This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bryant chapter.

Are you a mascara addict? Do you have naturally sparse or short lashes? Are you obsessed with beauty? If you answered yes to any of these questions, eyelash extensions may be for you! Lash extensions have recently gained tremendous buzz and popularity amongst women, and for a good reason; lash extensions give you full, lengthy, fabulous lashes 24/7. If you’re someone who wants a way to look more awake and put together with little to no effort needed every day, lash extensions are a perfect way… but they come at a price. There are a few things you need to be prepared for before you take the plunge and invest in lashes.

Lash extensions are very high maintenance
- Ideally fills last two to three weeks, but that is in a perfect world. Rough sleeping habits, crying, and hot showers are a recipe for disaster for lashes, and if you don’t take care of them you can be in the salon every week getting them filled. You really have to be conscious of your lashes, and there are a few minor daily changes that you’ll have to adapt to your routine to get the most out of your extensions.
They’re not cheap
- If you want clean, long lasting, high quality lashes, they’re going to come at a price. For quality that you can trust, you could pay upwards of $60-$75 every two weeks for fills. Of course, there are some great places that do an amazing job for less, but when looking for a salon don’t just go for the cheapest; there is a lot of risk with lashes, and you don’t want just anyone putting your lashes on.
They will change your life
- For someone who is really passionate about things like this, which you have to be for agreeing to this kind of commitment, you will never be able to go back. The convenience of always looking put together, even with no makeup on, is really an invaluable luxury, one that you will most definitely miss when you go back to bald lashes. Once you see how perfect your lashes can look 24/7, you’ll never want to go back.
Lashes are not for everyone
- The adhesive used can cause reactions, and for people with sensitive skin this can be a real hassle. Of course, there are many salons that offer different types of adhesives to try to avoid any and all irritation, but for some people lashes just do not agree with their sensitive eyes and skin, no matter what they try. Not to mention, lashes are a real commitment, financially and time wise.

Lashes can be long term or short term
- Some people can keep up with their lashes for months, even years at a time, but this may not be realistic for all. If you want extensions for a special occasion or for the holiday season, you could always try them for a short period, just be sure to get them professionally removed to avoid any damage to your natural lashes. Another key thing to keep in mind- if you get your full set taken off and then decide you want them back, you will have to get another full set, meaning the cost of another full set again.
Not all lash extensions are the same
- Every specialist is different, every salon is different, and every brand of adhesive and lashes is different. There are different lengths, curls and thicknesses, never mind the differences between silk, synthetic, and mink. Do your research before you go, and make sure you tell your specialist exactly what look you’re looking for. Also, be cautious; you can’t bop around from salon to salon, many times specialists will not be willing to fill sets from other places and will require a whole new full set if you have to change places.

For those with the financial and time flexibility for lashes, they are most definitely worth the hype. For the convenience and confidence they give, they are totally worth the cons.

For Bryant and other Rhode Island women in the area, here is our list of recommended and trusted certified lash specialists: