While I don’t wear makeup everyday, days where I leave the house without mascara are few and far between – That was until I gave eyelash extensions a run… and let me tell you, they are LIFE CHANGING. I got them for the first time around three years ago and have been getting them on and off ever since! If you’ve ever been interested in giving them a try, have questions about cost, how to care for them, etc. keep reading!
Application Process:
Lash extensions are individually applied hair fibers glued to the base of an eyelash. One by one, the lash technician will separate your lashes and glue a voluminous / lengthening lash to your natural one. The result? A perfect set of long, dark lashes that will leave you looking more beautiful than ever before. The application process for an initial set takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. It may sound like a long time, but I promise it flies by! I find it so relaxing to just lay there phone free and relax. If that still sounds like an eternity to you, you can listen to a podcast or music to pass time!
Volume Vs. Classic:
Similar to showing your hairdresser a picture of a new haircut, you can show your lash tech a photo of the exact eyelash look you want to create. Believe it or not, there are many different lash styles and determining what you want is important. I naturally have pretty long / full eyelashes so I prefer my extensions to be on the more voluminous side. A classic set is a method involving a 1:1 ratio (one extension attached to one lash). This is perfect if you already have a lot of lashes and are looking to add length. This is the most natural look. A volume set involves more than one extension applied to one natural lash (1:2 or 2:3 ratio). This is perfect if you don’t have a lot of lashes and are looking for a more dramatic look. I typically go with the classic/volume hybrid set. It’s a happy medium that ups the classic set in the volume department but isn’t too dramatic!
How Long Do They Last?
You lose anywhere from 2-5 lashes on a given day. Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles. Just like your regular lashes, extensions follow a similar cycle. When you have extensions, the natural lash simply falls out taking the extension with it! After getting an initial set, it is recommend to get a fill every 2-3 weeks as they will become scarce. If you are just riding out a full set, they can last a significant amount of time. When I would get them before going away to school they lasted a little over a month! There are definitely steps you can take to preserve them for as long as possible, but i’ll touch on that later.
How Much Do They Cost?
Eyelash extensions are definitely an expensive addition to your beauty regime, however I fully believe they are worth it. Out of all the beauty products and services i’ve tried, this is by far my favorite. An initial set typically ranges anywhere from $100-$250. Every 2-3 weeks a fill is typically around $100.
Do They Damage Your Real Lashes?
The extension alone will not damage your lash, however improper application or a lash tech’s disregard for the correct type of lash (for your natural lashes) very well can. It’s super important to go to a reputable salon / lash tech. As long as the tech was properly trained your eyelashes will not suffer any harm! It may be a little shocking when they’re all off, but it is most likely because you’ve gotten so used to the full / long lashes you had with extensions! Just like your nails, it’s important to give them a break here and there. After every few fills I let them go back to normal just as a precaution. Iv’e never experienced any issues with my natural lashes falling out or anything of the sort.
How To Care For Them:
Number one rule: Don’t use products with oil! When it comes to lash extensions, you will not need to wear mascara and shouldn’t. Oil-based or waterproof mascara will break down the paste holding the extensions to your natural lash. That goes for makeup remover and other products that you put on your face. You will just need to be careful when applying makeup around your eye, and just as careful when removing your makeup. I use micellar water, an oil free remove, on a cotton ball to remove my makeup. After that, I wash the lashes with lash bath to prevent any dirt / grime buildup on the lashes themselves. Throughout the day you’ll want to brush your lashes with a spooly. Your lash girl will give you one after getting them done, but I bough my own set from amazon and have a few in my car, room, and bathroom…you never know when they’ll come in handy:) Brushing them will prevent wonky lashes from hanging down and assist with the natural fall out process.
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve made it this far, this is your sign to treat yourself to some lash extensions. You won’t regret it. They are seriously the best! If you have any other questions, let me know and I’d be happy to help. My cousin is a lash artist so I’ve learned everything from the best!