Lash Extension Craze! Are they right for you?

Alright, let's talk lashes-or more specifically lash extensions!  There is so much confusion out there about what lash extensions are, how they are applied and how long they last.  Let's set this all straight and see if they are right for you!

What are lash extensions and how are they applied?
Lash extensions are synthetic lashes that come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses that can be applied one by one 1-2mm away from the lid onto a single lash.  They should never touch your skin and should only be applied to one single eyelash.  The best extensions are applied with a medical grade adhesive that required training and certification of some sort in order to purchase the products necessary for application.  The most reputable brands are Xtreme Lashes and Novalash.
If lesser quality adhesive is used or poor techniques are implemented to apply the lashes, your natural lashes can undergo major trauma!  Eye infections, irritations, and loss of natural lash length and strength are totally put at risk.  Do your research before you let someone apply extensions.  I think it's silly that I have to say that, but with the number of poorly qualified technicians applying extensions these days, we have seen more and more mangled lashes and unhappy clients come through our door for help!  Just because there is a sign in the window of a salon advertising that they do eyelash extensions does not mean that they are qualified or certified!

How long do they last?
Okay - there are a lot of variables here.  On average, people shed 7-14 lashes per eye every week (you lose about 14-28 lashes total/week more or less depending on how quickly your hair cycle is naturally and what you put your lashes through).
They can shed more quickly if you:

• Don't allow for the appropriate amount of drying time after application before exposing them to heat, steam, or water.  (YES, this includes those dreadful tanning beds!)
• Wear excessive amounts of makeup
• Pick at your lashes
• Don't remove your makeup properly and thoroughly
• Sleep on them
• Use heavy creams, lotions, or serums around your eyes
• Seasonal allergies can also cause the lashes to shed more quickly
• Fighting off a cold or being sick
• Hormonal change, change in any prescriptions, change in your daily diet.
• Dr or dehydrating environments.

These are the major causes that can make the lashes shed more quickly than average, although there may be others.
Typically, the first initial set a client has applied is between 50-85 lashes/eye (100-170 lashes).  Most people naturally have between 50-95 lashes/eye, though some may have as many as 120/eye and as few as 40/eye.  If you were to have 50-85 lashes applied/eye, after 4-8 weeks depending on all of the shedding factors, you will have shed all of the extensions off, and new lashes would have grown in their place.  To maintain the lashes, clients must come in for "Fills" every 2-4 weeks depending on how quickly they shed, their habits, and how perfect the client wants them to look during any given week.

Are eyelash extensions right for you?
If your eyes are free of any signs of irritations/infections, if you DO NOT have allergies/sensitivities to acrylates or cyanoacrylate adhesives, and you are comfortable with lying down for 1-2 hours, you can certainly have extensions applied.  If you are able to refrain from the habits above that cause extensions to shed more quickly, you are probably a good candidate.

The better your natural lashes are, the better the extensions can enhance your lashes.  Lets be honest, if you have short, thin, frail, blonde eyelashes, you probably won't walk out with Kim Kardashian eyes after your appointment!  BUT, they will certainly be longer and thicker than you could ever achieve with mascara alone. Some stylist that are not properly trained will overload someone with extensions and adhesive just to get a dramatic effect, but they are doing their client a dis-service.  What typically happens is after repeatedly going too long and thick on a client, the natural lash will start to grow weak, thin and can damage the natural growth-sometimes permanently!  If you want to look like you are wearing a false strip every day- WEAR A FALSE STRIP!  Don't ruin your lashes with the wrong size extension!  Long term effects are not worth it! 

When extensions are applied correctly, they can actually allow your natural lashes to grow more healthily than applying mascara every day.  They don't touch the follicle where the lash grows from or gunk it up with junk like mascara does.  Extensions also provide freedom from curling your lashes as your natural lash will take on the curve of the extension.

The best extensions that last the longest are usually 2mm longer than your natural lashes and never thicker than double your lash width.  That along with the need for precise application is why it is so important to have a certified lash stylist working on your eyes.

We offer a Tester Set of extensions that include 10 lashes applied/eye and a full consult to discuss what look you want to achieve and give you the opportunity to try them out before you apply a full set.  That way, if you want to adjust the length, thickness, or number of lashes you want to apply, you can do so after when booking a larger set.  You can also skip right to getting a larger set applied if you are ready and not concerned with any potential allergy or the specifics of lash design!

BOOK HERE for your TESTER SET or full set of extensions and start causing your own lash envy!