So everyone around you is getting lashes. They look great! It seems like an interesting idea. Maybe it will shave a little time off of your morning rush, and maybe you will feel a little cuter waking up next to your love interest. But are you ready for the investment?
Listen, I'm not here to talk you out of them. I get paid to put them on, paid to keep them looking nice, and even paid to take them off. But I do want you to know a few things before you decide to get lash extensions, so you can make an educated decision.
I would compare getting lash extensions loosely to getting acrylics. It takes time, it's an extra expense, and it requires some upkeep. Oh, and at first it might feel kind of strange. If you are ready to invest in lashes, I have a few more things to let you know.
Your initial set of lashes can take awhile. Be prepared to spend three hours laying down with your eyes closed, remaining relatively still. This isn't something that can be rushed, you will have sharp tweezers hovering literally right above your closed lids, and potent adhesive being applied to your lash, one by one. Fills take significantly less time, but this can vary based on your retention and your natural lash quantity.
You probably see beautiful sets of full, lush lashes all over social media if your algorithm leans towards beauty trends. Much like taking a picture of some exact cut and color to the hairdresser, your results are going to vary based on what your lash tech has to work with. We can certainly use the same styling, but it doesn't mean you are going to get lashes exactly like anyone else's.
The lash extensions and the lash line need to be kept clean. Dead skin cells, oil, and old makeup not only invite crusties, but can create a breeding ground for lash mites! Ew! I recommend lashes are washed with a formula specifically made for extensions, so as to not break down the adhesive. Once a day is usually sufficient, but if you wear heavy eye makeup or have oily skin, twice a day is recommended.
Your natural lashes can also grow weak and thin out if extensions are applied incorrectly or sets are too heavy. Lashes do grow back, but it can take easily over three to six months for damage repair. You may have to spend even more money getting lash serum.
Extensions do come with real and serious risks. Your lash tech will have you sign waivers and fill out some forms to make sure you are a candidate, but things can still go wrong. You could have a reaction to the tape, the adhesive, maybe even the lash material itself. You can get eye infections, clogged lash follicles, or lash mites to name a few. Even doing your due diligence and choosing a licensed professional and taking care of your extensions doesn't guarantee zero risks.
You may not be a candidate for lash extensions if:
-Your lashes are too delicate or damaged
-You have recently had eye surgery
-You are allergic to adhesive
-You have no lashes
-You have trichotillomania
-You have an eye infection
Speaking from personal experience, if you suffer from claustrophobia, the process of getting lashes will be unbearable. I don't see this mentioned often, but this is why I myself have no extensions!
The good and bad news is that lash extensions are only semi-permanent. Just like the hair on your head, your lashes go through a natural growing, resting, and shedding phase. Your lash tech also has special lash removing cream or gel in case you find extensions just aren't for you.
My best advice is to do your research and choose someone who is licensed, certified, and follows proper cleanliness procedure. Starting with a classic set of lashes will give you a better idea of whether extensions are for you.
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