When it comes to beauty trends, one feature that has always been in the spotlight is long, luscious eyelashes. A flutter of thick, curled lashes can instantly enhance a woman’s look, making her feel more confident and beautiful. However, not all women are blessed with naturally gorgeous lashes, leading them to seek alternative ways to achieve their desired look.
For a long time, one popular option for enhancing lashes was through the use of eyelash extensions. These semi-permanent extensions gave women the appearance of longer, fuller lashes that could last for weeks. The convenience and instant gratification of lash extensions made them a go-to choice for many women looking to elevate their beauty game.
But as time passed, the drawbacks of eyelash extensions became more evident. The high cost of maintenance, the potential damage to natural lashes, and the time-consuming application process made many women re-evaluate their relationship with lash extensions.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift away from salon lash extensions towards more natural and affordable alternatives. The rise of DIY beauty and the growing popularity of clean and soft makeup trends have influenced many women to embrace their natural beauty and opt for simpler ways to enhance their lashes.
Even celebrities like Kylie Jenner have shifted towards a more natural makeup style, eschewing the heavy, dramatic look that was once synonymous with Hollywood glamour. This change in preference reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing authenticity and embracing one’s natural features.
Interior designer Jill Higginson shared her own journey of moving away from eyelash extensions after 15 years and thousands of dollars spent on maintenance. According to Glamour, What initially boosted her confidence and made her feel glamorous eventually began to feel outdated and out of touch with modern trends. She noticed her daughter questioning her lash look, prompting her to reassess the artificial appearance of her extensions.
Higginson noticed her daughter questioning her lash look after appointments, which prompted her to reflect on their artificial appearance. Feeling unsatisfied, she would sometimes remove the freshly applied lashes to achieve a more natural look but was frustrated with the upkeep which made the interior designer finally decide to call it quits.
To mark the occasion, she posted a TikTok video showing her lashes before and after removal. The video quickly went viral, amassing 12.8 million views and generating supportive comments from viewers.
Higginson is part of a growing trend of women on TikTok who are ditching eyelash extensions. Social media and shifts in the beauty industry towards a more natural look have contributed to the decline in popularity of this once-fashionable service, now considered outdated or “cheugy.”
@jillhigginson1 Saving $250 a month never looked so good! #lashremoval #lashextensions #extentionremoval #lashes ♬ original sound – girl failure
The decrease in eyelash extensions’ popularity isn’t solely due to falling out of favor online. A significant factor is the time and cost involved—they require two to three hours for a full set and need touch-ups every two weeks that last at least 45 minutes, which can be quite costly.
Blogger Ms. Tried and True shared in a blog post how she manages her lashes. She’s not naturally blessed with long, thick, curled lashes, so she relies on an eyelash curler and mascara to enhance them. While mascara used to be a hassle to remove daily, curling her lashes became her go-to solution.
A few years ago, she joined the hype of eyelash extensions and loved how they transformed her look. They made her feel beautiful even without makeup and looked great in photos. However, the maintenance and time spent were costly, and she noticed her natural lashes thinning from the extensions falling out. It was also inconvenient for daily activities like sleeping and washing her face.
Eventually, she gave up eyelash extensions and returned to her trusty eyelash curler.
Despite their initial attraction, many women ended up dissatisfied with eyelash extensions because of allergic reactions, damage to their natural lashes, and the inability to rub their face properly. HealthShots featured the stories of some of these women who candidly shared their experiences of the pitfalls of getting eyelash extensions, only to regret it later.
Ankita, a marketing manager in Delhi, initially loved the long, full, dark lashes she achieved without needing mascara. However, her happiness was short-lived. The next day, she woke up with red, sensitive eyelids—due to an allergic reaction. She questioned whether it was due to hygiene or sensitivity to the glue. The expert suggested her habit of sleeping face-down might have caused the reaction.
Elice, a PR executive at a Delhi-based company, learned from a salon expert that our eyelashes naturally grow and shed in cycles, similar to hair. However, after getting thick and wispy faux lashes for her wedding, she noticed more of her natural lashes falling out. Her dermatologist explained that the weight of the long fake lashes was pulling down her natural ones, causing concern. She quickly decided to remove them to prioritize her natural lashes over the hefty price tag for the fake set.
Sana Khan, an immigration executive, chose eyelash extensions because they looked incredibly realistic compared to strip falsies she had used for important events. Her lash expert assured her they could last for months with proper care, which thrilled her. However, maintaining them was exhausting—she couldn’t rub her eyes or sleep face-down, and she had to avoid any products containing oil, including makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, and removers. For someone not inclined toward high-maintenance routines, this was a challenge.
This shift in eyelash extensions hasn’t gone unnoticed by lash technicians, who have seen changes in consumer preferences firsthand.
Taylor Mendoza, a licensed esthetician and lash technician in Clermont, Florida, has observed a shift in client preferences and has mixed feelings about it. “Many of my older clients, who aren’t active on social media, still prefer traditional looks,” she told Glamor. “But younger clients are increasingly asking for more natural styles. It seems everyone is embracing the clean-girl or soft-girl trend.”
To adapt, Mendoza has expanded her services to include eyebrow lamination and waxing as additional options.
In contrast, Clementina Richardson, founder of Envious Lashes in New York City, has seen a different trend among her clients. “It really depends on your clientele,” she explained to the magazine. “While some people may be cutting back due to economic reasons, I have clients who have been with me for over 15 years and continue to come in regularly.”
Despite social media trends, Mendoza attributes the shift in preferences to current fashion trends and believes that preferences may eventually swing back.
In all, women are increasingly embracing a natural, do-it-yourself approach to enhancing their eyes. This shift reflects a commitment to the long-term health and beauty of their lashes, prioritizing their natural features over the temporary appeal of salon-applied extensions.
By opting for more natural alternatives, women are redefining beauty standards and embracing a holistic approach to their skincare and makeup routines.
Photo: Askar Abayev/Pexels
