Can you use mascara with lash extensions?

Women often ask if they can put mascara on over their eyelash extensions.

Why? You’ve just spent a significant chunk of money on lash extensions, you shouldn’t need to put mascara! That’s the beauty of eyelash extensions! You just wake up in the morning and you’re ready to go. However, it’s still something we are often asked. 

Our response is NEVER apply mascara to hybrid or volume lashes, and to try to avoid it with classic lashes. 

The reason for never applying to hybrids or volume lashes is that you have fans applied to your lashes and applying mascara will close the fans and leave your lashes a clumpy mess.

We always warn that while you can wear mascara with your lash extensions, it can shorten the life of extensions dramatically and it’s not recommended. The brush can also potentially pull on your lashes and cause them to be damaged, loosened, or removed. 

However, if you have very light eyelashes, and it’s almost time for a fill but you have an event, or need to add a bit of drama your lashes, you might decide to put mascara onto your natural lashes that are exposed. Be aware that this will mean your lash tech will have to take extra time at your fill to remove the mascara which can reduce the amount of time filling your lashes. 

If you do decide to opt for mascara over your lash extensions, DO NOT use waterproof mascara as it requires an oil-based make-up remover which will break down the glue adhering the lash extension to the natural lash. Use a water-based mascara. Mascara absolutely can be worn on your bottom lashes. 
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If your lash extensions have been applied properly, there should be no need to add mascara over the top of them as there should still be plenty left come fill time!