All about lash extensions

I have been wanting to get lash extensions for several years. I kept putting it off due to uncertainty and cost. For years I wore strip lashes to get that falsie look at a more reasonable price. Over the past year, I have been unable to wear makeup due to reactions from the changes my body is going through to heal. I have felt so naked and insecure and needed a change for my mental health. When you suffer from BDD having things that boost your confidence can aid in your healing. After some research, chatting with people that have done extensions, and consulting with a lash professional I chose to get them. Let me tell you how it went and my opinion about it.

Before appointment

Find some pictures of what style lashes you like to bring to your professional to build your desired look for your eye shape. If you have no idea what you want that is fine too. Your lash professional can help you figure out the best style and application for you. Be prepared to be in a lying position for 1-2 hours. Arrive at the appointment with a completely clean face. No makeup, serums, oils, or creams. Having a completely clean face will ensure no oils get transferred to the lashes and cause the extensions to not adhere properly.

Process

The whole process for your initial set will be somewhere between 1 and 2 hours. The time frame for each fill will be somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes.

Note: Bring earbuds to listen to your favorite podcast or music. (Some professionals will chat you up, have music playing softly, or work in silence.)

Once you get all positioned on the table and are comfortable you will tilt your head up towards the professional so they can tape down your lower lashes. Share with your professional if you have sensitive skin so they can use the appropriate tape for your skin. This should be a comfortable and relaxing experience. The purpose of taping down your lower lashes is so that none of the extensions get adhered to them during the process.

After the lower lashes are all taped down you will close your eyes and relax. The Lash technician will get to work applying those extensions to each natural lash. This is the part that takes the longest. They will work back and forth between each eye ensuring they are symmetrical. Most technicians start from the outer corner working their way inward.

Once the technician has all the extensions applied a sealer is applied to set them. The lash tech will then brush them out, so they are all going in the right direction. The tape will be removed from your lower lashes. You may experience some watering of the eyes from the chemicals used when you first open your eyes. This goes away within a few minutes.

You are all set to have beautiful lashes for the next 2-3 weeks. Your Lash pro will give you aftercare directions to help ensure they look their best till your fill.

Aftercare

Do not get extensions wet for the first 12-24 hours. This is due to the adhesive slowly pulling in moisture to finalize the curing process. If you get them wet and overload them with moisture they will not cure properly causing the extension to fall off.

To keep your lashes on and prevent any infections there are a few steps to follow.

· Avoid using your fingers to adjust them as the oils from your skin can transfer to your lashes resulting in loss of extension.

· Avoid extreme variations of heat, humidity, and cold weather.

· Do not attempt to remove extensions yourself. Lash technicians can remove them quickly without the loss of natural lashes.

· Comb your lashes daily with a spooly.

· Clean your lashes daily with an appropriate cleaner.

o Special eyelash extension cleaner – your professional should have some you can purchase. It can also be found on amazon at a very reasonable price.

o Micellar water

o Baby soap

o Witch hazel

o Any gentle oil and alcohol-free foaming facial cleanser

When cleaning your lashes gently work into lashes concentrating on the root. Do not tug or rub hard. There are special brushes you can purchase to gently scrub the lash line to remove any dirt and bacteria. Using a qtip or cotton swab will also do the trick. Be sure to gently work the area in an up-and-down motion to avoid any pull-out of the extensions.

Common questions?

· How long do they last? ~ 2-3 weeks before needing a fill, complete fallout can be up to 6 months

· How much does it cost? ~ The initial set will be between $150-200, and fills will be between $50-$100

· Can you wear makeup? ~ Yes – chose oil-free makeup or extension safe. If wanting to wear mascara make sure to use extension-safe mascara. This ensures there is no early separation of the extension.

· Does it hurt? ~ No

· Do they look fake? ~ This depends on the style you are looking to go with. Some look fake whereas others look natural.

· Do they damage natural lashes? ~ No when applied correctly there is no damage done to the natural lash.

My thoughts

I should have done this years ago! The style I went with has them looking natural and lifted. I no longer need to wear mascara or any other makeup for that matter. The time needed to get ready has been cut down. This leaves room for me to get a few extra zzzs or a quick workout in my am routine. The done-up and polished look is a huge boost of confidence. I could not be more pleased with the results of taking this leap into the lash extension world!

Still not convinced?

Here are some pros and cons for you to go over before you make the move to lash extensions.

Special thanks to The Lash Inspo for the amazing job done to my lashes. She can be found on Instagram @the.lash.inspo head on over and give her a like!

~ Tina