Beauty: Every Question You've Ever Had About Lash Extensions Answered

Let's face it, who doesn't want eyelashes that are a bit thicker, more fluttery, and luscious? Thankfully, these days there are a number of options to enhance your fringe, whether that's with a good mascara or a pair of false eyelashes. Don't want to have to deal with mascara or falsies every day? There is another, longer-lived option: eyelash extensions.

Like long-wearing fake eyelashes, extensions are designed to lift and enhance the shape of your eye-think of it as contouring but for your peepers. And, as a bonus, once you have them applied, you really don't need to worry about slapping on eyeliner or eye makeup, as the work of getting a dramatic lash line has already been done for you.

Given that eyelash extensions tend to be more of an investment than your go-to tube of mascara, we tapped lash stylist extraordinaire (she counts Mary J. Blige amongst her many happy clients) Clementina Richardson of NYC's Envious Lashes to give the rundown on absolutely everything you need to know about the process. Read on.

 

What are lash extensions?

Lash extensions are semi-permanent, synthetic, faux mink or silk fibers that are applied strand by strand with specially formulated non-irritating glue to your own lashes to enhance your eye shape.

Traditional false eyelashes, which you remove after each use, are applied directly to the skin and have pre-designed depth and layers that don't take your unique eye shape into account. Extensions, on the other hand, attach to the lashes themselves, so they grow out naturally and can be customized to

create specific depth and elongation to your eye shape for the exact effect you crave.

 

Is there anything you should do before getting extensions?

Richardson advises that the stronger your natural lashes are the better. If you already have healthy growth, extensions will hold better and the overall appearance of your set will look better, too. Vitamins for your hair, nails and skin are a good for maintaining optimal lash health, with or without a set of extensions.

 

How much do they cost?

Prices vary depending on where you go and the level of experience of your lash stylist - as well as with the volume you desire. At Envious Lashes prices range anywhere from $105 to $550 a set.

 

Do lash extensions damage your natural lashes?

Simply put: no, extensions alone will not cause damage to your natural lashes. According to Richardson, lashes can be damaged as a result of improper extension application or by the stylist not selecting the correct type of extension based on the conditions of the natural lash.

"There are a few main factors that contribute to this problem," she says. "For example, applying lashes that are too heavy for the natural lash will ultimately end in premature shedding." She adds that, "Rubbing your eyes will also result in immediate breakage."

 

Can you wear mascara them?

Richardson advises that you don't wear mascara while you have extensions, even though you technically can. Keep in mind that it is hard to remove and might cause the bonding on the extensions to break. Another key piece of advice, "if you need to wear mascara on your lower lashes, avoid waterproof mascaras."

 

How long can you keep extensions on for?

"With proper care extensions can last up to 6 weeks before they shed. The shedding cycle will happen in tandem with your natural hair-growth cycle, which generally turns over around every 6 to 8 weeks," says Richardson. To maintain the full-lashed effect in the long term, refills are a great way to extend the life of your lashes and are recommended every 2 to 3 weeks.

 

What are the best products to maintain your extensions?

Richardson suggests that extension wearers use a lash conditioning serum in between appointments.

 

Is there anything you shouldn't do when you have extensions?

"Never ever use a mechanical eyelash curler with your extensions, it can break them." Richardson suggests using a heated eyelash curler to gently lift them instead.
Other things to avoid: oil based products and heavy creams around the eyes. And if you can, try to avoid touching your extensions.

 

Can you sleep on your face with lash extensions?

Richardson recommends sleeping on your side, and if you can, "switch to a silk or satin pillowcase because cotton can cause snagging."

 

Can you swim with extensions?

If you're going to hop in the pool or the ocean, apply a protective coating (many brands have them, including Envious Lashes) and then brush out the excess water after your swim with a spoolie brush. You can wear goggles if you want, but according to Richardson, you are also safe to skip them.

 

Will getting lashes wet in the shower damage your extensions?

Only for the first 48 hours after getting them. You need to avoid steam and wetting your lashes during that period. Of course, you can wash your face and take a shower, but take caution that no water touches your lashes.

 

How should you remove your makeup with lash extensions on?

"Just like you would with your blowouts, be gentle with your extensions," says Richardson. Be careful not to tug or pull at them while washing your face.

 

Can you use regular eye makeup remover?

If you're removing your eye makeup with cleanser, it should be oil-free. That goes for makeup remover too.

 

Is it safe to trim your lash extensions?

"Even if you want a more natural look, I advise that you don't cut the extensions after they have been applied. It will result in a blunt, unnatural appearance. Choose the correct lengths at the time of consultation," she says.

 

Any ingredients in beauty products that should be avoided while wearing lash extensions?

As you might have picked up on already, oil-based products are to be avoided at all costs when it comes to maintaining your extensions. "If you ignore this rule, your lash extensions' life span will be shortened to 3 to 5 days. If you're making this kind of investment in your lashes in the first place, you surely don't want them to go to waste by ruining them with an oil-based product," says Richardson.

Credit:  Town & Country