Are you tired of applying mascara every day, only to end up with clumpy, smudgy, or flaky lashes? Do you wish you could wake up with long, full, and fluttery lashes that make your eyes pop? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in trying eyelash extensions.
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers that are attached to your natural lashes, one by one, to enhance the length, thickness, and curl of your lashes. They can give you a glamorous look without the hassle of makeup, and they can last for weeks with proper care.
But before you book your first eyelash extension appointment, there are some things you need to know. Eyelash extensions are not for everyone, and they come with some risks and drawbacks that you should be aware of. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about eyelash extensions, and give you some tips on how to prepare for your appointment, care for your extensions, and remove them safely.
What are the benefits of eyelash extensions?
Some of the benefits of eyelash extensions are:
- They look beautiful. Eyelash extensions can make your lashes look long, full, and fluttery at all times. Unlike false eyelashes, which can look unnatural or fall off, eyelash extensions are customized to suit your eye shape, lash length, and desired look. You can choose from different types of materials, lengths, curls, and colors to create your perfect lash look.
- They save you time and money. With eyelash extensions, you don’t need to apply or remove mascara, curl your lashes, or wear other eye makeup. This can save you a lot of time in the morning and at night, as well as money on makeup products. You can also skip the salon visits for lash lifts, tints, or perms, which can damage your natural lashes over time.
- They boost your confidence. Eyelash extensions can make you feel more confident and attractive, as they enhance one of your most prominent facial features. They can also make you look more awake, alert, and youthful, as they open up your eyes and lift your brows. Many people who get eyelash extensions report feeling more comfortable and happy with their appearance.
What are the drawbacks of eyelash extensions?
Some of the drawbacks of eyelash extensions are:
- They can be expensive. Eyelash extensions are not cheap, and they require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. Depending on the type of lashes, the skill of the technician, and the location of the salon, a full set of eyelash extensions can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. You also need to get refills every two to four weeks, which can cost $50 to $150 or more per session. If you want to change or remove your extensions, you may have to pay extra fees as well.
- They can be risky. Eyelash extensions are not regulated by the FDA, and there are no standardized training or certification requirements for lash technicians. This means that the quality and safety of the service can vary widely, and you may end up with an inexperienced or unhygienic lash artist who can cause damage to your eyes or lashes. Some of the potential risks of eyelash extensions are:
- Infection. The glue used to attach the extensions can harbor bacteria, fungi, or parasites, which can infect your eyes, eyelids, or lashes. This can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, pain, discharge, or blurred vision. In severe cases, you may develop a stye, a chalazion, or even a corneal ulcer, which can threaten your vision.
- Allergic reaction. Some people may be allergic to the glue, the lashes, or the tools used to apply the extensions. This can cause an allergic reaction, such as itching, burning, tearing, or swelling of the eyes or eyelids. In rare cases, you may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness.
- Loss of natural lashes. The weight, tension, or friction of the extensions can put stress on your natural lashes, causing them to break, fall out, or grow thinner and weaker. This can lead to a condition called traction alopecia, which is permanent hair loss due to repeated pulling or tugging of the hair follicles. You may also lose your natural lash curl, as the extensions can straighten or flatten your lashes over time.
- They can be high-maintenance. Eyelash extensions require a lot of care and attention to keep them clean, healthy, and beautiful. You need to follow a strict aftercare routine, which includes:
- Avoiding water, steam, oil, and makeup for the first 24 hours after the application, as they can weaken the glue and cause the extensions to fall out prematurely.
- Cleaning your lashes daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser and a soft brush or cotton pad, to remove any dirt, debris, or makeup residue that can clog your pores or irritate your eyes.
- Brushing your lashes gently with a clean spoolie or lash comb, to keep them detangled and aligned.
- Avoiding rubbing, pulling, or picking at your lashes, as this can damage your extensions and your natural lashes.
- Avoiding curling, tinting, or applying mascara or other eye makeup to your lashes, as this can clump, weigh down, or damage your extensions and your natural lashes.
- Sleeping on your back or on a silk pillowcase, to prevent your lashes from getting crushed or bent while you sleep.
- Getting regular refills, to replace the extensions that have shed or grown out with your natural lash cycle.
How to prepare for your eyelash extension appointment?
Before you go to your eyelash extension appointment, you should do some research and preparation to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your eyelash extension appointment:
- Do your homework. Find a reputable and licensed lash studio that has good reviews, a clean and comfortable environment, and well-trained and experienced lash technicians. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends, family, or social media contacts who have had eyelash extensions before. You should also check the studio’s policies on booking, cancellation, payment, and guarantee, and make sure you understand and agree with them before you make an appointment.
- Choose your style. Eyelash extensions come in different types of materials, such as silk, mink, synthetic, or faux mink. They also come in different lengths, curls, and colors, which can create different effects, such as natural, dramatic, or glamorous. You should have an idea of what kind of look you want to achieve with your eyelash extensions, and communicate that to your lash technician. You can also bring some pictures of your desired look, or ask your lash technician for some suggestions based on your eye shape, lash length, and personal preference.
- Do a patch test. If you have sensitive skin or eyes, or if you have a history of allergies, you should do a patch test before you get eyelash extensions. A patch test is a small application of the glue and the lashes on a discreet area of your skin, such as behind your ear or on your inner arm, to see if you have any adverse reaction to the products. You should do the patch test at least 24 hours before your appointment, and if you experience any itching, burning, swelling, or redness, you should cancel your appointment and seek medical attention.
- Clean your lashes. On the day of your appointment, you should arrive with clean and makeup-free lashes. You should also avoid using any oil-based products, such as moisturizers, serums, or sunscreen, on your face, as they can interfere with the glue and the application process. You should also avoid curling your lashes, as this can make it harder for the extensions to adhere to your natural lashes. If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before your appointment, or bring a case and solution to store them during the procedure.
- Be comfortable. Eyelash extension appointments can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the type and number of lashes you are getting. You should wear comfortable clothes, and bring some headphones, a book, or a pillow to keep yourself entertained and relaxed during the process. You should also avoid drinking too much caffeine or water before your appointment, as this can make you jittery or need to use the bathroom frequently. You should also turn off your phone or put it on silent mode, to avoid any distractions or interruptions during the procedure.
How to remove your eyelash extensions safely?
If you want to remove your eyelash extensions, you should never attempt to do it yourself, as this can cause damage to your eyes or lashes. You should always go to a professional lash technician, who can use a special solvent to dissolve the glue and gently remove the extensions without harming your natural lashes. You should also avoid using any DIY methods, such as oil, steam, or tweezers, to remove your eyelash extensions, as these can be ineffective, messy, or dangerous.
If you want to remove your eyelash extensions, you should book an appointment with your lash technician as soon as possible, and let them know that you want to remove your extensions. You should also follow the same preparation and aftercare tips as you would for your eyelash extension appointment, such as cleaning your lashes, avoiding oil-based products, and removing your contact lenses.
The removal process is usually quick and painless, and it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type and number of lashes you have. Your lash technician will apply a special solvent that can dissolve the glue and gently remove the extensions without harming your natural lashes. This is the safest and most effective way to remove eyelash extensions. You should not try to remove them yourself, as you may damage your eyes or lashes.
By
Your Beauty Plug
