Can You Trim Eyelash Extensions?

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You book yourself an appointment and get those long, luscious lash extensions. They look great… but you are unsure about the length. Have you gone too far? Maybe.

Once you reach home you realize that they are definitely too long. 

So what do you do? Do you get the scissors and try to cut them on your own? Can you trim eyelash extensions?

You should not try to trim your eyelash extensions once they’ve been placed on your natural lashes. It’s dangerous and will make your lashes look worse.

In this article, we’ll explain why that is the case. We’ll also tell you more about what you can do if you think your eyelash extensions are too long. 


Contents

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Through the years, we have all been trying to achieve those long, thick, and lusciously-curled eyelashes. From growth serums , mascaras , false lashes , reusable magnetic lashes , lash conditioners like Revitalish  (reviewed here), and heated curlers  , eyelash products are plentiful.

However, there is now a more permanent solution, and that is eyelash extensions. 

Eyelash extensions are typically done in beauty salons by qualified lash artists.

The eyelash extensions are made of natural or synthetic fibers. They are attached to your natural lashes to make them look darker, fuller, and longer. Each lash is applied individually to the natural eyelashes by using glue specifically made for this function. 

The thing about them is that they pretty much look… real. Super natural, but just longer and better.

Eyelash extensions could be made from mink, faux mink, synthetic, or silk fibers. They also come in various lengths, shades, and curl patterns. That makes them customizable for each client.

Extensions typically last for about 2-3 weeks. From that point, the lash extensions will gradually fall out. Try to use shower goggles for eyelash extensions to extend your life.

However, you can go for regular touch-ups to maintain them.


Can You Trim Eyelash Extensions?

False Eyelash Extensions

Getting an eyelash extension for the first time can be exciting. Instantly Instagrammable eyelashes, first thing the morning! What more can you ask for?

There are a lot of options and choices, so you can zoom in on what you really like. However, due to being inexperienced in using eyelash extensions, it’s easy to choose those that are too long.

When that happens, you may think that the solution is simply to trim the lashes

Danger Danger

Sure, you can trim down your long eyelash extensions by cutting them. But we highly advise against it. That is a very dangerous thing to do.

Even if you are using blunt scissors, you could still poke your eye in the process. That will certainly lead to pain, and could lead to an infection. Bad eye injuries can lead to blindness.

It is very difficult to see the lashes on your own eyes. Technicians use light and even a magnifying lens to clearly see your lashes while doing the extensions. Cutting them under your brightest light could help, but it’s really challenging. 

Bye Bye Natural Lashes

Apart from the danger, if you try to trim your eyelash extensions, you might also end up trimming your natural lashes without realizing it. It may seem that you’re just taking off from the extensions but you could be cutting your own lashes too. 

Messed Up Lashes

Even if you do succeed in trimming just your extensions, and not blinding yourself, there’s a good chance your cuts will be jagged and uneven.

You don’t want uneven lashes.

There is a tendency for you to trim more and more to even them out but you could end up with very short and still uneven lashes. 

Back to the Fake Lash Look

The eyelash extensions are also designed to have a tapered end. That makes them look more natural because they are also able to blend better with the natural lashes. Trimming them can make your eyelash extensions look more obvious.


How to Trim Eyelash Extensions

Step 1. Call your Lash Tech

Make an appointment to visit your lash tech once again. Explain that you feel like your lashes are too long.

Step 2. Go to the Spa

Have the lash tech address the issue. Hopefully, the solution is an easy one. But if worse comes to worst, you can always remove the lash extensions and start over.

You should not be trying to trim your own eyelashes, or anyone else’s unless you know what you’re doing.

Even if your friend asks you to trim her lashes, you shouldn’t do it. Beauty Spas have insurance to protect itself if something goes wrong. Do you?

Even if your friend asks you to trim her lashes, you shouldn’t do it. Beauty Spas have insurance to protect itself if something goes wrong. Do you?

Remember, lash extensions only last for a few weeks. So perhaps it’s best to just stick to the long lashes and when it’s time for your next refresh at the salon, go with a shorter extension.


Long Eyelash Extension Solutions

The lash technician may place a few strands to show you how your eyelash extensions would look like. If you already notice that they are too long for your liking, it is best to have them changed at the salon.

They can also trim them before they install them on your eyelashes. It is best to be clear about your goals to your eyelash artist rather than feel unhappy with the final result. 

If you realize your lashes are too long for your liking when they are already completely attached, the best thing to do is to just give them a try for a while. Sometimes, especially if it is your first time, you’re not just used to the length. That’s why you might want to shorten them.

As long as it doesn’t harm your eyes, give yourself some time to get used to it. Get a few reactions from friends.

Instead of cutting your eyelash extensions, you could choose to curl them  upwards. In that way, the slight curve can make your lashes look shorter. Although this can loosen the glue, this is better than cutting the eyelash extensions. 


Final Thoughts

Eyelash extensions provide a great semi-permanent solution for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their eyelashes. They look extremely natural and are much higher quality than false lashes, mascaras, and the like.

But once they’re on, you kinda have to live with them or have them removed and redone professionally.

Although you can trim eyelash extensions, it’s super dangerous (obviously). Additionally, you could also end up with shorter, but uneven eyelashes. And you can even cut out your real lashes while trimming the lashes. 

The best way to prevent this situation is to carefully select the lash length in the first place. Be open to your lash artist and tell them what your goals are. You can also try to curl it a bit so that it could appear shorter. 

And then just wait for them to come out on their own.

Good luck!

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).