What are eyelash extensions and how are they applied and how long does it Take?
Eyelash extensions are single synthetic lashes applied directly to the natural lash, close to (but not touching) the lash line with a semi-permanent bonding adhesive. A single extension is applied to a single lash, leaving the eyelashes and eyelids to move freely. They are applied carefully, one by one using precisely designed tweezers. The whole process normally takes 1 – 2 hours depending on how many lashes the client has and how many are applied.
How long do eyelash extensions last?
Up to six weeks – The eyelash extension generally lasts until the natural lash falls out in its natural cycle. The growth phases are up to 8 weeks however not all these lashes can be lashes, we have 3 phases of Growth. Maintenance plays a big part in retention. It is advisable to have infills applied approximately every 2 – 4 weeks (depending on your aftercare routine and your natural lash cycle), as by this stage some would have fallen out as new lashes have grown through. How long your eyelash extensions last depends on having them applied by an experience Lash Artist who understands the science behind the adhesive and is lashing in the correct conditions. (It's not as simple as just gluing them on) after the Artist has done their job correct retention is almost entirely on how you care for them (i.e. by removing makeup correctly, not wearing waterproof mascara, not using oily products on your face, and not tugging/pulling at your eyelash extensions). Some clients who take extra good care of their lashes get 4+ weeks before they need infills!
How much do eyelash extensions cost?
A standard full set of eyelashes costs $90 - $160 for Classic/ individual lashes. Russian and Mega Volume lashes are finer lashes that are handmade into a perfect fan and give more volume, this service is longer due (2-3 Hours) to the technique and is roughly $180 - $290 +. It really all depends on the look you are hoping to achieve, and the Artist/ Salons Prices.
Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?
No & Yes – We apply eyelash extensions taking special care to ensure that they are all applied individually and correctly to maintain your eyelash health. Correct length, weight, perfectly isolated etc. To ensure the ongoing health of your lashes, we highly recommend that you take the advice of the Artist regarding the maximum thickness and length that would be appropriate long-term for your natural lashes. The eyelash extensions genrally shed with your natural lash, so as long as an appropriate weight extension has been applied, your natural lashes will grow through as normal. Listen to the artist's advice about how long/heavy you should go if you have naturally thin or sparse lashes. Damage is caused by incorrect weight, length and isolation like mentioned before, clients can also cause damage by not following the aftercare such as cleansing daily, brushing the lashes and extension, booking regular fills, not pulling or tugging on the natural lashes.
Client requests - some choose not to take our advice regarding the lashes and do request extra long and thick lashes be applied to their thin or fine natural lashes. We will advise against this as we cannot guarantee that they will last well if they are too long or heavy for your natural lash to support. I will not apply anything that will cause further damage to your natural Lashes! Usually, as a one-off or special occasion wear, extra long or thick lashes will cause no problems at all, but long-term it can weaken your lashes.
Lash Damage! 😢
Inexperienced technicians or poorly trained are what caused damage due to lashes that are too heavy/clumped together which can definitely result in damaged lashes. All Lash artists that have the passion for Lashing aim to give you beautiful lashes all the time, with no damage to your natural lashes. We customize the lashes so they are the right weight and thickness and style suited for you and apply them carefully, one by one, so that your natural lashes remain as healthy as ever!
Is the eyelash extension application painful?
NO! Not at all! I am often asked ‘are eyelash extensions painful?’ and the answer is no, not if applied properly! The eyelash extensions are applied directly to the eyelash, so there is no contact with the skin. It may feel a little unusual the first time, but once you get used to it, it should be so comfortable that you may drift off to sleep!
Will eyelash extensions irritate my eyes?
Nope. Once your eyelash extensions are applied opening for the first time can be a little weird as you've just had your eyes closed for 2-4 hours but you shouldn’t feel any difference, Other than amazing! One extension is applied to each lash individually, so your eyelashes can move freely. A well educated lash artist will be trained in lash health and safety, at the end of the day we treat your lashes lashes like an eco system. We do not want to disrupt the eco system just enhance the appearance, when applying lashes. The natural lashes are there to serve a purpose to protect the eye from particles entering the eye so we make sure that the natural lashes will still serve this purpose.
Is there anything I need to do before my Eyelash Appointment?
The main thing is to have clean eyes and eyelashes, free of makeup, especially that mascara! Some mascaras contain oils that create a barrier between the Natural Lash and Extension so this, therefore, prevents the eyelash extensions bonding correctly. We do perform a cleanse before every Lash appointment with our foaming cleanser and rinse with saline before the applications start.
Can I wear eye makeup with my eyelash extensions?
Yes, you can. We don’t recommend that you apply waterproof mascara to your eyelash extensions, as this can cause them to clump together. Makeup is fine to use, just ensure you remove all your eyeshadow daily with a Cleanser safe for eyelash extensions.
What about removing eye makeup?
You must use an Oil-Free makeup remover, as oil-based removers will damage the adhesive and could make the eyelash extensions fall off prematurely. Most salons stocks a high-quality makeup remover that is formulated specifically for eyelash extensions.
Can I swim/shower/ get my eyelash extensions wet?
Yes. In fact, this is one of the best things about eyelash extensions, you will have amazing eyes/lashes ALL the time! When you wake up, straight out of the shower, out of the pool.
How do I take care of my eyelash extensions so they last longer?
There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the most out of your eyelash extensions. At your appointment, we give you an after-care card outlining how to take care of them, the main things to remember are:
This myth is now busted but it was a standard do not wet them for an absolute MINIMUM of 24 hours after application/infills so that the adhesive cures properly. Now we know that the if Lash extensions are applied in the correct humidity and temperature for the Adhesive then the last Extension applied is actually cured within 5 minutes! I do also have an aftercare blog here!
Use only oil-free products around the Lashes and be careful of steam as these are the main to things that will break down the adhesive bond between the eyelash extension and Natural lash causing Lash Loss.
Do not rub them or pull at them
Do not use eyelash curlers
If exposed to chlorine, rinse off gently with fresh water afterwards
Gently brush them with your lash-wand daily!
Cleanse them properly Every day!
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot showers hair Dryers, opening the oven/dishwasher or extreme bursts of heat!
Can everyone wear eyelash extensions?
Almost everybody can wear eyelash extensions to increase the appeal and look of their eyes. Clients whose lifestyle is based around heat and oils such as chefs, hot yoga, also people with contraindications should never be lashed as well as some medications will affect the adhesive such as thyroid medications.
Can I wear contact lenses/glasses with my eyelash extensions?
Yes, of course. However, you may find it more comfortable to remove contacts before your appointment or bring your contacts case so you can remove them immediately prior to the application.
Can I have a natural set or will I look like a drag queen with my eyelash extensions?
Yes, absolutely natural is possible and so is Drag queen. Lash Artists will customize your lashes to suit you. You can have just a few at the corners, for some added sparkle to your eyes, a full set for a natural, heavy-lashed look if your lashes can handle this, or a glamour set. Lashes come in many different lengths and curl types, to suit a range of looks. We are confident that you will be very pleased with your lovely new lashes!
What if I get eyelash extensions but just don’t like them?
They can be removed using an adhesive-dissolver if you decide that they are not for you. But we’re sure this won’t be the case!
What are the thickness and lengths you're talking about?
So all Lashes are not just one length or one curl they come in various lengths here from 6mm in length through to 14mm the longest. The thickness starts at a very fine 0.03 for mega volume through to a 0.15 the heaviest currently used for classics, this is how we customize each set to the client to maintain your Lash health whilst giving you amazing Lashes!
Grace x