Summer is here in full swing, and no one is immune to pool parties, cookouts, and bonfires. Unfortunately, all that water and heat exposure isn’t that kind to eyelash extensions.
Burnt lash extensions are not a cute look, and can be quite uncomfortable, so preventing this from happening is a must – especially in the summer months.
Read this article to learn more about singed lashes, what can cause them, how to prevent them, and which steps to take to resolve this issue.
What Do Singed Lashes Look Like?
Sometimes, it may be difficult to tell if your lashes are burned or damaged due to factors such as tugging, pulling, or too much exposure to water and oil-based skincare products.
If you notice any of the following, your lash extensions are probably damaged by heat:
- The tips of your lashes are noticeably thinner and shorter.
- Your lash extensions are not curled up like they used to be.
- Your lash extensions are stuck together and harder to brush.
- Your lash extensions are frizzling and falling out faster than usual.
Image source: Instagram @jade.polished
What Can Cause Singed Eyelashes?
Before disclosing what can be the cause of burnt eyelashes, let’s talk about why they get singed in the first place.
Lash extensions are most commonly made of synthetic materials, or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), which indicates that they are flammable. Not only can your lashes get singed, but extreme heat can also cause them to melt together, resulting in a clumpy appearance.
Let’s take a look at different ways heat can singe or melt your lashes:
- Lighting up a cigarette too close to your lashes.
- Using your blow dryer on the highest heat setting.
- Opening the oven when baking and looking in.
- Standing directly above pots and pans when cooking.
- Standing directly above candles when lighting or smelling them.
- Blowing out birthday candles.
- Standing too close to open fire when barbecuing or doing other activities that involve an open flame.
@the.glamrooms ❤️🔥 If your a smoker with lash extensions, please remember to be extra careful with your lighters. Lash extensions are extremely sensitive to heat and can easily be singed from open flames up to 10cm away! • • • #lashtech #birminghamlashtech #birminghambeauty #lashtraining ♬ Boy's a Liar Pt. 2 - PinkPantheress & Ice Spice
How to Prevent Singed Lash Extensions
When dealing with singed lashes, there isn’t much that you can do to reverse the effect, so prevention is key to keeping your lash extensions in shape. Here’s our advice for preventing singed lash extensions:
How to Prevent Burnt Lash Extensions When Cooking & Grilling
First and foremost, when cooking, make sure to open the lid with your face turned away. Let all that heat blow right past your lashes rather than directly at them. When you open the oven, try to keep your face away from the direct steam and heat that initially blows out.
Secondly, always wear sunglasses while grilling. Not only does it help with smoke, but it also shields your eyes from the extreme heat and protects your lashes from sizzling.
How to Prevent Singed Lash Extensions When Blow Drying
Blow drying is a big part of many women’s daily routines, so learning to do it safely when getting your lashes done is a must.
Never point your blow dryer in the direction of your lashes and use it always in a cool setting. We know it might take a little longer, but trust us, this is the safest option for your extensions, plus it is much better for your hair!
If you do decide to blow dry your hair with heat, make sure you flip it and dry it upside-down. This will keep the heat that’s blowing directly onto your face and eyes to a minimum.
What to Do If You Have Burnt Lash Extensions
Despite taking precautions when cooking, grilling, or smoking, accidents can happen, and if you find yourself with singed lashes and damaged extensions, here’s what you can do:
Seek Professional Help
If you notice significant damage or singeing on your lashes, it’s best to consult with your lash technician. Contact them and let them know immediately, so they can assess the situation and recommend an appropriate fix, such as removal, replacement, or repair.
Keep Away from More Heat
The next thing to do is to avoid any further heat damage. Once you notice singeing, refrain from using heated styling tools like blow dryers, hair irons, or stylers near the affected lashes.
Give your lashes time to recover by following the correct aftercare routine.
Use a Lash Serum to Repair Damaged Lashes
To promote the health and regrowth of your natural lashes, consider using a lash serum. These products contain nourishing ingredients that can help strengthen and revitalize damaged lashes, aiding in their recovery.
Here are some of our product picks:
Be Patient
Remember, your lashes have a natural growth cycle at the end of which they fall out and are replaced with new, healthy growth.
Singed lashes with or without lash extensions may take more time to fully recover. So the best thing to do is to allow your lashes to grow out naturally and avoid the temptation to overdo it with mascara or heavy eye makeup during healing.
Image source: Instagram @__theglowbar__
In Conclusion
Burnt eyelash extensions can happen all year round, but more frequently in the summer. So, make sure you give your lashes some love and care by being mindful of heat exposure.
Remember, even mild heat near your extensions can impact the lash adhesive and weaken the bond, leading the extensions to shed sooner than you want.
Lastly, recognize when you have accidentally singed your lashes, contact your tech, and schedule an appointment to get the best possible treatment.
Learn how frequent water exposure can affect your lash extensions here.
Cover image source: Freepik
