You just got a fresh set of lash extensions, and everything looks flawless… until a few days later when you notice a few have fallen out. Before you panic or blame your lash tech, let’s talk about something most people don’t know enough about: your natural lash growth cycle.
Lash shedding is completely normal—and actually healthy. Just like the hair on your head, your lashes go through natural phases of growth, rest, and shedding. Understanding these phases is key to knowing what’s normal, what’s not, and how to take care of your lashes at every stage.
In this article, we’ll break down the science of lash cycles, how they affect extension retention, and what you can do to keep your lashes looking full and fabulous no matter what phase they’re in.
What Is the Natural Lash Growth Cycle
Your eyelashes, like every other hair on your body, go through a continuous cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. This process happens naturally and silently—whether or not you have lash extensions.
Here’s a breakdown of the three key phases of the lash growth cycle:
🌱 Anagen Phase – The Growth Stage
This is the active growth phase. Lashes are short and still developing. The follicle is deeply rooted, and the lash is still gaining length and strength.
🕒 Duration: 30–45 days
💡 Lash extensions aren’t usually applied to lashes in this phase, as they’re still too delicate and short.
💤 Catagen Phase – The Transition Stage
This is a short “resting” phase. The lash stops growing, but stays attached. It’s in between the beginning and end of the lash cycle.
🕒 Duration: 2–3 weeks
💡 Lash extensions can safely be applied in this phase—this is the sweet spot for most lash techs.
🍂 Telogen Phase – The Shedding Stage
This is the final stage, where the lash is ready to fall out naturally. A new lash is forming underneath, pushing the old one out.
🕒 Duration: ~100 days
💡 If an extension is attached to a lash in this phase, it will shed with the natural lash soon after.
Now that you understand the cycle, let’s talk about how this affects your retention and why losing a few extensions doesn’t mean anything went wrong 👇
How Lash Growth Affects Extension Retention
Lash extensions are bonded to your natural lashes, not the skin. So when a natural lash sheds, the extension goes with it—simple as that.
Even with perfect application and aftercare, you’ll naturally lose 2–5 lashes per day, which equals around 20–30 lashes per eye per week.
Factors that can affect this cycle:
Hormonal changes
Stress or fatigue
Seasonal shifts (more on that soon)
Allergies or medications
This explains why some weeks your lashes feel fuller longer—and other times, they seem to thin out faster.
How to Know If You’re in a “Shedding Season
Ever felt like suddenly your lashes are falling out more than usual? That might be because of seasonal lash shedding—a real and totally normal phenomenon.
Typically, this happens during:
Spring & Fall transitions
After major weather shifts (heatwaves, dry spells)
When your body is adapting to daylight or hormonal changes
🔍 Signs you’re in a shedding season:
More than 5 lashes falling out per day
Thinner lash line despite recent fill
More fallout on one eye (often your dominant side)
The key here is not to freak out—it’s temporary. And with proper care, you can still maintain a beautiful set.
Lash Care Tips Based on Growth Cycle
Now that you understand your lashes are always evolving, here’s how to treat them better in each stage:
🌱 Growth (Anagen)
Don’t force extensions on new lashes
Use a lash serum to encourage healthy growth
Avoid heavy makeup or rubbing the eyes
💤 Rest (Catagen)
Ideal time for lash fills
Avoid stress, heat, and oil-based products
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
🍂 Shedding (Telogen)
Be gentle with cleansing
Expect some fallout—it’s normal
Stay consistent with refill appointments (every 2–3 weeks)
Let Your Lashes Flow Naturally—With the Right Support
Lash shedding isn’t a failure—it’s biology. By understanding your lash cycle and working with it instead of against it, you’ll get better retention, fuller fills, and a longer-lasting lash look.
If you’re located in Vienna, VA or nearby, the lash experts at Lashes & Spa by Neda are trained to customize your lash set based on your natural cycle. Book your appointment today and let us create a lash plan that moves with your body—not against it.