The Complete Guide to Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions have become an increasingly popular way for women to enhance their natural beauty. But are they right for you?

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about eyelash extensions, including the pros and cons, different types, proper care, and what to expect before and after the procedure.

Read on to learn if eyelash extensions might be your next beauty boost!

A Brief History of Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions first became popular in Asia, specifically Japan, in the early 20th century. The earliest form of eyelash extensions used human hair and was a time-consuming process that often took multiple hours. Over time, synthetic fibers and advanced application techniques made eyelash extension application faster and more accessible. By the 1990s, eyelash extensions made their way to Europe and the United States, where the procedure continued gaining popularity. Today, eyelash extension salons can be found in most major cities around the world. With the advent of new technologies and techniques, eyelash extensions keep getting easier, faster, and more natural-looking.

The Allure of Eyelash Extensions

So what’s driving the growing popularity of eyelash extensions? There are several reasons why women are flocking to eyelash extension salons:

Boosted Self-Confidence. Eyelash extensions can provide an instant self-esteem boost by making your eyes appear more open and youthful. Thicker, darker, longer lashes are commonly considered a sign of beauty and femininity. Wearing eyelash extensions can help you feel immediately prettier and more confident.

Time Savings. For women who wear mascara or false lashes daily, eyelash extensions eliminate the need for this time-consuming ritual. Imagine shaving 30 minutes to an hour off your morning makeup routine! Eyelash extensions allow you to wake up looking camera-ready.

Enhanced Natural Beauty. Eyelash extensions build upon your natural lashes to accentuate your eyes. They add length, curl, and volume to your existing lashes to make your eyes pop. When done properly, extensions appear seamless and natural.

Waterproof. Unlike regular mascara, eyelash extensions won’t smudge or run when wet. You can swim, exercise, cry, and get caught in the rain without having to worry about raccoon eyes. Extensions stay in place through it all.

Low Maintenance. As long as you keep up with scheduled fill appointments, eyelash extensions require virtually no daily maintenance. You don’t have to apply mascara or curl your lashes to maintain the look. Extensions cut your makeup routine way down.

Protection for Natural Lashes. Believe it or not, eyelash extensions can protect your natural lashes from breakage and damage caused by eyelash curlers, mascara wands, and other tools. They keep your natural lashes safely cocooned away.

With benefits like these, it’s no wonder women are eager to get in on this beauty-boosting trend. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons, different types of extensions, proper care and upkeep, and other must-know details.

The Potential Downsides of Eyelash Extensions

While the benefits certainly seem enticing, eyelash extensions do come with a few potential downsides to consider:

Cost. Eyelash extensions aren’t cheap. A full set can cost $150-$600 depending on the salon and the intricacy of the extensions. Fills, which are required every 2-3 weeks, cost $50-$100 each time. The costs add up over time.
Maintenance. Although eyelash extensions cut down your daily routine, they do require special care and maintenance. More on proper care later. You also need to commit to visiting the salon every 2-3 weeks for fills to maintain the look.
Damage Risk. Although rare, improperly applied eyelash extensions can potentially damage your natural lashes. Be sure to visit an experienced esthetician. More on choosing a provider later.
Allergic Reactions. In sensitive individuals, the glues and other products used can trigger allergic reactions like redness and itching. Do a patch test before your full application.
Difficulty With Eye Makeup. Many types of eye makeup, especially oil-based products, cannot be worn with eyelash extensions. You have to switch to specialty extension-safe makeup.

While a bit high-maintenance, most women feel the benefits outweigh the cons. But now let’s go over the different extension options so you can pick the right style for you.

Types of Eyelash Extension Styles

There are a few different types of eyelash extensions available. The extensions are categorized based on volume and curl:

Classic Eyelash Extensions

This style attaches a single synthetic eyelash extension to each of your natural lashes. The result is a natural yet glamorous look that adds subtle length and thickness. Classic extensions require 30-80 lashes per eye. They last 4-6 weeks.

Volume Eyelash Extensions

Volume lashes involve attaching multiple super-fine synthetic lash hairs to each natural lash. This achieves a luscious, voluminous look. Volume sets require 150-400 lashes per eye and last 4-6 weeks.

Hybrid Eyelash Extensions

This style combines classic and volume lashes for a customized look. The esthetician will use volume lashes towards the outer corners of the eyes and classic lashes towards the inner corners for optimal openness and fullness. Hybrid sets utilize 50-100 lashes per eye.

Curl Types

In addition to volume, technicians can also customize the curl of the synthetic extensions:

J Curl: This deep curl opens up the eyes wider for a bright, awake look. J curls are best for rounder eyes.
B Curl: The subtle, natural-looking curl works well for most eye shapes. B curl is the most popular.
C Curl: This curl lifts the lashes while keeping a relatively flat shape. C curls pair well with monoids.
L Curl: The L shape curls the lashes down and back instead of up for a cat-eye look. L curls accentuate smaller eyes.
D Curl: Think subtle doll-eye. The D curl lifts at the base of the lash line before curving back down. Great for wide-set eyes.

Your esthetician will help you select the optimal style, curl, and volume level based on your natural lashes and desired look. Now let’s go over how to properly care for your new bombshell lashes.

Caring for Your Eyelash Extensions

To get the most life out of your eyelash extensions and avoid potential damage, you must care for them properly. Follow these rules:

Avoid Oil-Based Products. Oil breaks down the adhesive bond causing early shedding. Avoid oil-based makeup, cleansers, masks, and serums. Use only extension-safe products.
Don’t Rub Your Eyes. Rubbing aggressively can cause the extensions to shed prematurely. Gently wipe your eyes if needed.
Brush Lashes Downward. Use an approved extension-safe lash comb or brush daily to keep lashes separated and remove any trapped dirt or oil. Never brush up.
Keep Lashes Dry. Avoid direct contact with water when bathing, swimming, or showering. The water can loosen the bonds. Keep your face/eyes pointed up and out of the stream.
Avoid Excessive Heat. The heat from showers, saunas, etc. can damage the extensions. Keep exposure to high heat limited.
No Eyelash Curlers. Curlers can bend the extensions and cause them to shed quickly. Avoid crimping the lashes.
See Your Esthetician Regularly. Fill appointments every 2-3 weeks are critical for maintaining your set. New growth coming in will damage extensions. Stay on top of fills.

Follow this aftercare regimen carefully to get over a month of wear out of your new extensions. Next, let’s go over what to expect at your initial eyelash extension appointment and immediately after.

Before and After the Eyelash Extension Procedure

Here’s a rundown of what typically takes place before, during, and after getting a new set of eyelash extensions:

Before the Appointment

Show up to your appointment with clean dry lashes. No eye makeup should be worn on the day of your application.
Do not curl your natural lashes before the procedure. Go in with straight lashes.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete consent forms and discuss the desired look with your esthetician. Bring glasses if you need them to see the styles.
The esthetician will cleanse and dry your lashes and eyes. They may trim your natural lashes if needed to prep them.

During the Appointment

You will lie comfortably with your eyes closed during the 1-3 hour application process.
The esthetician will isolate and adhere individual or clusters of extensions to each natural lash, building outward.

After the Appointment

Avoid getting the lashes wet for 24-48 hours to allow bonds to cure completely.
No oil-based products near the eyes for another 24 hours. Follow all aftercare steps.
Sunglasses are ideal anytime you are outside to avoid dust getting trapped in lashes.
You may feel a slight heaviness as you adjust to the new extensions. This sensation should fade within a couple days.
Make sure to schedule your fill appointment in 2-3 weeks before the new growth begins to damage extensions.
Contact your esthetician with any concerns like itching, redness, or excessive shedding which could indicate a reaction.

With the proper prep, aftercare, and maintenance, your new extensions should provide 4-8 weeks of enhanced beauty before needing to be removed and reapplied.

Now let’s go over how to select the right esthetician or salon to perform your eyelash extension application. Choosing where to go is an important decision.

Choosing an Eyelash Extension Technician

With the popularity of extensions on the rise, more and more technicians are offering applications. But not all have the skill, experience, and standards you want when dealing with your eyes. Here are tips for choosing wisely:

Look for Experience. Ask how long the esthetician has been applying lashes specifically. You want 2-3 years minimum.
View Their Portfolio. Reputable lash artists will have plenty of before/after photos showcasing their work. Look for crisp application and proper technique.
Read Reviews. Check online reviews and ask for referrals from happy clients. Good word of mouth is telling.
Ask About Safety Standards. Proper sanitation, adhesive ingredients, isolated lashes, and curing times are essential. Make sure standards align with industry best practices.
Beware of Deals. Heavily discounted applications may signal inexperienced providers or risky cutting of corners. Pay a fair rate for quality applications and materials.
Confirm Certification. Estheticians and cosmetologists should have specialized certifications in eyelash extensions from reputable academies like Xtreme Lashes or Lavish Lashes.

Do your due diligence to protect the health of your eyes and lashes. Always visit an insured, licensed, and well-trained technician.

Pros and Cons: Are Eyelash Extensions Right for You?

We’ve covered a ton of must-know info about eyelash extensions. So are they ultimately right for you? Here’s a quick pros vs cons recap:

Pros:

Boost self-confidence
Save time applying makeup
Enhance natural beauty
Work well for activities like swimming
Protect natural lashes from mascara damage
Require little daily maintenance

Cons:

Expensive compared to drugstore mascara
Require salon fill appointments every 2-3 weeks
Limit types of makeup that can be worn
Small risk of allergic reaction
Chance of natural lash damage if applied improperly

For most women seeking to amplify their natural eyelash beauty, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. Eyelash extensions are an investment that pays off with confidence.

The Takeaway

Eyelash extensions allow women to play up their eyes safely and semi-permanently. With proper application by a qualified esthetician and careful at-home care, extensions can last 4 weeks or longer before needing to filled. The variety of lengths, curls, and volume levels allow clients to customize a look that flatters their eyes perfectly. While a bit high maintenance, most women feel the time and money required are well worth it for the instant beauty boost extensions provide. So if you’ve been thinking about enhancing your lashes, remember the tips in this guide, do your research, and treat yourself to an eyelash extension application. Your eyes will thank you!

FAQs

How long do eyelash extensions last?

With proper care, a full set of eyelash extensions typically lasts 4-6 weeks before needing to be filled. Frequent fills every 2-3 weeks are required to prevent damage and add life.

Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?

When applied correctly using approved adhesives, eyelash extensions do not damage natural lashes. However, choosing an inexperienced technician or improper aftercare can increase the risk of breakage and loss. Proper application and care are key.

Can you wear mascara with eyelash extensions?

Oil-based mascaras cannot be worn with eyelash extensions as the oil breaks down the adhesive bonds. Specialty extension-safe mascaras or clear mascaras are recommended for use with extensions.

How often do you need to get eyelash extensions filled?

Fill appointments are required every 2-3 weeks. This periodic fill maintenance preserves the fullness and prevents the natural lashes growing in from breaking the extensions.

Can you get eyelash extensions wet?

It’s best to avoid getting eyelash extensions wet for the first 24-48 hours after application. After that, you can get them wet but should avoid direct high-pressure spray to the lashes like in showers. Take care not to submerge the lashes in bath water.

Are eyelash extensions suitable for sensitive eyes?

For most people with sensitive eyes, eyelash extensions are well-tolerated as long as a reputable adhesive is used. However, individuals with severe allergies or conditions like blepharitis should exercise caution or avoid extensions. Do an adhesive patch test prior.

How much do eyelash extensions cost?

The cost of eyelash extensions ranges widely based on the salon, the technician’s experience level, the area, the type/volume of extensions, and other factors. Expect to spend $150-$600 for a full set. Fill prices range from $50-$100 usually.

Do eyelash extensions look natural?

When properly applied by an experienced esthetician, eyelash extensions can look quite natural, just like an enhanced version of your real lashes. Choosing the right curl, volume, and application technique helps extensions appear seamless.

Eyelash extensions allow women to play up their eyes safely and semi-permanently. With proper application by a qualified esthetician and careful at-home care, extensions can last 4 weeks or longer before needing to be filled. The variety of lengths, curls, and volume levels allow clients to customize a look that flatters their eyes perfectly. While a bit high maintenance, most women feel the time and money required are well worth it for the instant beauty boost extensions provide. So if you’ve been thinking about enhancing your lashes, remember the tips in this guide, do your research, and treat yourself to an eyelash extension application. Your eyes will thank you!