Sure, lashes frame your eyes and boost your look — but that’s not all they do. Just like the hair on your head, your eyelashes grow, fall out, and regrow in cycles. More importantly, they help protect your eyes from dust, debris, and other tiny particles that could cause harm.
So if you want to keep your lashes looking and feeling their best, here are 8 essential tips to keep them healthy, strong, and beautiful.
1. Give Your Lashes a Break from Extensions
Lash extensions can be a game-changer for instant glam, but your natural lashes need a break every now and then. As your lashes grow out, the extensions move further from the root — which puts extra weight on the lash and increases the risk of breakage.
Regular refill appointments can help reduce this damage, since a good lash tech will remove outgrown extensions and apply new ones. Still, taking a break from extensions now and then can do wonders for your lash health.
If you’re new to extensions, always do your research and go to a reputable, well-reviewed salon. Improper application can seriously damage your natural lashes.
2. Always Remove Your Mascara Before Bed
We get it — you’re tired, the day was long, and scrubbing your eye makeup off is the last thing you want to do. But sleeping with mascara on is one of the quickest ways to ruin your lashes.
Mascara hardens on your lashes, making them brittle. When you sleep with it on, the pressure against your pillow or even unconscious eye-rubbing can lead to lash breakage — or worse, a stiff, loose lash scratching your eye.
So before you hit the pillow, take two minutes and gently remove your eye makeup. Your lashes (and eyes) will thank you.
3. Keep Your Lashes Hydrated
Yes, really. You probably condition your hair — why not your lashes too?
Dry lashes are more likely to break and fall out early. Moisturized lashes, on the other hand, stay flexible, fuller-looking, and healthier over time.
Good news: You don’t need fancy products. Coconut oil, castor oil, or even Vaseline can do the trick. Just use a clean spoolie brush or your fingertip to apply a small amount before bed — focusing on the tips.
4. Choose Your Mascara Wisely
Waterproof mascara is great for weddings, workouts, or emotional movies — but for daily wear, it’s best avoided.
Why? It’s drying, hard to remove, and often takes a few lashes with it during removal. Using waterproof formulas every day can stress out your lashes unnecessarily and lead to thinning over time.
Stick with gentle, nourishing formulas for daily use.
5. Never Curl Your Lashes After Applying Mascara
Curling after mascara = lash disaster.
Mascara stiffens your lashes. Using a curler on hardened lashes can snap them right off — or cause damage to the lash cuticle. Always curl before mascara, and never too close to the lash line.
Bonus tip: Avoid heated curlers or warming your curler with a blow dryer. Excessive heat can weaken and dry out your lashes.
6. Use a Lash Serum (But Be Patient!)
Lash serums really do work — but they’re not magic overnight fixes.
Since the natural lash growth cycle is around 6 to 8 weeks, it may take up to 3–4 months to see full results. Serums typically contain ingredients that strengthen, hydrate, and protect lashes from environmental stress — and some even stimulate follicle growth.
If you’re looking for longer, fuller lashes without extensions, lash serums are a smart long-term investment.
7. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Tempting? Always. Worth it? Never.
Rubbing your eyes too hard can lead to lash loss, irritation, and even damage to the delicate skin around your eyes. Over time, it can contribute to dark circles, wrinkles, and skin sensitivity — not to mention broken lashes.
Be gentle when removing makeup, drying your face, or just fighting that itchy-eye feeling.
8. Don’t Use Expired Eye Makeup
If your mascara is older than 3 months — toss it.
Old mascara and eyeliner can harbor bacteria that lead to eye infections, irritation, and lash fallout. If your eyes feel itchy, watery, or irritated often, your makeup could be the culprit.
You only get one pair of eyes. Don’t risk them for a dried-out tube of mascara.
Final Thoughts:
Healthy lashes don’t require a 10-step routine or expensive products — just smart habits, consistency, and a little TLC. Follow these tips, and your lashes will be fuller, stronger, and happier in no time.
