Lash out Babes | everything you need to know about lash extensions

Goodbye Mascara, hello extensions! Gone are the days of morning after racoon eyes, dried mascara bits sitting on your cheeks or jumping in the pool with your kids and then realizing that you wore mascara and you probably now resemble that of a horror show protagonist! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I LOVE the decision to invest in great lash extensions. A few weeks ago I posted a photo on instagram proclaiming my love for my extensions and my lash tech. After receiving many DM’s about extensions, I decided it would be a great topic to discuss on my blog and I invited Amanda with Muse and Maven to educate and answer all those great questions!

Before we get started on answering those questions however, I do want to also shout out an incredible product Amanda carries that I have also been using in turn with extensions. The product is called EyEnvy and I started using it about 2 months ago and it has not only helped my lashes stay strong and heathy but it also has helped in the up keep of my extensions. The serum contains a number of ingredients to help condition, strengthen, and repair damaged hairs; plus it offers many other benefits. As you can see from the close up in the above photo, my natural lashes are now super long and strong. Alright, let’s leave the rest to the pro………

Amanda Babe, take it away!!!!

Hey Ladies!  My name is Amanda and I am the founder of Muse + Maven.  I created this company out of a need to provide a highly specialized lash extension service to women in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas of the Lower Mainland.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lash extensions; every set needs to be designed specifically for each client.  This is why I provide an individualized consultation to every client to determine the best lengths, curls and thicknesses to use in order to create the most flattering, drop-dead-gorgeous look.  Every set of eyes is unique; and so every set of lashes should be too!

I practice damage-free eyelash extension application using professional materials and techniques that will guarantee your natural lash health in the long term. As Brandie mentioned, there are many commonly asked questions when it comes to your lashes and getting professional lash extensions and I want to be sure to answer all of them so that you can be well educated on this topic. Please feel free to comment below if there is anything I haven’t answered that you are still wondering about.

Q: Will eyelash extensions ruin my natural lashes?

A: Short answer: Not if they’re applied properly.

Long answer: It is sadly true that in the past (and still today!!!) damaged lashes were pretty common with eyelash extensions. However, now that better materials and application techniques are available, eyelash extensions will not damage lashes if they are applied safely by a well-trained lash tech.

Q: I saw an eyelash extension in the sink in the morning with my lash attached to it! Are the extensions making my lashes fall out?

A: Rest assured, it is not the extension causing your lash to fall out. Every natural eyelash is on its own pre-determined growth cycle, just like hair on your head. The difference is, the eyelash growth cycle is much shorter in which the lash grows, rests, and then sheds. We lose on average 3-5 lashes per day, per eye so it is normal and healthy to see a few lashes shedding. We just don’t normally notice natural lashes shedding because they’re so tiny. It’s much easier to see the thicker, darker extensions when they fall out – and go into your sink!

Q: I looked at my lashes in the mirror and my lashes have breakage. What’s going on?

A: The shorter, finer lashes you’re seeing in between the extensions is new growth, not broken lashes. All mature lashes will eventually shed and be replaced by new growth. This happens in different patterns for everyone – some shed in patches, some shed more evenly and some go weeks without shedding much only to have a big shed all at once! These tiny new lashes are too small for extensions to be applied to, so a conscientious tech will let these grow and become stronger before placing an extensions on them. So, it is normal to see tiny lashes in between the extensions. Let those babies grow!

Q: My friend said her extensions damaged her lashes. What could have happened?

A: What will cause damage:
Extensions that are too long, too thick, too heavy. This puts strain on the hair follicle and will weaken it over time.
Poor application where multiple natural lashes are glued together. Lashes grow at different rates so a growing lash that is glued to a mature lash will pull and put tension on the follicle and can be quite uncomfortable.
Picking or pulling at the extensions – self explanatory!
Trying to remove extensions at home. Let your tech do this (usually free of charge) to avoid pulling out your own lashes.

Q: Can I go swimming with eyelash extensions?

A: Yes! This is why they’re great for vacation since you can forget about raccoon eyes in the pool or damaging waterproof mascara.

Once the glue has cured which usually is within the first 24 hours after application, then the bond is completely waterproof and safe to go in the pool. Now keep in mind that friction can cause the glue bond to break down prematurely so being rough on them in the water (like diving, swimming laps daily etc) may lead to extension loss sooner.

Q: How long will they last?

A: It depends on genetics and aftercare. It also depends on lash tech skill.

Genetics determine how fast your natural lashes grow and shed. If you have a slow lash cycle then the extensions will last longer. No one knows what their natural lash cycle is until they get their lashes done.

As far as aftercare – no products containing oil or friction on the lashes (like sleeping on your face). Limit makeup use.

A well trained tech will use only the best products and application methods to ensure maximum longevity of the extensions. Poor application or materials can cause weak bonding which will mean the extensions will fall off sooner. Make sure your tech has training from and uses reputable brands that are easily researched online.

So, you can use the analogy of nails to lashes – if your nails grow fast or if you’re rough on your hands then you’ll need a new manicure sooner. Ditto if the nail tech didn’t prep your nails properly or uses cheap products.

Q: How can I lengthen the lifespan of my extensions?

A: Proper care of your lash extensions is essential to good lash retention. Here are some things you can do to help keep your lashes looking their best:

1. Always cleanse with an extension friendly cleanser. I cannot stress this enough. Dirt and oil accumulating in the lash line can lead to premature lash loss and is not healthy. I compare unwashed lashes to an un-vacuumed carpet – yuck!

2. Ask your lash tech to ensure that products like mascara, eyeliner, and face cream are extension friendly and oil-free before using them. Even if you aren’t using oil based products right around your eyes, it will find a way onto your lashes (from rinsing, from inadvertently touching, from your hair, from your pillow…etc.)

3. Friction is one of the main reasons lash extensions fall out prematurely – whether that’s from sleeping on your face, or from rubbing/pulling on them with your fingers. So hands off – you’ll keep from introducing more oil, dirt and bacteria to your eyes!

 

Q: I heard that our lashes go through a natural shed 1-2 times a year in the fall and spring. Is this really true?

A: When I tell clients about this the usual response is “like dogs?”. Yes – we go through seasonal hair loss just like dogs and other animals. You probably notice the hair on your head shedding more in the spring and fall – but you normally wont notice eyelashes shedding at a faster rate in these months. Until you get extensions!

It’s funny until you notice those gorgeous lashes you just bought looking a bit sparser. But don’t worry! As a lash tech I’ve seen it year after year – and let me tell you it is temporary and completely normal. How to cope:

-Schedule your fills regularly, at perhaps closer intervals so your tech can cover gaps
-Schedule more time for your fills so your tech can work their magic to create the appearance of more fullness
-Don’t panic – it will pass in around 6 weeks

I’m a science chick so for those wanting to know the “why”: in climates where there’s more seasonal variation (like when theres a definite difference between spring, summer, fall and winter) our bodies hold onto more hair in the summer months for protection. Because of the way hair growth cycles work, this means that in the spring more hair needs to shed to get ready to produce more mature hair for summer. And likewise in the fall, our bodies can wind down non-essential hair production in preparation for energy conservation for the cold winter! Interesting stuff! (nerdy emoji goes here LOL)

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Thanks Amanda!!! Who knew there would be so much to learn about lashes! I really appreciate you coming on to help educate us all and I hope everyone was able to have their questions better answered by a true lash tech! My only warning to you all is to watch out… they are MIGHTY addictive! Later Ladies ?