You’ve heard about nail extensions, you’ve heard about hair extensions… but have you heard about eyelash extensions?
We’ve all seen the horror stories. Fake eyelashes badly placed on, so big they look like spiders on your face, or even worse, falling off half way through a night out. It’s no wonder that many of our clients come to us with lots of questions, understandably nervous about ending up with a look that is unnatural and doesn’t suit them.
Well, before you start out on your lash journey or even set foot inside a lash boutique, let us clear up some common questions – and myths – so you know exactly what eyelash extensions really are.
What are eyelash extensions
Eyelash extensions are individual lashes that come in a variety of thickness, length and curl, to enhance your natural look. They are held in place with specially developed, semi-permanent glue and can last as long as 3 – 4 weeks with the proper aftercare.
We use beautifully crafted mink lashes (though don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of these lashes) that are secured directly to your own lashes to create as ‘natural and wispy’ or ‘thick and fluffy’ a look as you would like.
What is the difference between false eyelashes and eyelash extensions?
The false lashes you can buy on the high street are mass-produced, single-use products. It’s like the difference between buying off the rack versus a well tailored suit – yes it might work for a quick fix, but to really look your best, it should be perfected to fit you. Eyelash extensions are individual lashes that are designed to suit your look and create a bespoke, semi-permanent make-up look that will have you looking and feeling your best.
I still want to look like me – will eyelash extensions suit me?
All of our appointments start with a bespoke consultation with one of our specialist lash technicians. They will work with you to help design a bespoke lash set that suits you and the look you want. The best lash technicians work with a mixture of lash styles that take your face and eye shape into consideration as well as your desired look.
We offer a number of different sets so you have plenty to choose from – classic lashes, hybrid lashes and russian lashes. See our services for more information about the different styles. Our techs mix a variety of thickness, length and curl that best works for you, so no two sets of lashes are ever the same.
How long will it take?
Depending on the lash style you are going for, a full set can be anything from 60 – 90 minutes. Because each set is bespoke, it’s important to allow enough time to design and build your set. The best lash technicians will make sure to book enough time for this, so you don’t feel rushed, and can make any amends if needed.
Are they expensive?
Like any beauty treatment, you get what you pay for. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – and this could cost more than just your wallet. By choosing cheap eyelashes, you could end up with lash extensions that are rushed, poorly suited to you or badly applied. Cheap eyelash extensions might also be applied using poor quality products and could do long-term damage to your lashes. The most important thing is to make sure you have researched your lash boutique, and you’re happy with the quality of the products, the experience of the lash technicians and that you’ve had a consultation and patch test to ensure your lashes will be protected and cared for.
But could eyelash extensions cause damage? How do I care for them?
When properly looked after, eyelash extensions shouldn’t cause any damage. This means choosing expert lash technicians who will advise you and help to protect and care for your lashes. The lashes should be correctly applied with specially formulated products and you will be advised on appropriate aftercare products based on the brands that the salon or tech uses.
For example, we love Eyelash Emporium Lash Wash to keep the lash extensions healthy and long-lasting and to prevent any bacterial build-up that might affect your lash health. Just like the hair on your head, your lashes love a good wash and brush, so we also provide you with a special lash spoolie to give them a good comb once a day.
How often do I have to have eyelash extensions done?
Just like nail extensions or getting your hair dyed, your lash extensions will start to grow out and will need a top-up or ‘infill’. Depending on your rate of growth and lash turnover cycle, we recommend infills every 2 – 3 weeks, to keep them healthy and looking their best. The best eyelash extensions can also benefit from a lash serum applied along the root, to keep the natural lash strong and healthy. We love UK Lash Serum, which is fortified with plenty of vitamins and peptides to boost your natural lash health.
So… can I stop wearing mascara now??
Eyelash extensions can be worn with or without mascara, but to make sure you get the best out of your lashes, speak to your lash tech or salon about the most appropriate products. UK Lash Mascara for example is specially formulated to work with eyelash extensions to keep them long, strong and healthy even if you want a fuller, more dramatic look.
So there we have it. A simple guide to the basics of getting started on your lash journey. It’s important to do your research – lash extensions can be pretty addictive once you get started, so think about it like getting into a long-term relationship with your tech or lash boutique! You want to know they are as invested in you as you are in them 💕
For more information about eyelash extensions, book in for a bespoke consultation now.
