SHARES
“It took forever for me to get ready and do my makeup in the morning, and I’m just so tired of it. So, when I first heard about eyelash extensions, it sounded like my life saver.” says Jane 22 who is fascinated with how it can enhance natural looks without giving any hint away.
If you dream of waking up with full, dark, lush lashes without spending time to coat layers of mascara, you’ve probably contemplate getting eyelash extensions. While the trend is becoming prevalent among celebrities and your girlfriends, you might need to educate yourself about the good and the bad of lash extensions before booking your appointment.
What are eyelash extensions and what are they for?
Semi-permanent lashes are hand-glued by a technician on top of your natural lashes. Unlike gluing a strip of false lashes on your lash line, your technician will be using a tiny tweezer like tool to precisely glue one false lash onto your own natural lashes, one tiny lash at a time. The process take about 2 hours to apply.
Lash extensions make your eyes standout, without the hassle of applying layers of mascara which will smudge off over time. Now you can walk out of your house confidently without doing any eye makeup, wearing the lashes you wish you were born with.
What are the different types of lash extension and which suits me best?
Lashes come in different curl, length, and material. You’ll need to discuss with your lash technician to choose which one suits you best. A licensed and experienced technician will take your face shape, bone structure, natural lashes and your lifestyles into account before making decisions. They will also consult you on what type of material you should get, like mink, sable, faux mink, silk, cashmere or synthetic acrylic.
Photo by Ramon Bacaui Hair and Med Spa from Flickr
What are the downsides of lash extensions?
First, they are not cheap. You’ll also need to touch up your extension every 2-3 weeks as your extensions will be shed along with your natural lashes. However, beware of going to places that charge less. Some inexperienced technician can use too much glue causing clumped lashes, or they can apply a single lash extension to multiple natural lashes, causing clumping or worse, breakage.
Also, beware of the type of adhesive that your technician is using. Adhesive that contain formaldehyde can cause allergic reaction. Make sure your technician uses a medical grade, non-irritating, formaldehyde free adhesive. If you feel any burning during application, ask to stop immediately.
There is also risk of getting eye infection following the procedure if the tools used or lashes aren’t cleaned properly.
Your own natural lashes may fall due to the tension and gripping of extensions on the natural lashes, which is known as traction alopecia. So, it’s advisable to get extensions on special occasions only, like before a wedding.
How to care for them?
Opting for eyelash extensions is a high maintenance exercise. First, you should not wet or steam your lashes for the first 24-28 hours after the procedure. You will also need to blow dry your wet lashes, on a cool setting and brush them with a little brush after shower. Your natural lashes fall at different rates, so would your extensions along with it. Therefore, if you don’t intend to stop the eyelash extension looks, you’ll need to book a touch up and refill appointments every 2-3 weeks.
Try to avoid oil based cleanser and heavy cream around eyes after extensions. The oil or heavy cream will loosen the adhesive and cause the extension to fall off faster. It is also not advisable to apply mascara as it will add tension and causes lash breakage.
Also, be gentle to your lash extensions. Avoid rubbing your eyes as it will break the lashes. It is good to invest in a silk pillowcase, as the ordinary cotton case may dry your lashes.
Photo by Arshed78477 from Flickr
Conclusion
Long full lashes are amazing but there are a number of pros and cons to take into consideration before you get your lash extensions. If you are fine with the keeping up with the maintenance and the recurring expenses that wearing eyelash extension needs, there is no harm in giving it a try.
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References
- Nadine H. 6 Things you need to know about eyelash extensions [Internet]. Glossier Inc. 2020. [Available from: https://intothegloss.com/2016/07/eyelash-extensions-pros-and-cons/; last accessed on 2020 Jan 11]
- Ama K. Eyelash extension for beginners: everything you need to know [Internet]. 2020 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. 2019. [Available from: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a3915095/eyelash-extensions-for-beginners/; last updated on 2019 Aug 16; last accessed on 2020 Jan 11]
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
