Giving you the skinny on the thick!
Lash extensions originated in Asia and came onto the scene here in the states approximately five or so years ago. I first saw them at a show in Philadelphia, and knew instantly that I had to learn how to apply them as I stood ‘ringside’ (actually, tableside!) and saw the results of this service firsthand.
Lash extensions are applied one by one, extension to lash with surgical adhesive. Recently, I heard that some places are calling the application of flares or strips ‘extensions’ too, but this is not the case. The application of flares or strips with surgical adhesive can lead to all sorts of difficulties as your lashes grow out. However, with one on one lash extensions, the extension falls out with your natural lash.
Extensions come in all sizes, which makes it possible to create looks from completely natural to dramatic.
There are also several different types of adhesive including black and clear. Adhesives are rated for their hold time — from two to nine weeks. Of course, the actual amount of hold time is also affected by the wearer: how you sleep, how you treat the extensions, wearing mascara, natural oils, etc.
I use an adhesive that has a maximum hold time and generally clients come back in for touch ups every three weeks. With this type of schedule, lash extensions are not expensive to maintain and, in fact, cost less per week than buying a fancy coffee drink daily!
Extensions come in several thicknesses too, as well as four different types of curl and a variety of colors. Most popular is black, since most of us wear black mascara. However, there are lashes in dark brown for people who are very fair and all the colors of the rainbow for tipping or highlighting for the adventurous.
Most women in this area want a natural look that allows them a little added length and thickness.
People tell me that extensions make their eyes “pop”, they say they look and feel younger, like they’ve had a face or eye lift, and confide that they feel flirtier. I can attest that I experience these things when I wear them too!
Some of the best things about wearing lash extensions are:
- not having to wear mascara, which is great for those of us who perpetually find it undernearth their eyes or for allergy sufferers.
- waking up with your lashes on — and more than that, since extensions tend to create a dark lash line that acts like a liner. Many women tell me that they add a touch of blush or bronzer and lipstick and are ready to go.
- gaining that extra time that you’d be putting on your mascara.
- feeling and looking just a little more put together and glamorous — right out of bed!
Lash extensions are easy to wear and don’t require any special treatment other than oil free makeup remover or cleanser. I set aside two hours to apply a full set, since I like to cover every available lash! Touch ups generally take an hour. I’ll bet that the thought of getting lashed never sounded so good!