Eyelashes Extensions Guide

Whether it's "miracle" serums, heated curlers, or "magnifying" mascaras, the beauty industry has seen it all. Eyelash extensions, on the other hand, are the most divisive craze of all time. To many women looking for long, voluminous lashes without the hassle of false ones or a heavy coat of mascara, eyelash extensions appeared to be the perfect solution. After all, lash extensions are just like any other new beauty technique that has its disadvantages. Because some jurisdictions have not regulated the practise, this has led to incidences of infection and damaged natural lashes as a result of inadequate sanitation as well as procedure.  The process takes hours and costs hundreds of dollars. To have a perfectly applied set of semi-permanent lashes every morning?

In this post, you'll learn whatever you need to understand about eyelash extensions, from both during photos to tips on how to find the best lash artist for your needs, costs and potential hazards (including whether or not your natural eyelashes will regrow).

What is Lash Extensions?

They are synthetic strands that are applied to your natural eyelashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent. For each of your natural eyelashes, a semi-permanent glue is used to apply a single lash extension (one extension per eyelash). Depending on the studio, synthetic, mink, faux mink, or silk strands can be used to make lash extensions. Extension lengths, curl patterns, and colours are all available at most facilities, allowing clients to tailor their style.

Various kinds of eyelash extensions

Mink, silk, and synthetic eyelash extension materials are used by lash artists. Faux mink extensions, which are technically synthetic but seem like real mink extensions, are also available from some salons.

If you're going to get lash extensions, you're going to get them from a lash studio that prefers one type of extension over the other. Mink lash extensions should not be used on you if you are allergic or averse to cats, so make sure this is communicated to the stylist beforehand.

Mink and silk are more natural-looking than synthetic lashes, which are darker and thicker, so they're better suited for those who want to go for the more dramatic effect. Different hair length and curl options are available in each of these three categories (mink, silk, and synthetic). In order to get the wide-eyed look, your lash artist will usually employ a variety of lengths and curl strengths to create the illusion of wide-eyedness.

Application Process

There are normally 80-140 lashes per eye, applied one at a time, using a specially designed, semi-permanent glue that is safe for the natural lash and won't irritate or damage it. There is no need to apply the lash to the skin because an existing lash is used. Here's what you may expect when you visit a hair salon:

Examination: According to Richardson, before applying eyelash extensions, the technician should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you, as well as inquire about any medical conditions that might make lash extensions inappropriate for you in the first place. If you wear contact lenses, they'll ask you to remove them.

Make a decision on the length and tightness of the extension: Make sure the lash artist asks what kind of look you'd like to achieve before beginning the procedure. Based on the final look you want to achieve, you'll choose the appropriate size and curl firmness for your extensions. Your artist may apply up to three or four different lengths of extensions, focusing on the outside corners and the inner areas of the eye, depending on the look they are going for.

Cleaning the Eyelids and Under-Eye Area: In order to guarantee because you're in the greatest way imaginable, the lash technician will ask you to lie back and rest before beginning the procedure. Afterwards, they will thoroughly clean the area to get rid of any makeup, oil, and microorganisms that may be present. Your artist will appreciate it if you arrive for your appointment without any makeup on.

Using the Eye Gels and the Tape: For the length of the procedure, which normally takes between one and two hours, your eyelids will be closed. An under-eye gel will be applied to your lash line prior to the actual application to get your bottom lashes out of the path and provide a different backdrop to work against throughout the application. On both sides of your eyes, medical-grade tape will be used to hold the eye gels in place, and this tape doesn't miffed when it's detached far along.

Applying the extensions: Your lash designer will soak the tip of each extension into the lash glue and then place it one by one on your lash with tweezers a single eyelash extension is typically put to each natural lash, however more voluminous appearances may necessitate the use of numerous extensions for each natural lash. Tweezers operating that adjacent to your eyes while they're bolted can be a little nerve-wracking.

Drying: Lashes dry rapidly, however you may be asked to be seated for roughly 10 min after all of the leeway has been put by your lash artist. In order to speed up the drying process, some lash artists use a small, handheld fan to cure the glue on your extensions, while others choose to contract the adhesive parched in the air. While your eyes are still closed, you are in this stage of the process.

Eliminating the Tape and Gels: Your lash designer will release all the under gels and tape as quickly as your lashes are completely dry (it doesn't burn at all, but if you have sensitivity in this region, let your lash professional know so they can be extra cautious). Afterwards, your lash artist will likely use a spooly to brush through your lashes before asking you to slowly open your eyes. It's done!

Where Should You Go For Eyelash Extensions?

In some places, such as Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, and Wisconsin, the eyelash extension technique is not regulated. Even though many states require a cosmetology licence again for service, these professionals have a great deal of expertise in their respective fields, but they don't have the training necessary to work on the delicate eye area.

Make sure your lash leeway artist is a licenced esthetician before scheduling your appointment. Makeovers, exfoliation, and eyelash extensions are among the procedures that estheticians are trained in. In order to get the best results, it's best to go to a professional esthetician that specialises in lash procedures (like Envious Lashes in NYC).

The Goals

It's Effective: Long, fluttering, beautiful lashes will be yours every day with lash extensions. Eyes will look better on everyone thanks to a simple procedure that works wonders on the eyes.

Customizable to your liking: With the help of your lash artist, you may achieve a natural or dramatic look by determining the length and curl of your extensions.

It's practically indestructible: During the first 48 hours, you can't get them wet, but you can still go swimming, showering, and sweating while wearing them 

Pain-Free: From start to finish, the process is completely painless for the vast majority of people.

It's (almost) always safe: Extensions are generally considered safe by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aestheticians.

The Disadvantages

There is a risk of irritants and infections: "The most common side effect of eyelash extensions is eye discomfort." The eyes are highly sensitive to the chemicals used to attach eyelash extensions to the organic follicle in the majority of cases. Although many hypoallergenic components might aggravate or aggravate tissue by weighting them depressed or pushing on the hairs, there is still a fundamental concern with extensions." Anything that touches or tugs on lashes surrounding the eyes might cause a reaction, she explains.

"Either from the chemicals or from the friction and tugging forces."

It's a decent impression to avoid allergic reactions and irritation by conducting a skin test on your wrist with the adhesive. You should also ask your esthetician to custom an glue that is allowed of fluid and formaldehyde, two of the furthermost common irritants, according to Dr. Nazarian.

2 Time and Money Investments: Starting at $100-300, you'll need a new set every 2-4 weeks, with refills costing $50-150 each time. It can take up to two hours to get your first set, and an hour to get a refill.

Natural Lashes may be harmed: Unfluctuating if you have the best lash illustrator and the best rehab, you may still witness damage to your natural lashes even if you do everything right. Natural lashes grow longer and longer, thus the extension is pushed further away. When the weight of the extension is on your natural lashes, it might cause them to break. Natural lashes can also be damaged when you sleep on your lashes, either with your hands or against your pillow.

Unbalanced Debris: Because your eyelashes are always in a state of flux, it's impossible to tell which ones are growing and which ones are about to fall off. You may notice that some of your eyelashes drop a few weeks after the procedure and are replaced with new, extension-free lashes. Every 2-4 weeks, you should acquire an extension refill, it can result in an uneven and dispersed appearance.

It Takes a Long Time to Wash Your Face: When you get eyelash extensions, you can't scour your eyes, so whenever you wash your face, make sure to avoid the eye area.

After getting eyelash extensions, will your natural lashes grow back?

Here things get a little tense. By itself, "lash extensions will not cause damage to your lashes," adds Richardson. Because of inadequate application or a stylist's inability to correctly match a natural lash to the appropriate lash, damage can occur to the eyelashes themselves. In addition to these, there are a number of other contributing elements.

This will cause premature lash loss if extensions are applied that are too heavy for the native eyelash. You will also cause quick breaking by rubbing your eyes."

When it comes to lash extensions, a professional esthetician is essential. Eyelash extensions can damage your natural lashes even if you follow all the instructions to the letter.

Natural lashes can be harmed in a variety of ways, including by causes beyond your control (such as sleeping with your eyes rubbed or inheriting a genetically shortened lash cycle compared to the average).

You should keep in mind that eyelashes are made of hair, thus they will come back unless you have a pre-existing ailment or scenario. As a result, your eyelashes will regrow. Eyelash damage is undesirable, but it often heals in 1-4 months as part of the normal growth cycle.

How long are they going to be around?

Your eyelashes, like the hair on your head, naturally shed and grow back. Some of your eyelashes may be liable to collapse out, whereas others could be in the midst of a growth stage at any given time of year.

A discrete lash extension will come out naturally as the eyelash sheds from the lash line, due to the way it is attached to the lash. You can expect your eyelash extensions to last up to a month before you require a "refill" session if you avoid scratching your eyes, using mascara, or other oily eye treatments.

Refills are required every 2-4 weeks unless you're going off of extensions. In the first two to four weeks of using an eyelash extension, your natural lashes will begin to appear more dispersed as the extensions fall out, leaving you with a more uneven look on your eyelids.

The Expense: A full set of lash extensions can cost anywhere from $100-300, with refills costing between $50-150, depending on the vendor and the city where you live.

You’re Appointment Preparation

Arrive Without Makeup: Your lash artist should not have to deal with any makeup, filler, mascara, or skincare products around the eyes. Arrive at your appointment without any makeup on, and you'll help your esthetician out a lot.

Don't drink any coffee: Aside from the fact that this isn't a painful procedure for most individuals, the two-hour period of utter stillness can be nerve-wracking. If you're prone to jitters, don't drink coffee, energy drinks, or caffeine of any type.

Cosy up: Before or after work is OK, but don't forget that you'll be lying down for up to two hours. Wear loose-fitting clothes that you won't have to fiddle with.

A restroom break is required: Remember that this can take as long as two hours to complete.. Before your lash artist begins the procedure, go to the restroom and refrain from drinking for at least an hour.

Take a look at these photos for ideas: Your esthetician's definition of what constitutes a natural look may be quite different from yours. Bring photos of eyelash extensions you like to inspire your own application.

Organize your music by creating a playlist: Listening to classical music or an audiobook while having a facial isn't a big deal for most beauticians or worried about being bored. In the event that your esthetician needs to speak with you, please inform her in advance if you'd prefer that she remove your headphones.

You’re Retinol Stop Now: Some people are more sensitive to Retinol than others, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like the eyes. If you've been using any retinol or acid product in the days leading up to your visit, you should cease using it.

Find a Lash Stylist: This procedure should only be carried out by a licenced esthetician, not a cosmetologist, despite the fact that the requirements differ from state to state. Make sure to check out the reviews of both the studio and the esthetician you're hiring.

Be Aware of Your Allergies: When it comes to lash extensions, Dr. Liotta does not go so far as to state they are "not safe," but the process does have some dangers to consider, such as an allergic reaction to the adhesive.

Extensions made of mink hair may cause irritation or redness, as well as dryness, in people who are sensitive to cats. Be aware of your allergies before you book a session, and ask your esthetician what kind of extension fibres and adhesive they'll be using before they begin.

Alternatives to Lash Extensions

Talika Lipocils Eyelash Conditioning Gel

RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner 

Liquid Lash Extension Mascara

LashSociety: Control Kit- DIY Lash Extension

Final Words

Simply said, lash extensions are effective. They can give you longer, fuller, and darker lashes, but you'll have to pay for it in the long run. Even if you follow all of the aftercare instructions, it's still possible that your natural lashes will be damaged by the extensions, including breakage and fallout.

Having said that, eyelashes are, after all, just hair and will regrow in a matter of weeks in the vast majority of situations.

Even though eyelash extensions may not be beneficial for you, dermatologists equate them to having acrylic nails because they're not expected to create any significant well-being issues, so you may choose that the beauty of delays are worth it. Have your eyelash extensions performed by a certified esthetician if you want to avoid these problems.