Will lash extensions damage my natural lashes?

Eyelash extensions are typically a safe cosmetic procedure that when applied correctly and properly maintained, do not cause damage to the natural eye lashes.

If an eyelash extension that is applied incorrectly or is not the proper size for the natural lash to support this can cause damage to the natural lashes by either causing stress to the natural lash where it would cause premature shedding or even be too heavy for the natural lash to support causing breakage.

Picking or pulling on the extensions can cause breakage and/or may permanently damage the hair follicle where it may not produce another lash, causing baldness in those areas.

Not following proper aftercare instructions can also be a cause for concern with lash extensions.

HOW ARE THE LASH EXTENSIONS APPLIED?

The lash extensions are applied to the natural lashes one by one by dipping the very tip of the extension into the adhesive and then attaching it to one healthy natural lash. The natural lashes are isolated one by one throughout your lash line to apply the extensions for a seamless design.

Your lash artist will determine the proper size your natural lash can hold and taking the desired style you are hoping to achieve into consideration.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

At the start of your appointment, you will discuss your options with Mindy. You will chat about what you like about your natural lashes (or don’t like!) and what you are hoping to achieve with getting lash extensions.

If you have any photos for inspiration, please bring them along!

Keep in mind we cannot 100% re-create any looks seen in photos or what your best friend has because we are all 100% unique from one another and our lashes are not the same as someone else. The photos will help give a general idea of the style and overall shape that appeals to you. Mindy will take some before photos and give her recommendation on what would be your best option!

During the appointment, you get to relax, lay down and close your eyes! Most clients even fall asleep! You are welcome to bring ear buds in to listen to music or your favorite podcast, whatever will help you relax for the duration of the appointment.

You can expect the appointment to last anywhere between 1.5-3 hours, with the average being 2 hours for a full set application.

During that time, your transformation happens as the extensions are applied and begin to take shape! Mindy will go over aftercare instructions, what to expect with your extensions and will answer any questions you might have.

Once the application is complete—comes the REVEAL! Oooh la la! We will snap some after photos and receive your new client info bag loaded with everything you need to make the best of your lash investment!

You will leave feeling relaxed, uplifted and ready to rule the day.

WHAT ARE THE LASHES MADE OUT OF?

Lash extensions are either synthetic or made of real hair. Most lash artists will refer to their extensions as ‘Mink’ or ‘Silk’ or’ Cashmere’ and what they are referring to is mainly the difference in texture, appearance and weight.

Many consumers do not know this but the majority of lash extensions out there are made of the SAME synthetic material called PBT or Polybutylene terephthalate, which is a type of polyester.

Synthetic lashes while made of the same type of material are designed with different shapes and finishes to determine the different ‘types’ of lashes available.

Typically when we hear ‘mink’ lashes, it is referring to synthetic. Faux Mink lash extensions are tapered for the majority part of the lash and have a natural semi-matte finish that gives the appearance of natural lashes and are also lighter in weight from being tapered.

Silk lash extensions are also made of PBT material but have a slightly different finish and shape. They are also a tad heavier than the faux mink as the lash is thicker for longer. Silk lash extensions are a bit glossier than mink and have a short taper. Most lash extension companies and providers offer synthetic supplies.

However, there are some that do offer real mink extensions. These are made from real mink and are said to be the most natural looking lash extensions as they are soft, long and delicate. They are much more expensive than the synthetic lash extensions and are difficult to source where most lash artists do not offer them.

WHAT KINDS OF GLUE DO YOU USE?

Lash extension application requires the use of a semi-permanent medical grade adhesive. Our adhesives are formaldehyde free, low odor and cause little to no sensitivity. If you are already aware of a sensitivity to lash adhesive, please advise your lash stylist immediately.

HOW LONG DO THE EXTENSIONS LAST?

The lash extensions will last the life of you natural lash. An average lash cycle is 4-6 weeks and your lash extensions will gradually shed over that time frame during your natural grown cycle.

We lose anywhere from 3-5 eyelashes per eye, per day. This is something that isn’t noticed as each lash is in it’s own step in the growing process plus our natural lashes are much thinner and lighter where it is not as noticeable.

Within the 4-6 week growth cycle, all or most of the extensions will shed off with new lashes growing in. The life of the extensions is greatly determined by your own individual growth cycle and how well you care for the extensions.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME IN FOR FILLS?

Depending on your growth cycle and how well you are caring for them will indicate how often you should come in for fills.

With an average lash cycle being 4-6 weeks long, you can expect to see approximately 50% loss of extensions by week 2-3. This is when most clients return for maintenance and to have their lashes filled in.

During the fill appointment, any lashes that are overly outgrown will be removed and new extensions will be applied to the new or available lashes.

Most clients come back on average every 3 weeks but there are some who enjoy coming in more often and some who come just once per month!

This is really your own preference, what works with your schedule and how well they are holding up. Keep in mind, the longer you go in between fill appointments, the more lashes will have shed and you will need a longer appointment to get full again!

CAN I WEAR MAKEUP? WHAT ABOUT MASCARA?

You do NOT want to put any mascara ON the extensions themselves for a number of reasons!

One being, it causes the extensions to clump up and adds a lot of unnecessary weight for your natural lashes to support on top of the extension. Remember, we don’t want to cause stress to the natural lashes!

The second reason is that cleaning mascara off the extensions is quite difficult and can result in pulling the extension off of the natural lash or even pulling out your entire natural lash with it. Buildup of mascara and other makeup can cause dirt, debris and bacteria to harbor which can cause infections and poor retention of the lash extensions.

You are welcome to wear mascara on your bottom lashes to complete your look but refrain from putting in on your beautiful extensions!

Other makeup is ok if it is an OIL FREE product! Especially anything around the eye area. Most makeup and products are oil-free and will indicate that on the bottle or container.

HOW DO I CARE FOR THE EXTENSIONS?

Caring for your extensions isn’t difficult and for the most part, the less you mess with them the better! Keeping them clean is KEY!

I recommend picking up a bottle of Lash Shampoo!

Here is a list of aftercare instructions:

• DO NOT touch, pick or pull on your extensions!
• DO NOT use mascara on your extensions
• Keep your extensions DRY for 12-24 hours after application
• Only use OIL FREE products near the eyes and face
• Cleanse or wash your extensions and eye area daily
• Come in for regular maintenance
• It is recommended to sleep on your back