Eyelash Extensions: Pros & Cons
By now I’m sure you’ve heard tales of horror and tales of success when it comes to eyelash extensions. My aim is to provide a little more insight into the lash trend that has swept the beauty industry and continues to grow at record rates. I’d prefer to end this entry on a good note, so let’s get the cons out of the way. A couple of the common cons that I’ve come across pertaining to eyelash extensions include:
They make your natural lashes fall out.
They look fake.
“They make your natural lashes fall out.”
This is simply not true; at least it hasn’t been in my experience. Someone experiencing their natural lashes falling out after the application of extensions could be a result of bad isolation and/or lack of adequate aftercare. Isolation is a vital point in applying lash extensions because the goal is to prevent multiple lashes from sticking together as the adhesives cures. Our hair doesn’t grow at the same rates and are at different phases of the growth cycle. If you have a lash at anagen phase (the beginning of the growth cycle) and it sticks to a lash in telogen phase (the end of the growth cycle), when the telogen lash gets ready to shed, it will pull the anagen lash out prematurely causing trauma to the hair follicle and slowing the growing process. This results in thinner lashes as hairs have been removed before completing the full process.
In terms of aftercare, it is equally as important for clients to do their part once they leave their technician. Clean lashes last longer. As a lash technician, I emphasize the importance of keeping eyelash extensions clean with my clients. Makeup, sebum, environmental debris, etc. all have an impact on the integrity of eyelash extensions. When clients ignore aftercare instructions, their lashes suffer. Debris buildup affects the adhesive bond and the follicle of the natural lash leading to premature shedding. Eyelash extensions themselves do not cause your natural lashes to fall out, it is more dependent on how they are applied and cared for. This is not to negate anyone who may have an allergic reaction to adhesives or lash materials.
“They look fake.”
Well, that is a relative theory. There are many lash styles to suit a clients’ need. Classic Lashes are the most natural looking lash style. This is a basic one-to-one eyelash application process. When we dive into volume styles and hybrid (classic/volume combo) styles, that’s when eyelash extensions become more noticeable. Volume lashes are when a lash tech creates, or purchases, lash fans consisting of two or more lash extensions applied to a single natural lash. Most hybrid styles still allow for a natural look since it’s a blend of classic one-to-one lashes and lower volumes fans. When we begin to dive in to the higher volume styles is when we see the obviousness of eyelash extensions, specifically Russian Volume (RV) and Mega Volume (MV). These styles give the really dense appearance due to high number fans applied to each natural lash. Most RV and MV styles consist of 5D or higher fans which help to create density. “Fake” looking lashes may also be a matter of preference. RV and MV lash styles are commonly sought after by clients. It’s a lucrative style for the lash technician as this is often a more costly and time consuming style to apply. If natural looking eyelash extension is your goal, classic styles are probably the way you want to go. For a little drama, a basic volume or hybrid style might be for you, but if you’re looking for the va-va-va-voom, RV or MV is definitely for you.
Now for the good stuff, the pros! Eyelash extensions give you an enhanced look without heavy makeup applications. I can’t tell youhow many times a client has called me the day after their appointment toexpress how pleased they are that they didn’t have to apply makeup and have a “ready to go” face. Who doesn’t want to wake up ready? Eyelash extensions also require a certain level of care you wouldn’t normally practice without them resulting in natural lashes that are healthier, longer, and in some cases thicker. I’ve done countless extension removals and re-applications and discovered that my clients’ natural lashes are in better shape than they were when they saw me for the first time. I can only credit that to the level of care that is applied with consistent cleaning, regularly brushing, and a gentle hand.
Personal experiences will always shape one’s perception of eyelash extensions and how they explain it to others. It’s always best for anyone considering eyelash extensions, or anything new for that matter, to do their own independent research. Ask multiple lash technicians, look at all the different lash styles, talk to more than one extension wearer, and be thorough. I also encourage you to ask about their lash education and the products they use. Most lash technicians should be able to tell you about their products without hesitation. We are here to help you achieve the look you desire in the most efficient and safe way possible.
As a thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I am offering you $25 off any full set of Eyelash Extensions on my menu. All you need to do is click on the scheduling link on my webpage and select 'Blog' when asked how you heard about Beauty By Bash. This offer is good until October 15, 2017. I hope to see you soon.
Happy Lashing!