Poets have personified eyes for millennia; they should be because they are the gorgeous component of a woman’s beauty, adorning every facet of her being. The cosmetic industry has seen many developments that have enhanced the beauty of the eyes; lash extensions are the most recent discovery. They are a painless way to get those beautiful eyes without having to wear falsies or mascara. Although the treatment is costly and time-consuming, it is a surefire way for young women to wake up every morning with a positive image in the mirror.
What Do you Need to Know About Eyelash Extensions?
When it comes to lashes, the beauty industry has seen it all—magnifying mascaras, “miracle” growth serums, heated curlers, you name it. No trend, however, is as divisive as eyelash extensions. When lash extensions initially became popular, they appeared to be a quick and easy way to produce wispy, fluttery lashes without the hassle of falsies or mascara.
Lashes extensions, like any new beauty procedure, immediately expose their flaws. To begin with, certain states have not imposed rules on the service, resulting in cases of discomfort, infection, and natural lash damage as a result of inadequate hygiene and technique. The procedure is also quite costly, costing you hundreds of dollars and hours of your time. Is it, however, worth it to wake up every day with a perfect set of semi-permanent lashes?
Let’s start with some vocabulary. They’re mostly comprised of synthetic materials like mink, faux mink, or silk fibers, and studios often provide them in a range of curls, hues, and lengths to help customers create their looks. These semi-permanent materials are adhered to natural lashes with semi-permanent adhesive to make them appear longer, fuller, and darker.
What are the Rules for Eyelash Extensions?
- Because of the intricacies and importance of our delicate lashes, we would advise you to be cautious while selecting a studio for the extension process.
- Clients are typically attracted to low-cost salons, but they pose a significant danger in terms of hygiene, quality of goods, and professionalism.
- Infection or irritation, which may be caused by the adhesive used to adhere the lashes to the original ones, is the main risk that clients experience.
- A lash technician, dermatologist, and plastic surgeon break down everything you need to know about eyelash extensions, from before and after photos to selecting the appropriate lash artist, cost, dangers (will your natural eyelashes come back? ), and everything else in between.
What are Lash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers applied to your natural lashes to make them look longer, thicker, and darker. Individual lash extensions are applied with semi-permanent glue to each of your natural eyelashes (one extension per natural eyelash). Lashes extensions can be composed of synthetic, mink, faux mink, or silk strands.
However, the material differs from studio to studio. Clients can customize their style by choosing from a choice of extension lengths, curl patterns, and tints at most workshops.
What are the Types of Eyelash Extensions?
Mink, silk and synthetic eyelash extensions are the three types of materials used by lash artists. Some studios also sell “fake mink” extensions, which are synthetic extensions that look and feel like mink extensions. Most lash studios have a preference for the sort of lash extensions they employ, and they won’t necessarily enquire whether you have one as well. If you’re vegan or allergic to cats, make it clear that you don’t want mink lash extensions applied to your lashes.
Although none of the lash extensions last longer than the others, mink and silk lashes offer a more natural appearance, whilst synthetic lashes can be thicker and darker, making them more suited for people who desire a bolder look. There are various lengths and curls to choose from within these three categories (mink, silk, and synthetic). To achieve a wide-eyed impression, your lash artist will typically use lashes of various lengths and curl strengths, with longer lashes placed on the outer corners of the eyes and shorter lashes placed on the inner corners.
What’s the Application Process Like?
Lash extensions are put in one at a time (usually 80–140 per eye) with specially developed, semi-permanent glue that will not irritate or damage the native lash. The lash is only attached to an existing lash, not to the skin. While the procedure differs by salon, here’s what to expect:
Evaluation
Before applying for eyelash extensions, the technician should go through all of the dangers and advantages and ask about any conditions you may have that would make eyelash extensions unsuitable for you. If you wear contacts, they’ll ask you to take them out.
Decide on extension length and curl strength
Your lash artist should begin by asking you what type of look you want to achieve, whether it’s more glamorous or more natural. You’ll choose the optimum length and curl strength for the extensions according to your desired look. Keep in mind that your artist may choose to utilize up to three distinct extension lengths, with longer extensions concentrated on the outer corners and lesser extensions concentrated on the inside corners.
Cleaning the eye area
Your lash artist will ask you to lie down and ensure that you are in a comfortable posture. After that, they’ll scrub the region to remove any makeup, oil, or bacteria. It will help your artist if you arrive at your appointment without any makeup on.
Applying the tape and eye gels
The eyelids are closed for the duration of the procedure, which can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on how many extensions your lash artist is applying. Your lash artist will use an under-eye gel to keep your lower lashes out of the way and offer a contrasting background to work against (it’s easier to see your lashes against a crisp white background). The eye gels will then be fixed on both sides of the eye with medical-grade tape (this tape will not contact your lashes and will not hurt when removed later).
Application
Your lash artist will dip the end of each extension in lash adhesive and adhere it to your individual lash with tweezers. In most circumstances, one eyelash extension is applied per natural lash. However, for more voluminous effects, numerous extensions per natural lash may be required. The procedure isn’t painful, but you might be nervous about having tweezers so close to your eyes when they’re closed.
Drying
Although the lash adhesive dries rapidly, your lash artist will most likely ask you to sit for 10 minutes once all of the extensions have been put. Some lash artists prefer to use a small, handheld fan to speed up the drying process, while others prefer to let the glue cure naturally. Your eyes are still closed at this point.
Removing the Tape and Gels
Your lash artist will remove the under-eye gels and tape once your lashes are totally dried (this doesn’t hurt, but let your lash specialist know if you have sensitivity in this region so they can take extra precautions). Your lash artist will usually use a spooly to brush through your lashes once they’ve been removed, and you’ll be asked to slowly blink your eyes open. And there you have it!
Where Should You Go For Eyelash Extensions?
One of the most concerning aspects of eyelash extensions is that the procedure is unregulated in some areas, such as Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, and Wisconsin. While these professionals are highly skilled in their respective areas of focus (hair coloring, hair styling, hair cutting, makeup, and nails), they aren’t trained specifically to work on the eye area, which is extremely sensitive and delicate. A shocking number of states only require a cosmetology license to perform the service.
Make sure your lash artist is a licensed esthetician when arranging your lash extension session (rather than a cosmetologist). Estheticians specialize in skin-care procedures such as facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and, you guessed it, eyelash extensions. The safest bet is to go to a qualified esthetician at a facility that specializes in lash procedures.
What are the Benefits of Eyelash Extensions?
It Works
Thanks to lash extensions, you’ll wake up every day with long, fluttering, stunning lashes. The procedure is incredibly successful in improving the appearance of your eyes and looks great on everyone.
Completely Customizable
You can go for a natural or dramatic look by working with your lash artist to determine the best length and curl for your extensions.
Virtually Waterproof
You can swim, wash, and sweat in your extensions even if you can’t get them wet for the first 48 hours (although the dryer you keep them, the longer they can last).
Pain-Free
From start to finish, practically everyone finds the process to be completely painless.
It’s (Usually) Safe
Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and estheticians all agree that extensions are generally safe (although there are risks of irritation and infection; more on that below).
What are the Drawbacks of Eyelash Extensions?
What are Eyelash Extensions Irritation and Infection Risks?
The most serious risk of using eyelash extensions is eye irritation. Typically, eyelash extensions require glue to attach the extension to the natural follicle, and eyes are extremely sensitive to these chemicals.
Even many hypoallergenic ingredients can inflame or irritate tissue by weighing it down or pulling on the hair. Anything around the eyes can irritate them, either because of the chemicals or because of the friction and tugging forces around the lashes. To avoid irritation and allergic reactions, perform a patch test on your hand with the adhesive.
When you have eyelash extensions, you can’t rub your eyes, so when you’re washing your face, work around the eye area.
How much Eyelash Extension Cost?
Your initial set will cost between $100 and $300, with refills costing between $50 and $150 every 2-4 weeks. The initial set can take up to two hours, and refill appointments can last up to an hour.
What is the Potential Damage to Natural Lashes?
Even if you see the best lash artist and follow all of the aftercare instructions perfectly, it’s still possible that you’ll see damage to your natural lashes. As your natural lashes grow longer, your extensions will move further away from the root of the lash.
This makes it more difficult for your natural lashes to support the weight of the extension, potentially resulting in breakage. Rubbing or itching your lashes while sleeping (with your hands or against your pillow) can also harm natural lashes.
Will Eyelash Extensions result in Uneven Fallout?
At any given time, your lashes are in various stages of development, which means that some lashes are growing while others are shedding. This means that some extensions will fall out as lashes shed and be replaced with new, extension-free eyelashes a few weeks after your appointment, while others will remain in place. If you don’t get your extensions refilled every 2-4 weeks, this can result in an uneven, scattered look.
How Long will it take to Grow Back Natural Eyelashes?
This is when things start to get a little hairy. On their own, lash extensions will not destroy your lashes. The improper application causes damage to natural lashes, as can the stylist’s failure to select the suitable type of lash for an existing natural lash. There are a few major contributing causes of this issue: Premature shedding will occur if extensions are applied that are too heavy for the natural lash. Rubbing your eyes will cause them to break right away.
When it comes to lash extensions, seeing a professionally qualified esthetician is critical. However, even if you do everything correctly, you may still find that eyelash extensions destroy your natural lashes. There are circumstances beyond your control that might harm your natural lashes, including causing them to fall out or break off (for example, if you rub your eyes while sleeping or if you have a genetically faster lash cycle than what is considered typical).
Keep in mind that eyelashes are hair, and hair grows back unless you have a pre-existing ailment or scenario. As a result, your lashes will regrow. While causing harm to your natural eyelashes is not ideal (and is not sustainable over time), any breaking or fallout should recover within 1-3 months as part of a normal lash growth cycle—more on that later.
How Long Do Eyelash Extentions Last?
Eyelashes, like the hair on your head, go through a normal shedding and renewal cycle. At any given time, all of your lashes are at a distinct stage, which means that some of them are about to fall out while others are going through a period of growth (this is true whether you have eyelash extensions or not).
Because an individual lash extension is placed to a single lash, it will come out as the eyelash sheds from the lash line. If you’re not rubbing your eyes, wearing mascara, or compromising the glue with oily eye products, your lash extensions should last up to a month before you need to schedule a “refill” session.
To retain the finest outcome, refills are required every 2-4 weeks unless you’re going off of extensions. Because each of your individual lashes is at a distinct stage of growth, you’ll notice a more dispersed appearance after 2-4 weeks when new natural lashes emerge and lashes that were previously attached to an extension begin to fall out.
How to Preparing For Eyelash Extensions Appointment?
Arrive Makeup-Free
Your lash artist will need a full clean canvas to work with, so no mascara, concealer, makeup, or skincare around the eyes. Arrive entirely makeup-free to speed up the procedure (and to help your esthetician).
Skip the Coffee
While most individuals don’t find this to be an unpleasant procedure, having to remain absolutely motionless (with your eyes closed) for up to two hours can be nerve-wracking. Caffeine in any form, including coffee and energy drinks, will aggravate the jitters.
Come Cozy
You can technically do this before or after work, but bear in mind that you’ll be lying down for up to two hours. Dress comfortably in clothing that won’t need to be adjusted all the time.
Go to the Bathroom
Keep in mind that this procedure can take up to two hours. Before your lash artist begins the procedure, go to the restroom and avoid drinking for at least an hour before your appointment.
Come With Photo Inspiration
What you conceive of as a natural look may not be the same as what your esthetician thinks of as a natural look. Bring photo ideas of eyelash extension looks you like, because a picture is worth a thousand words.
Make a Playlist
If you’re nervous or scared that you’ll be bored during your session, most estheticians don’t mind if you listen to music or a podcast. Just let your esthetician know if it’s acceptable if she has to converse with you, and she’ll remove your headphones for you.
Stop Your Retinol
For some people, retinol increases sensitivity, especially in sensitive locations like the eyes.
A few days before your visit, it’s a good idea to avoid using all retinol, acids, scrubs, and acne treatments (and if you have concerns about sensitivity, talk to your dermatologist).
Research Your Lash Artist
While lash extensions restrictions differ by state, this procedure should only be performed by a licensed esthetician, not a cosmetologist. Read reviews on the studio you’re going to and the esthetician you’re going to see.
Know Your Allergies
There are certain concerns to consider, including an allergic reaction to the glue (which may contain common allergens like latex, formaldehyde, and other adhesives). If you’re allergic to cats, you may find that mink hair extensions irritate your skin, producing itching, redness, and/or dryness. Before scheduling a session, double-check your allergies and enquire about the type of extension fibers and adhesive used before your esthetician begins.
How to Takecare of New Eyelash Extenstions?
Aftercare Tips
Avoid Getting Them Wet the First 48 Hours
Within the first 48 hours after having your extensions put, avoid all contact with water and steam.
Don’t Use Cleansers With Oil
While you have lash extensions, avoid using any oil-based treatments. Makeup removers, cleansers, face oils, and oil-serum hybrids all fall under this category, as the oil dissolves the adhesive.
Don’t Stand Under the Showerhead For Too Long
The weight of the water might cause premature breakages, so brush your lashes after getting out of the shower. Lashes should be brushed with a spoolie brush every now and then to remove any excess water.
Sleep on Your Side
If you sleep on your stomach, be aware that your eyelashes will be forced into (and scraped against) your pillowcase, causing fallout and breaking.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes or Touching Your Extensions
The more you touch, tug, and massage your extensions, the weaker they grow and the more likely they are to fall out or break off ahead of time (taking the natural lash they were attached to with them).
Don’t Use an Eyelash Curler
Use a warm eyelash curler to gently elevate your extensions if they’re starting to loose the curl.
