If you wear lash extensions, you need to invest in a great lash growth serum for optimal lash growth, here’s why.
Hydropeptide Lash Growth Serum Saved My Lashes!
My natural lashes are pretty standard – not crazy long or crazy short. I’d say they’re about average. BUT, because my eyes are hooded, it looks like I don’t have any lashes at all. I had my moment with falsies in my 20s (always a fan of wearing huge lashes when I went out with my friends). But now that I’m an adult with more disposable income, I get regular lash extensions. I love my extensions; I never have to wear mascara or mess around with messy glue and falsies that don’t stay on.
But, the down side to regularly wearing extensions is that the weight of the lashes (even fine ones) and improper rubbing (which I am guilty of) can cause your lashes to gradually fall out. It doesn’t happen all at once, but over time, the lashes don’t make it to full length, and there are fewer of them – so they look thin and stubby. Not a good look.
So, when Hydropeptide contacted me to find out if I wanted to try their cruelty free lash growth serum, I said sure! I figured this would be as good a time as any to give my lashes a break from extensions and try to get some new growth in the process. I applied Hydropeptide Lash to the base of my lashes at bedtime every night for about a month. I have tried other lash growth serums and most were quite unimpressive.
After using the serum for a month, I took an after photo to see how I fared. I apologize for the grainy front-camera iPhone pics! But, I think you can clearly see that my naked lashes are MUCH fuller in the “after” photo – there’s a lot of new growth. It’s hard to tell the length from the angle of the after shot (it’s hard to get the same angle 30 days later!), but the lashes are about the same length – possibly even slightly longer.
The real test came when I got a new set of lashes. Instead of lasting three weeks like they usually do, my new set lasted for about four weeks! I asked my lash tech if she used a different glue and she said no. I thought the speedy growth would mean I’d have to replace the lashes more often. I realized that the new lashes were stronger and not falling out so easily, which means they actually last longer! Extensions are not cheap – so the lash serum is a great investment.
This serum won’t change your eye color (like prescription brand Latisse) and it doesn’t sting (like some that I have tried). It’s made with 3 peptides, biotin, folic acid, hydrogenated lecithin and lemon peel extract to strengthen lashes and prevent breakage. The formula also contains soybean oil and sodium hyaluronate to moisturize.
I’m sold! I plan to use the lash serum while I’m wearing the extensions – to keep growing new, stronger lashes. One note – don’t use the serum for a few days after getting new extensions. You don’t want the moisture to creep in and make the lashes fall out. The serum does include soybean oil, but the actual formula is not oily, and I don’t think they will cause my extensions to fall out a long as I don’t go crazy and apply too much. I plan to start using it a few days after each set of extensions and to only use a small amount – at the very base of the lashes only. If I notice any fallout, I’ll update this post.
Have you tried any cruelty free lash serums? Did they work? What were the results? I would love to hear from you. Drop me a line in the comments below!
Be sure to check out if lash extensions are right for you, and also check out how to care for your lash extensions.
Wendy says
Wow this serum looks promising! Unfortunately, I don’t have the heart to spend $96 on it, and will continue to search for alternatives. Thanks for posting this!
Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip says
I LOVE this magic serum. Not crazy about side effects of Latisse and was really impressed with how well this helped my lashes fill in.
Stephanie James says
This can be a good alternative. Latisse has been a craze, from what I know it was actually a treatment for glaucoma but due to serendipity they discovered one side effect is the lash growth. I was scared of it so I never tried it.
This serum should be safe. Your lash looks great, are the pictures completely without extensions? and I just have to point out your brows look amazing!
Aleah Powers-Hall says
Any updates using the product with the lash extensions?
chiefbunny says
Hi Aleah, I use this product with my lash extensions to keep my lashes healthy.
Tab Pooler says
I don’t think they carry this lash serum anymore.
Jennie Harris says
Thank you for the info especially since I have wimpy lashes
Julie D. Mireles says
Did you use with extensions? Did they fall out??
chiefbunny says
Nope – it didn’t make my extensions fall out!
Jordan says
Hello! Dedicated lash-extension gal here (I’ve had them since October 2016, getting a fill about every 3 weeks), and lately my Aesthetician hasn’t been telling me that my natural lashes are showing quite a bit of breakage. I have hooded lids as well, so the thought of going extension-free with damaged (what I imagine as non-existent) natural lashes even for the sake of recovery makes me shudder (that’s sick, I know). I’m wondering if you have any opinions on Rodan & Fields Lash Boost while wearing extensions, or if you would still recommend this serum? Thank you for this article, and any further advice you may have!
chiefbunny says
Hi Jordan – I highly recommend this one, but I’m also trying out Grande Lash so I’ll let you know how that works for me soon. I’m not sure if R&F is cruelty free – I’ve been back and forth on them. Check my IG page for updates!
Helen P says
Hi, this has been really useful, my lash technician has commented saying my lashes are breaking and I should invest in a serum. Which would you recommend trying with my lash extensions on. What worked best for you 🙂 x
chiefbunny says
Hi Helen – I’ve tried most of the major brands and they all work very well, but Hydropeptide is the only one that doesn’t discolor my skin. Also – you may want to talk to your lash tech. They should be putting much thinner, finer lashes on the lashes that are smaller (and more fragile), and mixing in larger ones on the lashes that can stand it. If you go super bold and thick every time, your lashes won’t have a chance to grow back. And don’t wait too long between fills – once the lash starts to grow out, all the weight of the extension goes to the end, and it makes it much more likely to break off.
Evelyn Juarez says
What serum do you recommend while wearing eyelash extensions? My real lashes are very brittle and spase and I can’t I cant imagine taking off extensions until my natural lashes get better
chiefbunny says
I use this one from Hydropeptide because it doesn’t darken the skin around my eyes.
Latisa says
Did you ever use it while wearing extensions? If so, how did it fare?
chiefbunny says
Yes I wear it with extensions!
Laura says
Hi! Do you still use this? I have hazel green eyes and am worried about my eye color changing! Thanks!
chiefbunny says
I’ve used several lash serums, but this is one of my faves! No issues for me with eye color.
Ana says
Hi there! Are there any less expensive alternatives you could recommend? I wear lash extensions as well and would like to try A serum to help my lashes grow a little.
Thank you!
chiefbunny says
Most lash serums are pretty pricy. I have heard some people get great results with plain ‘ole castor oil. Maybe give it a shot? Oils are not compatible with lash extensions though.
Brittany Zander says
Hi! Any updates on the grande lash serum with lash extensions ? Is it safe to use with extensions ? Thanks!
chiefbunny says
Yes, as long as it doesn’t have oils I believe it should be safe! You may want to double-check the ingredients – it’s been a while since I’ve used it.