Let’s Be Real: No One Has Lashes Right Now

Lashes.. once the crown jewel of modern beauty routines seem to be missing in action lately. Not just in salon chairs, but in selfies, runways, and even on the streets. And while minimalism and soft glam are certainly having a moment, the decline in lash extension popularity goes far deeper than just aesthetics.

Volume Lash Extensions

So let’s talk about it.

Because the truth is, this drop-off isn’t about not wanting lashes. It’s about an industry that has yet to fully grow up.

The Trend That Burned Too Fast

At one point, lash extensions were the it-girl service. They offered immediate gratification — dramatic, transformative results in under two hours, with retention that could last weeks. For beauty pros, it was a trendy modality to jump into, with the promise of fast money and visible validation. Post a before-and-after, and boom - you’re booked.

But what we’ve witnessed in the last few years is a massive exodus of skilled, passionate lash artists. Why?

Because the trend outpaced the education.

Lashing is a discipline, not a hustle. And unfortunately, the barrier to entry was so low that the flood of under-trained artists began to dilute the client experience. That’s when the cracks in the system became obvious and those cracks caused clients to stop trusting the service altogether.

Confusion, Misinformation, and Poor Maintenance Culture

Let’s be honest: lash maintenance is confusing.

Whose job is it to clean the lashes?Are fills supposed to last two weeks? Four? Is the artist using the right curl and diameter?Why are my natural lashes breaking? Why is no one telling me how to shampoo them but everyone is filming my crusty lash line for views?

The lash industry lacks a universally respected, centralized educational standard. Unlike hair or nails which have decades of regulation, licensing bodies, and industry-wide best practices lash artistry is still largely self-taught or passed from Instagram to Instagram.

So, clients bounce from artist to artist, frustrated, confused, and unsure if what’s happening to their eyes is normal or dangerous.

From Artistry to Clickbait

Let’s also talk about the culture shift: lashes went from artistry to clickbait.

The rise of "satisfaction videos" showing dirty lashes being cleaned, mites being removed, and clients being filmed during services has created a bizarre form of viral visibility but at the cost of professionalism.

There’s also been a troubling overlap of lash services with provocative or inappropriate content cues, especially in services like waxing or intimate treatments. This content may gain views, but it often erodes client trust and creates discomfort around booking.

When consumers can’t differentiate between a reputable studio and a content farm, they opt out entirely.

An Industry Without Infrastructure

Even now, in 2025 over ten years after lash extensions became mainstream we’re just starting to see official wholesale lash products being offered through major beauty suppliers like CosmoProf and Sally Beauty.

That means for over a decade, lash professionals have had to rely on private-label brands, Instagram vendors, and overseas suppliers to source their materials. For something that goes on your eyes, this lack of infrastructure is a massive red flag.

What other beauty discipline requires professionals to source materials from TikTok to serve clients?

The industry simply hasn’t caught up with the demand and the consumer has noticed.

The Result? Fewer Clients. Less Trust. No Lashes.

The chaos and fragmentation of the lash industry has led to the very thing it feared: people opting out altogether. Not because they don’t love the results but because the process feels too uncertain, too inconsistent, and too risky.

This is a huge loss for both consumers and passionate lash artists.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

It’s time to rebuild the lash space with intention. As someone who started as a lash client before becoming a certified artist and business owner, I understand the frustration firsthand. The missed appointments. The unblended fans. The awkward conversations about cleaning or not cleaning your lashes.

It’s why I’ve committed my studio to doing things differently. Not by gatekeeping, not by shaming, but by returning to transparency, technique, and trust.

Because when lashes are done right with proper structure, sanitation, education, and care they are still one of the most luxurious, time-saving, and identity-affirming beauty services available.

Final Thoughts: Lashes Aren’t Dead. They’re Just Evolving.

The decline in lash popularity isn’t a death sentence it’s a wake-up call.

Clients are smarter. Artists are more intentional. And the industry has the opportunity to either mature or fall further into chaos.

As for me and my studio? We’re choosing mastery, ethics, and artistry. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and missed the way lashes used to make you feel we invite you to experience what the next era of lash beauty should look like.