Is Lash Shed a Thing?
If you’ve been lashing for a while, you’ve probably heard clients panic when they start noticing more lash fallout than usual. Lash artists, meet the culprit: lash shed. Yes, lash shed is absolutely a thing, and it’s all part of your client’s natural lash cycle.
What Is Lash Shed?
Lash shed refers to the natural process of eyelashes falling out and being replaced by new growth. Just like the hair on your head, your natural lashes grow, rest, and eventually fall out in a predictable cycle. This cycle has three phases:
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Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when new lashes are actively growing.
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Catagen (Transition Phase): During this brief phase, lash growth stops, and the follicle begins to shrink.
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Telogen (Resting Phase): The lash remains in place until it naturally falls out, making way for a new lash.
The average person sheds 1-5 natural lashes per eye daily, which means lash shed is happening all the time, even if your clients don’t notice it.
Why Does Lash Shed Seem More Noticeable Sometimes?
Clients may notice more lash fallout during specific times of the year due to seasonal shedding. Just like animals shed their fur, humans can experience increased hair and lash shedding during fall and spring. Hormonal changes, stress, and even changes in diet can also impact the lash cycle.
This natural shedding can feel more dramatic for clients with lash extensions because each natural lash lost might take an extension with it. This is why some clients mistakenly believe their extensions are “falling out” too quickly.
How to Manage Lash Shed as a Lash Artist
Lash shed is unavoidable, but here are a few tips to help your clients navigate this natural process:
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Educate Your Clients: Let your clients know that lash shedding is normal and part of maintaining healthy lashes. When they understand the lash cycle, they’ll be less likely to panic.
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Book Regular Fills: Encourage clients to schedule fills every 2-3 weeks to keep their sets looking full and fresh, especially during seasonal shedding periods.
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Use High-Quality Products: Invest in lightweight, soft lash extensions like Cashmere Lashes to minimize stress on natural lashes. Pair these with a long lasting adhesive, such as Megahold Adhesive, to improve retention.
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Promote Aftercare: Recommend a lash-safe cleanser to keep lash lines clean and free of debris. Healthy lashes grow better and last longer.
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Offer Seasonal Tips: During high-shed seasons, suggest natural or hybrid sets that’ll maintain a voluminous look without overwhelming sparse areas.
Reassuring Your Clients
The key to managing lash sheds is communication. If your clients are prepared and understand that shedding is natural, they’ll trust your expertise. Explain the science behind lash growth and assure them that their extensions can look flawless year-round with proper maintenance.
Lash shed is a normal, healthy part of the lash cycle that every lash artist and client should understand. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can help your clients maintain gorgeous lash sets through every phase of the cycle. Lash on, lash boss!
