Trade Secrets from the Heart of New York State Licensed Aesthetician, Reisa Mehlman
One of the most startling, affordable and quick enhancements are eyelash extensions. With a full set starting at only $99, eyelash extensions right here in beautiful Saratoga Springs can make an amazing difference in your appearance this summer! Clients tell me that lash extensions make you look younger and more awake, and feel more feminine, flirty and girlish.
Wondering how they are applied?
First of all, there is no pain whatsoever during application — and there should not be. That being said, eyelash extensions applied here in Saratoga Springs are applied the same way as everywhere else! Each lash extension is applied to your natural lash on a one-to-one basis. Don’t be fooled by fake lash extensionists who apply cut up strip lashes or clusters which can be very damaging to your natural lashes. Also, be aware that not every “full set” is the same.
I recommend asking how many lashes are being applied to make sure that you are getting what you want! In fact, at Living Well Healing Arts Center and Spa, my sets are applied by the amount of lashes and there are two full sets available: 120 lashes per eye and 240+ lashes per eye. With this in mind, the lashes are applied one-by-one with surgical adhesive, which is formulated to be used in the eye area for this purpose alone.
The application of lash extensions is where true artistry is found, and since there are many lengths, types of curl and thicknesses available, here is where the expert lash extentionist shines. I stock over fifty types of lashes enabling me to create thick, fluffy, natural-looking lashes to frame your eyes.
Can everyone wear them?
Some women are concerned that they don’t have enough lashes to wear extensions; in fact, some women have called me and said that they “don’t have any lashes!” To date, this has not been the case.
Aside from the rare occasion that someone is allergic to adhesive – which can be solved by using hypo-allergenic product, most people can successfully have eyelash extensions. Even those who wear contacts find that lash extensions can be superior to mascara since there is no flaking. And, since extensions are waterproof, you can do everything that you normally do! Best of all, you wake up with them on and this saves precious time in the morning.
Is there a difference in the product and service from one lash company to the other?
I have not noticed any difference in this service from one company to another. I use and recommend Shavasana lashes and technicians, since I have found this company to have superior training and product. So, you can switch from one extensionist to the other without worries. However, be aware that there are low grade products and poorly-skilled technicians out there, so take precautions and go with an extentionist you trust.
Are there risks in having eyelash extensions applied?
As with any other service, it’s important to use a skilled practitioner who implements the highest standards of sanitation and uses quality product, and follow their advice — and yet, generally, there are few risks. I use hospital grade disinfectant to soak my stainless steel tools and anything that is not able to be sanitized, I throw away.
Are eyelash extensions damaging to the natural lash?
In the five years that I have been applying lash extensions in Saratoga Springs, and Ballston Spa, I have not found it to be damaging to natural lashes. Otherwise, as a holistic practitioner – one that considers the health of the whole body – I would not perform this service. Personally, I use only top-quality, formaldehyde-free adhesive and soft lashes of the highest quality. I would caution that you stay on top of this and speak to your lash extensionist and/or discontinue having the service if you feel like your lashes are suffering. I do advise against the use of lash clusters or cut up strip lashes on the natural lash as this may be damaging. On the plus side, I have seen improvement in natural lashes, since lash extensions are not as drying as mascara can be and also you are not rubbing the lashes to remove product.
Do eyelash extensions look natural?
Your lash extensions should be soft and pliable, not clumpy, stuck together, stiff, scratchy or crunchy. Those last descriptors would signify a problem with the application or product. I have also heard of extensions who cut lashes to size after they are applied. I don’t understand this since lashes, by nature, have a tapered shape. The only thing I can think of is that the extensionist does not carry all lash sizes or lacks the expertise to know what size is appropriate.
With the proper application, your lash extensions should be indistinguishable from natural lashes and you will be amazed at how many people will compliment you for your beautiful lashes!
A truly beautiful set of lash extensions is ultimately dependent upon the expertise, artistry and technical ability of the extensionist. With over fifty different lashes I have available in different sizes, curls, colors, and thicknesses, you can feel assured that you will be delighted!
How long do they last? Do I need to do anything special to keep them looking good?
Lashes, just like all hair on the body, have a life cycle and will fall out. Obviously, the lash extension, which is attached to the natural lash, will come off with that hair. Generally, we lose about 20% of our lashes every week. So, generally, touch ups – which start at $35 — are performed every two to three weeks to fill in missing lashes.
Recommendations for keeping your lashes at their best are:
1. Don’t play with them!
2. Refrain from long periods of time in a hot tub or sauna.
3. Don’t use waterproof mascara.
4. Use oil free makeup remover.
Lash extensions are almost weightless and are quite easy to wear. They are a wonderful enhancement that not only makes you look great, but also feel great too!
Questions about lash extentions? Please contact me and we can schedule your free lash assessment!