Lashes ALL ABOUT THE
As an advocate for a constant natural look, some of us survive without individual lash extensions. The older we get, the less time we have to spend on getting dolled up in the morning and individual lash extensions has truly cut our prep time in the morning in half, quite literally.
As an eyelash technician, I get a lot of curious and sometimes, amusing questions and notions on what exactly individual eyelash extensions are. Some of the most common ones include: What are individual Lash extensions? What makes them better than natural lashes or the more common ‘strip lashes? How long does the process take? How long do they last? Are they dangerous? Do they damage my natural lashes? Can I still maintain my regular daily routine in life with lash extensions? And maybe most commonly…. Are they expensive?
Here is a brief beginners low down on what the actual process and results of eyelash extensions are and also what to expect when getting this amazing service.
An lash extension treatment is the process of applying weightless individual mink lashes onto each natural eyelash of a client, to add extra length and volume. This process can averagely take between one and a half to two hours depending on the volume of the individual’s lashes and the extensions being applied. The desired aim of the treatment is for the client to feel as if their own lashes are longer and or fuller and not as if they have something attatched to their eyes. Due to the fact that individual lash extensions last for an average of about three weeks before a ‘refill’ is required, (unlike strips that have to be applied with technique each day) they are perfect for holidays, big events or just every day. A ‘refill’ is the process of applying more individual lash extensions where previous extensions have fallen and left a gap. On average, this should be done every three to four weeks.
Your technician should be properly trained and should be skilled in applying the adhesive and lashes in a way that is completely harmless. Your eyes should be closed throughout the procedure.
Since your eyes are shut the whole time, no glue should ever get into your eye.
A licensed and experienced lash technician will know how to prevent an infection occurring, however, an allergic reaction is still a possibility, this does not mean the glue is harmful. Furthermore, for those who may have preconceived notions of lash extensions being extremely harmful, it is important to note, no matter how bad an allergic reaction, lash extensions DO NOT cause blindness. In a case of a bad reaction, the worst outcome (which is extremely rare) would be acquiring specific eye drops to treat the allergic reaction. The biggest myth is that lash extensions will damage your own lashes. They do not. If applied correctly and properly, lash extensions will not ruin the health of your natural lashes. Be sure not to rub your eyes or pull on the extensions as this could lead to lashes being lost. It could also cause damage to your natural lashes. If Lash extensions are applied by an experienced lash technician and with the correct glue, they should not be able to fall off easily, therefore, you should still be able to sleep, wash your face and carry on with the rest of your daily routine without the risk of losing your lash extensions. However it is advisable to take just that little bit more extra care, afterall, they are still extensions.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR INDIVIDUAL LASH EXTENSIONS
Your eyelash extensions should NOT be clumped up either immediately after the procedure or after. Individual eyelash extensions should have been applied to each of your individual lashes with minimal glue and quality lash extensions to allow an easy brush through your extensions and clumping should never occur. Your eyelash extensions should not fall off easily. It is likely that for the next day or so following application, one or two (very few) lash extensions that have not taken to your lashes properly will fall off, however this should be very few and should not affect the overall outcome of your look. If you find more than just a couple are falling off, this is most likely as a result of bad glue or lash application. You should contact your lash technician immediately and they should be able to remedy the situation. Your Eyelash extensions should never be too heavy on your natural lashes. Your lash technician is responsible for understanding the thickness and length of lash extensions and should be well equipped to know what an individual’s lashes can handle. Individual eyelash extensions should never all be the same length. If you think about it, your natural lashes are never all the same length, so keep in mind that no matter how long, short or full you want your lash extensions to be, they should NEVER all be the same length
WHAT INDIVIDUAL LASH EXTENSION STYLE SUITS ME?
There are two main types lof lash extension services your technicial will offer you; classic and volume. Classic lashes are very natural. The aim of classic lashes is to attacth ONE indivisual eyelash extension to each of the clients lashes meaaning with classic lash extensions, the appearance of a clients lashes will only ever be as full as their own ntural lashes. This is a good style to adopt if you are just trying to add extra legth but want to maintiain the natural volume of your natural lashes. Volume lash extensions are designed to make an individual’s natural lashes appear fuller by adding three or more inhdividual lashes, depending on the desired fullness (called fans) to each of the individual natural lashes. This is a good style for those with sparse natural lashes or who want to just have the appearance very full lashes.
Alongdise different Lash extension styles, comes different lash extension curls. You may often hear your lash technicivian speaking of the very common ‘C’ curl or asking if you would perefer curly lash extensions and then suggesting a ‘D’ curl. Lash extensions have different curls to suit different individuals natural lash curls and also theyre eye shape.
Here is a basic explanation of what types of lash extensions suit different eye shapes and personal desired effects.
1. DEEP SET EYES
You have flexibility to choose lashes that are more dramatic without overpowering your eyes. It is best to choose lashes with more density and volume.
2. ROUND EYES
Those with round eyes, would want to elongate and balance out big eyes . Long, wispy like curly lashes are a good choice
3. ALMOND EYES
These are eyes with a slight point at the end, with a wider centre eye, Most styles will compliment this shape.
4. HOODED EYES
Open up the centre to give the illusion of bigger, brighter eyes
5. CLOSE SET EYES
Focus on accentuating the outer corners to lift any lengthen your eyes. Styles should include longer lash lengthts from centre to end.