7 Crucial Facts You Need to Know About Eyelash Extensions

If you're in pursuit of fabulous lashes, prepare yourself for an informative exploration of facts from an experienced Lash Artist's perspective. In this blog, we'll dive into the questions people are asking in the world of eyelash extensions, and believe us, there's more to this topic than meets the eye.

Have you ever wondered if eyelash extensions are safe for your natural lashes? Perhaps you're curious about how long those fab lashes will last. Or maybe you're keen to uncover the costs associated with achieving those drop-dead gorgeous eyes?

But wait, there's more! If you're wondering what the safest way to remove extensions is, or how you can customize your lash lengths for a look that's uniquely YOU we've got you covered.

Plus, we'll dive into the natural lash growth cycle (yep, it's a thing), and address the burning question – can you still glam up your eyes with makeup and mascara when you're batting those stunning lash extensions?

Get ready for this lash-tastic journey through the facts and fables of eyelash extensions. So, let’s get started!

7 Facts about Eyelash Extensions 

1. Safety of Eyelash Extensions

While eyelash extensions dominate our beauty pages offering the allure of long, voluminous lashes. A common concern that often plagues lash enthusiasts is whether these extensions can harm their natural lashes. Let's explore this topic and uncover the facts about eyelash extensions and their impact on your lash health.

• Correct Application is Key: The first and most crucial point to understand is that eyelash extensions themselves do not inherently ruin your natural lashes. Instead, it's improper application, maintenance, or overuse that can potentially lead to damage. To safeguard your lash health, always choose a skilled and experienced technician who uses high-quality adhesives, and lashes and can demonstrate their training and experience before you get started.

• The Perils of Overloading: Overloading your lashes with heavy or excessively long extensions can place undue stress on your natural lashes, making them more prone to breakage and shedding. The key here is moderation so opt for extensions that complement and enhance your natural lash length. A useful guideline to follow is the 1/3 rule—if you opt for extensions that are approximately 1/3 longer than your natural lashes you will minimize strain on your natural lashes while still giving you eye-catching results.

• Care and Maintenance: To ensure a harmonious relationship between your extensions and natural lashes, prioritize correct aftercare. This includes gentle cleaning and avoiding excessive rubbing or tugging.

• Regular Touch-Ups: Eyelash extensions are not a one-time affair. They require regular touch-up appointments every 2 to 3 weeks. These touch-ups help maintain your lash extensions' fullness, allow the lash artist to remove and replace extensions that have grown out, and ensure that extensions are securely attached and not damaging your natural lashes.

2. Duration of Eyelash Extensions

Now that we've established that eyelash extensions can be safe when done correctly, the next question that often arises is, "How long do they last?" The longevity of your extensions depends on several factors:

• Adhesive Matters: The type of adhesive used can influence how long your extensions stay put. Top-quality adhesives are designed to last, but the skill and experience of your Lash Artist in applying them correctly also plays a significant role.

• Natural Lash Growth Cycle: Your natural lashes have their own growth cycle, which includes phases of growth, rest, and shedding. As your natural lashes shed, so do the extensions attached to them. Typically, extensions can stay attached anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks but the ideal maintenance schedule is 2-3 weeks to add or replace the ones that have grown out or shed to keep them fabulous!

• Lifestyle Considerations: Activities like swimming or exercise can mean a lot more eye and lash touching, so make sure to clean your lash line after sweat-inducing activities. Being mindful of these factors and scheduling regular maintenance can help extend the life of your extensions.

 3. Eyelash Extensions Cost

Now, let's talk about the price tag attached to those luscious lashes. The cost of eyelash extensions can vary quite a bit, and here's why:

• Location: It all starts with where your Lash Artist is located. If you're in a bustling city or a posh neighborhood, you can expect to pay a bit more. High-end salons in urban areas often come with premium price tags.

• Technician Expertise: The skills and reputation of your lash technician matter. An experienced pro with a great track record may charge a premium for their expertise and the promise of stunning results.

• Maintenance Included: Don't forget to consider what's bundled in the initial cost. Many places include one or more follow-up appointments for maintenance, typically required every 2 to 4 weeks and some even include your aftercare cleanser to help maintain those beauties in pristine condition.

Now, while there are salons that offer lower prices, a word of caution: don't cut corners when it comes to quality or the safety of your eyes. Investing in well-done eyelash extensions might come with a slightly higher cost, but the payoff in the form of stunning, long-lasting lashes is worth it. Look for a provider that guarantees your satisfaction and has a track record of great reviews.

Prices can range anywhere from $75 to $300 or more, depending on these factors. So, choose wisely and bat those gorgeous lashes with confidence!

4. Eyelash Extensions Removal

While the idea of taking off those eyelash extensions yourself might seem tempting – it's kind of a risky business. So, here are some facts for you to consider before you start:

• Firstly, your eyes need to be closed during the process, and that alone can be a bit tricky, right? Plus, ideally, you need to use a remover designed for this job. If not correctly applied it can get into your eye, and trust me, that stinging sensation is no joke!

• And here's another thing – if you get impatient and start tugging at those extensions before they're ready to come off naturally, you can pull out your real lashes!

• So, honestly, the safest bet is to let the experts handle it. They know the drill and have all the right tools to make it a smooth and safe process.

But hey, we get it, some of you are itching to DIY. Just don't resort to pulling them out because that's like a one-way ticket to a patchy lash disaster. So, if you really must DIY, here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Work on one eye at a time
2. It's important that you're patient; no tugging or pulling!
3. Grab a lash extension adhesive remover gel, you can order this online.
4. Apply the gel carefully to the lash line using a clean cotton swab and let it sit for a few minutes, it can take up to 5-10mins depending on the glue application.
5. Use a soft cotton tip to gently work down the lash line and pop a cotton pad below to catch the excess remover and extensions as they release.
6. Extensions will start to slide off without a fight when the remover's done its job. Remember, no pulling, just patience and gentleness for the best result.

And listen, if things get tricky or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional because you want to protect your eyes and those precious natural lashes!

5. DIY Lash Extensions: Proceed with Caution

While DIY lash extensions may be tempting, it's important to approach it with caution and a realistic understanding of the risks involved.

• Professional Lash Artists undergo extensive training for a reason and they always prioritise safe and accurate application.

• DIY lash extension attempts can lead to clumping, discomfort, or even damage to your natural lashes by sticking lashes together, gluing extensions to the eyelid, or even worse! Getting adhesive directly in the eye.

• Using the wrong adhesive or materials can also pose safety hazards. You should never DIY with “Professional Use Only” Eyelash Extension products.

• If you must give DIY a go then look into a purpose made DIY solution. Even though aren’t technically Eyelash Extensions in their traditional sense, they do a good job of faking it. These DIY lashes are essentially small sections of strip lash which you adhere to the lashes with a semi permanent glue, and they are designed to be worn for about 5-7 days before you remove and replace them.

However, for the best results and to safeguard the health of your lashes and eyes, it's advisable to seek the expertise of a trained and certified lash technician who can provide a safe and professional eyelash extension application.

6. Mascara and Eyelash Extensions

Many lash extension enthusiasts wonder if they can still wear mascara with their extensions. Generally, when you have lash extensions, mascara becomes kind of redundant. Extensions are like built-in mascara, offering volume and length. In fact, applying mascara to extensions can be counterproductive, as it can clump, damage, or weaken the extensions, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan for your lashes.

The urge is understandable when you're between appointments, you're heading out and you've noticed gaps in your lash line. The natural go too to fix the problem is to reach for the mascara. Just be aware that the extension fibers are porous making mascara difficult to remove from the extensions even with great aftercare cleanser. But if you must, then choose a water-based formula, use it sparingly on the tips of your extensions, and make sure you make the extra effort to deep clean when you're done for the evening.

7. Makeup and Eyelash Extensions

Wearing makeup with eyelash extensions is completely fine, but it requires some precautions and adjustments to your makeup routine so here are some essential tips:

1. Choose makeup products that are compatible with lash extensions, such as water-based or mineral powder options. Prolong Lash Oil Free Eyeliner is a great lash-safe option to make your eyes pop but keep your lashes safe. Remember mascara's difficult to remove to avoid it if possible.
2. Use a soft, clean brush or sponge to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner, ensuring that you're not tugging on the extensions.
3. After applying makeup, make sure to clean your eye area thoroughly with a lash extension-safe cleanser. Lash Aftercare cleansers like Prolong Lash Cleanser can be used on the entire face and will remove makeup residue without harming the extensions.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of makeup without compromising the longevity and health of your eyelash extensions.

Finally, while eyelash extensions can be a fantastic way to achieve the lush, full lashes you've always desired. When done correctly and with proper care, they can coexist harmoniously with your natural lashes, allowing you to enjoy alluring, luscious lashes without compromising your eye health. Whether you're a lash aficionado or considering eyelash extensions for the first time, remember that knowledge and correct maintenance are your allies in keeping your lashes looking stunning and healthy.

Check out extra useful tips and tricks over at the Prolong Lash blog!