Everything You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions Before You Officially Commit To Them
Whether you want to lengthen your lashes without the inconvenience of falsies and mascara or want to feel put together 24*7 without having to apply a stitch of makeup - eyelash extensions are the way to go. Lash extensions are the fast-track ticket to maintain a glamm look for weeks. So we took upon the beauty mission to do a full investigation into the wildly popular lash treatment the A-listers and IT-girls rely on to keep their lashes looking fly.
If you want to roll out of bed with wispy, fluttering lashes every day of the week, we’re listing down the good, the bad, and the annoying parts of the process. Keep scrolling for the 411 on lash extensions.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extension is a semi-permanent lash treatment that involves bonding strands of silk, synthetic, mink, human hair, or horse hair to each lash in order to make your lashes look lengthier and fuller. The procedure is done by a salon professional. They use different types of glue to hand glue a faux lash to an existing lash. The result is a natural-looking, fuller flutter. Lash extensions are known to make life so much easier as you look and feel put together with zero makeup on.
Types Of Eyelash Extension
There are three different types of lash extensions based on the material of faux hair. It can be classified as silk, mink, and synthetic. Certain beauty salons also offer ‘faux mink’ lash extensions - which are technically synthetic extensions that mimic the look of mink extensions. Most studios won’t ask for your preference and would use the type of extensions they prefer to use. However, if you are vegan or allergic to cats, it’s best to avoid mink extensions. In terms of longevity, all types of extensions last for four to six weeks. If you veer towards a more natural look, silk and mink lashes are the best bet. But if you prefer a bolder look, synthetic lashes are better as they are thicker and darker.
While lash extensions can be primarily divided into three categories namely mink, silk, and synthetic, you can always play around with varying curl strengths and lengths. Your lash artist will use multiple curl strengths and lengths to give your peepers a wide-eyed effect. This can be done by placing the shorter lashes on the inner corner and longer ones toward the outer corner of the eyes.
Pros of Eyelash Extension?
As with every beauty treatment, last extensions come with a set of pros and cons. Here , we’re listing down all the benefits of the treatment.
Lush Lashes 24*7
The lash extension treatment allows you to flaunt long, voluminous lashes all day every day. If done right, it looks incredible. Lash extensions have the power to take your look from regular to remarkable.
Totally Customizable
Natural-looking or Kim K-esque fluttering eyelashes - whatever your preference - lash extensions can be customised as per you liking. Just let your last artist know in advance to decide on the ideal curl and length of your extensions.
Virtually Waterproof
Last artists advise against getting them wet in the first 48 hours, but you can shower, sweat, or swim after that duration. However, the dryer you keep your lash extensions, the longer they will last.
Pain-Free Process
The end-to-end process of lash extensions is 100 percent painless.
Cons of Eyelash Extension?
Ahead, find all the cons of eyelash extensions before you officially commit.
The Risk Of Infection And Irritation
Even if the lash extension is done by the best lash artist, there is still a risk of infection and irritation. As the process involves using glue to stick the extensions to the natural hair follicle, and eyes are incredibly sensitive to the chemicals in the glue - this can lead to irritation and infection. It’s best to do a patch test on your hand with the adhesive. We also recommend opting for formaldehyde- and latex-free adhesive since these two chemicals are the main culprits behind infection and irritation.
Potential Damage Through Breakage
No matter how diligently you follow your aftercare routine, the process will still inflict damage on your natural lashes. As your lashes grow, the lash extensions get further away from your lash line. This makes it harder for your natural lashes to support the weight of extensions which then leads to breakage. In addition to this, itching and rubbing your lashes in your sleep can also lead to damage.
Uneven Fallout
As we know that all our eyelashes are at different stages of growth. Some might be in the growth cycle while others might be ready to shed. As faux eyelashes are glued to natural lashes, they shed along with your natural lashes. This leads to uneven and scattered lashes if you don’t go for a lash refill every two to four weeks.
Washing Your Face Is A Challenge
Once you have eyelash extensions, you can’t rub your eyes. This means you’ll have to work around the eye area while washing your face. It’s recommended to not wash your face for at least six hours post the procedure and when you wash your face, use a gentle cleanser to do so.
Cost of Eyelash Extension
The cost of eyelash extensions varies depending on the city you’re in and from provider to provider. They are a little pricey and can cost anywhere between Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000. If you want to maintain your extension, you might need to visit the salon for a refill every two to four weeks. The cost of touch-ups can be around Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000.
After Care of Eyelash Extension
If you want your lash extensions to last longer, we’re listing down the after-care steps you need to follow.
Avoid Getting Them Wet The First 48 Hours
It’s recommended to avoid all contact with water or steam for 48 hours after your lash extensions.
Avoid Using Oil-Based Cleansers
Steer clear of oil-based beauty products including oil-infused serums, oil cleansers, cleaning balms, or moisturisers. The oil in these products breaks down the lash adhesive which might lead to shedding.
Try Sleeping On Your Back Or Side
Stomach sleepers be warned, the more you press your lashes against the pillow, the more you’ll expedite fallout and damage. It’s best to sleep on your back or side.
Don’t Use An Eyelash Curler
Avoid using a lash curler on your lash extensions. You can use a heated lash curler only when your extensions seem to lose the curl.
Don’t Dub And Touch Your Extensions
The more rubbing, tugging, and touching, the weaker your lash extensions become. This increases the chances of premature breakage and fallouts.
Avoid Standing Under The Shower For Too Long
The weight of the water can also lead to premature breakage. When your lashes are wet, run a spoolie through them to remove excess water.
Alternatives of Lash Extension
If you’re not ready to say ‘I do’ to lash extensions, you can always opt for glue-on lashes or magnetic falsies. Alternatively, using a lengthening and volumising mascara will also do the trick. Don’t forget to curl your lashes before coating them with mascara. You can also apply kajal along the upper water line to fake thicker lashes. In addition to this, you can apply eyeliner along the upper lash line to fake fluttery lashes.
MyGlamm Recommends: Twist It Mascara
The MyGlamm Twist It Mascara has viral written all over it and for good reasons. The mascara does exactly what it’s supposed to do - it lengthens, volumises, and curls the lashes while giving them a natural lift. If you’re looking for the next best thing to lash extensions, this is the mascara to call on. It gets a 10/10 from us.
MyGlamm Recommends: Manish Malhotra Mascara
This mascara will ruin all other mascaras for you. It’s legit like lash extensions in a bottle. This is the reason why it’s almost always sold out on the platform and it goes OOS a few hours after it’s restocked. It’ll give you the fuller flutter of your dreams! Add this to your beauty arsenal to take your eye makeup game to the next level.
Brb, booking my lash extension appointment.
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