There is no doubt that eyelash trends have reached new heights in recent years. The lash moment is alive and well and existing in all facets of the beauty industry. Eyelash extensions rate among the most popular treatments in the aesthetic industry as a whole, culminating in Lash and Brow dedicated salons world-wide.
So what exactly are Eyelash Extensions, and could they damaging your own natural Lashes?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibres that are attached to your natural eyelashes. Individual lashes are applied individually (around 80-140 per eye). Low irritancy semi-permanent glue is used (aka formaldehyde-free) and does not damage your natural eyelashes when used correctly. The material used for lash extensions varies and may be made from faux mink, or silk fibres.
Proper application won’t damage your natural lashes if adequate glue is applied. Choosing an experienced lash artist for your treatment is recommended. Cluster or 3-D extensions can weight-bare on your natural lashes and could result in breakage so it’s important that the glue is applied to your lashes, not eyelid skin. This could result in clogging the lash follicle, damaging it and therefore restricting natural growth.
Aftercare plays an important role in the longevity of your lash extensions.
Your lash health plays a big role in how long your eyelash extensions will last. You will achieve longer lasting lash extensions if you can support the natural growth cycle of your own lashes and help reduce fallout.
The Do’s and Don’ts After the Treatment
You can follow the routine below for maintaining and improving the life of your eyelash extensions and keeping your natural lashes health and strong for infills. More natural lashes = more extensions opportunities!.
Aftercare right after your appointment (Day 1-2)
- Avoid exposure to water for a minimum of 24 hours
- Do not rub or touch your eyes
- Avoid wearing or inserting contact lenses
- Avoid exposure to excessive heat or steaming
- Avoid spray tanning
- Avoid sleeping on your lashes
Daily aftercare procedures (Day 3 +)
- Do not rub or twist your eyelashes. This can result in premature shedding by transferring oil/sebum from your hands to extensions
Avoid sleeping on your lashes - Do not wash your face under full stream water
- Use oil-free eyelash foam cleanser
- Brush through your eyelashes daily with a soft brush
- Do not use oil-based products (eg: castor oil) around or on the eyes as they’ll affect your lash retention and breakdown adhesive
- Avoid using waterproof or oil-based mascara or eyeliner
- Avoid Chemical Peels and Facials on your eyes as some ingredients can degrade adhesive
- Be guided by your lash technician on infill time (normally every 2-4 weeks)
- Do not remove the extensions by yourself, as you may permanently damage your natural eyelashes
- Keep Your Eyelash Extensions for Longer!
- Use oil-free eyelash enhancer to support your own lashes to reduce lash shedding to support lash extension longevity
Note: Whilst not recommended in the first 24-48 hrs after application it is vital to wash and brush your lash extensions each day to keep up the design and to prevent clogged hair follicles.
Improving your natural lashes at the same time:
As lash extensions are applied to your natural lash, it’s crucial to care for your natural lashes with an oil-free eyelash enhancer serum. It’s not surprising that when your lashes are stronger and healthier, your extensions will last longer, and new lashes will become available for the infill application.
