.png)
Eyelash extensions are one of the trendiest services on the market right now, and they have every reason to be. Not only do they cut down on get-read time, but they also make you look/feel fabulous, AND in some cases they have the ability to make you look a little younger. Over the next few blog posts, I want to correct and clarify some myths and misconceptions that are pretty widespread, because I guarantee.. SOMETHING you think you know about about extensions, is WRONG (to some degree).
"Lash Extensions will damage my natural eyelashes."
This is such a common misconception about the service that we provide. [Before I give you the truth - I would like to point out that natural eyelashes are meant to grow and shed. Natural lashes are on a growth cycle and are supposed to shed just like the hair on our head. Natural shedding is very different from lash damage.] The simple answer is eyelash extensions don't cause damage, improperly applied extensions by an individual who is poorly trained or sloppy is usually the culprit of natural lash damage. There are other things that can cause damage including: lack of lash hygiene and clients pulling, picking, twisting or rubbing extensions.
Let's unpack this topic a little deeper starting with:
1. Improperly applied extensions causes natural lash damage. In most cases natural lash damage happens when multiple natural eyelashes are glued together. While some are growing, others are in a "resting" phase of growth. A growing lash is going to "rip out" any other lashes that are glued to it. If you are experiencing chunks of lashes falling out together - that's a huge sign of improper application and can cause permanent natural lash damage down the road. Yikes!
I would also like to point out that in most of these cases, the service you are given wasn't actually eyelash extensions at all. There are so many establishments who claim to offer eyelash extensions but all they are doing is using the name and giving you something quick, harmful and usually cheap or significantly lower than market average. (Blog post coming soon: Red Flags To Look For When Selecting An Eyelash Extension Artist)
These are a few examples I've heard:
They are cutting up strip lashes or using "clusters/flares" and gluing them on your natural lashes with some type of professional eyelash glue or even hair glue.
They are applying "clumps" of extensions incorrectly, resulting in a hot mess of glue all along your lash line.
They are applying extensions that are too long, thick and heavy for your natural lashes to support.
These are all examples of extensions that will result in damaged natural lashes and lash loss. Please be careful and if you've experienced lash lost after having extensions, i'm sure something was done incorrectly. Extensions should be applied by a licensed and certified professional using 2 sharp tweezers. Artists should isolate natural lashes and apply extensions to 1 single natural lash at a time. (See photo below of isolation) This process usually takes 2-4 hours on average for full sets and about half for refills, depending on the style.
Taking the time to properly isolate natural lashes during application ensures natural growth and shedding can occur interrupted. An excess use of glue, especially gluing multiple natural lashes together will cause damage. A lash that is glued to another, cannot shed when the time comes. A growing lash will also pull/rip out any surrounding lashes if they are glued together. THIS IS WHAT CAUSES DAMAGE. If you experience this over long periods of time, it can result in permanent loss of natural lashes. Please be careful and educated when selecting a lash artist.
If you've experienced natural lash damage I highly recommend using a Lash Growth Serum that is filled with vitamins such as Biotin, Keratin & Amino Acids. This will help condition your natural lashes so that they can grow conditioned and healthy. If you think permanent damage was caused, schedule a complimentary consultation with us so that your lashes can be properly assessed.
2. Lack of Lash Hygiene will cause natural lash damage. Plain and simple... CLEAN YOUR LASHES! Poor lash hygiene is extensions #1 enemy for the following reasons:
DIRT, OIL, and MAKEUP can clog your lash follicles and even degrade the integrity of the best eyelash extension glues. Clogged follicles cause your natural lashes to fall out which may result in them growing back shorter, finer, and weaker than normal.
Most of us have microscopic eyelash mites called DEMODEX that live on our lash follicles. Proper cleansing keeps these pests at bay and out of the way of crowding our precious follicles.
Poor hygiene may also lead to more harsh and uglier words such as BLEPHARITIS; a condition where eyelids swell at the lash line and secrete a gross, pus-like substance that hardens to crust.
3. Clients pulling, picking, twisting or rubbing extensions will cause natural lash damage. If you are wearing extensions and you pull, pick, twist or rub them - it will most likely lead to you damaging your own natural eyelashes due to them being glued together. If you pull out an extension that is glued to your natural lash, most likely you will take your natural eyelash off along with it.
This can happen when a client has Trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), also called hair-pulling disorder. It is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. If you have Trichotillomania it is not recommended for you to wear eyelash extensions.
If you have extensions on and would like to take them off, your lash artist should be able to professionally remove them with adhesive remover. NEVER RIP OFF EXTENSIONS. Lash adhesive remover is professional grade and is designed to break down adhesive to remove extensions. Scheduling a professional removal will ensure your natural lashes remain intact and damage free. Click here to schedule a professional removal.
Comments