If you’re considering treating yourself to lash extensions, whether as a die-hard lash enthusiast or a newcomer keen on enhancing your flutter, getting accurate answers to your frequently asked questions is right up our alley. So, we've compiled the top 10 most frequently asked questions today about lash extensions to help guide you through your lash journey.
1. What exactly are lash extensions?
Eyelash extensions, whether individual fibers or clusters of synthetic fibers known as Russian volume lashes, eyelash extensions are made from synthetic material and, over the years, have provided a remarkably convenient beauty solution to beauty enthusiasts. The fibers are meticulously adhered to your natural lashes, enhancing their length, thickness, and curl. A skilled Lash Artist attaches them using a specially designed lash glue or adhesive. Depending on the outcome you want to achieve, the result is a naturally enhanced or boldly glamorous look. The sheer convenience of eyelash extensions eliminates the need to apply your daily dose of mascara, offering you a hassle-free beauty routine.
2. How long does the lash extension application process take?
While this may appear to be a simple question, the application time depends on several factors, including the experience and expertise of the Lash Artist, the number of lashes, and the type and style of lashes you need to achieve your desired result. Your Lash Artist, with their skill and precision, will consult with you to determine and recommend a style that suits your unique needs. Depending on these factors, the application process can take between 45 minutes and 3 hours or more. So, in order to answer this question accurately, it’s important to explain the difference between the styles. By understanding the different lash styles, you can make an informed decision about the look you want to achieve.
- Classic Lash Set: Let's start with the Classic Lash Set. This entry-level set of lashes is often the choice for individuals wanting to try lash extensions. Why? Because a Classic Lash set gives the wearer a subtle enhancement without overwhelming drama. The technique involves attaching a single lash extension to your natural lashes, resulting in a seamless blend and a naturally enhanced lash line.
- Russian Volume Lash Set: If you want to make your eyes pop, Russian Volume could be your go-to! This application uses lightweight, carefully crafted synthetic fans for a lush, fuller lash line. Lash Artists either handcraft each fan or use pre-made fans. The application process can typically take between 2- 3 hours to complete and is, hence, more expensive due to the application time to complete the look. But the finished result is a stunning full set of lashes for the wearer.
- Mega Volume Lash Set: If you're ready to take your Russian Volume up a level, a set of Mega Volume Lashes uses up to 16 lightweight extensions attached to a single natural lash—now that’s volume! This application can again take up to 4 hours to complete. So, if you want to take your extension to the ultimate drama level, then set a good 3-4 hours aside.
- Hybrid Lash Set: Hybrid or mixed eyelash sets are expertly customized sets of lashes that add a subtle mix of classic lashes and volume lashes. The art of Hybrid Lash application delivers an individual, tailored look that achieves beautiful, eye-catching, and unique results. If this artistic individual look is your choice, then approximately 2 hours is what you’ll need to put aside.
3. What should I expect during the lash extension application?
During the application, you'll be comfortably reclined with your eyes closed. Your lash technician will prepare your eyes with undereye pads and medical grade tape, then carefully isolate each natural lash as they attach synthetic fiber extensions using specially developed lash glue. It's a gentle and relaxing experience, often accompanied by a comfortable environment and soothing music.
4. How do I care for my lash extensions?
Correct and effective lash aftercare, as referred to in the industry, is essential for maintaining the health of your natural lashes and the longevity of your lash extensions. With so many options on the market, selecting the right cleanser can be overwhelming. Choosing a tried-and-tested formula like Prolong Lash Cleanser is a safe and effective option. Prolong Lash Cleanser is the world's best-selling eyelash extension cleanser. It’s trusted, loved, and recommended by eyelash extension artists across 80 countries, with thousands of decerning eyelash advocates vouching for the efficacy of this fit-for-purpose Lash cleanser; you can’t go wrong.
Prolong Lash is the pioneer in formulating a cleanser explicitly designed to care for lash extensions. Prolong Lash foaming cleanser and cleanser concentrate are Australia-made, vegan-friendly, pH balanced, Ophthalmologically Tested, and FDA certified, so you can use it confidentially every day to protect your lashes and as an effective makeup remover and cleanser for your entire face. For best results, we recommend washing your lashes twice a day to maintain their pristine condition between your regular infills.
5. What should I do if I experience a reaction to eyelash extensions?
Before we discuss what to do in the case of an eyelash extension reaction, it's important to understand how to identify whether your reaction is allergic or just a mild irritation. Allergic reactions tend to develop soon after or within several hours of the application and can get increasingly worse over time if not treated, whereas irritation symptoms generally subside within hours of the application.
Common allergic reactions that can occur on the eyelid, around the eye area, or in the eye include watery eyes, general irritation, redness, itchiness, and mild swelling of the eyelid. Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate, or, in some cases, severe and painful if not treated.
If you are experiencing irritation post-application and you’re concerned about having an allergic reaction, then washing your face and lashes directly after application as described in question 6 of this article [When should I wash my lash extensions?] it’s a great way to reduce the occurrence of an allergic reaction. Other general advice offered is that taking an antihistamine may help alleviate the symptoms. However, if your symptoms get increasingly worse in a 24-hour period, you should consult a medical practitioner as a precaution and contact your Lash Artist to have your extension professionally removed.
6. When should I wash my lash extensions?
There is a host of contradictory information on the web about when to wash your lashes, which is understandably confusing to both lash enthusiasts and first-time wearers alike. So, here are the facts! Despite overwhelming misinformation on the web, modern adhesives dry and cure before you even open your eyes! Thanks to the evolution of lash glue technology, you no longer need to keep your lashes dry for 24-28 hours, contrary to old advice.
That advice was accurate at that time because exposure to moisture, humidity, or water would cause shock polymerization, which is a chemical reaction when cyanoacrylate molecules in eyelash extension glue experience a sudden change in temperature, humidity, or water. Shock polymerization would cause the glue to become brittle and turn white. That, in turn, could cause your lashes to shed prematurely and increase the prospect of damage to your natural lash line, which is the reason that advice was offered by lash professionals at that time.
With today’s advancement in lash glue technology, it is advisable to wash your lashes directly after application once the glue is dry with a Lash Shampoo or Lash Cleanser specifically designed for lash aftercare, like Prolong Lash Cleanser. Doing so can reduce the likelihood of adverse reactions, which can occur when potentially harmful vapors settle on the delicate and sensitive skin around the eye. These reactions can potentially lead to allergic reactions described earlier in the blog.
7. How long do lash extensions last?
How long your lash extensions last is dependent on several factors, from the experience and expertise of your Lash Artist to correct care and maintenance. If longevity is your desired outcome, consider these factors to keep your lashes looking fabulous for longer.
To start with, make sure you choose a qualified Eyelash technician because lash glue quality and lash application technique matter. Knowing that your eyelash extensions have been correctly applied will eliminate application fallout, which can affect lash retention.
Like other body hair, lashes have a natural growth cycle that includes growth, resting, and shedding phases. As your natural lashes shed, so do the extensions attached to them. Typically, extensions can stay attached for anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, but the ideal maintenance schedule is 2-3 weeks to add or replace extensions that have grown out or shed to maintain them looking their best.
Lifestyle activities like swimming or exercise can cause extensions to fall out more quickly due to increased touching of the eyes and build-up of sweat and other debris in the lash line. Being mindful of these factors and scheduling regular maintenance will keep you on top of lash loss and help you maintain a full-looking lash line.
Aftercare and Maintenance are critical factors if lash longevity is your desired outcome. An effective daily lash aftercare routine is crucial in keeping your lash extensions looking pristine, keeping your natural lashes healthy, and extending the life of your eyelash extensions. Correct aftercare practices and washing your lashes twice daily help maintain the integrity of your eyelash extensions, remove dead skin cells, and clean away residue that can cause allergies, irritation, or infection, all of which have an impact on how long your lash extensions will last. Introducing a mild yet effective cleanser like Prolong Lash cleanser into your daily skincare routine is a great way to maintain your lash's longevity.
Eyelash extensions require regular maintenance, so it’s advisable to schedule your touch-up appointments every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain your lash extensions and keep them looking great for longer.
8. Can I wear mascara with lash extensions?
Mascara is often seen as a quick fix for achieving extra volume or hiding those small gaps in your lash line that appear between re-fills, but unfortunately, eyelash extensions and mascara are mortal enemies. Unlike your natural lashes, eyelash extension fibers are porous, so mascara attaches to the fibers like glue, clumping your extensions together. If you want to extend the life of your lashes, then the question about whether to wear mascara with lash extensions is a big NO!
9. Can I swim or exercise with lash extensions?
The answer is YES! You can swim while wearing eyelash extensions. In fact, eyelash extensions are a great beach holiday alternative to mascara because you look amazing every day without makeup or the need to apply mascara. The only thing to consider is that, as discussed previously in this blog, lifestyle activities like swimming or exercise can cause your extensions to fall out faster. Being mindful of that and scheduling more regular maintenance can help extend the life of your extensions.
10. Are lash extensions suitable for everyone?
The suitability of eyelash extensions varies from person to person, and opinions on whether they suit everyone can differ, so here's a general overview of different perspectives.
Many individuals adore eyelash extensions for their immediate elegance and ease of use. Advocates argue that extensions can enhance the eyes' natural allure, increase lash volume and length, and eliminate the need for mascara or false lashes. Lash enthusiasts appreciate the flexibility of extensions, which can be tailored to achieve various looks, from subtle to striking.
Despite their enormous popularity, some people may have reservations about eyelash extensions. Concerns such as allergies to the adhesive or sensitivity around the eye area, and potential harm to natural lashes are commonly voiced. Additionally, some people find the upkeep and maintenance burdensome and too costly, so they’re not advocates for lash extensions.
Whether eyelash extensions are suitable for everyone can also hinge on individual tastes and facial characteristics. While some individuals may feel that extensions enhance their appearance and complement their overall aesthetic, others may prefer a more natural look or find that extensions don't flatter their facial shape or style. At the end of the day, eyelash extensions are an individual preference, with both enthusiasts and adversaries committed to their opinions on the matter.
In navigating the world of lash extensions, clarity is key. From understanding application techniques to mastering aftercare rituals, addressing the top 10 frequently asked questions illuminates enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Embracing the artistry behind different styles and ensuring proper maintenance with trusted products like Prolong Lash Cleanser extends the longevity of your lashes and preserves their health. Moreover, acknowledging individual concerns underscores the personal nature of this beauty journey. Whether hailed as a staple or approached with caution, lash extensions celebrate the beauty of choice and self-expression. So, flutter those lashes and embrace your unique allure!
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