If you've ever noticed a few lashes falling out—especially while wearing extensions—you might have wondered, “Is this normal?” The short answer? Yes, it is. At Kristina Marie Beauty, we get this question all the time, and it’s completely valid! Whether you're new to lash extensions or a seasoned beauty babe, understanding why lash shedding happens can help you care for your lashes properly and keep them looking gorgeous in every season.
So let’s clear up the confusion, ease the panic, and get real about the natural process behind lash shedding—plus what you can do to support healthy, beautiful lashes all year long.
Lash Shedding is Totally Normal – Here’s Why
Believe it or not, your eyelashes go through a natural growth and shedding cycle—just like the hair on your head. Each individual lash grows for a certain period of time, rests, and then eventually falls out to make room for new growth. This process happens all the time, but most people don’t even notice it—until they get extensions. Why? Because when a natural lash sheds with an extension attached, it's far more noticeable. That little fan or full volume lash makes the fallout look dramatic, but it’s actually part of a healthy cycle.
Most people shed between 1 to 5 natural lashes per day. That adds up to around 20–30 lashes per week, and yes, that’s completely normal. Seeing a few lashes here and there doesn’t mean your extensions were applied incorrectly, and it doesn’t mean your natural lashes are suffering. It’s just your body doing its thing.
The Lash Growth Cycle: What’s Going on Behind the Scenes
To understand lash shedding, it's helpful to take a peek at the lash growth cycle. Your natural lashes go through three key phases: Anagen (the growth phase), Catagen (the transition phase), and Telogen (the shedding phase). Not all of your lashes are in the same phase at the same time, which is why you don’t lose them all at once. It’s a rotating cycle, meaning there's always a mix of growing, resting, and shedding lashes on your lash line.
This cycle ensures that your lash line stays consistently full, even as individual lashes fall out. When you get extensions, we apply each one to a natural lash that is in the right stage of growth. That way, your extensions grow out naturally and fall off when your own lash is ready to shed—keeping your lash health in perfect balance.
Why Lash Extensions Make Shedding More Noticeable
Here’s the thing: lash shedding has always been happening—you just didn’t notice it before. Lash extensions simply amplify the visibility of the process. When a natural lash sheds on its own, it’s tiny and often goes unnoticed. But with an extension attached, that same lash suddenly looks a lot more dramatic when it ends up on your pillow or in your lash brush.
That’s why some people worry they’re losing a ton of lashes all at once when really, it’s just more noticeable with those beautiful fans attached. Every extension is applied individually to one healthy natural lash—so when that lash naturally falls out, it takes its extension with it. No harm done!
What to Expect During a Fill Appointment
Fill appointments are where the lash magic continues! Typically scheduled every 2–3 weeks, fills allow us to replace extensions that have naturally shed and maintain the fullness of your lash line. At your fill, your lash artist will gently remove any outgrown extensions, clean your lash line, and apply new lashes to keep your set looking fresh and flawless. These appointments are faster than your initial full set and a great time to ask questions or adjust your lash style. Bonus: it’s also a perfect excuse to relax for an hour while we pamper your lashes.
Why Shedding Might Be More Noticeable Than Usual
While some shedding is completely normal, there are times when you may notice an uptick—and it’s usually not something to worry about. One common factor is seasonal shedding, especially in the fall and spring. Just like animals shed their coats, our bodies go through subtle cycles that affect hair growth, including our lashes. This seasonal shift might cause a temporary increase in lash loss, but your natural growth cycle will bounce back quickly.
You might also experience increased shedding due to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or even from certain medications. Stress, illness, and lack of nutrition can also play a role, as your body will always prioritize vital functions over hair growth when it’s under strain.
Another common cause is improper aftercare. Sleeping face-down, rubbing your eyes, or using oil-based makeup or skincare near your lashes can weaken the adhesive and cause premature shedding. That’s why we always emphasize the importance of gentle handling and using lash-safe products at home.
How to Support Healthy, Long-Lasting Lashes
While you can’t stop natural lash shedding (and honestly, you wouldn’t want to!), there are plenty of things you can do to support healthy lash growth and keep your extensions looking full between fills.
First and foremost, stick to your fill schedule. We recommend coming in every 2–3 weeks for fills to replace the extensions that shed naturally and maintain that full, fresh look. Regular fills also give your lash artist a chance to assess the health of your natural lashes and make any adjustments as needed.
Another key tip is to clean your lashes daily with a gentle, oil-free lash cleanser. Keeping your lash line free of makeup, oil, and debris not only promotes lash health but also helps your extensions last longer by preventing premature breakdown of the adhesive.
We also suggest avoiding oil-based skincare or makeup products near your eyes, as oils can weaken the bond and cause extensions to fall off early. Sleeping on your back (or using a silk pillowcase if you’re a side sleeper) can help reduce friction and protect your lashes while you rest.
Myths About Lash Shedding – Debunked
Let’s be honest—seeing lashes fall out can feel a little scary, especially if you're new to extensions. But before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Lash shedding is often misunderstood, and clearing up a few common myths can make all the difference in how you care for your lashes—and how confident you feel between fills.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that lash extensions cause natural lashes to fall out prematurely. The truth is, every single natural lash is already on its own timeline. When an extension falls out with a natural lash attached, that lash was already at the end of its growth cycle and ready to shed. It’s actually a good sign when the extension comes off with the natural lash—it means the adhesive held strong and the lash completed its life cycle as it should.
Another myth? That lash extensions can make your natural lashes stop growing altogether. This simply isn’t true. Your lash follicles will continue to produce new lashes just like they always have. What can affect your natural lash health is poor application or using lashes that are too heavy for your natural lash to support. That’s why proper isolation, weight selection, and technique matter so much.
There’s also the belief that losing lashes means something was done wrong or that the extensions were applied incorrectly. In reality, even the most flawless set of extensions can’t stop your body’s natural rhythm. Lash shedding happens to everyone, with or without extensions—it’s just easier to notice when those lashes are longer and fuller than what you're used to seeing.
So, if you find a few fans on your pillow or towel, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean you’re losing lashes at an alarming rate or that something’s wrong. It’s simply a sign that your natural cycle is in motion. When you're working with a trained, experienced lash artist who prioritizes proper technique, you can trust that your lash shedding is normal, healthy, and nothing to stress about.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lash Shedding
How many lashes do we shed per day?
On average, it’s completely normal to shed 1 to 5 natural lashes per day. Because each lash is on its own growth cycle, this shedding happens gradually and isn’t usually noticeable—unless you have extensions, which make each lash more visible when it falls out.
Why does lash shedding happen more in the fall or spring?
You may notice more shedding during seasonal transitions, especially in fall and spring. This is due to natural biological cycles that affect hair growth. Just like animals shed their fur, our bodies react to changing light and weather, which can lead to a temporary increase in lash loss.
Are my lash extensions causing my lashes to fall out?
Nope! Properly applied lash extensions—like those done at Kristina Marie Beauty—do not damage your natural lashes. Extensions are attached to individual lashes that are already in the right phase of their growth cycle. When your natural lash sheds, the extension goes with it. This is completely normal and healthy.
Can stress or health issues make lash shedding worse?
Yes. Stress, hormonal changes, certain medications, and poor nutrition can all impact your lash growth cycle. If you’re noticing excessive shedding and it doesn’t seem to be seasonal or related to aftercare, it’s worth considering overall health or discussing it with your lash artist.
How can I reduce lash shedding?
You can’t stop natural lash shedding—but you can minimize excess loss by following good lash care practices. This includes cleansing your lashes daily, avoiding oil-based products, sleeping on your back or with a silk pillowcase, and keeping up with your fill appointments every 2–3 weeks.
When should I reach out to my lash artist about shedding?
If you’re seeing excessive lash loss, gaps in your lash line shortly after a fill, or lashes falling out in clumps, definitely reach out. While shedding is usually normal, we’re always here to help evaluate your lash health and make adjustments if needed.
Embracing the Shedding Process
At the end of the day, lash shedding isn’t something to fear—it’s something to understand and embrace. It means your body is doing what it’s supposed to do, and with the right care and support, your lashes (and extensions!) will continue to look stunning.
When you trust a certified lash professional like the team at Kristina Marie Beauty, you’re in good hands. We always prioritize your lash health, and we’re here to guide you through every phase—from your first set to every flawless fill. So, the next time you spot a lash or two, just remember: it’s totally normal, totally natural, and nothing to stress about.
Have questions about your lashes or want to learn more about what’s normal for you? We’re just a call or message away. Let’s keep those lashes lush and lovely—schedule your next fill with us today!
