For years, hair extensions offered solutions for those who wanted long, luxurious locks or more versatility in styling. Those with less than lengthy lashes were forced to rely on makeup techniques and falsies until 2004. That’s the year that lash extensions became commercially available in the US and offered a new, more natural-looking solution.

Although they’re definitely an investment, lash extensions, when properly applied by a trained lash technician, offer a range of looks to suit almost any personal style or need.

What are Lash Extensions?

Since that time, the fashion for false eyelashes has waxed and waned, reaching a zenith during the glam era of the 1960s and the birth of the supermodel. The problem with falsies is that it’s hard to make them look natural. They also tend to be messy, difficult to apply correctly, and they can come loose and flap at the most inopportune times.

So, fashion and beauty researchers continued to look for alternatives, and lash extensions were born. They first became popular in South Korea sometime in the 1990s, but eventually made their way west in the early 2000s.

Thanks in part to social media influencers creating demand, lash technology over the past decade has produced extensions that are created from materials ranging from synthetics to natural fibers like silk and even animal hair. One of the most lux and beautiful materials is mink hair.

How are Lash Extensions Applied?

Lash extensions are applied by hand directly to the ends of existing lashes one at a time using a specially formulated semi-permanent glue. This alone is a good reason why they should be applied by an experienced technician rather than by yourself or a friend.

They’re done in batches of 80 – 140 individual lashes, depending on factors like:

• Length
• Degree of curl
• Natural lash strength and condition
• Customer preference

The lashes are never attached directly to the skin, so application requires a steady hand, attention to detail, and a great deal of patience if you want good results. In order to reach a more naturalistic look, even if you’re going for glam, the technician will often vary the length of individual lashes during the application process.

Prior to getting your first set of extensions, your lash tech will discuss your goals, any lifestyle factors that might interfere with your lashes, such as participation in sports, and the kind of look you hope to achieve. They’ll also cover any risks or possible side effects like the potential for eye irritation or an allergic reaction to the glue or the lash material.

Your eyes will be closed during the application process, and you’ll be instructed to remove your contacts before they begin. Don’t wear any makeup or eye creams prior to your appointment.

The clinician will thoroughly cleanse the lid and your natural lashes before applying the extensions to remove bacteria and make sure that the hairs will properly adhere to the surface. Tape and gel will then be placed on your eyelid to protect the sensitive skin around your eye line.

The whole process takes about 1 – 2 hours as each individual strand is dipped in the glue solution and carefully placed on the end of your natural lash. Lashes are usually applied on a 1:1 ratio, but fuller looks can be achieved by using clusters of 3 – 4 strands per lash. The glue dries very fast, but you’ll probably still have to stay still for about 10 minutes once the full set is in place.

It’s essential that you remain calm and keep your eyes relaxed but fully closed during the entire process, another reason why it’s nearly impossible to place them on your own.

Benefits of Getting Extensions

With lash extensions, you’ll never have to worry about applying coats of mascara. You also won’t need messy serums or ineffectual “cures” for sparse lashes. In fact, you shouldn’t add anything to the lashes if you want them to last. They look great au naturale. They’re also highly customizable and completely waterproof.

The only real disadvantages are the cost, the risk of eye irritation, and the fact that extensions don’t fall out evenly.

Why DIY Lash Extensions are a Bad Idea

The lust for thick, beautiful lashes led women at the turn of the 19th century to try sewing strands of hair into their eye lines and using other methods of improving what nature gave them. Modern women don’t have to go to such drastic measures to get the look.

However, it’s still a bad idea to apply lash extensions yourself.

For one thing, an improper application can cause serious eye issues. If the lashes are too heavy for your lid, it can lead to premature fallout or breakage of your natural lashes. It takes up to six weeks for an eyelash to grow back, so imagine what you might look like for a month and a half with big gaps from damaged lashes.

There are also the unintended consequences of unexpected allergic reactions or corneal damage from an inexperienced hand. Eye infections can happen if the area isn’t properly cleaned. You could also end up with bad results if the lashes are applied by a non-professional. That would result in having to spend more money having them professionally removed and replaced rather than doing it right in the first place.

Your eyes are no place for experimentation. Make sure that your lash technician is a licensed aesthetician rather than a cosmetologist.

Many states also require certification for lash techs. As of this writing, lash extensions are unregulated in:

• Alabama
• Maryland
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Wisconsin

This could change, but it’s still important to find someone who’s qualified, licensed, and has a good track record of positive results wherever you live.

Where to Find High-Quality Lash Extensions

Lash extensions offer an alternative solution to messy mascaras and false eyelashes. If you’re ready to enhance what nature gave you, a lash technician from our facility has a spot for you.

Just give us a call at (720) 499-6460 or visit our website to book an appointment today.