How To Segway From Extensions To Fuller, Thicker Lashes

Stuck in self-isolation sans your normal beauty routine? This is how to segway from lash extensions to no lashes and mascara, with an at-home guide to fuller, thicker lashes.

 Most of the world is now self-isolating indoors, which is leading to a whole range of changes to our normal routines. From working to exercising, almost every social practice has had to adapt and head online, and beauty routines are no exception.

It’s no longer possible to duck down to the beautician before a big event, or when you feel like a little pamper session.

It means that we’ve had to evolve our beauty routines, and for some, the transition from full, thick lash extensions to no lashes and mere mascara has been a quick drawcard back to a harsh reality.

But never fear, this is your ultimate guide for developing thick, full lashes at home. After awhile, you won’t even miss the extensions.

Time away from the extensions is a good thing

While it’s unclear if eyelash extensions affect the natural length of the lashes overtime, there is the risk of the natural lashes falling out.

eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions may look pretty, but they can cause damage to the real lashes.

It’s a condition called Traction Alopecia, says assistant professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, where the natural lashes fall out due to the excessive weight, i.e. extensions.

Once lashes have fallen out, they can take months to grow back, according to Medical News Daily.

Not to mention, there’s the cost savings from going sans-fakies. Eyelash extensions are an expensive habit, with prices usually starting at over $150 AUD, depending on the type of lashes.

There’s also the need to purchase regular refills every 1-4 weeks to keep the lashes looking thick and voluminous, which can be an added cost of upwards of $120 per week.

Stop curling lashes, for now

Curling lashes can be a great way to add volume, but it’s best not to do the practice every day.

Lashes are fragile little things, so excessive clamping and crimping will inevitably take a toll and result in little fall outs, which creates a thinner, sparse look.

eyelash curler
While in self-isolation, put down the curler to give your lashes a break.

Not to mention, many people fail to clean their curlers and they can become clumped and caked with old mascara. This is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can ultimately damage the lashes.

So, during this period of self-isolation, step away from the curler and allow your lashes to breathe and grow normally. It’s almost a guarantee that people on your Zoom meeting won’t notice the difference.

Take a Multi-Vitamin or Collagen

Use this time in self-isolation to develop good habits, such as taking vitamins to stimulate lash growth. While the payoff isn’t immediate, once you emerge from quarantine your lashes will be thicker and more fluttering than ever.

According to Healthiack, the best vitamins for providing nutrients for hair growth belong to the B group of vitamins. Vitamin B3, also called Niacin, and Vitamin B7, also called Biotin, are two options that promote healthy hair growth.

Niacin has also been known to prevent the lashes from drying out, while improving blood flow to the hair follicles. This ensures lashes won’t be brittle; instead, they’ll be stronger and healthier.

Consider also taking Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant vitamin that helps fight the damage from free radicals.

To make all this vitamin taking easier, opt for a supplement that has multiple benefits, all in one.

optima nutricosmetics
A blend of vitamins and nutrients can be the kickstart lashes need to grow

The Optima Nutricosmetics Ultimate 1.0 Complete Skin Food Elixir (RRP$ 159 AUD) is a daily drinkable powder that helps to deliver the ultimate in skin nutrition.

A blend of essential nutrients such as, Vitamin C, pro Vitamin A, B complex vitamins including Niacin and Biotin, and silica will help promote growth in both the lashes and the hair on your head, while also addressing healthy skin and nails.

There’s also a healthy boost of marine collagen to improve skin texture and boost hydration and elasticity, while antioxidants help protect from free radicals. 

At home lash boosting methods

Open your pantry, and there’s a whole range of everyday ingredients that can be applied to the lashes to stimulate hair growth.

Coconut Oil

A 2003 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that coconut oil was one of the most effective oils in preventing hair damage, which can help aid the regrowth of hair.

coconut oil
Coconut oil can penetrate deeply into the hair follicles

This is because the structure of coconut oil allows it to penetrate deep inside the hair shaft, while helps prevent a loss in hair protein. Coconut oil will also provide added moisture to the lashes, which can help stimulate growth.

How to do it at home: Cleanse and clean your lashes free from makeup, and pat them dry. Using a cotton swab, apply a light layer of coconut oil to both the top and bottom lash lines.

Avoid direct eye contact. Leave the oil on overnight, before rinsing off the next morning.

Green Tea

Green tea is packed full of antioxidants and compounds that are known to stimulate hair growth. One of those is called epigallocatechin-3gallate (EGCG), which a 2007 study published in Phytomedicine found can help promote hair growth.

Stylecraze also reports Green Tea is high in catechins, which help repress the hormones that cause hair loss.

How to do it at home: Regular drinking of green tea can see benefits, while regular topical application can also yield results.

Brew one green tea bag and allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes. Once the tea is cooled, apply the tea to the lower and upper lash lines by using a cotton swab.

Consider Using a Serum for a Growing Boost

Serums can be a great way to directly target the lashes with the nutrients they need to grow.

The Peter Thomas Roth Turbo Conditioning Lash Enhancer (RRP $132 AUD) provides a potent hit combination of 11% Peptide and Biotin to help lashes grow thicker, stronger and darker. Vitamins A, C and E also provide an added hit of nutrients.

I’ve only been using this product for three weeks now, but my lashes are visibly darker and thicker. I’m still waiting for the added length the product promotes, but the product recommends applying nightly for 6 weeks to see a full difference.

A hydrating complex of aloe vera and Tahitian plankton also adds moisture, which I noticed because my lashes were no longer brittle or dry.

Zoe Bradbury

Zoe is a self-confessed health and fitness fanatic. She loves working out and being active, almost as much as she loves going out for brunch and eating avo toast. If she’s not in the gym, you’ll usually find her online shopping, buying something she definitely does not need, or updating her Pinterest board with travel and adventure ideas for the future. Her other loves include dark chocolate, coffee and cats, all enjoyed while watching bad (or really good?) reality TV

1 Comment
  1. Very much enjoyed the write up I’m currently specializing in dermatology.
    I shared this with my colleagues & they appreciated it to.
    Grateful for the effort.

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