We have seen in the movies, and the ramp walks. Yes, ladies, we mean those eyelash extensions that add beauty to the eyes of women. We can all agree they aren’t real, and we know it too. But when they adorn your eyes and delicately bat against each other, the expressiveness and beauty that it adds to the character of the beholders’ eyes is something one can phrase as pure awe.
You can pull off a slick, chic look with a pair of these extensions. But why need extension when you already have eyelashes? Did you know when you approach any individual, the first thing they tend to notice is your eyes as if they adorn your face in a scintillating manner like priceless jewellery, then you have made one perfect impression right on! But wait! You can do so much more with eyelashes? At least make a person sweep off their feet? The answer… why not?
For Starters, What Is Eyelash Extension?
It is a cosmetic attachment that enhances an individual’s natural eyelashes in thickness, length and helps to maintain that luscious look that lasts for a few weeks in a row. These artificial extensions are made of silk, synthetic hair, or mink. There are varieties of methods in which it can be applied. Such as;
- Full Strips
- Clusters
- Individual
Eyelash extensions come in wide varieties. They can be customized to suit every woman’s desire: length, color, thickness, natural-looking to even ones that relate to the abstractness of Lady Gaga. The varieties are unlimited, and you will always find that unique model that especially suits you. These eyelash extensions are both temporary and semi-permanent types. The temporary false lashes can be worn for up to two days without them falling off or suffering damage. However, since the temporary lashes are made of easily damaged material, you are not supposed to bathe, swim, or sleep while you wear them, or else you may risk losing or damaging them.
A semi-permanent type of eyelash extension is used in combination with FDA-approved glue is safe for the skin. However, care must be taken when you apply a semi-permanent type of eyelashes. Neither the eyelashes nor the glue is supposed to contact the eyelids and are supposed to be attached to the natural lashes alone. Semi-permanent extensions will last longer and will naturally fall off in due time. But the extensions fall faster if you rub your eyes very often or use oil-based makeup remover. It happens because the oil will make the bonds between the lashes and glue weaker.
These eyelashes will continue to remain on the wearer’s real lashes for up to 3-4 weeks till they become weaker naturally and fall off. Hence, 3-4 weeks are their natural growth and shedding cycle. To maintain your lashes for a longer duration, it is essential that you refill continuously by repeating the refill process every month.
Eyelash extensions are waterproof, but that doesn’t mean it’s alright to rub your face vigorously and particularly your eyes, while washing with water.
The wearer of the eyelash extensions will appear as if they are wearing mascara. Hence, you ladies will not have to worry about smudging and messy clumps. Also, do bear in mind, to make sure they are lasting and keep your eyes looking attractive, you must never apply mascara over the lashes or rub your eyes. If you must clean your eyes, you can use oil-free wipes or eye cleansers that effectively clean the area around the eyes without causing damage to the lash extension.
How Is It Done?
Did you know an average person has 30 to 80 individual lashes per eye? Here is the tricky part, fixing lashes extension to each strand of natural lashes. Applying eyelash extensions is such a meticulous process; it needs expert hands and fine skills of a cosmetician to apply them on the wearer because improper handling and application of the lashes will harm more than good. The application process of the brand new lashes can be completed in an hour or two, depending on the cosmetician’s experience and the client’s cooperation. If you have applied a fewer number of eyelash extensions, then you will not be affected greatly.
Here is the best sign to watch out for indicating the right time to change the lashes; after the period of 3-4 weeks, you will notice thinning of eyelashes, or they may just fall off; this is the best indication for you to pay attention to the maintenance. So you must schedule a service for your eyelashes every 3-4 weeks. In the United States, the service expenses for maintaining or refilling the eyelashes can range from $100 to $500.
For premium quality products like silk lashes, the expenses can be as high as $700. The costs can also be based on other factors such as the number of lashes you wish to attach, the cosmetician’s skill, and the clinic’s location where the extensions are attached because, at upscale locations, the cost can run explicitly high.
Side Effects Of Eyelash Extensions
Though there are a fine number of enthusiasts who support this fashion accessory, some believe extensions are harmful to the health of your eyes on long-term usage. Reports say the lashes used to attach aren’t sterile, especially poly-nylon material used to make these products isn’t safe for use on the eyes and is known to cause infection. In addition, some experts believe the wet and warm nature of the eye can be breeding grounds for the progression of bacteria as the space between the fibers can allow the bacteria to flourish.
While other reports point to the glue that can be the reason you could damage your eyelashes permanently. It is known that some users have shown symptoms of having an allergic reaction to the glue that is used to bind the false lashes to your real ones, and to use the glue that is unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can cause the development of allergic reaction and the allergy can be either specific to the eye or the entire body.
If you are a regular user of this fashion accessory or use it inappropriately, you risk losing your natural eyelashes permanently.
How Can I Keep Them Longer?
With a little bit of knack, you can certainly keep your lash extensions on for a prolonged period, and here are some smart tips for you fashionistas to keep those luscious lashes lasting;
Avoid Sleeping Face Down
It may appear a little tricky to oblige. You may even ask how I can maintain this position when I am deep asleep, but it is essential that you do not sleep with your face buried down in the pillow. After you attach your eyelash extension with glue, it requires time to finish healing. You can spare a night or two paying attention to the position of your sleep, after which you can resume back to your regular sleeping position, because when the glue isn’t dry, and you are sleeping with your face buried in the pillow, you may have to bear the risk of breakage or damage to the eyelash extension.
Do Not Be Aggressive Wile Cleaning The Lashes
It is highly recommended for those women who wear eye makeup that you remove the makeup at the end of each day. When you attempt cleaning the eye, you must opt to use a cleansing wipe and rub the eyelids in a gentle motion. It is better to choose cleansing wipes over cotton pads or puffs. If you aggressively rub your lashes, you may risk breakage or weaken the extension on the eyes. Also, not to mention the cotton fibers that can get stuck on your beautiful lashes, you can thus try the products such as Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.
Lubricate Your Lashes
Many people get taken by the false perception that if they kept the eyelash extension in a dry state, they would keep them looking great and fresh. But here is the truth, your eyelash extension will look better if they are groomed by applying small quantities of baby oil with fingers and gently stroking it till the application is evenly spread on the extension. This moistness from the oil is sufficient to keep it flexible and shinier. Albeit, too much oil can also be bad.
Combing Is Compulsory
You can also groom the eyelashes, often using a specifically made comb for your lashes extension. You must gently roll the comb over the lashes to keep them from crisscrossing or looking twisted.
Do Not Play or Needlessly Touch Them
Remind yourself not to touch your eyelashes needlessly after the attachment of eyelash extension. Although it can be due to any number of reasons such as feeling itchy or just a casual intention to play with your long lashes, do not needlessly touch your lashes if you insist upon keeping them for a longer time as they are delicate cosmetic products and cling to your natural lashes, and they are prone to damage if you aren’t careful enough.
What To Do And What Not to?
Know The Process
When you intend to have your extension done, look out for a reputed salon or spa where the eyelash extensions are done. Also, make sure you also have found trained professionals who perform the attachment of eyelash extension for you. It is to be done by a cosmetologist or esthetician; both require a license to conduct attachment on clients.
Also, inquire about what type of glue is used to perform the attachment. Remember, the favorable type of glue is free from formaldehyde. Finally, opt for a lash extension over false lashes as lash extension involve attaching each lash strand with your own rather than the cluster, which is just attached in the case of false lashes.
Do Not Wet Your Lashes Till The Glue Dries
You must avoid tasks that can cause your lashes or eye to become wet. Else, you may reactivate the glue before it has finished drying and may cause the strands of lashes to stick to one another. Hence, you must avoid the steam room, workouts, and hot yoga till the glue is dry naturally.
Moisture Prevents Them From Lasting
Stop using shampoo, conditioner, or any creamy cosmetics, because it will certainly weaken the bond between the glue and the natural lashes. If you cannot avoid taking a bath, then you must tilt your head while washing the hair to avoid your lashes from getting wet. It is known that some hard-core lash enthusiasts use swimming goggles to protect their eyelash extensions from damage while bathing.
Do Not Ignore Your Original Lashes
While it may be fun to look dashing to wear this extension, they may be harmful if you overindulge in gluing them to your eyelashes. Especially because your natural eyelashes are tender and brittle in nature when they are stressed by the weight of these extra attachments that are clinging onto it, and also due to the chemicals in the glue, they naturally become weaker at the follicle. Thus, there is a risk of balding in this region due to weaker lashes. Sometimes, this effect isn’t reversible unless the person opts for a hair transplant.
Hence, to avoid complications, you should occasionally use these cosmetic attachments and allow time between each usage to ensure recovery of strength and natural healing of the follicle and while wearing the eyelash extension, use hair serum to keep it healthy and lasting.
Your natural lashes have a growth cycle of 10-12 weeks before the fresh layer begins replacing, and their growth is completely dependent on the genes of individuals, and it is unique to all persons. Did you know each of these hair strands has a unique growth pattern?
The best phase to attach the eyelash extensions is during the mid-phase of this 12-week cycle. It is the healthiest stage of natural hair that makes it eligible to attach the extensions. Also, it makes it the safest period. During this phase, your natural hair will be in its healthiest stage to support the weight of the extensions without affecting the growth of new lashes.
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