How do Eyelash Extentions Work?

A few people have been asking me about eyelash extensions and how they work so I figured that many of you are wondering about them as well. I had a full set of eyelash extensions applied about a year ago when a colleague of mine asked if I wanted a full set for free.  I  jumped at the chance.

Eyelash extensions are individual lashes, usually made out of silk, mink or polyester, that are glued to your own lashes giving you a natural full look without having to use mascara. The amount of time the extensions last varies due to your natural growth hair cycle and lifestyle but can last anywhere from 2-8 weeks. Fills are required every 3-4 weeks (can also vary) to keep your extensions looking their best.

The glue is safe for use around the eyes and is waterproof so you don’t have to worry as they can get wet.  Here are the ingredients in the glue from the Materials Fact Data Sheet for one brand and if you can decipher it’s chemistry you can view it here.

The entire process took about 2 1/2 hours, but she was just learning and she got faster as she got better at applying them. (Note: this is not something you can do yourself, you must see a pro.) The process itself is comfortable as you are lying back in a chair the whole time. The only uncomfortable part are these little half-moon sticky pads that are applied under the eye to protect the skin and make your lashes visible. Using tweezers and a swift light touch, my friend tediously glued on over 300 lashes to my lids (she said she had no idea I had that many lashes) and I was batting Bambi-lashes for weeks. They really are beautiful if applied well. The look of extensions is really natural and although you can use mascara a lot of women choose not to with extensions. Since a first time full set will cost you at least $300+ I would expect nothing less.

But, they do require very specific care: mascaras, if used must be oil free and water soluble and only 1-2 coats max. Cleansers must also be oil-free and typically milky cleansers are no good for extensions. The reason being that you are trying to keep your extensions for as long as possible and mineral oils will weaken the integrity of the glue. Also, you must be careful as to how you wash your face and eye area, scrubbing your eyes can also tear them out with your own lash along for the ride (ouch). I found that cleaning the area around my eye with a Q-Tip was the best method but it was so much more time consuming so eventually I just scrubbed anyway. Yes, they did fall out faster.

Another thing to consider is that without the fills, you will have some serious holes in your lash line as they start to fall out so its kind of a commitment. As mine were falling out ( I just love wearing mascara too much to keep it up) there were a few that just wouldn’t come off and boy, were they troopers. Those suckers held on for 8 weeks.