Eyelash Extensions have become the latest trend in the beauty world. Who wouldn’t love waking up with beautiful lashes with no effort? You get to decide between natural and dramatic sets of mink or silk lashes. However, these glamorous sets have a price and most people tend to overlook this. Before you decide on getting your lashes done, here are some things you need to know.
photo by: Jasmin Nuno IG: @ilashesbyjasmin
Everyone’s eye shape is different.
You might have a preference on how you would want you lash extensions to look. Maybe they are modeled after your favorite set of falsies or maybe they are influenced by a picture you saw online. However, you must keep in mind your eye shape and real lashes play a big part in the final outcome. Each set is carefully crafted and totally unique to you! The eyelash technician will modify your desired set by analyzing length, curl, and thickness of your lash. If you have short lashes, it is more than likely it won’t be able to hold much weight keeping the lash that is applied to be between 6 mm – 8 mm in length. Longer lashes can have longer lengths and more volume that go passed 15 mm. This is so there’s no damage to your natural lash or follicle. Your extension should not feel heavy! If they do, you might want to go for a shorter length.
You can be allergic to the glue!
While uncommon, allergic reaction can occur from eyelash extensions. If you’re eyes begin to swell, become red, and cause itchiness or discomfort, there’s a high chance you may be reacting to the base ingredient of all lash adhesives called cyanoacrylate. These reactions will occur in the first 48 hours and can become worse if not treated right away. I always recommend to test out the glue prior to getting the full thing. Technician will either test this by placing a drop of glue behind the ear or applying three lashes on the outer corner of your eye! If it turns out to be an allergy don’t fret, there are sensitive glues available for those who experience this problem!
photo by: Jasmin Nuno Ig: @ilashesbyjasmin
Be prepared to lay down for a WHILE.
Lash extensions can take up to 4 hours, even more, depending on the experience of the technician and what style you decided to go for. Each lash is placed individually by creating a space in between your natural lash and building up from there. To guarantee customer satisfaction, technicians will take their time to make sure everything is placed correctly and not causing any pain or discomfort. Bring a set of headphones and listen to your favorite podcast or playlist. You can even take a nap while they work. Whatever you do just don’t expect for this procedure to take less than an hour.
Aftercare can be tedious!
For the first 48 hours, you are not allowed to get your lashes wet! Doing so will cause fall out since the glue needs time to set! To maintain beautiful lashes, you must upkeep a beauty regimen. After the 48 hour period, you must begin washing your lashes so that you stray away from debris building up or even makeup if you choose to wear it. You must steer clear away from anything oil-based touching your face, especially your lashes! Oil will break down the adhesive and cause them to come off! To clean your lashes, splash with water then gently put your oil-free cleaner on your lash. Use a spoolie to brush the cleanser through your lashes using downward motions. You can also use a q-tip to take off makeup close to the lash line. Do not dry with cotton pads! Instead, you can use a blow dryer on a cool, low setting and dry them that way! Brushing them out again so they are back to the original shape. It’s also recommended to not sleep on your face to keep retention. Avoiding water-proof mascaras can also aid longer lasting lashes. Lashes will naturally shed with your natural lash cycle! If you notice abnormal amount of lashes gravitating after daily brushing, consult your technician!
After all this, the one thing you NEED to remember is to never pull your lashes!
You will only cause damage and leave yourself without any real or fake lashes! Hopefully this article has given you peace of mind and helped you not go into the process blindly!