Thinking about getting a pair of classic eyelash extensions?
The process to fuller and lusher lashes is simple:
Instead of attaching a strip of fringe to your natural lashes, an aesthetician glues synthetic hairs, one by one, onto your real eyelashes.
With the average price of lash extensions costing $300 or more, the proper care and grooming of your new lashes are essential to extending the life of these synthetic strands.
Whether you are an eyelash pro or a newbie, here’s everything you need to know to care, remove and pamper your fabulous fringe.
The Benefits of Wearing Classic Eyelash Extensions
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are different from traditional false eyelash strips or clusters. They’re best for people who want the look of longer, fuller and more natural-looking eyelashes.
With a combination of the right product, adhesive and proper application, the benefits of wearing these extensions include:
- Spend less time on makeup every morning
- Last for three to five weeks
- Be customized to match your own personal style
- Be lightweight in comparison to false lash strips
How to Prepare for Your First Lash Extension Appointment
Since your eye area is delicate, it’s essential that you always visit a trained pro— usually at a salon or spa — to get lash extensions applied.
If you’re ever in Boca Raton then pay a visit to the Skin Apeel Spa. The highly skilled team will take care of your every need! You can find out more here – skinapeel.com
Look for a lash technician that has excellent reviews online and uses clean, quality products and formaldehyde-free adhesive.
Before you make your first appointment, ask the salon owner or lash stylist the following questions :
- How much lash experience does my stylist have?
- How does the salon sterilize their equipment?
- Can I see a few before & after pics?
- What type of eyelash extensions do they use?
- What type of lash adhesive do they use?
- How can I be sure my own natural lashes will stay healthy?
The eyelash extension procedure usually takes about one and a half to two hours to complete because the synthetic extensions are applied individually to your natural strands.
To ensure the very best results for your lash session, please follow these important guidelines:
- Do not wear any makeup to your appointment.
- Use a lash-specific cleanser or a gentle baby shampoo to massage your lash line twice a week, to remove any dead skin or buildup before your first appointment. If not, you could develop a scaly skin condition called blepharitis.
- If you can’t miss your daily work out, go to the gym first, and then take a shower in advance.
- Do not wear your contact lenses to the lash appointment. Some people may have an eye sensitivity to fumes from the adhesive- wear your regular eyeglasses.
- Do not wear waterproof mascara 48 hours before your appointment.
- Do not use oil-based makeup remover on the eye area.
- Do not apply a heavy eye cream.
Types of Eyelash Extensions
Semi-permanent lash extensions are available in a variety of lengths, and styles (for example, flared (several lashes from a single knot), or a single lash). The individual lashes are pre-curled and use synthetic hair or natural hair.
There are several different kinds of materials used in lash extensions: mink, synthetic, and silk. Mink is the most expensive lash, but is the most natural-looking fringe; synthetic is less costly but more durable; and silk, which is soft and lightweight.
Lash Extension Prep
To prep your eyes for the extensions, the tech will clean the skin of your eye area and remove any eye makeup.
She’ll then place adhesive safety coverings called eye shields on the skin underneath your lower lash lines. Eye shields are half-mooned shaped cotton or gel pads used to protect
the eye area and prevent the eyelash glue from sticking to your face.
Classic Eyelash Extension Application
With your eyes closed, the pro will glue individual false lashes to your natural lashes. Your lash tech will usually pick each individual lash up with a tweezer, dip it in the semi-permanent glue, and then rest the lash toward the end of your natural lash.
Typically, a full set averages about 10 to 15 lash extensions per eye. Once the glue is set, you’ll have a full set of lashes.
Are Eyelash Extensions Safe?
Yes, absolutely! Eyelash extensions are completely safe and painless. There is no waxing or plucking required.
Typically your lash specialist will use a specialized glue that is formaldehyde-free adhesive and is formulated using many of the same products included in the new medical suture-less wound closure technology.
There are a few medical risks you should be aware of if you are considering wearing extensions. These risks include:
- traction alopecia
- allergies to latex, tape, resin, and adhesive
- thinning of the natural eyelashes
- blepharitis and conjunctivitis
- secondary infections (corneal) and subsequent eye damage if not maintained with proper aftercare
- eye damage if eyes are rubbed
- bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections
- dry eye syndrome
Will the Eyelash Extension Procedure Hurt?
The procedure is completely safe and painless. In fact, there’s no waxing or plucking required. Neither the eyelash extensions nor the adhesive touches your skin.
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
How long your new set of eyelash extensions will last really depends on 2 things – how well you follow the salon’s aftercare instructions, and your own natural eyelash growth cycle. To refresh the bonding agent and reattach any loose lashes, visit your eyelash technician every two to three weeks for touch-ups.
People who have a faster eyelash growth cycle may need a two-week touch-up sooner, while those with a slower eyelash growth cycle may not need a touch-up as often.
Eyelashes have a growth cycle which takes place every 30 to 90 days. You will notice that your eyelashes look sparse or short, this is normal and your lashes will grow out to their regular length after the cycle is complete.
What’s the Best Way to Care for your Lash Extensions?
It’s important to pamper and protect your eyelash extensions within 24 to 48 hours of the initial bonding process. To keep your lashes pristine follow these important beauty rules:
- Do not apply eye creams, mascara, or makeup remover to your lashes.
- To allow the adhesive to dry completely, avoid any contact with water, moisture, makeup or makeup removers for 24 hours after lash application.
- Refrain from curling or bending lashes with an eyelash curler.
- Avoid hot steam or swimming for 48 hours.
- Don’t use oil-based products on or around your eyes — especially eye makeup remover and cosmetics. Oil has the same makeup removing effect on lash adhesive.
Want clump-free lashes? With or without mascara, your falsies may stick together after a few nights of batting your lashes or daily. Comb the lashes nightly with a clean mascara brush to keep your fake lashes free of tangles.
Can I Wear Mascara and Eyeliner with my False Lashes?
Because eyelash extensions typically last from five to six weeks, daily mascara application is not recommended.
However, if you still want to wear mascara, apply a product that is glycol and carbonate-free so it will not break the bonds formed between your natural eyelashes and your
extensions.
But still apply it to the eyelash tips only – do not apply mascara near the base of the eyelash. Also, do not use waterproof mascara because it will dissolve the bonds between your natural lashes and the extensions. Water-soluble mascara is OK, but the constant use of mascara may shorten the lifespan of your eyelash extensions.
If you must apply makeup to your lids, protect your instant lash-enhancement by sweeping liquid eyeliner on your eyes, only. While a cat-eye drawn with a pencil is awesome, avoid the use of these handy makeup-coloring tools, which may loosen the base of your new fake, yet fabulous falsies.
How much do Eyelash Extensions Cost?
Eyelash extensions don’t come cheap, but clients who’ve had the procedure say it’s well worth the price. The average cost starts anywhere from $150 up to $350.
A quick lash removal, however, costs from 25 to $50 at the salon. You should also budget around $100 for a touch-up.
Should I get Eyelash Extensions?
Almost anyone can enjoy eyelash extensions, but they are not for everyone. If you have or more of the following medical conditions, you may not be a good candidate for eyelash extensions.
- You rub your eyes frequently. If you rub your eyes repeatedly due to allergies such as hay fever, or if rubbing your eyes is just a regular habit, you may not be able to wear eyelash extensions.
- You have highly-sensitive skin. If you experience irritation around the eye area after using skin care or makeup, eyelash extensions may not suit you.
- You have allergies or are sick. If you have a cold, sinus, or allergy infection, please do not get eyelash extensions. They will not last a long time due to irritation and secretions from the eye area.
- Your natural eyelashes are very curly. If your natural eyelashes are very curly, you are definitely not a good candidate for eyelash extensions! Curly eyelashes tend to shorten the eyelash extension wear time. Generally, with curly eyelashes, extensions may only last up to three days before they start to lift.
- You have no natural eyelashes. If you don’t have any natural eyelashes cannot wear eyelash extensions because there is nowhere to place them. Eyelash extensions must be placed on the natural eyelash and not directly on the skin. Consider using a strip eyelash instead.
- You have been diagnosed with the following conditions: eye irritations, eye infections, blepharitis, glaucoma, excessive tears, thyroid problems affecting lash growth or causing hair loss and asthma.
What Is the Safest Way to Remove Eyelash Extensions?
A gentle touch is necessary to remove your faux lashes without causing damage to or even stripping away your delicate real lashes. That’s because extensions are attached just above your upper eyelash line with a semi-permanent glue that can be hard to remove.
Semi-permanent lashes can be worn for up to six weeks although you should expect some individual lashes to be lost as when the natural lash falls out.
You can avoid losing any of your lovely lashes by following a few simple steps when removing your eyelash extensions at home.
Home Lash Removal
- Gently remove all your eye makeup with a cotton ball before washing your face in warm water to loosen up the glue attaching the eyelash extensions.
- Apply baby oil or an oil-based makeup remover to a cotton ball or swab and carefully dab it along the eyelash extension line until the area is saturated. Be careful not to poke yourself in the eye. The oil will dissolve the glue.
- Slowly peel off the extension without any force, then wash your face thoroughly with a warm, damp washcloth.
For an even easier removal method, there are gel-based eyelash extensions removers that work wonders to minimize damaging your eye area.
- Start with your eyelash line and with a cotton swab, apply the gel-based lash remover.
- Leave it on for a few minutes but do not let it dry.
- As the eyelash glue loosens and softens, the fake eyelashes can be securely and safely pulled away.
Salon Removal
The safest way to remove eyelash extensions is to get an appointment in a salon, where a professional will often use a chemical solvent to break down the eyelash glue bonds quickly and easily.
Many experts use special gel removers, designed to prevent any contamination or smudging into the eye, as a liquid-based remover may enter the eyes and injure your eyes.
The Importance of Gentle Removal
Real eyelashes shed every 90 days, so extensions will eventually fall out as real lashes do. Roughly tugging out your eyelash extensions could cause a lot of damage to your real lashes.
The sticky glue used to apply the extensions often catches to natural lashes, so pulling them out could leave your lash line looking quite sparse. When removing artificial eyelashes, they should slide off easily and never harm your own lashes.
Classic Eyelash Extensions: FAQ’s Tips, Do’s and Don’ts
- While your natural lashes will grow back, to prevent ripping your real lashes out of the lids, do not pull on the eyelashes extensions.
- Take a break every 6 to 8 months to clean your natural lashes thoroughly and let them retain the natural curl that gets flattened by the weight of the eyelash extensions over time.
- If you have any allergies, you may be sensitive to the eyelash glue, ask your lash specialist to perform a patch test beforehand.
- Avoid hot steam from the sauna and shower for 2 days.
- Do not rub your eyes excessively or pick at the lashes.
- Do not use a mechanical eyelash curler. These curlers can damage lash extensions and break the bond of the adhesive.
- Brush your lashes at least 10 minutes after showering or washing your face to keep them untangled and smooth looking. Do not use an oil-based, eye makeup remover.
- Do not use waterproof mascara.
- Do not go to the sauna or steam room frequently. The heat from the steam may cause the bonds to weaken.
- Eyelashes typically shed on a regular basis; thus multiple extensions may be lost on
any given day.
