WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
Eyelash Extensions are semi-permanent eyelash extensions comprised of individual synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate your natural eyelash. They are applied to one individual eyelash, one extension at a time, for a natural, elegant look to lengthen and add fullness to your existing lashes.
WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS MADE FROM?
Eyelash extensions are crafted from synthetic polyester. Synthetic lashes respond better to wear and tear than other materials. In addition, synthetics have the least possible chance of allergic reactions with human skin, even though the lash or glue is not applied on your actual skin.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE & HOW DO THEY FEEL?
With proper application, eyelash extensions look and feel completely real and natural. Each application is customized to suit the individual. There are varied thicknesses, curls, lengths and colors with individual lashes. Varying individual synthetic lash lengths are chosen to carefully replicate the shape and frame of your natural lash line. The thickness of eyelash extensions applied is determined by the health and thickness of your natural lashes as well as personal preference. The overall effect is added curl, thickness and length, opening up the eye for added definition.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEARING EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
Most women choose eyelash extensions to lengthen their natural lashes while others want their lashes to look fuller. A number of women with naturally light colored lashes choose eyelash extensions to darken their existing lashes. Still others love the different, fun looks they can achieve with highlighting and layering.
Eyelash Extensions can create a younger appearance on many clients. Several consumers who were contemplating having work done on their faces have informed us that they no longer feel the need as a result of wearing eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions create the appearance of a brighter, more open and rested eye, thereby creating a more youthful and rejuvenated look.
Above all, the main advantage of eyelash extension is how much time you can save during your beauty regimen. Eyelash extensions allow you to spend less time with makeup; mascara is certainly no longer necessary. Because lashes are bigger at the base they create the same effect as eyeliner so that step can be avoided as well. Overall, eyelash extensions will give you the appearance of having put significant effort into your eye makeup when, in reality, you spent no time at all. No application of eye makeup and no need for removal at the end of the day. The added benefit is that they look beautiful morning and night, all day, every day. Say goodbye to the application of mascara, stained tears and mascara raccoon marks around the eyes. With eyelash extensions you can look and feel gorgeous from the moment you wake until the moment you fall asleep with little to no effort.
HOW LONG DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST?
The look can be maintained indefinitely with refills. When properly applied, eyelash extensions will remain in place until the natural lash on which is rests falls out. This can be as long as two months or more.
Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles (every 60-90 days). When a natural lash matures and falls out, a new lash has already been growing and quickly replaces it without us noticing the turnover. This process is consistent and at any given moment our many natural lashes are at different stages of maturity. Some are just growing in, which other are ready to shed. People typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes each day, depending on their individual growth cycles. On shorter natural lashes, this growing and shedding cycle is virtually unnoticeable.
When eyelashes are extended with eyelash extensions, it will be more noticeable when these lashes shed because they are longer and darker than natural lashes. Keep in mind this is a perfectly normal occurrence, with or without extensions. Typically eyelash extensions are applied to those lashes that are in the middle of their maturation cycle to maximum the amount of time they will last, without jeopardizing the health of ‘baby’ lashes. The eyelash extension will fall out with the natural lash it is attached to when it reaches the end of its growth cycle. A few eyelash extensions may shed within the first week because the attached natural lashes are at the end of their growth cycle. Most will remain in place for approximately two months.
With property care and maintenance, touch-ups are typically only needed once every 3-4 weeks to replace the lashes that have shed to maintain a full, lush appearance.
How do other lash enhancement options compare with Eyelash Extensions?
False Strip Lashes:
Traditional false lashes are made up of numerous human or synthetic eyelashes attached together in one pre-made strip. Strips are adhered with a temporary adhesive on the skin above the upper lash line.
Although readily available and relatively easy to use, strips are the least natural-looking and possibly most damaging to the eyelash enhancement options. They should not be applied frequently or worn long term. Doing so can lead to infections, blocked glands, premature lash loss and even permanent lash baldness due to follicle damage from the adhesives. The adhesives used can also loosen from perspiration or contact with water causing potentially embarrassing situations.
Flares or Lash Cluster (Occasionally misrepresented as Lash Extensions):
Cluster lashes, or flares, typically consist of groups of 5-8 blunt-end lashes knotted together. They can be applied either directly to the skin (between natural lashes) or on top of a grouping of existing lashes.
Flares or lash clusters are more natural in appearance than strips by carry many of the same concerns (the same skin adhesives are used when attaching to the eyelid) as well as a few additional ones. Several natural lashes are typically glued together to support the weight of a single flare. If left in place for a period of time, this will cause faster growing natural lashes to prematurely pull out slower growing lashes from the root because they are adhered together. This can result in permanent damage and lash baldness if done repeatedly.
Is there anyone who cannot or should not have Eyelash Extensions applied?
Because Eyelash Extensions are applied to existing natural lashes, an individual must have some natural lashes for the procedure. Eyelash Extensions should not, and in many cases cannot, be applied to clients who have alopecia, are undergoing chemotherapy, or those who suffer from Trichotillomania, unless and until the individual has received effective treatment and normal lash growth has resumed.
Cancer/Chemotherapy Recovery:
Cancer patients can begin having Eyelash Extensions applied once chemotherapy has completed and lashes are beginning to grow-in again. During this initial stage the lashes are weaker and thinner than they originally were. Eyelash Extensions Thin (.10mm) lashes can be applied during this stage to thicken the lash line without causing stress to these weakened lashes. As stronger lashes start to grow, Eyelash Extensions Thick (.15mm) lashes can be added for more fullness. For cancer patients whose lashes are growing back sporadically, I can typically use special techniques to compensate for any gaps.
Alopecia:
Eyelash Extensions should only be applied once lash growth has resumed. As with Cancer recovery patients, special techniques can be used to add additional fullness during the regrowth period to compensate for any gaps.
Trichotillomania:
Individuals with Trichotillomania (an impulse disorder characterized by the urge to pull eyelashes and other hair out) do not make good candidates for Eyelash Extensions unless and until they have received effective treatment. Extensions may provide a stronger urge for these individuals to pull at their lashes if they are not undergoing treatment.
Skin Sensitivity:
Although our adhesives are developed to be safe for use on the skin, Eyelash Extensions are never applied to the skin, therefore allergic reactions due to contact with adhesives is rare. Individuals with allergies to other cosmetics or fragrances may experience some sensitivity to ingredients in some of the other materials used to apply Eyelash Extensions such as Lint-Free Gel Patches. It is recommended to those with known sensitivities undergo a patch test on the Gel Patches prior to application. If necessary, only medical tape will be placed under the eyes during the procedure.
Don’t be fooled by places who tell you their extensions last 2 months. Some of your extensions may last up to 2 months with proper home care, depending on where the natural lash is in it’s life cycle when the extension is attached to it. A natural lash cycle is 60-90 days and each of your lashes are on their own individual growth cycle, so your natural lashes are constantly shedding. Your natural lash must be at least 30 days mature to be strong enough to attach an extension to it so baby lashes are not used. When you come in for your appointment each of your natural lashes will be at different stages of maturity so we will carefully select the lashes that are mature enough to have extensions attached to them. Between visits, when one of your natural lashes sheds, the extension attached to that lash falls off with it. You will have another natural lash growing in right behind it; therefore, you will need regular fills, approximately every 2-4 weeks to keep your lashes looking full and beautiful.