Friday, January 5, 2018

Lash Extensions

To Lash Extensions or Not...That is the Question

January 5, 2018
It’s no surprise that lash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years.  Most women don't have time to apply lashes everyday.
What are Eyelash Extensions?

Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are way different from temporary strip or individual lashes. Semi-permanent ones are applied by hand one lash at a time by a technician who glues extensions on top of your actual lashes.  

Do lash extensions fall out over a certain period of time? 

Since each lash extension is attached to a single eyelash, they will fall out naturally along with the natural growth cycle of each lash. It's recommended to have a fill/touch-up every two to four weeks.

However, when an inexperienced professional applies lashes, he or she often applies one synthetic lash to three to four natural lashes, causing clumps or the lash to break and fall out. In addition, your lashes might fall out if you pick at them or try to pull them out yourself, which is a big no-no. But if you avoid those two problems, your lashes should stay intact.

Will your natural lashes get harmed or damaged? 

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 and to each individual lash, they won’t fall out.

What questions should you ask when searching for a reputable salon or professional?

Because of the sensitive nature of the lashes and the surrounding area, finding someone who is certified to apply the lashes is definitely a must. Professionals use professional products and have been properly trained to apply the lashes without damaging your natural lashes or more importantly, your eyes.
Just like you would with a hairstylist, research who you want to go to and how long they have been working as a technician. Look at before-and-after photos, read reviews and always make sure they are licensed and lash-certified.

How long does it take to apply lash extensions?

Applying a full set of lashes takes about two to three hours.   A half set of lashes are an economical alternative to achieve a similarly dramatic effect, applied as filler to thicken natural lashes, or applied outward from the eye for a specialized look.

What are the most common types of lash extensions?

There are three types of lash extensions: synthetic, silk and mink. Size availability ranges from 6mm to 17mm.   Skilled technicians also offer a variety in weight and thickness to accommodate what lashes can hold.  Everyone has different lashes, and depending on the condition of your own natural lashes, lash experts can only go a certain length or thickness. (This is to ensure that your own lashes remain healthy.) For example, if your natural lashes are on the shorter, thinner side, you won’t be able to get a crazy, dramatic Kim Kardashian look, because it won’t last.

People want all different kinds of looks — some people go for drama, and some opt for something more natural.

Mink...
Usually used on older clients or those going for an extremely natural look. The allure of extensions made from mink hair is that they have a natural quality to them that you cannot get from synthetic material. Real Mink lashes come from the Mink tail, usually coming from either the Siberian Mink or the Chinese Mink. With Mink extensions, you'll get a light, fluffy, soft natural look. Real mink lashes usually last longer because they are so light as well as being able to apply several mink extensions per natural lash. The downside to this type of extension is that not only are they expensive, ranging from $300-$500 per set, but they also do not come curled. Real mink lashes need to be permed and you'll have to keep curling them at home to maintain that curled look.  Also, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction to the hair.

Faux Mink...
Faux mink eyelash extensions 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 remain somewhat natural looking depending on the length. They're designed to imitate real mink fur, but lash artists and clients both love this of extension type because the curl is permanent and they're low maintenance. No need to curl or put mascara on these types of extensions. The Faux Mink lashes are a little more bold, slightly glossier than the Silk and Mink. Because of their variety of size and length they're great for customizing different looks for each client.

Silk...
These are the mid-weight type of lash extensions, and are finer and more flexible than the synthetic type which makes their retention slightly better. Because of their light weight, silk lashes are good to use on older clients or clients with weak and flimsy natural lashes. Like synthetic lashes, silk come in a variety of curls and lengths. These types of extensions also hold their curl but the curl tends to be less uniform then synthetic lashes, making them better for clients looking for a more natural look. Silk lashes tend to be thicker than any other type of extensions and also have that rick black color. Silk eyelash extensions tend to be the least comfortable type of extension and are best used for special occasions. 

Application..

Once selected, the lashes are applied one at a time using a specially formulated, semi-permanent glue that will not irritate the eye nor damage the natural lash.

However, since allergic reactions are possible, there are different types of glue based on one’s sensitivity and the lash technician's options.  It’s important to understand the difference between an allergic reaction and an infection. A licensed and experienced lash technician will not let an infection occur, but if you’re allergic to the glue, you’re still going to be allergic — this doesn’t mean the glue is inherently harmful.

What happens if glue gets in your eyes?

Since your eyes are shut the whole time lash extensions are being applied, no glue will ever get into your eye. To avoid any irritation, however, the first safety precaution you can take is to be sure that the glue is safe for your eyes and doesn’t contain anything that can harm them, like formaldehyde. Shipping glues across the world often leads to a buildup of formaldehyde by the time they reach the salon.


Darling Esthetics offers extensions with a formaldehyde and latex free formula.


Can you go blind?
No. Your technician should be trained properly to apply the adhesive and lashes in a way that is completely harmless. Your eyes are closed the entire time of the procedure. No matter how bad an allergic reaction may get, you will never go blind. The worse case scenario is that you need to go to the eye doctor to get specific eye drops to treat an allergic reaction.

What happens when you cry?

If you experience any burning or discomfort during the procedure, causing your eyes to tear or making you cry, this is a huge red flag and you should certainly speak up.!  You may need to have your technician change the glue. Getting lash extensions should be a completely pain-free experience.

Care of Lash Extensions..

Keep water away from your lashes for the first 12 to 24 hours after application or touch-ups. Water can weaken the adhesive before it is set and cause lashes to fall off. The after-care varies depending on the glue used. For instance, with glue for sensitive eyes, oil-based products or makeup removers around the eye area are not recommended. Using water-proof mascara on the extensions is not recommended for any type of glue, as it is hard to remove and can actually pull off the lashes prematurely when trying to remove it.

If you are planning to wear mascara in addition to the extensions, only use it on the tips of the extensions and with a very light hand. This will be enough to give your eyes that “pop” along with the extensions. Using mascara at the base of the extensions will get very clumpy.

 

Finally, if you plan on getting lash extensions, plan on maintenance or having them professionally removed.  You should not attempt to remove your lashes yourself!  Make an appointment and have them removed.  

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