FAQs:
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are synthetic or natural fibers that are attached to your natural eyelashes one by one with a medical-grade adhesive to give the appearance of longer, fuller, and thicker eyelashes. The extensions come in different lengths, thicknesses, and curls, which can be customized to create a variety of looks.
How Long Do Lash Applications Last?
Although the process is more time-consuming, lash extensions can last up to 8 weeks, be completely damage-free, and save you time during your morning routine.
How Do Eyelash Extensions Work?
The application process for eyelash extensions is really quite simple. Here is how they are done:
1. Isolate one natural eyelash at a time: The technician will use tweezers to separate the individual eyelashes, in order to ensure that each extension is applied to a single natural lash.
2. Pick one extension from the lash tray: The technician will then pick one extension from the tray and dip it into the adhesive.
3. Attach the extension: Using tweezers, the technician will attach the extension to the natural lash. It’s important to note that the extension never touches the skin.
4. Repeat the process: The technician will repeat this process until they have applied every single extension to each natural lash.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This sounds easy. I can do this myself at home.” And while that may be true, it’s important to remember that a lot more goes into the process than meets the eye.
How Many Times Can You Use a Lash?
False eyelashes made out of synthetic material can be reused up to five times. On the flip side, if you’re working with mink or silk eyelashes, those are a bit more durable and can be reused up to 20 times.
Are Eyelash Extensions Safe?
When correctly applied by a licensed and trained professional, eyelash extensions are a safe way to enhance the look of natural lashes. When incorrectly applied or with the wrong adhesive, they can cause discomfort, infection, and permanent lash loss.
Are Eyelash Extensions Painful?
Eyelash extensions don’t hurt when applied properly by a certified professional who uses high-quality products. Any pain experienced during or after the appointment should be immediately communicated to the lash stylist for resolution. The most frequent causes of pain are poorly attached lash extensions and an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Lash extensions shouldn’t be painful. The pain comes only when there’s a problem.
Who Can Do Eyelash Applications?
Eyelash extensions should only be applied by a certified lash technician who’s undergone training specifically for this procedure. They may be a medical professional, lash stylish, aestheticians, or cosmetologists. In the United States, regulations for salons that apply lash extensions vary by state. Check your state’s website to see what, if any, regulations apply to lash technicians and salons.
1. Read online reviews before you go. Only choose a reputable salon or clinic with a strong reputation for cleanliness and safety.
2. When you’re making your appointment, ask questions. Find out about the ingredients in the glue. Also, ask if the instruments used are sterilized.
3. Remain in charge of the process. If the salon doesn’t feel clean, or the technician doesn’t address your questions or needs, end the appointment. You should also do this if you start to feel uncomfortable, either physically or mentally, while your lashes are being applied.
4. Remember that a bargain often isn’t. If the price is too good to be true, make sure the reason isn’t poor hygiene, lack of quality or licensure, or inexperience. This isn’t only about your lashes; it’s also about your eyes.
Are Lash Extensions Waterproof?
Yes, synthetic lash extensions are waterproof. However, the adhesive is not resistant to all types of water. For example, saltwater and chlorinated water can damage the adhesive bond between your false lashes and natural lashes.
Should I Wash My Lash Extensions Everyday?
It is recommended that you clean your extensions at least 2 – 3 times a week. However, if you want to keep your lashes super fresh and fluffy you should clean them every day especially if you wear eye makeup or have oily skin.
Does Washing Lash Extensions Make Them Last Longer?
Short answer: Yes! Cleaning away unwanted oils and heavy makeup will protect your extension adhesive from premature erosion. This will also help keep the natural lashes holding your extensions stay strong and healthy and avoid unnecessary lash shedding.
How Much Do Eyelash Extensions Cost?
The cost of your eyelash extensions will be determined by the region you live in and what the extensions are made from. Mink lashes are often the most expensive. In general, the range for eyelash extensions varies anywhere from $125 to $300 or more. Routine maintenance, such as adding fillers, may cost around $50 to $100 per session.
The History of Eyelash Extensions
Classic eyelash extensions seem like a timeless classic that will never go out of style, but when did eyelash extensions start to gain popularity? Who invented classic lash extensions and what other innovations paved the way to the treatment we know and love today?
3500 BC - Ancient Egyptians use oils and often malachite to thicken and lengthen their lashes and brows. This is less of a beauty statement and has more to do with keeping the harsh sun out of their eyes.
753 BC - Roman philosophers suggest that long lashes were a sign of morality and virginity, and short lashes are a sign of aging. Due to this, people turn to enhance their lashes to appear more moral and youthful
The mid-1800s - After women in the middle ages took to plucking out their lashes and brow hairs (ouch!) to show off their foreheads, Queen Victoria’s perfumer (Eugène Rimmel) developed the first ‘mascara’ (petroleum jelly and coal dust) to accentuate the eyes.
1899 saw Parisien women sewing (yes, SEWING!) hairs into their eyelids to obtain those longer, more fluttery lashes
1911 - Canadian inventor Anna Taylor obtains a patent for false lashes - today’s strip lashes - which take off well. Not long after, German hairdresser and inventor Karl Nesser begins using similar strip lashes in his salon to shield the eyes from the harsh overhead lighting.
1916 - the silent film industry takes off, seeing actresses using their eyes to convey emotions that they cannot put across in words. Even then, these lashes were more like what we know as strip lashes today, with wig hair being sewn into gauze and glued onto the eyelids. There was some puffing and sensitivity of course, but they took the viewers by storm nonetheless, and soon everyone wanted longer, thicker lashes!
The early 2000s saw a rise in what we know today as cluster lashes - they weren’t quite the classic eyelash extensions we know right now, but the lashes - made from synthetic fibers or sometimes animal fur - were applied to the lashes instead of the eyelids. The trend came to the West from South Korea, which had been developing methods of lash enhancement for a few years by then.
The 2010s were a time when the eyelash extensions industry truly began to boom. The extensions themselves became finer so as not to cause damage due to their weight, but techniques improved so much that lashes look fuller than ever. In addition to looking much nicer, the treatment itself was super safe and very comfortable for the wearer.
Eyelash Extension Styles
There’s no universal lash extension style that suits everyone’s types of eyes, bone structure, face shape, and natural lash shapes. A Lash stylist uses different patterns of lengths, thicknesses, and curls to create varied eyelash extension styles that complement your own natural lashes and features. Let’s take a look at the popular styles you can choose from.
1. Natural
This is a lash style where the classic set is applied (sometimes mixed with the ‘volume’ technique) based on the natural appearance of your lashes.
2. Doll Eye
Considered the best for Almond shaped-eyes, the doll eye style opens up the eye with a well-defined outline. The lash stylist does that by adding the longest lash extensions towards the middle of your eyes. It compliments hooded and monolid eyes perfectly too. This style gives more focus to the center of the eye and is particularly good if you have a sharp arch to your eyebrows.
3. Cat Eye
Cat-eye is best for transforming downturned eyes although it looks good on close-set and almond eyes too. It’s created by adding longer lashes to the outer corners and short ones to the inner corners. Such a style creates a look akin to winged eyeliner for very envious lashes.
4. Natural Sweep
This is a style where the drama and thickness of lash extensions come into play. Natural sweep eye shape is best for almond, hooded, downturned, and close-set eyes to balance the shape. It’s created by adding short lashes in the inner corner of the eye followed
Pros and Cons of Lash Extensions
These are the pros and cons of eyelash extensions.
Pros
1. Eyelash extensions can be a good alternative for people with sparse natural lashes.
2. They can be removed safely by a professional if desired.
3. They can boost confidence and self-esteem.
4. They can enhance the eyes and overall appearance.
5. They can last several weeks with proper maintenance.
6. They’re Convenient for those who want to save time on their daily makeup routine.
7. They help create a fuller, longer look for natural lashes.
8. They are customizable in length, thickness, and curl to match personal preferences.
9. No need to use mascara or eyelash curler.
10. Requires minimal maintenance compared to a lash lift.
Cons
1. They can be costly to maintain, requiring regular touch-ups.
2. They can be difficult to remove without professional help.
3. They can be time-consuming to apply and remove.
4. They can cause damage to natural lashes if not applied or removed properly.
5. They can cause natural lashes to become weak or brittle with overuse.
6. They may cause irritation, itching, or redness if the adhesive or the extensions are not high-quality.
7. They may not be suitable for people with sensitive eyes or allergies to adhesives.
8. When getting extensions, you must avoid water and certain products for 24-48 hours after application.
9. Not recommended for people with naturally short or sparse lashes.
10. Regular touch-ups are required to maintain the desired look.
What to Expect During Eyelash Extension Appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, your lash technician will conduct a consultation to understand your lash goals. After that, you’ll lay down for a “lash nap” as your technician applies the natural lashes. During your appointment, your eyes will be closed and your lash artist will use under-eye stickers, gel patches, or a similar product to separate the bottom lashes from your top lashes. This prevents your top and bottom lashes from becoming glued together. Once your lashes are ready, your technician will apply your lash extensions to your natural lashes. Depending on the lash look you described in your consultation, this process can take anywhere between 90 minutes to 2 hours.
How Eyelash Extensions are Applied
Eyelash extensions take around two hours to apply. The procedure will take place in a comfortable environment. You’ll either sit or recline back. Some salons provide soft music to help you relax. If yours doesn’t, you may wish to listen to your own music or a podcast while the procedure is taking place. Here are the general steps of the process:
1. Your clinician will gently cleanse both of your eyes.
2. To avoid accidentally gluing your natural lower lashes to your upper ones, your clinician will tape your lower lashes to your skin with surgical tape.
3. Your natural eyelashes will be isolated, typically with a tweezer or other device.
4. An artificial lash will adhere to the top of the isolated lash with a tiny drop of glue.
5. This process will be repeated for the entire lid of both eyes.
6. The eye-receiving lashes must be closed for the procedure.
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions will eventually fall out on their own. If you wish to have them removed, it’s best to have this done by a professional. The lash technician who applied your lashes will also know how to remove them. There’s typically a charge for this service. Here are the general steps for removal:
1. Your upper and lower eyelids will be covered. Lash glue remover will be applied and left on for several minutes.
2. The technician will then remove the lashes one at a time, with a sterilized tweezer, tiny brush, or other device.
Keep in mind the lash glue remover may contain chemicals you’re allergic to or that may be irritating to your skin. Ask your technician for a list of ingredients first. Don’t use a remover that contains formaldehyde.
You can also try removing your extensions at home. Steam your face or apply a warm compress to your eyes, then remove the lashes with olive or sesame oil on a cotton swab. This will loosen the lashes, letting you gently pull them out. Just be careful to only remove the extensions and not your real lashes.
How to Clean False Eyelashes
If you’re wondering how to make your fake eyelashes look new again, it’s time to listen up. Cleaning your false lashes is a great way to extend their shelf-life and we promise you won’t ruin them. Check out our step-by-step routine to help you learn how to clean false eyelashes like a pro.
1. Remove the Leftover Eyelash Glue
With clean hands, you’ll want to begin by removing any glue from the base of your false eyelashes. The easiest way to remove glue is by using tweezers to gently lift the adhesive from the band. If there’s stubborn lash glue that won’t come off, you can use an oil-based eye makeup remover to break it down, just like you would remove eye makeup.
2. Clean Your False Eyelashes With Micellar Water
Once all of the eyelash glue is removed, it’s time to really clean your falsies. This step will remove any makeup and impurities that are on the lashes — it’s especially important if you blend your false eyelashes with mascara. Place your false eyelashes on a paper towel, then saturate a cotton swab with Micellar Cleansing Water. Gently wipe the band and the fibers of the false lashes to remove any leftover mascara, dirt, and excess oils. Repeat this process until the lashes are completely clean.
3. Dampen the Lashes
Think of this step as an extra precaution to ensure that your false eyelashes are fully clean. Get a small bowl of warm water, dip another cotton swab in the water, and wipe from the base of your lashes to the ends. Once all the lash glue, makeup, and mascara are gone, leave your falsies on the paper towel to air dry.
4. Mist Them With Alcohol
Fake eyelashes can be a breeding ground for bacteria so once they’ve fully air-dried, you’ll want to disinfect them. Lightly mist your lashes with rubbing alcohol, no need to saturate them. Then, lay them flat to dry on a clean paper towel.
5. Store Your Lashes Properly
After the alcohol has dried, (this will take about an hour) it’s time to store your lashes. Simply place your false eyelashes back in the packaging they came in and keep them in their original position to help maintain their shape. Once you’re ready to reuse the lashes, they’ll be good as new.
How to Maintain Your Lash Extensions
Apart from avoiding water for four hours after getting your extensions done, there are many aftercare techniques to extend the life of lash extensions nowadays.
1. Cleaning: First off, you need to clean your eyelashes one to two times every day with a compatible cleanser. There are some excellent makeup removers specifically designed for extensions that you can include in your morning routine. Poor hygiene of the eye area is the #1 enemy of good retention. Keep in mind to avoid water pressure directly on lashes when showering with extensions.
2. Brushing: Combing your dry lashes will prevent them from tangling besides cleaning debris and avoiding clumps. The best way is to gently brush them daily.
3. Curling: Never use a mechanical curler on your lash extensions as it can pull and snag on them, leading to premature falling out. Instead of a mechanical eyelash curler, you can use a heated curler with care.
4. Keep off the eyes: It’s best to avoid rubbing or scrubbing your eyes harshly as it can also cause extensions to shed early.
5. Refill: Going for a refill at the right time, typically every two to three weeks to reduce the cost of doing a full set and maintaining a beautiful lash line.
6. Hairdryer: Never use the hairdryer on the hot setting and always go for the cool setting. That being said, you could also let them air dry on their own before using a spoolie brush to comb them.
7. Avoid heat, oil, and salt: From swimming in the ocean to avoiding the sauna, and using cosmetic products with oil around the eye such as waterproof eyeliner and mascara, there are many ways to maximize the retention of your extensions.
8. Sleeping etiquettes: When sleeping with eyelash extensions, you can start sleeping on your back or side. You should also replace your cotton pillow covers with a soft fabric like silk or satin to prevent lashes from snagging on them.
9. Eye makeup: When wearing eye makeup, make sure to avoid oil-based products around the eye area and lash line as these products can weaken the adhesive used to adhere the extensions to your eyelashes. The extensions could eventually fall off with repeat exposure to oily eye cream, mascara, foundation, etc.
Safety Tips on Eyelash Application
Unless you have an underlying condition that makes eyelash extensions an inappropriate choice for you, you can usually avoid these risks by following these guidelines:
1. Have a professional, certified cosmetologist or aesthetician attach your eyelash extensions in a clean environment.
2. Ask for a list of the ingredients used in the adhesive. Don’t use any adhesive that includes formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a toxin that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
3. If you’re allergic to latex, make sure it’s not one of the ingredients listed.
4. Make sure your clinician uses surgical glue and not nail glue. This is a must-avoid red flag.
5. Make sure your clinician washes their hands, sterilizes their equipment, and provides clean towels or bedding for you to rest on.
6. If you have sensitive skin or allergies to products such as makeup, ask to have a patch test done on your arm a few days before the procedure.
7. People with certain skin conditions probably shouldn’t get eyelash extensions unless their doctor has approved the procedure ahead of time.
How to Find a Good Eyelash Extension Service Near Me
Finding a good lash service starts by finding a licensed lash tech. Certified technicians who use safe and high-quality products are a must for getting proper eyelash extension treatment without damaging your eyes or natural lashes. Much like assessing a restaurant or brand before buying from them, check out the experiences, reviews, and history of the salon and its techs before taking an appointment with them. You can request to see the before-after pictures of clients to get to know about their skills before signing up with them. But most importantly, do ask for their cosmetologist or esthetician license.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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