Frequently Asked Questions for Eyelash Extensions
What Are Eyelash Extension?
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. I use only quality extensions in Faux Mink.
How will they look and feel?
Your lashes will look completely natural, only longer and fuller. They will feel like your own eyelashes. 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 eyelash extensions made from?
Faux Mink eyelash are the most popular extensions used by lash artists today. These man-made, poly-fiber lashes come in a variety of lengths, diameters and curls, have good flexibility and are designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very fine, soft and silky, just like real fur allowing for a natural look depending on the length. However, they have been developed to prevent curl loss in any case of water application. When wet, real mink fur lashes become straight and wispy. The Faux mink lashes are a little bolder and slightly glossier than the Silk and Mink.
How long do eyelash extensions last?
When properly applied, and cared for, your eyelash will last up to four weeks. 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.
Why do I lose some of my eyelashes?
Due to the natural growth cycle of your lashes you will find your natural eyelashes shed 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, while others 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 the proper care and maintenance, touch-ups are typically only needed once every 2-3 weeks to replace the lashes that have shed to maintain a full, lush appearance.
How long will my initial appointment take?
I take an artisan approach with my clients and will not rush your appointment. You can expect your first appointment to take approximately 75-120 minutes.
What is a fill and how often should I get one?
After your initial set of eyelashes extensions, you will receive instructions on how to care for them. Fills are done every 2-3 weeks depending on care and how quickly your eyelashes grow. An eyelash extension fill will take a shorter time to do and prices reflect that.
Will extensions damage my eyelashes?
The biggest myth is that lash extensions ruin your own lashes. They do not. If applied correctly and properly, they are safe and do not ruin the health of your natural lashes. Be sure not to rub your eyes or tug or pull on the extensions because this can cause lash loss and even damage to your natural lashes. If lashes are applied properly to each individual lash, they won’t fall out prematurely.
Is it common to be allergic to the eyelash extension products?
True allergic reactions do happen, but are rare. What is more common is eye infection due to improperly washing and caring for your lashes. Not waiting 24 hours to wash lashes and not washing your eyelashes the entire time you wear them are the most common causes of infections. Imagine not washing the hair on your head for weeks or months. This is the most common reason wearers lose their lashes prematurely.
Can I use eyelash growth products with my extensions?
Lash growth products that contain steroids change the composition of your lashes and accelerate your eyelash shedding cycle, therefore I cannot guarantee the outcome. Natural lash growth products containing peptides are wonderful and will have no adverse effects on the longevity of your extensions.
Can I swim, shower, exercise or visit a spa while wearing eyelash extensions?
You can enjoy your eyelash extensions with little need to adjust your lifestyle. Provided you follow the simple after care instructions and are not excessively exposed to heat or moisture, they will last through your natural lash cycle and fall off with the natural lash, not before. You can swim, shower and spa as usual so long as these activities are not engaged in excessively. (Please do not swim or spa for 48-hours after the procedure to allow the adhesive to fully bond.)
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 but 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 my 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 are 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.