I’m sure you have heard the horror stories when it comes to eyelash extensions. Causing infections, and natural lash damage – it’s no surprise that many people are put off from getting the beauty treatment.
But for those that swear by them, eyelash extensions are the ultimate confidence booster and time saver. So what’s the reality? I thought I would shed some “lash” light on the topic.
1. Eyelash extensions will make your natural lashes fall out.
Not if they’re applied correctly.
The extensions must be applied are correctly and to each individual lash, then no damage will occur to your lashes but if they are applied with too much glue or if they are stuck together in clumps then there can be a problem.
The eyelash growth cycle is six weeks and then they shed so that’s the reason why if you put lashes on individually, once they’ve grown out they’ll fall out naturally with your normal lash.
If they’re falling out in clumps because multiple lashes are stuck together then it’s going to pull on the lash and it can hurt. The problem is during application and the completed full set you as the consumer can’t tell. They may look fine but beware damage may occur.
2. All lash technicians are the same.
While there are accredited courses now, there is no official qualification required to be an eyelash extension technician.
Some people who are self-taught that could have learned from YouTube or novice instructors and then say they can do it.
With 8 years experience, doing eyelash extensions full time, the best way to find a good, qualified eyelash technician is word of mouth followed by photos on social media.
3. They have to be extreme.
In fact, the biggest concern of my clients is not looking too fake.
More conservative people are surprised about what you can achieve. Eyelash extensions cater to anyone, they can be big and bold or more subtle and natural looking. It is not one lash fits all. There is always a design factor in applying eyelash extensions.
4. It’s just ‘young’ people getting them.
While they are popular among young people, eyelash extensions are also beloved by older generations for a range of reasons.
I have clients in their 70s who get them because they can’t wear mascara because it smudges and they don’t want raccoon eyes because their vision is poorer or their hands shake and it’s hard to put mascara on.
It’s not to have them looking like ‘stripper’ lashes, most clients just want the mascara look without the mess.”
5. It’s a new treatment.
When I first started doing lashes I was a makeup Artist and I wanted lashes to complete my makeup look. I hated strip lashes with a passion. I thought there had to be a better way to assist my clients. Then came eyelash extensions! It wasn’t really popular and people didn’t know about them. If you had them on people might ask if your eyelashes were real, then it slowly started growing.
Now almost every second person has them. It has peaked now, every place does them now – hairdresser, nail places, from home. Five or six years ago, it wasn’t as common.
The quality has also improved over that time, with styles like Russian lashes or 3D volume lashes offering dramatic results while being lightweight.
6. They can damage your lashes.
Again, not if they’re applied correctly and are not too heavy.
A good technician will notice and let the client know they are getting to heavy that’s causing minor lash damage, so they need to either go down a length or use a lighter type. It is important that your technician cares about your natural lashes not just the look of extensions.
7. It’s painful or uncomfortable.
Not at all. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity for a nap. My clients always fall asleep.
The process starts with the bottom lashes being held down with an eye treatment gel pad and your eyes closes.
“When your bottom lashes are secured down there shouldn’t be any discomfort (e.g gel pad touching your eyeball) it should feel comfortable.
“The eyelash technician will them pick up lashes with tweezers, dip them in glue, isolate one natural lash and then attach the synthetic or faux mink lash onto your natural lash one by one.
It depends on experience or the number of lashes a person has, but general average time for a full set of lashes is one and a half to two hours.
8. You can pick them off when you’re done with them.
Please, please don’t.
If you pick your eyelash, you can traumatise the follicle and it won’t grow back from that spot. If you pick one here and there it might be ok, but it definitely can traumatize it and there’s nothing you can do about it.
No growth serum will magically make them grow back unless there’s a natural hair follicle.
Any good eyelash technician will offer a service to remove lashes. If they’re bothering you, go back to the salon and get them removed.
9. You don’t have to do anything to them.
Yes, they can save time but they do require minor maintenance.
You can’t get them wet for 3 hours, (I prefer 24 hours) which is just a precaution while the glue is curing.
Please avoid products with oil for the whole duration as it softens the bonding of the glue.
You should also be washing your lashes with an oil-free cleanser everyday to remove a build up of dead skin, natural oils and makeup that collects. It’s hygienic and will ensure you get the best out of your extensions.
10. You can’t put mascara over them.
My clients find that they don’t need mascara on top but it depends on how dramatic you want that look. Once you’ve had them for a while, you may get used to them and feel the need to put mascara on. We always want more!
If you do, make sure it’s oil-free and not water proof.
I hope this has been helpful and answers your questions. Leave a comment below and share this post.
Denise
Your Lash Stylist
