Eyelash Extensions | FAQ
As you guys know I have been doing lashes now for over 4 years. I get a lot of messages asking about lash extensions so I want to put all of my FAQ’s in one online place for you.
These are my most asked questions regarding eyelash extensions. I hope this helps some of you be prepared for your first time getting lash extensions, gives you some extra information or even gives you some tips to help your retention (i.e how long your lashes last you between fills)
WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
Eyelash extensions are small synthetic hairs that resemble eyelashes. They are mostly made from a synthetic material. This synthetic material is made from a plastic fibre called PBT, Polybutylene Terephthalate. PBT is a type of polyester, that is heated, moulded into the desired lash shape and set as it cools.
In the past eyelash extensions were also be made from mink, yes the animal. These types of lashes are outdated and not used anymore but the name ‘Mink Lashes’ has stuck around. Some businesses will brand themselves as selling Mink lashes but 99.9% of the time, they are just regular PBT lashes. Be aware of any salons charging more for ‘Mink’ or ‘Silk’ lashes, it’s just a marketing ploy!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SILK AND MINK?
Synthetic Silk and Synthetic Mink are made from the same exact material, PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate). Just like in any material there are always different grades of quality in the PBT fibres. One usually has more of a taper, which creates a lighter & softer feel. The other having less of a taper creates a deeper bolder look creating a stronger curl. There are also different curling processes. These different ways to curl the PBT fibres can also impact the way it holds it's curl. Some fibres may have a shiny gloss to them, while others having a more dull, matte finish. Depending on the brands of eyelash extensions that your lash tech uses, every brand of eyelashes look different. Cheaper lashes tend to have a shiner appearance, I’ve found. But it is up to your lash tech and what they choose to work with. Either way, a synthetic lash whether it is called “SILK OR MINK” is made of the same exact material. So any salon charging more for ‘mink’ - when actually using synthetic - are ripping you off.
HOW DO YOU APPLY THEM?
Applying eyelash extensions is a very intricate and detailed skill that takes months to perfect. Using two fine pointed tweezers, one hand isolates an eyelash (singles one of your natural lashes out, readying it to apply the extension) then the second hand takes an eyelash extension, dips it in the glue and places it onto the natural lash. This is the case for classic lash extensions 1:1 - when it comes to volume lashes, instead of one eyelash extension being picked a number of lashes (from 2 - 8 lashes) will be picked and created into a fan using the tweezers, then dipped in glue and applied.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
This can depend on so many factors. Considering the glue that your eyelash technician uses, their technique that they applied them in, and the aftercare advice they give you. But the responsibility is as much yours, your aftercare should be adhered to strictly to get the longest from your lashes. Normally fills are required every 2-3 weeks. This is because naturally you loose 42-63 lashes in the span of 2-3weeks. (The average person has 90-190 lashes per eye) But if you decide that you don’t want to do a refill, the lashes will gradually fall out and it can take up to several weeks for every single eyelash extension to naturally fall out with your own eyelash. It really depends on the person.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY APPOINTMENT?
- First of all come with no makeup on, even foundation, as the lash tech’s hands will be touching your forehead to anchor their hand when placing the extensions and the gel pads under your eyes will remove the foundation with them when they are removed.
- Be prepared to lie down for up to 2 hours, flat on a bed. That is how long classic extension application can take. It is essential to be STILL while the extensions are being put on so if you don’t think you can do this maybe getting lash extensions aren’t for you.
- Your lash tech should discuss styling with you and talk you through what they will do. You should have also filled out a consent form prior to the appointment.
- You must also keep your eyes closed for the full duration of the application, the fumes from the glue being used can cause the eyes to sting, causing them to water, the tears can then cause the lash extensions to bond together instead of 1:1. So please, keep your eyes closed! This included blinking… yes clients blink when their eyes are closed. The best thing to do is just relax and fall asleep, who wouldn't love a 2 hr nap in their day?
- After waking up from your lash nap, you will have gorgeous new lashes.. just like that! MAGIC! Your lash tech will then talk you through your aftercare instructions and may ask you to schedule in for your next appointment for a refill. This is when, after 2-3 weeks you come back in and any lashes that have fallen off will be replaced and any new lashes that have grown long enough will have an extension applied to them too.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED AFTERCARE?
Avoid saunas/steaming for up to 48 hours following your treatment. Frequent use of these, even after 48 hours, can affect lash retention. To ensure long lasting lashes try not to use them frequently and follow the other aftercare tips
Do not pick, pull, rub, tug at the lash extensions. They are glued to your natural lashes. Doing so can cause your natural lashes to be pulled out with the extension.
The use of any products containing oils on or around the lashes is not encouraged. Over time oil will loosen the bond of the adhesive and cause premature shedding.
The use of lash serums before and after your treatment is discouraged. Typically if someone has used growth serums for a period of time and suddenly stops they will notice a big change in their lashes. A big shed of lashes and sparser/thinner lashes growing back. Using lash serums while wearing lash extensions is not encouraged as the chemical that will be sitting on the lash line will affect the bond of the adhesive and cause premature shedding,
You need to cleanse your lashes daily. Please see the video linked below for full instructions on how to clean them. Super important to remember is to use an oil free cleanser. In the video I demonstrate with Micellar water as it’s quite cheap and easily accessible. but, this isn’t the best cleanser to use. If you see yourself sticking with the lashes and wearing them for a long time, invest in a specific lash cleanser, preferably a foaming one.
Never use face wipes, on or around the lashes. The little fibres on the wipes will catch and snag on the lashes. These little fibres can also get stuck in the lashes and can be tricky to get out. The same goes for cotton wool pads and buds. Try to use a flannel, sponge or a microfibre cloth instead to clean your face and a soft eyeshadow brush to clean your lashes like shown in the video.
The use of any mascara on the lash extensions themselves is strongly discouraged. It is impossible to completely clean. If you feel the need to use mascara between refill appointments, book in sooner for your refill.
No strip lashes should be used on top of extensions. The thick latex glue that strip lashes are applied with will clump at the base of your lash extensions. This can be impossible to remove and can act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Avoid sleeping on your face, this can drastically affect retention as the lashes tend to snag on the pillow case.
When arriving to refill appointments, your lashes must have already been cleaned throughly at home. This means removing any build up of oils, sleep, makeup. Any time taken to clean your lashes at the appointment will take away from time spent lashing, meaning.. less lashes
Use caution when blowdrying hair on high heat, opening a hot oven, and near an open flame (Bbq, lighting cigarettes etc) this intense blast of heat can distort the lashes and in some cases singe them at the ends. Remember your lash extensions are a synthetic material, similar to plastic!
Lashes can last, looking full, up to four weeks. However this greatly differs person to person. The vast majority of my clients will come back for refills every three weeks. (1.5hr refill for classic lashes and a 2hr refill for volume - on average) Typically we lose 2-3 lashes everyday naturally so after about 2.5-3 weeks you will notice that the extensions are looking thinner or grown out. If your hair grows quickly, or you have an oily skin type/swim often/use heavy makeup daily this will reduce your retention and mean you need to come back quicker for refills. Generally you need to have about 40% of the extensions remaining to be considered a refill.
Thanks for reading, I get a tonne of questions about lashes so I hope this can answer somethings for you! If you have something that you want answered and it's not here, leave it in the comment below and I'll get back to you!
