Things to Be Aware of When Shopping for Lash Extensions
You can get lash extensions everywhere these days. It’s a beauty trend literally sweeping the entire globe, and lashes are here to stay. With the rise in popularity, many individuals have dedicated themselves to the career of doing safe, proper lash extension services, use premium professional products and are setting the standard for safe and long lasting lashes. On the other hand, countless other businesses have begun offering lash extensions just because they are “hot” right now, yet are not educated about lash health, application techniques, sanitation and sometimes do not use the proper adhesives that are safe for the eyes. You’ve all seen the signs roadside: Your local nail salon: “Now offering lash extensions ONLY $50″ or heard from a friend “my friend’s girlfriend does lashes. Her sets are WAY cheaper than the local salons!”
Here is a quote that sums it up pretty well:
“The bitterness of poor quality lasts far longer than the sweetness of low price.” - Dermatologist, Dr. Charles Crutchfield
Now, I'm not claiming that if you go to a home based business or a nail salon that you are going to get terrible lash extensions, but it's important that you are aware of how lash extension technicians are trained, how lash extension services are priced and how to know if you are getting quality service.
The Dangers of Incorrect Application of Eyelash Extension: Information about how the service should be done, what signs to look for when choosing a technician and what to do if you receive a botched service.
Things To Know:
In the case that an individual has received a botched eyelash extension service, immediately seek a certified eyelash extension specialist to have them removed. Extensions should never be removed at home or by anyone not properly trained in the removal process. Ripping extensions off without using an adhesive dissolvent, the proper utensils and technique can result in permanent damage to the natural hair follicle.
Here is a quote that sums it up pretty well:
“The bitterness of poor quality lasts far longer than the sweetness of low price.” - Dermatologist, Dr. Charles Crutchfield
Now, I'm not claiming that if you go to a home based business or a nail salon that you are going to get terrible lash extensions, but it's important that you are aware of how lash extension technicians are trained, how lash extension services are priced and how to know if you are getting quality service.
The Dangers of Incorrect Application of Eyelash Extension: Information about how the service should be done, what signs to look for when choosing a technician and what to do if you receive a botched service.
Things To Know:
- In California, individuals offering eyelash extension services are not regulated by the California Board or Barbering and Cosmetology. Since there is currently no formal state regulation requiring licensing, not all technicians properly trained or certified. This means anyone can set up shop and apply lash extensions. (Catherine Kaiser is a licensed Cosmetologist, trained and certified lash technician who attends continuing lash extension education to stay on top of the latest technology in lash application and products. )
- Only medical grade glue should be used to apply eyelash extensions. This special adhesive is safe for medical procedures and should only be used by trained professionals. This is not the same glue sold with eyelash strips or tabs in drug or beauty supply stores. Eyelash extensions should never be applied with anything but medical grade glue from a reputable eyelash extension distributor.
- Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are made from synthetic hair for maximum sanitation purposes. Premium synthetic silk and mink extensions are also made form synthetic fibers and are more finely cut and tapered to mimic the natural feature of either real silk or mink hair. Mink is more matte like natural lashes and Silk is glossier similar to a lash with mascara.
- Siberian Mink eyelash extensions are made from cruelty-free and sanitized real Siberian mink fur. Individuals with cat or other animal allergies should avoid real mink as they may experience an allergic reaction to the fur.
- The “isolate and separate method” is the only correct way to apply eyelash extensions. This skill takes proper training and practice to master. Using this method, a new full set should take approximately two hours to complete. Refills thereafter should take about 30 minutes to one hour.
- Only 3% of all people have a reaction to the glue. The occurrence is rare and should be immediately addressed if it does occur. Sensitive glue is an option for those with sensitive eyes or allergies, although the longevity of your lashes will be reduced to 2 weeks. Like any other beauty service, eyelash extensions may not be for everyone. The number one goal is to maintain the health of the natural lashes. Clients should alert their technician if at any time during the service, they feel burning or discomfort.
- Bigger is not always better. Eyelash extensions come in a variety of lengths, degree of curl and thickness allowing for customized looks. Although the longer, more lush option is a request from most new clients, the requirements for such styles should be explained thoroughly before applying extensions. The natural lash has to be long and thick enough to hold the weight of the extension without causing premature breakage. A properly trained technician will create a look for each client that will best suite their natural lashes.
- Every person has a unique natural eyelash shedding cycle which lasts on average 90 days. Eyelashes continuously grow, shed and re-grow. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions, when applied correctly, do not hinder or speed up the shedding process. A single extension is applied to one natural hair and during the shedding process, both the extension and natural lash shed together painlessly. Hairs may be more noticeable during the shedding process because they will be bigger with the extension attached. If extensions are not properly applied, there will be a tugging, itching or burning sensation, usually resulting from clumped lashes. If multiple natural lashes are glued to one extension, this can cause hair to prematurely shed and pull out other attached hairs as well, which can be painful.
- A new full set of eyelash extensions should range between $200 to $400 and 2 week refills should cost between $50 to $90+. There are many individuals and business who may offer the service at prices significantly below market rate but the end pay out is usually bigger when the service has to be corrected or causes damage. The growing popularity and demand for the service has encouraged many unqualified individuals to cash in on unknowing clients. The saying “you get what you pay for” is very true in the eyelash extension industry. Individuals interested in the service but don’t want to dish out a couple hundred dollars for the full set should find a reputable salon they trust.
In the case that an individual has received a botched eyelash extension service, immediately seek a certified eyelash extension specialist to have them removed. Extensions should never be removed at home or by anyone not properly trained in the removal process. Ripping extensions off without using an adhesive dissolvent, the proper utensils and technique can result in permanent damage to the natural hair follicle.
Lash Extensions and the things to look for. . .
What you don't want: Beware! These lashes are too long, too thick and the technician used too much adhesive. Everyone wants to go long, but not everyone have the natural lashes to support long lash extensions. Using lashes that are too long, too thick and using too much adhesive CAN damage your natural lashes. If the lash extensions are too heavy for your natural lash - they will droop and cause too much stress at the hair follicle. I had to remove these lashes and apply a new set that were lighter weight, shorter and with less adhesive.
What you do want: Photo of correctly applied and an appropriate length for lash extensions. This is how your lash extensions should look. This is a client of mine - I took the picture from below so you can see lashes applied correctly. One individual lash was isolated and each lash extension was attached to each natural lash 1mm away from the base without touching her skin or the neighboring lashes.
There are less expensive services, but by having your lashes applied by an untrained or careless technician you may be sacrificing quality and the health and integrity of your natural lashes.
There are less expensive services, but by having your lashes applied by an untrained or careless technician you may be sacrificing quality and the health and integrity of your natural lashes.
Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are possible. The redness on the lid indicates an allergic reaction to either the adhesive or the lashes. If you have any animal allergies (to cats, dogs, etc.) you will not be able to have real Siberian Mink fur lash extensions applied.
This reaction didn't appear until the lashes had been on 24 hours. When I removed the mink lashes - the redness and swelling went away immediately. We were able to apply synthetic mink lashes the same day with no reaction. About 3% of individuals also experience allergic reactions to the adhesive.
This reaction didn't appear until the lashes had been on 24 hours. When I removed the mink lashes - the redness and swelling went away immediately. We were able to apply synthetic mink lashes the same day with no reaction. About 3% of individuals also experience allergic reactions to the adhesive.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids where the eyelashes are attached and often the eyelids develop dry, scaly skin and sometimes crusty debris (as shown in this illustration). This can be caused by bacteria, so it is important to avoid touching your lashes and to keep your lashes clean to avoid Blepharitis.
Starting 24 hours after your lash application, you can and should wash your lashes daily with diluted baby shampoo or oil-free cleanser and rinse well. A dedicated eye shadow brush can be used to wash your lashes. I recommend gently brush your lashes after washing (with the mascara wand provided at the time of service).
For more information about Blepharitis: http://www.skinsight.com/adult/blepharitis.htm
Starting 24 hours after your lash application, you can and should wash your lashes daily with diluted baby shampoo or oil-free cleanser and rinse well. A dedicated eye shadow brush can be used to wash your lashes. I recommend gently brush your lashes after washing (with the mascara wand provided at the time of service).
For more information about Blepharitis: http://www.skinsight.com/adult/blepharitis.htm