How Hormones Affect Lash Extensions: What You Need to Know; from The Ink And Lash Clinic.

How Hormones Affect Lash Extensions: A Comprehensive Guide

Lash extensions have revolutionized the beauty industry, offering a convenient way to achieve fuller, longer lashes without the daily hassle of mascara. However, if you’ve noticed changes in how well your lash extensions last, the reason might be rooted in your body’s hormonal fluctuations. These changes can significantly impact the natural lash cycle, which in turn affects how long your extensions stay intact.

In this detailed guide, we’ll delve into how hormones influence lash retention, particularly during pregnancy, the postpartum period, breastfeeding, and when using contraceptive pills.

Understanding the Hair and Lash Growth Cycle

Before exploring the impact of hormones, it’s essential to understand the basics of the hair and lash growth cycle. Each lash on your eyelids follows a specific growth pattern, consisting of three main phases:

Anagen (Growth Phase): This is when your lashes are actively growing. The anagen phase can last anywhere from 30 to 45 days for eyelashes. During this phase, the longer the lash remains, the longer it will grow.
Catagen (Transition Phase): The catagen phase is a short transitional period where the growth stops, and the lash follicle begins to shrink. This phase lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. Lashes in this phase are more fragile and can easily fall out if disturbed.
Telogen (Resting Phase): The final phase is the telogen phase, which can last over 100 days before the lash naturally falls out and the cycle restarts. During this phase, the lash is at rest, but it can still be shed if it’s bumped or pulled.

Hormones, particularly those involved in reproductive processes, can greatly influence these phases, either prolonging or shortening them, which can, in turn, affect the retention of lash extensions.

Pregnancy and Lash Extensions: A Dynamic Relationship

Pregnancy is a time of profound hormonal change. The levels of estrogen and progesterone surge to support the growing fetus, and these changes can have some noticeable effects on your hair and lashes.

Estrogen and the Anagen Phase: During pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, estrogen levels are significantly elevated. This increase can lengthen the anagen phase, meaning that your natural lashes may grow longer, thicker, and faster. As a result, you may find that your lash extensions last longer than usual because the natural lashes they are attached to are stronger and more resilient.
Postpartum Hormonal Shift: After giving birth, the body undergoes a rapid drop in estrogen levels, which can trigger a condition known as postpartum telogen effluvium. This condition causes a large number of hair follicles, including those of your eyelashes, to enter the telogen (resting) phase simultaneously. Many new mothers experience noticeable shedding of scalp hair and eyelashes a few months postpartum. During this time, your natural lashes may shed more quickly, leading to less retention of lash extensions. This shedding can be quite alarming, but it is a temporary phase that usually resolves within six to twelve months.
Changes in Lash Texture and Quality: Pregnancy can also alter the texture and quality of your hair and lashes. Some women report that their lashes become finer or more brittle during pregnancy, which can affect how well extensions adhere and last.

Breastfeeding and Its Impact on Lash Extensions

Breastfeeding is another period characterized by significant hormonal changes, most notably the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. This phase also sees continued lower levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Prolactin’s Role in the Hair Cycle: Elevated prolactin levels can sometimes prolong the telogen phase, leading to a slower hair growth cycle. This can mean that your lashes are in the resting phase for longer periods, making them more prone to shedding before they can fully regrow. This prolonged telogen phase can result in less robust natural lashes, which might affect how well lash extensions hold up.
Continued Postpartum Shedding: For some women, the hair shedding that begins postpartum can continue while breastfeeding. This extended shedding phase might mean that lash extensions need more frequent refills to maintain their desired fullness.

How Contraceptive Pills Influence Lash Retention

Contraceptive pills are another factor that can influence the lash growth cycle. These pills work primarily by regulating hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, to prevent ovulation. However, this hormonal regulation can have various effects on hair and lash growth.

Stabilization of Hormone Levels: Many women find that their hair and lashes are more stable while on the contraceptive pill. By providing a steady level of hormones, the pill can help to minimize the fluctuations that typically affect the hair growth cycle. This stabilization can lead to more predictable lash retention, as your lashes are less likely to undergo sudden shifts between growth and shedding phases.
Initial Adjustment Period: It’s not uncommon for women to experience some degree of hair shedding when they first start or stop taking the contraceptive pill. This shedding occurs because the body is adjusting to the new hormone levels, which can temporarily disrupt the hair growth cycle. During this adjustment period, you might notice that your lash extensions don’t last as long as usual, as your natural lashes might be more prone to shedding.
Potential for Prolonged Growth Phase: On the flip side, some contraceptive pills can extend the anagen phase of the hair cycle, leading to longer and potentially thicker lashes. This could improve the retention of lash extensions, as the natural lashes are healthier and more capable of supporting extensions for longer periods.

Managing Lash Extensions During Hormonal Fluctuations

Understanding the impact of hormones on your lash cycle is key to managing expectations and maintaining the best results with lash extensions. Here are some strategies to help you navigate these changes:

Communication is Key: Always inform your lash technician about any hormonal changes you’re experiencing, whether due to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, or changes in contraceptive use. This information allows your technician to adjust the type of lashes, adhesive, and application technique to better suit your current lash condition.
Regular Maintenance: During periods of hormonal fluctuation, you may need to schedule more frequent lash fills to keep your extensions looking full and even. Hormonal changes can lead to unpredictable lash shedding, so staying on top of maintenance appointments is crucial.
Gentle Care: Be mindful of your lash care routine, especially during periods of hormonal change. Use gentle, oil-free cleansers and avoid rubbing or tugging at your lashes, as they may be more fragile during these times.
Consider Lash Serums: If you’re experiencing significant lash shedding due to hormonal changes, you might want to consider using a lash serum to help strengthen and support your natural lashes. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new products, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Hormones have a profound and often unpredictable effect on our bodies, including our hair and lashes. Whether you’re navigating the hormonal changes of pregnancy, the postpartum period, breastfeeding, or the use of contraceptive pills, understanding how these changes affect your lash cycle can help you maintain beautiful, long-lasting lash extensions.

By staying informed and working closely with your lash technician, you can adapt to these natural changes and continue to enjoy the benefits of lash extensions, no matter what life stage you’re in. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, our team is here to help you every step of the way.