Let’s face it, eyelash shedding is totally natural, just part of the hair growth cycle. But when hormones start playing tricks on you, things can get go south very fast. In this article, we’re breaking down how hormonal fluctuations can turn your lash game upside down, and more importantly, how you as a pro can guide your clients through the storm.
The Hormonal Hype: Why Your Lashes Aren’t Always in the Clear
Picture this: your client’s lashes are shedding like leaves in the fall—a disaster on its own, but when hormones get involved, it’s like a perfect storm. Hormones are the behind-the-scenes directors of our body’s many functions, including the growth cycle of our lashes. Estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol all have a say in how long those lash beauties stick around. When these hormones are off-kilter, your client’s lashes might start falling out faster than a leaky faucet drips, leading to thinning and retention issues.
Major life events like pregnancy, postpartum changes, and menopause can send estrogen and progesterone on a rollercoaster ride, leaving clients with lashes that are less “wow” and more “oh no.” Understanding this connection is like having the secret sauce—it lets you educate your clients and tailor treatments that can help them keep their lash game strong, even when their hormones are acting up.
Understanding the Lash Growth Cycle: The Blueprint of Beauty
Let’s talk basics—the lash growth cycle. Think of it as the blueprint for your clients’ lashes, and here’s the rundown:
Anagen (Growth Phase): This is where the magic begins! Lashes grow actively for 4-10 weeks, with about 35-40% of upper lashes in this phase at any given time.
Catagen (Transition Phase): A quick pit stop of 2-3 weeks where the lash follicle shrinks and hits pause on new growth.
Telogen (Shedding Phase): The grand finale—a resting phase that can last anywhere from 4-9 months, until the lash eventually falls out to make way for new growth.
When hormones throw a wrench in this finely tuned cycle, it can lead to premature shedding or an extended rest phase, making it harder for new lashes to make an entrance. It’s like a traffic jam on the freeway—everything slows down, and your clients are left waiting.
Key Hormonal Culprits: The Usual Suspects
Let’s discuss the heavy hitters that can cause lash shedding and eyelashes falling out hormones:
1. Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen is like the cheerleader for your lashes—it keeps the growth phase going strong, ensuring your client’s lashes look full and fabulous. When estrogen dips (think menopause or postpartum changes),
lashes can thin out faster than you can blink. On the flip side, progesterone sometimes ramps up oil production, which can clog follicles and weaken lash growth. Bottom line: Keep an eye on estrogen levels—when they drop, your client’s lashes might start waving the white flag.
2. Thyroid Hormones
An imbalance in thyroid hormones is no joke. Whether it’s hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, these imbalances can lead to overall hair thinning, including those precious lashes. If a client is shedding lashes along with symptoms like fatigue or weight changes, it might be time to advise them to check in with their doctor. Pro tip: Always consider thyroid health as part of your client consultation—sometimes, the answer lies beyond the lash chair.
3. Cortisol: The Stress Hormone
Ever heard the saying, “Stress makes you lose your hair?” Well, it’s true for lashes too! Chronic stress cranks up cortisol levels, throwing off the lash growth cycle and leading to gradual, excessive shedding. Takeaway: Encourage your clients to find their zen—stress management, good sleep, and hydration can work wonders for their lash health.
4. Eyelashes falling out Pregnancy, Postpartum, Thinning eyelashes and Menopause
Major life stages come with their own set of hormonal rollercoasters. When it comes to lash extensions and pregnancy, high estrogen levels can actually extend the growth phase, giving you those dreamy, long lashes. But once the baby is born, the sudden drop in estrogen can lead to a noticeable lash shedding—think of it as postpartum hair loss, but for your lashes. Similarly, menopause brings about a natural decline in estrogen, which often leaves clients with thinner, more fragile lashes. The takeaway here: Life changes, and so do hormones. Tailor your treatments and advice to fit each stage.
Choosing the Right Lash Extension Technique for Hormonal Hair Havoc
So let us talk about hormonal imbalance and lashes. When hormones have thrown a curveball at your client’s natural lashes, your job is to step in with a game plan that minimizes damage and maximizes retention. Here are some strategies to keep those lash extensions on point even when nature isn’t playing nice:
1. Keep It Light, Keep It Right
For lash extensions for weak lashes, heavy extensions are like adding extra weight to a sinking ship. Stick to ultra-light lashes—think 0.03mm or 0.05mm—so you’re not piling on too much, too soon. Light as a feather is the way to go!
2. Shorter is Smarter
Long extensions on fragile lashes are a recipe for disaster. Opt for medium or shorter lengths that give a natural, lifted look without dragging down the lash line. Sometimes, less is more.
3. Sensitivity is Key
Hormonal fluctuations can make clients extra sensitive. Use a hypoallergenic adhesive with a flexible bond that won’t irritate those already tender eyes. Comfort comes first—no one wants a lash appointment that feels like a fire drill.
4. Serum and Shine
Complement the extensions with lash growth serums that nourish the natural lash line. Just be sure the serum is safe for use with extensions (and steer clear of oil-based formulas that can weaken your adhesive bond). Think of it as feeding lashes the vitamins they need to thrive.
5. Fill ‘Em Up Regularly
Clients battling hormonal lash shedding may need more frequent fill appointments—every 2-3 weeks—to keep their lash line looking full and fab.
Helping Clients Support Their Lash Health: Beyond the Chair
Your job isn’t done once the extensions are in place. Educating your clients on how to support their lash health is like handing them the keys to a long-lasting beauty routine. Here’s how you can coach them to keep their lashes in tip-top condition:
1. Eat Right, Look Bright
A balanced diet rich in biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can do wonders for lash health. Encourage your clients to fuel their bodies with the good stuff—it’s not just a fad; it’s science!
2. Stress Less
Since cortisol can wreak havoc on lash growth, stress management is a must. Recommend practices like yoga, meditation, or even just a good night’s sleep.
3. Doctor’s Orders
If a client is experiencing excessive lash shedding despite proper care, it might be time to see a doctor. Sometimes, a professional’s insight is the missing piece of the puzzle.
Wrapping It Up: Knowledge is Power (and Pretty Lashes!)
By understanding the eyelash retention tips of the lash growth cycle and how hormones affect the work, you’re better equipped to help your clients navigate these choppy waters. So next time a client looking a bit down about their lash loss, drop some knowledge, lend a sympathetic ear, and let them know that you’ve got the tricks of the trade to help them weather the storm.
