Eyelash Extensions: Everything You Need To Know

The most important part of the body is the brain. Of my face, I like the eyebrows and eyes.
Frida Kahlo

People must have had this philosophy within them even before Frida Kahlo stated this quote. Otherwise, why would they use brushes and ointments to get desired fluttery, voluminous lashes in ancient Egypt around 3500 BC!? Even if it is said that Egyptians did those to protect their eyes from the sun.

The Romans made an effort for luminous eyelashes by using burnt coal and cork to darken them. They also believed long lashes were the symbol of morality and virginity.

To date, eyes are always one of the main talks of the “BEAUTY” town. While women were always the chief consumers of eye makeup. Men also follow this suit by creating new Bro-beauty trends and hyping up the craze.

The lion’s share of this craze is about getting that voluminous lash look. Among all other methods, eyelash extensions are indeed considered the king.

JUMP AHEAD TO

WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic fibre shaped like an eyelash that is invented to expand the length and body of your natural eyelashes. Extensions are applied by dipping them into a small amount of glue and then attaching it to the base of your natural lash.

WHO INVENTED EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Artificial eyelashes were trademarked in 1911 by a Canadian inventor named Anna Taylor after numerous experiments. After a couple of years, Charles (Karl) Nessler started false lashes services at his New York salon.

More innovations happened throughout the ’20s and ’30s for models working for Vogue. Improvements evolved the old ones, and semi-permanent lashes were created.

WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS MADE OF?

Depends on the type. You’ll find handmade eyelash extensions and eyelash extensions with real or natural hair.

Usually, mink and silk are considered the finest quality extensions. This is because mink extensions are natural hairs, and silk ones are made from PBT, which is generally cruelty-free. In addition, you can differentiate these types by their texture.

Mink is more on the matte side, and silk is glossier. On the contrary, synthetic lashes can have a plastic-ish texture if cheap; otherwise, good PBT synthetic lashes can be hard to differentiate from mink lashes!

The most used and talked about lash extensions are- mink eyelash extensions, silk eyelash extensions, and sable eyelash extensions.

MINK LASHES – These are real fur or hairs from Siberian minks. It can also be from different mink, but generally, they’re all from the tail.

This isn’t used as much anymore because they are more expensive to get, so the actual cost of the service is high. Also, the issue is a lot of people are vegan nowadays and don’t condone animal cruelty.

The other thing with mink lashes is that it doesn’t hold the curl as much because it’s natural hair. Though the lash is super fine and thin.

SILK LASHES – Also known as synthetic or faux mink lashes because they’re similar. These extensions are human-made.

They are mainly made of polybutylene terephthalate or PBT material. The only difference between silk, synthetic and faux extensions is the actual weight.

Though the maximum time, it’s more of a marketing thing. Synthetic ones refer more to classic lashes, which give off a thicker feel and hold their curls very well.

Silk lashes are generally a little thinner and softer and have flexibility. But then again, these characteristics depend on where they’re made.

SABLE LASHES – These are also artificial but mimic mink lashes. Gives that natural fur look, but as it’s artificial, it can hold the curls, unlike the real ones. But again, it comes down to the quality where you purchase from.

However, according to the Journal of Student Research, mink eyelashes cause Demodex folliculorum or mites more than the other two types.

Thereby, the healthiest to most dangerous lash type order we think is- Sable > Silk > Mink.

So, the safest option is the sable type.

EYELASH EXTENSION BEFORE & AFTER

DIFFERENT EYELASH EXTENSIONS STYLES

You can get 4 different styles of eyelash extensions.

CLASSIC – This is the most natural of all the types you can get because, in this type, you’ll have one eyelash extension to one of your natural lashes.

VOLUME – This is the technique of applying multiple finer eyelash extensions to one of your natural lashes. It can vary from being very light Volume to getting something very dramatic.

HYBRID – It’s a mixture of classic and Volume types. This type is a little bit more dramatic than the classic sets. It’s usually perfect for strip lash looks, which are not too full but very wispy.

MEGA VOLUME – This is where you’ll have multiple layers of extensions, like 8 or more finer extensions, onto your natural lashes. You’ll be having the most dramatic lash look in this type.

HOW DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS WORK?

Your lash artist will apply one eyelash extension or a synthetic fiber at a time and attach it to the base of your natural lash using a specified glue. So, it will not touch your skin. And they will be using two small tweezers to do this.

Now, if you’re thinking that those tweezers will poke at your eyes or it will hurt, be assured that they will not and should not hurt. The extensions grow out with your natural lash cycle. So, if you’ve got one eyelash extension attached to two natural lashes, as one natural lash grows out, that will pull the other lash with it too.

This situation can cause irritation, itchiness, and damage to the hair follicle underneath because one lash gets pulled out before it goes through the growth cycle.

HOW LONG DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS TAKE?

The time of your lash extension appointment depends on three things-

What style you’re getting?
How experienced is your lash artist?
Your Natural Lash type.

CLASSIC SET – A classic set usually takes the least time, ranging from an hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and fifteen minutes (1:45-2:15).

This is because you’re just getting one extension to one natural lash. This is also why this style is called the 1:1 ratio.

HYBRID SET – A hybrid set is mixing volume fans and classic lashes into one set. Two to Two and a half hours (2:00-2:30) might be required to accomplish a hybrid set.

VOLUME SET – The most extended appointment usually is a volume or a mega volume set. A whole volume and mega volume set take two and a half to three hours plus (2:30-3:00+), depending on how detailed and experienced your artist is and how long it takes them to make fans.

For every extension that goes on to your natural lashes, the lash artist has to hand-make the fans, which is often pretty tricky.

So, the least to most time-consuming lash style- is Classic<Hybrid< Volume <Mega Volume.

If a client has super short lashes or baby hairs to work with, even a classic set will probably take three hours; However, it varies, but the time is higher than it usually would.

EXPERT TIPS – Avoid squirming or moving around too much because that just adds time to your appointment.

HOW TO APPLY EYELASH EXTENSION (STEP-BY-STEP)

1st STEP – First, tape down your lower eyelashes to keep them from sticking to your upper eyelashes.

EXPERT TIPS – Stay as close as possible to the water line.

2nd STEP – Use a spoolie to brush through any loose lashes and break them off.

3rd STEP – Grab your cleanser in two micro swabs and get a dab of cleanser on each. Then take one micro swab underneath and the other over the lashes and work them together from one end to the other end of the lash.

4th STEP – Once you’re done cleaning, brush them again, so they are in their original growth pattern.

5th STEP – Now, grab your glue and shake them for 15 seconds. Then take your tweezers and begin to isolate. Once you isolate one single hair between your tweezers, attach one extension to that.

6th STEP – Rotate between two eyes for an even application. For example, you can make ten lash applications on one eye, then on the other, and vice versa. This ensures the lashes are all the way full.

7th STEP – Apply extensions on the shorter lashes too.

EXPERT TIPS – Manage a magnifying glass since you might have a hard time seeing those. You want to apply for your shorter extensions here. It does help if you tape the eyelid and pull it over; that way, the shorter lashes get spread out. Still, the application is the same.

8th STEP – Lash hairs grow on layers and crisscrossing, so it takes great precision. No matter how tedious it is, ensure you only apply the extensions on a single hair. To avoid the risk of traction alopecia.

9th STEP – If you see multiple lashes getting stuck, use a debonder and troubleshoot that area. That way, it removes the glue and takes that one extension off. Of course, it can affect the surrounding lashes too, but brush them with a spoolie and begin the process again.

10th STEP – Finally, end the process by brushing through the extensions and spraying some nano mist; you or your clients will love it for sure.

Happy Lashing, lol.

HOW LONG DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST?

Considering the lash cycle, eyelash extensions can last 6 weeks. Lash extensions grow out as natural lashes grow out. Your natural lashes last up to 2-3 months before newly grown lashes.

So, this means in two weeks’ time you might lose around 20 – 30% of your natural lashes. And if we talk about every day you have the risk of losing 1 – 5 lashes. So even if you don’t notice these regular fallouts, you’ll do it after getting extensions on it cause it’ll be more visible.

In that case, you have to take care and maintain the fullness of your eyelash extensions if you want to continuously wear them. That’s when maintenance refills or infills are suggested. You would want to book an appointment between 2-4 weeks.

If obtaining lash extensions is a one-time event for you, remove them professionally instead of letting them fall out naturally, or they’ll look straggly because you’ll have 5 or 10 on each eye.

This adds to the urge to pluck them off, and you never want to do that.

HOW TO MAKE EYELASH EXTENSIONS LAST LONGER?

You just have to follow these rules.

➔ RULE #1: AVOID STEAM – Don’t make your shower steamy. While taking a facial spa, tell your aesthetician to cover your eyes. Have to give up the sauna too.

➔ RULE #2: NEVER FALL ASLEEP ON YOUR SIDES – It’s really comfortable to sleep on the sides, but in a couple of weeks, you’ll notice you have fewer lashes on one eye than the other one. So this is high time you should make the habit of sleeping on your back.

➔ RULE #3: AVOID OIL-BASED PRODUCTS – Don’t go very close to your lash line with oils and creams. These products won’t have any effect immediately, but you’ll definitely lose lash extensions fast.

➔ RULE #4: AVOID LASH SERUMS – Lash serums are prohibited too. Having extensions and applying the serum for lash growth simultaneously doesn’t work as it has a lot of oil.

HOW MUCH DOES EYELASH EXTENSION COST?

On average, Eyelash extensions cost $100–300 for a full set, with fills adding $50–100. The factors below can greatly affect pricing.

LOCATION: Location affects eyelash extension prices. Urban locations have greater prices.
EYELASH TYPE: Lash type affects cost. Synthetic lashes are cheaper than mink or silk.
FULL SET vs. FILL: First-time complete sets of lashes cost more than subsequent fills, which maintain the look.
ARTIST’s EXPERIENCE: Experienced lash artists charge more than those are inexperienced.
SALON vs. INDEPENDENT ARTIST: Salons and independent lash artists charge differently.

EYELASH EXTENSIONS AFTERCARE TIPS

You should adapt these tips to your daily life as a fellow lash extension wearer, even if some are a little overwhelming.

THE BASICS –

Common sense comes into play here because you can’t tug, pull, or start picking on your extensions right after you’ve got them, as they’ll get damaged immediately. Also, you should brush them at least twice a day to keep them untangled and in place.

DO NOT WEAR FALSE LASHES –

The worst thing you can do to damage your extensions as well as your own lashes.

Applying falsies over the extensions can cause a massive build-up of glue at the base of the lash line where your extensions are. And as you strip off the falsies, you’re pulling your lash extensions which are pulling the natural lashes. And not to mention the clumps of false lash glue that get left behind only to clump up multiple natural lashes and mess up the lash cycle.

ABOUT GETTING LASH EXTENSIONS WET AND USING OIL-BASED PRODUCTS –

If you’ve been into lash extensions for a long time, you must know not to ever wet or use oil products on them for at least 24 hours.

But everything is evolving, including eyelash adhesives. So those 24-hour rules got scratched, meaning you can wet your extensions soon after getting them done. The same goes for oil.

You don’t have to look for oil-free products. Oil will still affect if the glue is wet, but you’re free to use oil-based products.

DON’T USE COMMERCIAL MASCARAS –

Commercial mascara refers to any mascara not designed for lash extensions.

Maximum commercial mascaras are oil based. Extension mascaras are water-based.

Your beautician would not recommend you use mascaras, to begin with. But if you really have to apply mascara, then you should choose mascaras that have extensions.

DON’T CURL, PERM, or LIFT LASH –

Eyelash extensions are pretty curled, to begin with. However, you should not do any of these procedures as they precociously damage your natural ones. If you really need to curl them, go with a heated eyelash curler.

AVOID SLEEPING MASKS –

Sleeping masks cause them to break free of the natural lash or go out of shape as these masks push down on the lash extensions.

KEEP YOUR LASHES CLEAN –

Don’t skip this step.

Use micellar water or eyelid cleanser on a non-fiber cotton pad to clean them daily.

AVOID EYE MAKEUP –

One of the benefits of eyelash extensions is you can totally skip eye makeup. So avoid eye shadow/mascaras as they lessen the retention.

BE AWARE OF STARTING MEDICATION –

Any antibiotics or strong medications like mental illness medication can affect the pH balance of skin and hair.

They can start producing more oil which does cause slippage of the extensions a lot faster.

CAUTIONS TO MAINTAIN WHILE COOKING –

Excess heat, if it comes in contact with your lashes, can burn the extensions’ ends and make them look curvy on the ends. So make sure to hold your face from the oven or other cooking appliances with excess heat.

EYELASH EXTENSIONS PROS & CONS

THE PROS –

1. HELPS YOU LOOK THE BEST ALL THE TIME –

It gives the effect of 24/7 eye makeup and strip lashes. With eyelash extensions, you can wake up in the morning looking flawless and put together instantly. You’ll feel beautiful and confident as long as you care for them.

2. EXTENSIONS WILL STICK WITH YOU REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER or THE SITUATION –

If you’re a travel freak and want to look done up, eyelash extensions can be your game-changer! A common reason to get extensions is specifically for a vacation.

Starting between flights and layovers to the beach, swimming in the ocean, camping, cottaging, and partying, you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

3. EYELASH EXTENSIONS ARE SWEAT AND WATERPROOF –

Now you’ve got a way to look cute at the gym without wearing eye makeup. Eyelash extensions would never budge, even if you sweat a river. Another scenario may be balling your eyes out too.

4. DON’T NEED TO WEAR MUCH EYE MAKEUP–

Eyelash accentuates the eyes by lifting and brightening up your eyes and face. It does all the work of your mascara, lash curler, eyeliner, and even your eyeshadow.

5. SAVES VALUABLE TIME –

You can save up to at least 10 minutes by ditching eye makeup, which adds up!

THE CONS –

The 3 main things you should be concerned about are –

1. INFECTION –

This can happen because your lash artist uses sharp tools near your eye’s front surface. As a result, she could slip and give scratch your cornea and cause a corneal abrasion.

Or an infection called a corneal ulcer. That’s why a reputable lash technician matters. Since they go through rigorous training sessions.

2. LASH LOSS –

You will face this situation no matter what but only be worried about it if this situation gets concerning. For example, suppose you have lash extensions that are too heavy or misapplied to your natural lash. In that case, they’ll cause a lot of weight and cause natural lashes to break and fall off.

3. ALLERGIC REACTION –

Most of the time, the glue causes a reaction. The common problems are redness, irritation, itchiness, blurred eyes, etc.

4. IMPAIRED BLINK REFLEX –

You may not know this, but lash extensions get in the way of your blink reflex. Because of that, people flutter their eyelashes instead of blinking correctly.

These incomplete blinks lead to dysfunction of a little gland called meibomian which lubricates the eye surface. Messing with blink reflex then causes evaporative dry eye problems.

ALTERNATIVES OF EYELASH EXTENSION

MASCARA –

Mascaras with fiber components or polymers mean that the product is supercharged.

How it works is that you lay down one layer of mascara on your lashes first, and while your mascara is still tacky, just brush on some of the fibers. That’s how the fibers will stay stuck.

Keep a makeup brush handy because you’ll see the fibers are actually coming down under the eye. Once you have a fiber layer on your lashes, you again take the mascara to seal the fibers.

INDIVIDUAL LASHES –

A most preferred cheap alternative for extensions worldwide. Apply the glue, pick them with a tweezer, and drop them on top of your lashes. Of course, people with less eyelid space apply them under the lashes too.

MAGNETIC FALSE LASHES –

Relatively new to the market but works wonders. One type comes with a magnetic liner that attracts the magnets of the lashes and keeps them in place.

The other type comes with two strips of magnetic lashes, one goes under, and the other goes on top of your lashes, basically sandwiching the natural lashes while staying in place.

FAKE LASH EXTENSIONS –

Get a pair of false lashes with a thin lash band. Cut them into three equal pieces. Apply your lash glue underneath your natural lashes, not your waterline. And put the glue on top of your falsies, unlike you usually would.

Then place them right under the lash line, again not on the waterline. But, again, don’t go too close to your eyes. This method fakes eyelash extensions perfectly.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I genuinely think that eyelash extensions are super transformative. However, unlike those invasive procedures, you must get surgery, botox, and fillers to change your appearance. Eyelash extensions are a really instant and easy way to enhance your look.

Also, after getting their lashes done, most people continue their extension journey even when it is costly. The confidence boost they get is worth all the hustle and money.

So I feel all the people interested in enhancing their looks should get an extension at least once.