5 Everyday Habits That Secretly Damage Your Lashes

Ivanna Nguyen

Ivanna Nguyen

Healthy, full lashes don’t just happen overnight — they need the same care and attention you give your skin and hair. While mascara, lash curlers, and extensions may give you instant results, the way you treat your lashes daily can make or break their long-term health. In fact, many common beauty habits might be causing more harm than you realize.

In this blog, we’ll uncover five everyday habits that secretly damage your lashes, how they affect your lash health in the long run, and — most importantly — the solutions you can start practicing today to keep your lashes strong, nourished, and naturally beautiful.

1. Sleeping In Mascara

Why it’s damaging: Falling asleep without removing your mascara might feel harmless, but your lashes disagree. Mascara stiffens the lash hairs, making them more brittle and prone to breakage. When you toss and turn at night, the friction against your pillowcase can cause lashes to snap or even fall out.

Long-term effect: Repeatedly sleeping in mascara can lead to thinner, weaker lashes over time. The buildup of old product can also clog lash follicles, preventing new healthy growth.

Solution: Always remove your mascara before bed with a gentle, oil-based cleanser or micellar water designed for sensitive eyes. To make it easier, keep makeup remover pads by your nightstand so you never have an excuse to skip this crucial step. If you’re curious about how lashes actually grow and how serums help repair the damage from habits like sleeping in mascara, check out our blog on the science behind lash growth.

@teawithmd #stitch with @auntiesjx how does your #makeup know you’re sleeping?! It doesn’t 😁 #skincare #dermbypark #skincareroutine #makeupremoval #skincare101 #dermtok #skintok ♬ original sound - Dr. Joyce Dermatologist

2. Harsh Makeup Removal Methods

Why it’s damaging: Scrubbing your eyes with rough cotton pads or tugging at waterproof mascara might get the makeup off, but it also pulls at delicate lash hairs. This constant tugging weakens the lash root and can even cause premature fallout.

Long-term effect: Over time, aggressive removal can damage the lash line itself, leading to sparse patches and slower regrowth.

Solution: Instead of rubbing, soak a cotton pad in remover and gently press it against your closed eyelid for 20–30 seconds. This breaks down the product so it wipes away easily without pulling on lashes. For waterproof products, look for removers specifically formulated to dissolve long-wear makeup.

3. Sleeping On Your Face

Why it’s damaging: If you’re a stomach or side sleeper, your lashes are constantly pressed against your pillow. This friction bends lashes into unnatural directions and weakens their structure.

Long-term effect: Sleeping face-down can cause lashes to grow unevenly or break mid-shaft. Over time, it can even contribute to premature lash shedding.

Solution: Try adjusting your sleep position to your back, or use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. These materials are gentler not just on your lashes, but also on your hair and skin.

4. Skipping Lash Nourishment

Why it’s damaging: Just like your hair needs conditioner, your lashes need nourishment to stay soft and resilient. Skipping lash care can leave them dry and brittle, especially if you regularly wear mascara or use heated curlers.

Long-term effect: Without proper hydration, lashes can thin, lose shine, and break more easily. Worse, the lash growth cycle can slow down, leaving you with less density overall.

Solution: Incorporate a daily lash serum into your routine. A formula like Godefroy Lash Serum is designed to strengthen and condition lashes from root to tip. Regular use supports healthier, fuller-looking lashes and protects them against daily stressors. For a step-by-step guide on building a lash routine that keeps them conditioned, protected, and thriving, read our blog on achieving the perfect lash routine.

5. Poor Lash Hygiene (Dirty Pillowcases, Old Mascara, or Dirty Tools)

@drjaysonisfresh
How often do you wash your pillowcases?
♬ original sound - Dr. Jason Singh

Why it’s damaging: Lash health doesn’t just depend on what you put on your lashes — it also depends on the environment around them. Dirty pillowcases harbor bacteria and oil, while expired mascara or unwashed lash curlers can introduce harmful buildup. This leads to irritation, infections, or clogged follicles.

Long-term effect: Poor lash hygiene can trigger lash follicle inflammation (blepharitis), eye infections, and excessive lash shedding. Once follicles are damaged, it’s much harder to restore natural density.

Solution:

Wash pillowcases weekly, especially if you wear eye makeup daily.
Replace mascara every 3 months to prevent bacteria buildup.
Clean your lash curlers and brushes regularly with mild soap and water.

Your lashes are delicate — and the way you treat them every day matters. From skipping makeup removal to neglecting nourishment, these seemingly harmless habits can secretly cause long-term lash damage. The good news? With a few mindful changes, you can break these habits and keep your lashes thriving.

Remember: remove mascara before bed, be gentle during makeup removal, sleep smarter, nourish with a lash serum, and maintain lash hygiene. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your natural lashes but also enjoy stronger, fuller, and more beautiful results for years to come.

Healthy lashes aren’t a luxury — they’re the result of consistent care. Start today, and your future self (and lashes) will thank you. Thanks for reading! If you'd like more beauty tips and tricks, be sure to check out last week's blog post.

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5 Everyday Habits That Secretly Damage Your Lashes

1. Sleeping In Mascara

2. Harsh Makeup Removal Methods

3. Sleeping On Your Face

4. Skipping Lash Nourishment

5. Poor Lash Hygiene (Dirty Pillowcases, Old Mascara, or Dirty Tools)

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