It takes a total of five seconds seeing yourself with thicker, longer lashes to declare you couldn’t possibly live another day without them.
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While there’s no denying that lash extensions take our eyes to a level unrivalled by mascaras, there can come a time when, for whatever reason, we need to take a break. And in turn, allow our natural little lash friends (as small and pathetic as they may seem in comparison), flourish on their own.
With proper care your lashes shouldn’t feel the brunt of extensions too much. However, dependant on a number of factors concerning the process of removal, general wear and tear, and how well they were looked after, there’s a chance they’ll be in need of some TLC.
Here is a mix of the best DIY methods and products on the market to nourish, revive and stimulate the growth of your natural lashes:
Eyelash Serums
Lash serums will maintain steady hair growth for both existing lashes and empty follicles.
So whether you’re completely starting from scratch or needing to boost the length of pre-existing lashes, a serum is a good step to add to your routine.
bh recommends: RapidLash® Eyelash Enhancing Serum, L’Oréal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum and Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Serum.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Natural olive oil is full of essential fatty acids that will moisturise, thicken and soften your eyelashes.
Dip a disposable mascara brush in olive oil and brush it through your lashes.
Be careful not to pick up too much oil on the brush so it doesn’t go into your eyes.
Castor Oil
Rich in vitamin E and ricinoleic acid, castor oil comes highly recommended for thickening and stimulating lash growth.
Castor oil will also give the natural keratin in your hair an extra boost of strength, reducing breakage.
$6.99, available at Chemist Warehouse
Diet Rich In Omega-3’s
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, eggs, walnuts and avocado will open the follicles and promote healthier lashes. A diet rich in these essential fatty acids will strengthen the pre-existing lashes and also stimulate new growth.
Lash Enhancing Mascara
If you’re going to be wearing mascara anyway, why not get the most out of it and try out one with an enhancing or strengthening serum within the formula.
bh recommends: Nutrimetics nc Lash Impact Mascara and Lancôme Cils Booster
Vitamin E Oil
The celebrity of lash growth stimulating oils, vitamin E is an ingredient found in most lash serums and hair growth supplements.
This wonder ingredient will promote stronger lashes while also moisturising the hairs at the same time.
bh recommends: Plunkett’s Vita E Oil
Gentle Makeup Removers
When it comes to makeup removal, our lashes are often compromised from rubbing and harsh cleansing.
Look for micellar waters or gentle oils, in particular with ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile or cucumber as these will prevent any inflammation to the already damaged and sensitive areas.
Products that include vitamin B5 will also be beneficial in moisturising the thickening the lashes.
bh recommends: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Delicate Eyes & Skin, BIODERMA Sensibio H2O and Sukin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water
I haven't wanted to try lash extensions but I do care for my natural lashes anyway.
I cant live without micellar water !
I’m lucky to have reasonably long eye lashes, so I haven’t felt the need to try extensions. I like the idea of using a mascara enriched with an enhancing or strengthening serum.
I have never tried lash extensions. Interesting read.
Some helpful tips
I’ve never had lash extensions. Thankfully I’ve been blessed with good eyelashes.
I've never had extensions and now I know that they may need healing after them, I don't ever want them. I'll besticking to mascara!
Glad that natural oils help.
Never had lash extensions done
I’ve been tempted to get them but I cannot be bothered with the maintenance and I’d rather sue a serum or mascara to help lengthen my existing lashes. They do look amazing on some people and I’ve seen some really bad ones too which put me off.
Haven't had them done. Once did use lash serum that at first did nothing, then at the end of the tube…worked. Do not have patience, so I go along with what I have now.
The thought of lash extensions (& hair extensions) gives me the heebie-jeebies! I'd rather wear fake lashes on a date, or when I want extra oomph.
I bought some castor oil, intending to use it daily on my lashes, but I haven't started using it yet. I've got disposable mascara wands, so I should pull my finger out & do it!
Lash extensions would be something I would consider if they lasted longer. Sadly they are out of my budget at the moment. My poor lashes are woeful though 🙁
Have never tried Lash Extensions some useful tips on making your lashes feel lush and beautiful.
lash extensions don't last long, require regular infills and damage real lashes… it's a no for me
Never had lash extensions, I’m blessed to have long lashes myself.
I'd love to try lash extensions but I'm so afraid my natural lashes will fall out!
thanks for this honest advice
I'm quite happy with my lashes so I wouldn't consider having lash extensions. Some good tips though for conditioning the lashes.
I never get extensions because of the fear of losing mine! I just use strip lashes.
I've never heard of Eyelash Serum. It is a product I need as mine are becoming sparse with each year passing.
I've never had extensions. I used falsies once and it was like having spiders on my eyelids, so I've never bothered with anything other than mascara again (and even then, not much as I hate the way it runs & stings my eyes).
So lucky!
after reading this, I am so glad I don't do this!
I had no idea!
Lucky!
So the lash serum worked??
It is quite high maintenance
Does castor oil work?
So you loose your natural lashes when you get extensions??
I would love some long lashes!!
I think I shall pass on the extensions and appreciate what I already have
Have never had extensions, I use lash prescription to increase growth and strength which has worked for me.
Yes, I've had lash extensions previously. I had them for approx. 2 years straight. Once you have them, you get addicted to that look and just keep getting infills! Even though my lash technician is highly experienced and took great care, my lashes were shorter and damaged after removing the extensions for good. Over months, my lashes returned to normal.
Although they look really pretty, it isn't worth the damage. Lash technicians say they won't damage your lashes – perhaps if you wear them for a month or two, then remove and give your lashes time off, but no one does that in reality! Another thing to add, watch out if you have sensitive eyes; the glues used can irritate quite a bit.
I wouldn't have extensions done
I should eat Salmon, I have not cooked it before
Would never have extensions… Not worth the damage they leave behind…
Fortunately I have long lashes so very unlikely to get extensions.
I like them.But never tried it before.
Never used them, but I like the look of some of these products for my naturally sparse lashes.
I would love longer lashes, but not keen on the maintenance of extensions
I have had extensions and they were great! Make sure you get them done by a good lash tech or you will end up pulling them out because they are irritating which has sady happened to me.
I’ve seen some bd eyelashes recently. I personally think natural is best.
Mine are long but just doesn't hold a curl. I need a lash perm.
A very informative read, thanks so much.
I might try my Plunkets vit e serum on my lashes – I don't have broken lashes but it will be interesting to see what effect it has on them!
I didn't even know that lash extensions caused damage… definitely noted.
loved these recommendations thank you so much. I think using good old oils on the lashes as well helps which Ive heard from a number of people
Im the exact same, I thought it was just a myth :S
Have never tried lash extensions, I just use a lengthening mascara instead.
Lol mine last up to 6 weeks and never had any damage!