Do you have lash blindness? Gen Z beauty fans cringe over how OTT they looked with heavy eyelash extensions - as they ditch them for a natural look
'Lash blindness' describes not knowing how thick eyelash extensions appear READ MORE: Eye doctor reveals the reason you shouldn't wear fake lashes
Voluptuous eyelash extensions were a hot beauty trend until recently, but now Gen Z-ers after taking to social media to describe their regret over 'eyelash blindness'.
Women from all over the world have taken to TikTok to share their moment of clarity after realising that they were 'blind' to the fact that their very long and thick eyelashes were OTT.
The videos shared appear alongside the viral TikTok song Gnarls Barkley - Crazy cover by Stephen Glickman, that includes the lyrics 'I remember when I lost my mind...' to emphasise the moment of 'blindness'.
One American TikToker was seen shaking her head in shame as she showed off her new natural eyelashes before revealing her previous look, featuring extremely thick and long extensions.
Eyelash extensions sky-rocketed in popularity with many opting for the semi permanent treatment to save themselves applying mascara, or applying daily false lashes.
A recent social media trend has revealed Gen Zers coining the term 'eyelash blindness' to describe their regret over previously having extremely voluptuous eyelash extensions
A TikTok user revealing her thick and luscious lashes which she now thinks she was 'blind' to
Another US based TikTok fan shared a video of her 'eyelash blindness' sharing the heavy make-up and thick dramatic lashes she wore on her wedding day.
She's since realised she's not a fan of the dramatic look and got rid of her big extensions.
Usually, those who wear extensions will have synthetic, faux mink, or silk fibres attached each eyelash strand.
The treatment can be customisable and clients can opt for either a very natural or more dramatic look.
A full set of eyelash extensions can include around 80-150 individual strand glued to the upper eyelash - unlike strip lashes which are usually used for just a day.
According to a report by Luxe Cosmetics, the US eyelash extension market was valued at $1.36 billion in 2020 but the growing popularity of the beauty treatment means this is expected to rise to $2.31 billion in 2028.
This will reflect growth of 6.9 per cent suggesting while some are rejecting their old luscious lashes, the industry is still expected to grow.
Similarly, the UK beauty and personal care industry has been rapidly increasing in recent years, outpacing many other sectors in the retail industry.
It was set to be worth £26.7 billion in 2022, an impressive increase from 2020 figures.
The blog also highlighted a large increase in companies with 'lash' in their names suggesting that there has been a rise in expert technicians in the last few years to manage growing demand.
The use of the term 'lashes' grew from three in the 2000s to 1,350 in the 2010s.
Another social media user shared her natural looking make-up and eyelashes she currently wear after losing her 'lash blindness'
A second user shared her huge eyelashes. Eyelash extensions have sky-rocketed in popularity recently with many opting for the semi permanent treatment to save themselves applying mascara, or applying daily false lashes
Another US based TikTok user now prefers a natural look, but previously fell victim to 'lash blindness'
Another US based TikTok user shared a video of her 'eyelash blindness' sharing the look she wore to her wedding, which featured heavy make-up and thick dramatic lashes
However, experts have previously urged eyelash addicts to act with caution when considering whether they should get the treatment.
Many who have been unaware of the dangers of extensions, or haven't known the proper care they need, have ended up with nasty infections.
Some have even ended up with mites in their false lashes.
A quick search under the #lashmites hashtag onTikTok reveals hundreds of posts, highlighting people who slept in their mascara and woke up with a condition known as blepharitis, which can cause everything from swollen eyelids and scabs to the appearance of tiny mites.
Often, people will try to avoid washing their lashes after getting extensions in a bid to keep them on for longer - but this is usually what leads to damage.
Optometrist Dr. Jen Wademan , O.D., based in Folsom, California, previously told FEMAIL that those who like their long extensions should always aim to take a break from them every once in a while.
It comes as celebrities are ditching heavy lashes, as A-listers are now opting for a more natural eye on the red carpet after Gen Z declared eye-shadow is 'dated'.
At this year's Met Gala, the likes of Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez and Sienna Miller opted for light make-up around the eye, going eyeliner free and opting for just a lick of mascara.