Eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to enhance the appearance of natural lashes. Whether you’re looking to add length, volume, or both, eyelash extensions can be a great option.
However, not all eyelash extensions are created equal. There are good eyelash extensions and bad eyelash extensions. It’s important to know the difference in order to get the best results.
First, let’s define what we mean by “good” and “bad” eyelash extensions.
Signs of Good and Bad Eyelash Extensions
Good eyelash extensions are applied properly, using high-quality materials and techniques. These types of extensions will look natural and feel comfortable, and they will last for a reasonable amount of time without causing any damage to the natural lashes.
On the other hand, bad eyelash extensions are poorly applied, using low-quality materials and techniques. These types of extensions may look fake or unnatural, and they may cause irritation or damage to the natural lashes.
So, what makes a good eyelash extension? There are several factors to consider depending on the type of lash extension you choose.
This blog post is based on my experience going to the Amazing Lash Studio. Like any beauty procedure, for best results, get a recommendation from a friend or check out before and after pictures online.
Signs of Good Eyelash Extensions
1. Quality of materials
Good eyelash extensions are made from high-quality materials that are safe and comfortable to wear.
The best eyelash extensions are made from synthetic fibers that are similar in appearance and texture to natural lashes. These fibers should be soft, flexible, and durable, and they should be able to withstand the natural movements of the eyes without breaking or falling out.
2. Application technique
Good eyelash extensions are applied by trained and experienced professionals who use proper techniques to ensure that the extensions are applied safely and correctly.
This includes using the right amount of adhesive and placing the extensions at the appropriate angle and distance from the natural lashes.
3. Natural appearance
Good eyelash extensions should look natural and blend seamlessly with natural lashes. They should not look fake or unnatural, and they should not be so long or thick that they weigh down the natural lashes or cause them to bend or curl in an unnatural way.
4. Comfort
Good eyelash extensions should be comfortable to wear and should not cause any irritation or discomfort.
They should not feel heavy or cumbersome, and they should not cause the eyes to water or become red or swollen. Be sure your lash artist is considering your eye shape during the lash application process.
5. Longevity
Good eyelash extensions should last for a reasonable amount of time without requiring frequent touch-ups or maintenance. This will depend on the individual’s natural lash growth cycle, as well as the quality of the extensions and the care they receive.
Like the growth of your nails, you should need a touch-up or refill every three to four weeks. They grow out with your natural lash cycle.
Signs of Bad Eyelash Extensions
Now, let’s talk about the characteristics of bad eyelash extensions. These are the types of extensions that you want to avoid.
1. Poor quality materials
Bad eyelash extensions are often made from low-quality materials that are not suitable for use on the eyes. These materials may be rough, brittle, or stiff, and they may cause irritation or damage to the natural lashes.
Strip lashes are meant to be glued on and taken off daily. These are not recommended for long term use. Cluster lashes can work, but they must be very small clusters.
2. Inadequate application technique
Bad eyelash extensions are often applied by untrained or inexperienced professionals who do not use proper techniques.
This can result in extensions that are placed too close to the skin, too far from the natural lashes or hair follicle, at the wrong angle, or in different directions. These types of extensions may fall out easily or cause irritation or damage to the natural lashes.
Premature shedding and using too much glue may also be a signs of poor application or bad lash extensions.
3. Unnatural appearance
Bad eyelash extensions may look fake or unnatural, with a distinct artificial appearance that is obvious to others. They may be too long, too thick, or too curly, and they may be poorly matched to the natural lashes in terms of color and texture.
4. Discomfort
Bad eyelash extensions may be uncomfortable to wear, causing the eyes to water, become red or swollen, or feel heavy or cumbersome. They may also cause irritation or an allergic reaction due to the eyelash adhesives around the eye area.
By being aware of these signs, you can ensure that you get a good lash technician to put on fake eyelashes. My favorite part about having them = less eye makeup is needed because you always look ready!
What else can you expect?
The First Time You Get Lash Extensions
1. Consultation
Before the lash extension application, you will have a consultation with your lash professional to discuss the look you want to achieve and the length and thickness of the false eyelashes that will be used.
2. Preparation
Your lash artist will clean your natural eyelashes and apply a permanent lash glue-based adhesive to the extensions.
3. Application
The extensions will be applied one by one to your natural lashes using tweezers. This process can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the type of lash extension and the number of extensions being applied.
4. Aftercare
Your lash artist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your lash extensions, including how to clean them and avoid getting them wet in the first 24 hours. They may also recommend a specific type of mascara or cleanser to use on the extensions.
Something I learned the hard way is to be very mindful of how much makeup remover gets near your new false lashes. The oils from things like makeup removers can loosen up the glue used to keep your new lashes in place and they won’t last as long.
For this reason, you also can not use growth serums on your own natural lashes if you have semi-permanent lashes on. It will make them fall out pretty quickly.
It is important to follow these aftercare instructions carefully to ensure that your lash extensions last as long as possible and maintain their natural-looking appearance.
Why I Stopped Getting Lash Extensions
I loved the way my longer lashes looked. My natural lash length isn’t too long and because I don’t have sensitive eyes, the individual lashes made of faux mink were amazing.
However, the lash industry isn’t a cheap one. The membership was close to $100 a month, but more than that, I had a hard time just laying there for an hour. Writing this sounds ridiculous, but when I was seeing a lash professional every three weeks, I had a lot on my plate and felt like I was wasting time.
Plus, the taping down of my lower lashes was super uncomfortable for me.
The biggest reason I have had shorter lashes in the last few years is that my natural lash length was getting worse. I think the synthetic materials were damaging my natural eyelashes and I saw some lash loss. That scared me. No permanent damage was done. I started using eyelash growth serum when I stopped getting a full set of lashes each month and they grew back.
Writing this blog post has made me want to revisit getting the full lash effect again. I’m telling you – good lash extensions look amazing all time.
Why Not Just Get a Lash Lift?
Perms are back in style… for your eyelashes that it.
A lash lift is a cosmetic treatment that helps to give the appearance of longer, thicker, and more lifted lashes. It is a more natural alternative to lash extensions and is a great option for those who have straight or downward-facing natural lashes.
Eyelash extensions give a more dramatic result but require additional maintenance.
The lash lift process involves using a perming solution to reshape the natural lashes and give them a lifted appearance. The treatment is usually done by a trained lash professional and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
One of the benefits of a lash lift is that it is a low-maintenance option for enhancing the appearance of your lashes. The results can last for 6-8 weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle and how well you care for your lashes.
When Should you Get a Lash Lift?
- If you have straight or downward-facing natural lashes
A lash lift can help to give your natural lashes a more lifted and defined appearance.
- If you want a more natural alternative to lash extensions
Lash extensions can be high maintenance and may not be suitable for everyone. A lash lift is a more natural alternative that can give you a similar effect without the need for frequent touch-ups.
- If you have short or thin lashes
A lash lift can help to give the appearance of longer and thicker lashes, even if your natural lashes are short or thin.
Overall, a lash lift is a great option for those who want to enhance the appearance of their lashes without the need for daily maintenance. It is a quick and easy treatment that can give you longer, thicker, and more lifted lashes for weeks at a time.
Plus, if you wash your face aggressively, as I do, you do not need to worry about extensions falling out.
If you’re visiting lash experts in your neck of the woods, let me know what’s working for you on social media at @ChristinaAllDay.
If you’re interested in more of what I’m getting done, check out this blog post on whether or not you should get lip injections or a lip flip with Botox.
