I’m not proud of it, but the first time I got eyelash extensions, I neglected to ask all the important questions prior to my appointment. I was so excited to walk out with big, fluttery lashes without the use of falsies that I didn’t do any study prior.
“People assume they get their lashes put on and they’re done,” says Dionne Phillips of D’Lashes, a celebrity eyelash extension expert. While eyelash extensions are less maintenance-intensive than wearing mascara or fake eyelashes every day, they aren’t quite a buy-and-forget solution.
We asked Phillips and other lash professionals for advice on how to prepare for your appointment, how to properly care for your lashes afterward, and other vital lash information. Continue reading for all the essentials you’ll be glad to know (or wish you knew) before booking an eyelash extension consultation.
What are eyelash extensions?
According to Andra Marin, artistic director, and skilled lash stylist at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in NYC, eyelash extensions are semi-permanent lashes that are hand-glued on top of your natural lashes.
Unlike strip lashes, lash extensions are individually attached to your natural hairs, making them very adjustable and realistic-looking.
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 inquire 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 no one type of lash extension lasts longer than the other, 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 utilize 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.
See Also: How to Safely Apply Remove Eyelash Extensions
What’s the Application Process Like?
“[Lash extensions] are put one at a time (usually 80-140 per eye) with a specially developed, semi-permanent glue that will not irritate or damage the native lash,” Richardson explains.
“The lash is only put to an existing lash; it is never applied to the skin.” While the specific procedure varies depending on the salon, here’s what to expect:
#1. Evaluation
“Before putting eyelash extensions, the technician should go through all the dangers and advantages, as well as ask about any conditions you may have that would make eyelash extensions unsuitable for you,” explains Richardson.
If you wear contacts, they’ll ask you to take them out.
#2. 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 an 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.
#3. Cleansing 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.
#4. 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 putting.
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).
They will then fix the eye gels on both sides of the eye with medical-grade tape (this tape will not contact your lashes and will not hurt when removed later).
#5. 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 cases, one eyelash extension is applied per natural lash. However, for more voluminous looks, multiple 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.
#6. 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.
#7. 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!
This is how to remove the natural eyelash extensions.
See Also: What You Need to Now about Laser Hair Removal
Where Should You Go For Eyelash Extensions?
One of the most concerning aspects of eyelash extensions is that in some areas, such as Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, and Wisconsin, the procedure is unregulated.
While these professionals are extremely 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 in order to perform the service.
Make sure your lash artist is a licensed esthetician when arranging your lash extension session (rather than a cosmetologist).
1 Esthetician specializes 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 (like Envious Lashes in New York City).
How long do natural eyelash extensions last?
Eyelash extensions can last for six to eight weeks if properly cared for (more on that later).
Until they naturally fall out like your natural lashes. When they start to fall out, though, you can return to your lash stylist and have the missing pieces filled in.
As a result, you can theoretically make your natural eyelash extensions last eternally.
Do eyelash extensions ruin your eyelashes?
No, there isn’t a lot of proof that eyelash extensions have a long-term effect on your natural lash length or health.
According to Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
There is a minuscule possibility of getting traction alopecia. Which is when your natural lashes fall out as a result of the persistent weight of recurrent eyelash extensions. But don’t be alarmed; this isn’t a typical occurrence.
“Long-term lash damage is usually the product of years of inadequate application and insufficient upkeep,” Marin explains. Please only visit reputable, well-reviewed salons (no matter how good that Groupon deal is).
Make sure your technician follows all sanitation and disinfection requirements, and don’t be shy about asking them to check that they are.
Remember to trust your instincts. Reschedule if you’re receiving a terrible feeling from a salon.
What’s bad about eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions aren’t harmful or “bad” if your technician follows the necessary procedures and uses the proper materials.
Ask the hairdresser about the components in the lash glue they use before you go to your appointment.
If they can’t answer your question, you should cancel the appointment (you don’t want inexperienced people sticking things to your eyelids). And if they say the glue contains formaldehyde (a known eye irritant that can cause redness, irritation, and itchy, swollen eyelids), you should definitely cancel the appointment.
It may cost a little more, but Dr. Al-Mohtaseb recommends going to a salon that utilizes “glues produced with butyl cyanoacrylate and octyl cyanoacrylate instead of formaldehyde they’re less harmful to the eye area.”
What’s also worth noting? The distinction between a license and a certification. Phillips points out that just because someone has a lot of credentials doesn’t mean they’re state or health department licensed.
Some states require lash technicians to be licensed, so double-check that the individual you’re visiting meets all of the criteria.
See Also: Hairstylist Career Path: How Do I Get Started in the Beauty Industry?
How much does a full set of natural eyelash extensions cost?
It varies depending on where you live, but in New York City, a basic set (generally 70 to 80 lashes per eye) can cost anywhere from $100 to $400, plus a 20% gratuity.
Because eyelashes develop and fall out over time, you’ll need to return for fill-ins every few weeks. This can cost anywhere from $50 to $165, depending on how many new lashes you require.
Note: The longer you wait between fill-ins, the more lashes you’ll need to replace and the more money you’ll spend if you wait too long.
Your technician may prefer to give you a brand-new set of extensions rather than a fill-in, which will clearly be more expensive.
This is the cost of natural eyelash extensions.
How do you know what size of natural eyelash extensions to get?
You may desire Kardashian-level lashes, but that does not imply that your eyes are capable of handling them. “The length and strength of your natural lashes will determine the type of lashes you can acquire,” Marin explains.
“Wearing lashes that are too long or thick for your lashes might cause long-term harm. So make sure your extensions aren’t too much longer or thicker than your natural lashes.”
If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry: a professional lash specialist can assist you in making the right option for your lashes, including the material to choose. Such as synthetic mink or synthetic silk.
Mink is normally more expensive, feels softer, and has a more natural appearance; however, some synthetics, which are extremely customizable. Can look and feel natural and cost the same as or more than mink.
What are classic lashes vs. hybrid eyelash extensions?
For the density, curl, and length of your extensions, consult with your stylist to choose which option is best for you. “When it comes to deciding on a lash look, a good lash technician will consider your face shape, bone structure, and natural lashes,” says Clementina Richardson, lash expert and founder of Envious Lashes in NYC.
Single lashes, also known as classic lashes, comprise a single extension affixed to a single natural lash. If you want more volume, the lash technician can attach a few extension hairs to a single natural lash. Creating a fan lash or volume lash.
Your lash technician can combine the two with hybrid lash extensions, adding a fan where you want more volume and tapering it out with singles.
Ask for photos of the lash tech’s work to help communicate exactly what you want, according to Phillip’s best tip.
Make sure you and the lash tech are on the same page when it comes to lash terminology.
Will Your Natural Eyelashes Grow Back After Extensions?
This is when things get a little hairy. “On their own, lash extensions will not destroy your lashes,” Richardson explains. “Improper application causes damage to natural lashes.
Can the stylist failure to select the suitable type of lash for an existing natural lash?
There are a few major contributing causes to this issue: premature shedding will occur if they apply extensions 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).
See Also: How to Choose the Right Hair Extension for Short Hair
Conclusion
Only a certified lash technician who has received special training for this operation should apply for eyelash extensions. A medical professional, lash stylist, aesthetician, or cosmetologist are all possibilities.
Regulations for salons that do lash extensions differ by the state in the United States.
Check your state’s website to check if lash technicians and salons are subject to any rules.
Before you go, look up reviews on the internet. Only go to a recognized salon or clinic with a good track record for cleanliness and safety.
Ask inquiries when you’re making your appointment. Learn more about the glue’s constituents. Inquire about the sterilization of the instruments used. Keep control of the situation.
Terminate the appointment if the salon does not feel clean, or if the technician does not respond to your inquiries or requests.
This is also something you should do if you felt uneasy while your lashes are being applied, either physically or mentally.
This is information on natural eyelash extensions. I hope you enjoyed reading this article?
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