Eyelash Extensions 101: Natural, Styles, Removal, and More

What Are Lash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent false strands of lashes that are glued to your natural eyelashes to make your lashes look longer, fuller, and darker. They are semi-permanent lasting for about 3 weeks to a month. Recommended you should get a fill every 2-3 weeks. The material used varies but lash extensions can be made of synthetic, mink, faux mink, or silk fibers. Most lash techs offer a variety of lengths, curls, and colors so clients can customize their look.

What’s the Application Process Like?

1. Evaluation: Before application, the technician will go through all the risks and benefits of having eyelash extensions before applying them, and also ask about any contraindications you may have that would make eyelash extensions unsuitable for you. They'll also ask you to remove your contacts if you wear them. Based on your desired look, you’ll choose an ideal length, curl and style for the extensions.
2. Cleansing: They Start by cleansing the area to remove any makeup, oil, debris, and germs from the area. This ensures that the glue can adhere to your lashes. TIP: Arrive makeup free to your appointment to prevent time wasted on lash application.
3. Preparation: Your lash artist will apply an under-eye pad to your lower lash line. Then an application of tape to your lower lashes to keep them from sticking to your upper lashes.
4. Application: Your eyes are closed the entire process, which typically takes one to three hours, depending on the number of extensions your lash artist is applying and how much experience they have. Your lash artist will use a pair of tweezers to dip the end of each lash extension in the lash glue, and then apply it to your lash.
5. Drying: The lash glue dries very quickly, but some lash artists like to use a small, handheld fan at your extensions to help speed up the drying time, while others prefer to let the glue air dry. They will brush through your lashes and check as well that there are no stuck pieces.
6. Finishing Step: Once your lashes are completely dry, your lash artist will remove the under-eye gels and tape. Once removed, your lash artist will brush through the lashes with a spoolie, then you’ll be asked to slowly open your eyes and blink. Don't be alarmed if your eyes get watery sometimes since they are closed for a long time.

How to remove lash extensions?

We recommend going to a lash technician for removal. Removing your lash extensions yourself may cause damage to your natural lashes. The process of removing your lash extensions is very simple. The technician will be applying a remover that comes in different forms gel, cream, etc...Following the product instructions on how long to keep the product on. Then they simply slide right off. Some technicians will use their tweezers to sift through and remove the very few left over.

Different Styles of Lash Extensions

Natural-

This style follows the natural lengths of your lashes. Especially points where your natural lashes are gradually getting longer.

Open Eye-

This style focuses on opening the eye in the center by making sure the longest lengths are in the center. Shorter lengths will still be in the inner and outer corners.

Cat Eye-

A cat eye style is where it goes short in the inner corner to long gradually towards the outer corner.

Wispy

This is usually a mixture of lengths in different areas of the eye giving a more textured look.

Types of Eyelash Extensions:

Classic-

Individual lash extensions are applied to each of your natural eyelashes (one extension per natural eyelash) using a semi-permanent glue. Best suitable for those who already have a lot of lashes and just needs lengthening, darkening, or styling.

Hybrid-

This is a mix of individual lashes and fans giving it a more voluminous look than the classic. Individual lash extensions are applied to each of your natural eyelashes (one extension per natural eyelash) using a semi-permanent glue.

Fans are a mix of 1-5 individual lashes glued together to make one and applied to one natural lash.

Volume-

This is a type of lash extension made with all fans. These fans consist of 1-10 individual lashes depending on your style or how much you need to create your desired look.

Do lash extensions harm or affect the growth of your natural lashes?

Lash extensions do not harm the natural lashes when done correctly. That’s why visiting a properly licensed esthetician is crucial when it comes to lash extensions. Sometimes factors outside of your control can damage your natural lashes, causing them to fall out or break earlier than intended. Eyelashes are hair unless you have a pre-existing condition or circumstance, grow back. They have a typical lash growth cycle⁠ where they naturally fall off after the last stage. These stages are called Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.

The Cost

While it varies, a full set of lash extensions can cost anywhere from $100-400+, with refills costing around $50-150+.

AfterCare

• Avoid getting your lashes wet 24 hours after the appointment
• Try not to sleep on them
• Brush morning and night
• Avoid drenching them in water for long periods of time
• Try to not use oily products around the eyes
• No picking, pulling, or rubbing lashes
• Wash your lashes 2-3 times a week
• Use lash shampoo
• Dry your lashes immediately whenever they get wet
• No mascara or curling your lashes
• Schedule your lash appointment every 2-3 weeks

Conclusion

For those that hate applying mascara or false lashes, you will love eyelash extensions. You can get them done continuously or for a one-time event. They last for about 3 weeks to a month and fills are every 2-3 weeks. They are pricey and come with some care but they have some great benefits. It's faster to get ready, no dealing with removal and application, and overall you feel beautiful!

Here are some other options to help your lashes to grow longer and fuller: