The 4-1-1 on Eyelash Extensions

Ever considered eyelash extensions? Wonder if they are worth the cost and maintenance? Here is everything you have ever wanted to know about "lashing". 

What exactly are eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions are applied to your real eyelashes to enhance the length and thickness. 

What are the extensions made out of? The extensions can either be real mink hair or a synthetic faux mink material. (My personal favorite is the faux mink. I have found that the real mink is too soft, can crinkle, and doesn't give a dramatic enough look....also real mink lashes are spendier than the faux mink.)

How are the extensions applied? Traditional lash extensions are applied to each individual eyelash. This means that the technician applies one fake eyelash to each of your individual real lashes.

How long does a traditional set take to apply? When a technician first starts out, it may take a few hours to do a set....however, an experienced technician can apply a full set in 1-1 1/2 hours. 

What is a fill? A fill is when technician "fills" the lashes that have fallen off since the initial first set was done. When a client comes to me for a fill, I take off any lashes that are grown out or turning "funny". The process I use does not remove your real eyelash and protects the integrity of it so we can add a brand new extension to the lash. Fills take 30 min- 1 hr to do depending on how well the client has retained/taken care of their lash extensions. When you leave your lash fill appointment, your lashes should look just like the brand new set you originally got done.

How often will I need a fill? Average time is 3 weeks. With that being said, some prefer to go longer, others prefer to fill more frequently. This truly all depends on how well you (the client) take care of the extensions. ***Disclaimer- the only exception to this rule I have seen is my sister and a few other clients ;) who have more "oily" skin. Their lashes just can't seem to stay on. 

Who applies lash extensions? A licensed professional! Never ever let ANYONE do your lashes that is not licensed/certified.

How do I wash my face and makeup off? Most cleansers WITHOUT oil are okay to use on your face and eyelids....however, my clients prefer makeup removing wipes. You should use great caution when washing your face and showering with eyelash extensions.

Can i still wear makeup? Yes! You can still wear makeup (some clients feel that they can get away with less makeup as the extensions give a nice dramatic look). It is advised that you don't wear mascara with the extensions. Mascara can make the lash extensions fall off faster.

Will lash extensions ruin my real eyelashes? If the extensions are applied properly and you (the client) take care of the lashes properly, then NO! They should not ruin your real lashes. In my many years of experience, I have been asked this question many many times! I have personally worked on clients that have had lash extensions for years and their real lashes did not suffer from the extensions because they took proper care of them. What do I mean by proper care? Don't touch them or fuss with them!!!!!! Don't sleep on them. Don't use oil based makeup removers. I am positive that this specific question and paragraph will cause some drama but if your lashes were damaged by lash extensions it was due to 1 of 3 things..... You messed with them (slept on them, touched them too much, combed them too much), the technician used too much glue, ooooooor you picked them off and don't want to admit it. If you pick at your fragile real eyelash to get off a twisted extensions or chunk of glue then you can rest assured that you will destroy your real eyelash.

^^^This particular client had her lashes on for 3 straight years and suffered no visible lash damage. ^^^

Is anyone ever allergic to the glue? Unfortunately, yes. In the 5 years I have done lash extensions I have had a handful of clients that are allergic. Symptoms usually present themselves as swollen, red, and puffy eyes. In this situation the extensions tend to fall off pretty quickly. It is recommended though that you have the technician remove the lashes for you. We have a safe glue remover that can get the lashes off while maintaining the integrity of your real lashes.

Can I choose what my lashes will look like? Yes! Eyelash extensions come in all different lengths, sizes, and colors. We can even choose the "thickness"/diameter of the lash extension we apply. In traditional lashing, the diameter of lash used affects the look you will get. If you want a more dramatic look, we use a thicker eyelash. If you want a more natural and soft look, we use a thinner lash extension. **Disclaimer- if your real lashes are thin and cannot support the weight of a thicker lash diameter...then we will not be able use our thicker lash extensions.

How thick can you make my lashes look? Unfortunately, with traditional lash extensions, we rely on how many real lashes you are bringing to the table when it comes to how thick we can make them look. If you have thin lashes, then your look won't be as dramatic as the client with nice thick healthy lashes. However, new lash techniques exist where they use an extremely thin diameter of lash extension and apply multiple extensions to one of your real lashes. It is called volume lashes. Do not get volume lashes confused with the generic "clump" or "cluster" lashes that can be bought from Walmart or Sally Beauty and applied at home. I have seen so called professionals try to pass these off as eyelash extensions and they destroy real lashes!!!!!!! Technicians are applying these clusters with their strong heavy duty glue and it results in bad consequences.

What happens if I got lash damage due to my own doing or that of a bad technician? There is hope!!!! Don't despair. Invest in a good lash growing serum. A few are Lilash, Babe Lash, Revitalash, Lattise, or Grande lash. You apply the serum right to the lash line (as if you were applying eyeliner) before bed every night. You should notice healthier stronger lashes in a matter of weeks. -Sadie

**Sadie received her training in St. George, Utah in 2009-2010. She is a master esthetician.