The 411 on Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions are growing in popularity because of their dramatic effect on what women would consider one of the most important facial features. If you are like me, lashes are one of the first things you notice on a woman even before her clothes, makeup or shoes, which lets face it, we pay attention to. The difference long, thick, and curled lashes make on a woman is arguably silly in comparison to their size. But it’s true, beautiful lashes can make a pair of eyes look wide and bright and make the woman look and feel mysterious and sexy. If you are not graced at birth with this feature (only the lucky ones are), hope is not lost. Eyelash extensions are realistic, you just need to know the basics.
1). What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are individual synthetic lashes that are applied with permanent adhesive directly to your natural lashes. The result is fuller, longer lashes.
2). Which brand do I go with?
There are two main brands that seem to be ahead of the pack: Xtreme and Novalash. Both are comparable but in my opinion, there is one main difference that puts Novalash ahead of the competition. The adhesive made by Novalash has been proven to last longer than it’s counterpart used with Xtreme lashes. It is indifferent to water, steam and oil which all breakdown the adhesive used by Xtreme, therefore the lashes last longer and are more durable. In a test between Novalash’s medical-grade adhesive and a leading competitor (unnamed), 35 of the model’s Novalash lashes were still in place after two weeks while the competition only had 21 lashes.
3). What is the process like to get them done?
The process is relatively easy and entirely pain-free. First, the stylish will cleanse your natural lashes and apply a sticky pad to your under eye, pinning down your bottom lashes and keeping them out of the way. Then they will use tweezers to pick up an individual lash, dip it into the adhesive and place on a single natural lash. They will run the tweezers along the lash to the end until the entire natural lash is adhered. They will continue this process in passes, meaning that they will start with about 10 lashes per eye, evenly spaced, do the other, and then return to the first eye to add more, etc. The process for a full set will take about 1 1/2 hours.
4). How much does it cost?
Prices will vary based on the stylist but normally a full-set is anywhere between $200 – 250.
5). Do they fall out?
Lashes will cycle out, as they call it. When the natural lash that the extension is attached to falls out naturally, that extension will be gone as well. After 3 weeks, about 1/3 will be gone. To keep the full look, it is recommended that you get “fill-ins” every 3 – 4 weeks. Fill-ins will cost less than half as much and take about 45 minutes.
6). How do I find a stylist in my area?
Log onto the website of the lashes you would like to get and choose “Find a Stylist.” You can type in your zip code and view a listing. Most stylists are independent stylists, working out of rented space or hair stylists that will take appointments in their salons.
Stay fab!
Lauren
