Do's and Dont's about Lash Extensions
DO's
DO your research. It’s important to research both the salon and the individual who will be applying your lash extensions. Choose a reputable salon and look for someone who specializes in lashes. Compare prices around your area.Be careful as pricing can absolutely be misleading. They say you get what you pay for, but this isn’t always true. Sometimes artists charge too much compared to the work they put into your lashes, whereas some undercharge. You’ve got to look at pictures and get a referral from someone who actually goes to the artist you are researching. If pricing seems average all around, look at the work itself.
DO make sure your lash artist uses individual lashes, NOT clusters. Applying one single extension to one individual lash ensures a much more natural look. And prevents damage to the natural lashes.
DO take care of your natural lashes. To keep your natural lashes growing and regenerating at a healthy rate, drink lots of water and consider using a product like NeuLash. Just like your hair need shampoo and conditioner, your natural lashes require proper nutrients and hydration, to keep them healthy, hydrated and shiny. If your natural lashes are not long enough or strong enough to hold your desired style of extensions, by incorporating NeuLash serum in your daily regime, before you know it your technician will be able to start going up a size and thickness to give you the desired look!
DO clean and brush your lashes daily. It is so important to cleanse them daily!! Eyelashes catch debris and dust from entering into your eyes. If you are not cleansing daily, those debris and bacteria’s build up on your extensions and can cause allergies, infections, bacteria or even mites on them Yuck! Cleanse them by gently using a clean mascara wand with an approved oil-free eye makeup remover (that you can purchase at your salon) to brush through your lashes to remove oils, dirt, makeup and debris. Rinse well with water. Keep your lashes looking nice and fresh with a little brush throughout the day. You should receive a brand new mascara wand after every appointment to keep them nice and aligned. Lashes should not need to be force brushed. If they are done properly, a little light brush is all you need. They should never look messy.
DO be gentle when rubbing, washing, or picking at your lashes. They require very little upkeep, but they are not cemented to your hairs and a vigorous rub-down can cause them to loosen and fall off. They are meant to provide you with a low-maintenance alternative so treat them that way… The less you mess with them, the longer they will last.
DO Sleep on a silk pillow case! Did you know silk mimics human skin? Cotton causes friction, causing more split ends in your hair and that means damage to your lashes as well. In addition to that, dust mites and allergy bugs don’t like to live in silk like they do cotton, so this helps tremendously for women with a higher chance of allergies.
DO Maintain them by getting fills no later than every 3 weeks. Because of the natural lash shedding cycle, you need to maintain your eyelash extensions to keep them looking fresh and full, nice and even.
DONT's
DON’T Get a “one size fits all application”. Nearly every person’s extensions should be different, based on the style they want and the natural shape of their eye. There are different lengths, curls and diameters that can be used to fit your natural lashes perfectly, without causing damage. They can be as natural or as dramatized to your desire, provided your natural lashes allow it. If they don’t, ask your technician about incorporating lash growth serum like NeuLash into your daily regimen.
DON’T Go to an untrained or uncertified eyelash artist. Do your research! Reputable eyelash training programs should provide students with a step-by-step manual, as well as the background, history, and facts about the chemistry behind it all. You want an artist that knows about the product they’re using and how to properly to isolate your natural lashes not to get stickies and maintain the health of your lashes! If your lash technician doesn’t know anything about the glue or the technique of proper application…. RUN.
DON’T Think all eyelash extension artists are the same. Not everyone gets the same education or work ethic! Ask question about the products an artist is using, why they are using them, make sure they have a license, and be sure they show you pictures of their work so you can see what you’re paying for.
DON’T Use oily substances. Oil breaks down the adhesive slowly. So be sure to steer clear of all oily lotions and potions that get near your eyes. Ask your technician about the oil free cleanser and how to properly use it!
DON’T Pick or pull on your lashes. Natural eyelashes go through a shedding cycle, just like your hair! Lashes fall out, with the extension attached, and a new lash grows in its place. Picking and pulling on those extensions runs the risk of premature shedding, and there is only so many pulls before lashes don’t grow back! Eyelashes are the most delicate cycle on the body, so treat them with care.
DON’T – Get lashes wet within 24-48 hours of application
DON’T – Come in contact with heat sources such as fires or BBQ’s or ovens
DON’T – Use heated curlers on synthetic lashes, this can cause melting DON’T – Remove eyelash extensions yourself
DON’T – Attempt to apply lashes on yourself
Q & A about Lash Extensions
What are Lash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are used to enhance the length, curliness, fullness, and thickness of natural eyelashes. The extensions may be made from several materials including mink, synthetic, or human hair. These can be made of synthetic fiber, fine silk or real mink. I use synthetic mink lashes to get the fullest, most realistic eye enhancing look unique to every woman. Unlike fake lashes that come in a strip, these are applied one single lash, (or a Russian Fan if you are doing Volume sets) at a time using a medical grade adhesive. The lash extension will never be attached to your skin or your eyelid, so it follows the natural growth and bloom of your own lashes. Lash extensions are also surprisingly weightless, and once attached, just looks like they’re yours to begin with.
Why Lash Extensions?
Oh, let us count the ways. Aside from the face brightening, eye widening benefits, here’s why people opt to pretty up with lash extensions:
1. They’re quick. Lash Extension appointments are done in just around 2 hours for a full set and hour appointmetns for a fill.
2. They’re painless. It is a painless procedure, where the experienced lash artist very gently works around your eye area, bonding the extensions to your natural lashes. Most of the people take naps and refer to the experience as relaxing!
3. They're light Unlike false lashes, you get all the drama without the drag. False lashes have a lot more heavier lashes on the strip that weights it down and have heavier hard-drying adhesives while lash extension adhesives are light and non-gunky. There’s no clumping barely any weight.
4. Save time getting ready Yes, it’s true. Fuller lashes are more visible and look fantastically youthful and so natural that you’re going to love the freedom of having to do less in the mornings. Which will cut down your time getting ready in the mornings!!
What happens during a Lash Extension Procedure?
Well, after your Lash Artist has a consultation with you to assess the look and feel you’re going for, you just lay back, close your eyes and relax.
Your Lash Artist will then do the following:
Remove your existing eye make up by cleansing with oil free cleanser
Apply an under eye gel pad to keep your lower lashes separate from the upper ones.
Use primer and apply a single lash extension to your own individual lash. Depending on what look you choose and how many natural ashes you have will determine how long it would take and how many lashes will be applied.
Your eye will remain closed through the whole time of the procedure, all you need to do is stay still and relax! We will do the rest!
Your Lash Artist will check on you from time to time to make sure you’re comfortable and feeling safe.
At the end everything is removed and you are on your way to concur the day??
I wear Contacts, is that a problem?
Not at all, you'll be fine. The adhesive will never touch your skin so no worries.
How long will lash extensions last and when will I need touch ups?
We know it seems hard to believe that extensions can last between three (3) to five (5) weeks. Most of our clients who follow the recommended Lash Care Do's and Don'ts report an average lash extension life span of four (3) weeks.
Remember, each lash extension is bonded to your own individual lashes so expect to lose some extensions as your own lashes shed and go through their natural growth cycle. Even more so as you get exposed to environments or engage in activities which keep your eyes wet.
We recommend getting a touch up when your extensions are at 50% of their initial fullness. If you've lost more than 50% of your extensions, you will need a full set. Though usually most people go through several touch ups before needing it.
How to Cleanse your Lash Extensions
All of us eyelash-obsessives want our eyelash extensions to last as long as possible, right? It is very depressing to us when we do something to our lashes that would make them fall out! When you see that one lash starting to come off and you ask yourself: How do I clean eyelash extensions?
Once you get your lashes on, lash technician usually tells you not to wet them for 24 hours after the application to avoid the loss and to give the time for the adhesive to cure fully. But that doesn't mean that you should avoid cleansing them at all! You have to cleanse them daily, because improper cleansing of your eyelashes/extensions and eyelids can actually cause a few problems that will mean your extensions end up not lasting as long as they should. Not cleansing regularly or correctly also leads to potential infections, irritations, poor lash health/growth and lash mites (yes these are a real thing!).
Dead skin cells when not washed away properly can build up on the eyelids, and cause itchiness and inflammation. All this build up eats away at your lash extension's glue bond, breaking it down over time. Lash extension glue LOVES to be kept clean in order to maintain it's strong bond to your natural lash.
Some people that have blepharitis think they are having a minor allergic reaction to eyelash extensions. Blepharitis is one of the most common ocular conditions characterized by inflammation, scaling, reddening, and crusting of the eyelid. This condition may also cause burning, itching, or a grainy sensation when introducing foreign objects or substances to the eye.
It is even worse when we have eyelash extensions, and then coats them in mascara (which we NEVER recommend) because as you can imagine, they are almost impossible to clean well and will lead to loss and possible irritation of the eyes.
People with oily complexion, and daily wear of makeup and moisturizers will transfer the oils onto the extensions, so its is very important to cleanse them properly, otherwise, the oil remains there, building up, and slowly eating away at the eyelash adhesive. All eyelash adhesives are attacked by oil. The less oily you let your eyelash extensions get , the better your extensions will last.
Clients who wash their lashes correctly between appointments return with SO MANY more lashes left compared to clients who don't cleanse at all (or cleanse incorrectly). A refill is required when you just start seeing gaps (ideally when 40% lashes remain) which ensures your lashes are always looking full and lush. Most clients who take care of their lashes are able to go 3-4 weeks between refill appointments and return with 40% lashes left. If you're not getting these results then it's time to check your home care routine to see if we can figure out what's going on...
Proper cleansing:
Cleanse lash extensions at least every other day with oil and glycol-free cleanser (if don't have one, ask your lash tech to provide one). If you're have oily completion or a regularly wear makeup wash them every night. If taking off eyeliner, use a cotton tip dipped in remover and wipe it across your lid, or away from the lid. Never towards the extensions. Don’t use cotton balls as you’ll get into a furry mess, as they will catch on the bases of the extensions.
Use a specific lash extension foaming cleanser to ensure you're getting an anti bacterial solution on your lashes to maintain eye and lash health. Regular makeup removers have specific oils that will break down the adhesive!
Wet your eyes with cool water. Take a very, very small amount of a lash shampoo and with the makeup brush apply to both eyes, one at a time. Don’t rub them, just gently go through them with the brush. Rinse it off and dab them gently dry. It doesn’t matter if they are a little damp, stuck together with water etc., when you brush them they will re-separate. Use your lash wand to very gently twirl through them and fan them back out.
Avoid using products containing oils around or on your eye area. These include cleansers, moisturisers, cleansing oils, aromatherapy oils, spray toners, coconut/rosehip oils, eye creams, etc. If you use cleansers that aren't safe for extensions you must take care to wipe the cleanser off your face rather than rinse, as residual product will wash into your lashes.
