Understanding hair growth for eyelash extensions
We naturally lose 3 - 4 eyelashes a day, here we explain why regular refill appointments are required to maintain longer and fuller lashes.
Eyelash growth is made up of 3 different phases - Anagen, Catagen and Telogen.
Anagen - The growth phase of the hair cycle during which new hair is formed
Anagen Hair last for 30 - 45 days. These lashes should remain untouched.
Catagen - A phase of the hair cycle between growth and and resting of the hair follicle
Catagen Hair last around 2 - 3 weeks. Eyelash Extension to be applied on
Telogen - The resting phase of the follicle hair cycle
Telogen Hair last around 2 weeks - Lashes that are scheduled for refills
The whole cycle for eyelashes is around 90 - 100 days, that equates to 12 weeks.
Some may claim that eyelash extension last this long, but this is not true.
When applying eyelash extensions they are placed on eyelashes when they are in the Catagen phase. Eyelash extension should never be applied while the lashes are in Anagen phase as they are still too delicate and is not strong enough to hold the eyelash extension. Lashes that are scheduled for refills are usually at Telogen phase. Which is the last 2 weeks of the eyelash cycle until it shed and then go back to Anagen phase.
As you can see that the best time to apply lashes on is Catagen phase. As they come close or at Telogen phase a refill is needed, before it start to shed.
So therefore a refill is required every 2 - 3 weeks to maintain the fuller and longer lashes look.
Do I need a break from having eyelash extensions?
If you have a good understanding of the eyelash growth cycle, combine with proper care to the extension, with a technician that properly apply eyelash extension using light lashes and glue. You would not need to take a break from eyelash extensions.