Enjoy Extensions More

Understanding the eyelash growth cycle can help alleviate doubts and concerns about lash extension retention.

Lashes have a cycle: Anagen (Early Growth), Anagen (Active Growth), Catagen (Transition), and Telogen (Resting).
The best time for extension application is the late Anagen to early Catagen phase.
Extensions that fall out quickly were likely attached to lashes nearing the natural shedding phase.
The lash cycle varies individually and can be affected by health conditions.
Daily care is essential for nurturing healthy natural lashes.

The lash cycle is a natural phenomenon. With the right knowledge, you can consult with your lash artist and enjoy a more comfortable lash extension experience.