What are Lash Extensions all about?

 Why is is that men and children always have the most beautiful, long eyelashes and us women who really want them never seem to be able to achieve the same look no matter how many coats of primer and mascara we put on?!?  So not fair!  But I'm here to tell you that that voluminous look you are yearning for isn't out of reach thanks to the development of Lash Extensions!

What is this latest Lash Extension trend all about?  What’s the big  deal? 


Let’s start with “What are Lash Extensions? “  Lash extensions are single strand false lashes applied one or many at a time to your natural lash to create an enhanced look. Even though they are commonly described as Mink or Silk, they are usually neither. Lash extensions are almost all made out of a PBT fiber that is heat molded into the desired length and curl your want. (Insider Info, all synthetic lash extensions are made and placed on those perfectly straight strips by hand. Whoa!  Hats off to those factory workers!)   Mink lashes are my Go-to because of their lighter more natural look. Mink lashes often have a matte sheen and taper for the entire length of the lash. This keeps their weight low and makes them the perfect candidate for volume lashing.  Silk lashes on the other hand don’t taper as much or as quickly and usually have a glossier finish. These are a more practical choice for Classic lashes.  On occasion a lash stylist will use real mink fur for extensions, but they more expressive, they don’t maintain their curl as well and they are a concern for people with animal allergies. Not an ideal choice for general use in a salon.


Now that we are clear about their composition, let’s talk about their size, shape and styling. Lash extensions come in several different diameters with the smallest usually around .03 millimeters in diameter all the way up to .25 mm. FYI. I dont recommend getting extensions thicker than .15 mm because the additional weight associated with these larger diameters is likely to be too heavy and therefore cause damage to your natural lashes. The thicker diameter lashes are used for Classic Lashes and applied in a one to one ratio. As the diameter shrinks, the weight decreases and the number of extension your natural lash can hold safely goes up. .03 diameter lashes are used for the most Volume and the style is usually described as Mega Volume. The diameters in between are used to create varying amounts of density to the lash line to create a custom look for each client. 


Lash extensions are also categorized based on their curl. J and B curl being the least curled and CC and D curls usually being the most curled.  Less curl is used for more natural looks and more curl will pump up the drama. Sometimes curls are mixed throughout the lash set to help open the eye or add a little lift to a downward facing eye shape.  There is even an L Curl Lash that begins straight and then starts to curl about half way down the shaft.  This is a good choices for many Asian eye shapes because their lashes tend to be very straight and often point downward and not outward.  L Curl can also be used to create a super edgy  and contemporary look for just about anyone daring enough to try!

Now I know what you are thinking.  Aren't Lash Extension heavy and damaging to your natural lashes?  And the answer is "NO"!  Expertly applied lashes are not damaging at all.  So long as the stylist is applying lashes that are no more than 3-4 mm longer than your natural lash for a standard .15 mm Classic Lash Extension or an equivalent weight in another smaller diameter Lash or Volume fan, you won't hardly even know you are wearing Extensions.  Experienced stylists make sure that your natural lash is perfectly isolated before adhering an extension to ensure no lashes are stuck together.  This prevents any unnecessary pulling on the roots of your natural lashes as they grow.  If lashes are regularly stuck together and are constantly being tugged on, you can experience what is called Traction Alopecia.  If this happens, your natural lash may never grow back.  It's just not worth it to get cheap, poorly applied lashes if in 6 months you are hardly going to have any lashes left to adhere extension to anyway.  Just don't do it!  If your natural lashes are only 6 mm long and your stylist is talking about giving you 15mm extensions, RUN!  Don't be afraid to ask question about styling, lash health or any other question you may have with your stylist.  If they don't seem to be able to give your clear answers, seek out another lash artist that can!  

Now you can see that there are SO many options available with Lash Extensions to help you achieve a custom look that will accentuate each individual's eye shape.  Depending on the look you are going for, an initial application of Extensions can take up to 2 hours or more.  On average people lose 3-5 natural lashes per eye per day.  Because of this natural lash shedding you will need to come in for Fill appointments approximately every 3 weeks.  Fill appointments are quite a bit shorter and usually clock in at about an hour, give or take, depending on the rate your lashes shed and the number of weeks between appointments.  Most people love their regular "Lash Naps" and embrace the opportunity to slow down and take a minute for self care.  When else do you get to fall asleep and wake up gorgeous?  That's what I call beauty sleep!


So what are you waiting for?  Go get the lashes you've always dreamed of!
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Still have questions about Lashes?   Leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon a possible!

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