What are eyelash extensions and how are they applied?

Eyelash extensions are single synthetic lashes applied directly to the natural lash, close to (but not touching) the lash line with a semi-permanent bonding adhesive. A single extension is applied to a single lash, leaving the eyelashes and eyelids to move freely. They are applied carefully, one by one using specially designed tweezers. The whole process normally takes 1 – 2 hours depending on how many lashes are applied.

 

How long do eyelash extensions last?

As long as six weeks – as the eyelash extension generally lasts until the natural lash falls out in its natural cycle. However it is advisable to have some infills applied approximately every 2.5 – 3.5 weeks (depending on how well you take care of them) to make sure your eyelashes always look fabulous, as by this stage some would have fallen out as new lashes have grown through. How long your eyelash extensions last also depends on how you care for them (i.e. by removing makeup correctly, not thrashing them with heaps of mascara, and not tugging/pulling at your eyelash extensions). Some clients who take extra good care of their lashes get 4+ weeks before they need infills!

 

Why do I need infills if they last up to 6 weeks?

The eyelash extensions fall out with your natural lash cycle – which is 6-8 weeks, so very gradually – just a few here and there as new baby lashes come through. After about 3 weeks you will start seeing little gaps where the old ones have fallen, and new ones are coming through – so at this point it’s a good time to get infills, so your lashes always look nice and full.

 

Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?
No – we apply eyelash extensions taking special care to ensure that they are all applied individually and correctly to maintain your eyelash health. To ensure the ongoing health of your lashes, we highly recommend that you take the advice of the technician regarding the maximum thickness and length that would be appropriate long-term for your natural lashes.  The eyelash extensions come off when your natural lash falls out, and so long as an appropriate weight extension has been applied, your natural lashes will grow through as normal.Please listen to the technicians’ advice about how long/heavy you should go if you have naturally thin or sparse lashes. Don’t try to remove the eyelash extensions yourself – as this could easily damage your natural lashes, as the adhesive bond is extremely strong.

Sometimes clients choose not to take our advice regarding the lashes and do request extra long and thick lashes be applied to their thin or fine natural lashes. We will advise against this but ultimately the choice is yours. We will apply the lashes that you request. Usually as a one-off or special occasion wear, this will cause no problems at all, but long-term it can weaken your lashes.

 

I have had bad extensions applied somewhere else and would like them removed and some new ones put on – is this possible?

In most cases, yes – but if you have had particularly bad extensions done somewhere else we cannot absolutely guarantee that we will be able to remove them or apply new ones immediately. It depends on how bad a state your lashes are in. If there is an awful lot of glue and many lashes fused together, it can take some time to remove the extensions gently. If the bad extensions have irritated or infected your eyes/eyelids Lady Lash reserves the right not to perform the procedure, and may refer you to initially seek medical advice.

 

I have made a booking to have eyelash extensions put on. Is there anything I need to do beforehand?

The main thing is to have clean eyes and eyelashes, free of makeup – especially mascara. Some mascaras contain oils that can prevent eyelash extensions bonding correctly. Be sure to use an oil-free makeup remover if removing makeup, and don’t use any oil or petroleum based products on or around the eye area for 48 hours prior (such as Vaseline or moisturizers). Do not have your eyelashes permed – it is very difficult for us to apply extensions on lashes which have been permed within the last 3 months, as often the extensions will not bond correctly.

 

Can I wear eye makeup with my eyelash extensions?

Yes, you can. Eyeliner and eye shadow are fine – you just need to be a little gentle. We don’t recommend that you apply mascara to your eyelash extensions, as this can cause them to clump together and may contain oils that weaken the adhesive bond on your eyelash extensions, so they will not last as long. If you are intent on wearing mascara, please speak with us when attending your appointment and we can let you know what products you can and can't use. 

 

What about removing eye makeup?

You must use an OIL FREE makeup remover, as oil based removers will damage the adhesive and could make the eyelash extensions fall off prematurely. Lady Lash stocks a high quality makeup remover that is formulated specifically for eye lash extensions.

 

Can I swim/shower/ get my eyelash extensions wet?

Yes. In fact this is one of the best things about eyelash extensions – you will have pretty eyes ALL the time – when you wake up, straight out of the shower, out of the pool. Just don’t rub them or use detergents or oily soaps and they will last a long time.

 

How do I take care of my eyelash extensions so they last longer?

There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the most out of your eyelash extensions. At your appointment, we give you an after-care card outlining how to take care of them, the main things to remember are:

 

• Do not wet them for 24 hours after application/infills so that the adhesive cures properly

• Use only oil-free products, especially makeup remover

• Do not rub them or pull at them

• Do not use a mechanical eyelash curler

• If exposed to chlorine, rinse off gently with fresh water afterwards

• Gently brush them with your lash-wand

• It’s best not to use mascara on them if possible!

• Cleanse them properly 2-3 times per week – baby shampoo works wonders!

• Avoid steam rooms, saunas, and bikram yoga where possible.