Lash affair

Cindy Moore, lash technician at The Loft Spa, speaks all things lash extensions – benefits, tips, secrets and more.

Tips, benefits and secrets for lash extensions

THE EVOLUTION

Lashes have become a makeup junkie’s musthave and a worldwide sensation over the past two years. Women love having their lashes done because it saves them time when it comes to their beauty routine, and adds a touch of glam for all generations.

Mega Volume lash extensions hit Europe by storm last year, and slowly but surely it’s making its way to SA. The Loft Spa is one of the only spas in SA offering this service.

CASTOR OIL FOR THE WIN

Desire longer, thicker lashes? Castor oil is your answer. It stimulates lash growth, which results in longer and thicker lashes over a period of continuous use.

LASH EXTENSIONS VS LASH LIFTS

Lash extensions enhance your lashes, whereas a lash lift creates a slight curl on your natural lashes. They’re very different, but equally as beautiful.

LASHES IN DIFFERENT FORMS

Classic: These are the individual extensions. They range from very natural to slightly dramatic.

Volume: These can be explained as hand-crafted fans consisting of three or more lashes which are applied to one natural lash.

Russian Volume: These are anything between three and 12 fine lashes made into beautiful fans by hand.

LASH CHECK

Unless you’ve had a bad reaction or underwent an eye procedure in the last six months, anyone is eligible for lash extensions. When applied correctly, there shouldn’t be any clumps of glue along your lash line, profuse lash detachment after having a set done or excessive burning after the glue has been cured.

QUALITY OVER THE ‘CHEAPIE’

Lash quality is so important. Ultimately, you’ll get what you pay for. A tech that’s experienced will ensure that the product used on your eyes are of good quality – you’ll be able to determine this based on the length of your experience and the texture of the lashes (they need to feel as natural as possible).

MANAGE YOUR MAINTENANCE

Your lashes can be maintained every two weeks with a fill, as long as there’s no plucking and pulling – which will cause breakage to your natural lashes. Hygiene plays a major role in longevity; it’s not enough to just keep them dry for eight to 24 hours after application. Not keeping lashes clean may result in blepharitis, a bacterial infection at the base of the eyelid caused by mites. So make sure to wash them once a day with an oil-free lash shampoo such as our Lash Collection Mousse Shampoo (R180). Or go for Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (R29), as it’s gentle on the eyes.

For more information, visit theloftspa.co.za.