Do you wear eyelash extensions? Today eyelash extensions have become the new normal for people in the United States to wear. These eyelash extensions have changed the beauty industry as we know it today.
People love wearing them as an everyday thing, and some people just like using them for a special occasion. However lots of people argue if eyelash extensions are good and safe for your eyes. Well let’s find out together!
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Now eyelash extensions are just one specific type of eyelashes people wear. These extensions are semi-permanent synthetic or silk fibers that are glued with a special type of bond glue to your natural eyelashes to make them appear longer, thicker, and darker. These are individual lashes that are stacked on top of each other to make them the actual eyelash extensions. These are long lasting if they are well maintained and taken care of.
Now today there’s many different styles out there that can match your specific eye shape. These can be made from a variety of different materials including:
- Synthetic (most commonly made out of a plastic fiber called PBT, or Polybutylene Terephthalate-scientific name)
- Mink (real strands of mink’s fur – animal)
- Faux mink (They are crafted from PBT – polybutylene terephthalate)
- Silk fibers (made from synthetic fibers)
Wearing these eyelash extensions with eye makeup such as eyeshadows,glitters ect. is definitely allowed. However it is recommended to not use any oil based product like eye creams near the area to avoid dissolving the lash glue that is placed for your extensions. It might be a good idea to use powder beauty products instead to not disrupt your eyelash extension glue or even your eyelashes for that matter that were placed.
Taking Care of Your Extensions
Many people don’t know how to take care of their eyelash extensions properly. There’s steps and precautions to taking care of your eyelash extensions including :
- Cleanse your lashes with an oil-free lash cleanser every day (lots of lash places will give you a special foaming soap for your lashes if you don’t have one already)
- Gently brush them with a clean spoolie to maintain their shape (helps them separate easier in order for them to dry faster)
- Avoid using oil-based makeup products or waterproof mascara near the eyes
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as much as you can
- Keeping your lashes as dry as possible and free from excess oils is also highly recommend
- Avoid using high water pressure in the shower ( especially on the face)
- Do not pick at your eyelash extensions
All of these different steps help you keep your lashes intact and essentially will help them last longer if they are taken care of correctly.
There are many other precautions you should take when wearing eyelash extensions. While some are more common sense than others, there are some you wouldn’t know unless specifically warned. These are just the important ones I think everyone should know. It is your job to keep them maintained to look pretty!
How to Remove Eyelash Extensions
The removal of eyelash extensions is different from other eyelashes people wear. Oil – based products are most recommended to not harm or pull any of your own natural lashes. Lots of eye creams or just creams in general are oil based and can help remove them. Grace’s Lashes has said “There are quite a few oils that you can select to remove eyelash extensions.”
- Coconut oil
- Mineral oil
- Olive oil
- Castor oil
These oils are mostly household oils you have in your own home lying around. However this is only if you want to do this the removal process at home instead of going to your eyelash extension place to actually get them professionally removed there.
Having them removed by lash experts, or simply letting them fall out by themselves is more recommended than removing them by yourself at home to avoid any damage or pulling of your own eyelashes during the removal process.
Different Eyelash Glues
There are a lot of glue options out there right now for people to choose from for their eyelash extensions, but some safer than others.
- Medical grade glue
- Semi-permanent glue
Medical grade glue meet the specific standards for safety and performance in a medical setting, and is tested for biocompatability. This is a long-lasting adhesion, safety, and seamless connectivity.
Medical grade formulas are gentler and safer for sensitive eyes, often with less irritation potential. This is considered the best option if you tend to be more sensitive to products.
The most common kind of eyelash extension glue is referred to as Semi-permanent glue. This provides a strong bond lasting for several weeks, but might not be as gentle for all skin types. There are many complaints regarding semi-permanent glues, ranging from irritation, eye-swelling, eye infections, dry eyes, allergic reactions and of course damage to your natural lashes.
It’s best you choose a glue that your skin doesn’t react to, preferably medical grade – but there’s another option if you want longer lashes, but don’t want ANY glues near your eyes!
Allergic to Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions lay exactly on your natural lash line, making it easier for people to experience an allergic reaction.
Before putting on your extensions it’s important for you to do a patch test on your eyes to ensure that there are no irritations that occur, especially if it’s your first time wearing them.
According to Thousand Lashes, the best Patch-Test application method is to:
“Apply a small amount of eyelash extension glue to the outer corner of the eyes.
Wait for 24 hours, and if there is no reaction, proceed with the application.”
If you do experience a reaction of some kind, it’s usually because of the glue that the lash artist may be applying and it is not safe to proceed putting it on for your eyes. Please pay attention to what you feel in or around your eyes to avoid any harm or irritations to your lashes or vision!
The Ultimate Natural Option – Lash Lifts!
Eyelash extensions are not the only cosmetic procedure people do to make them longer, thicker and darker. One of the most natural procedures people can do is a lash lift.
A lash lift is a cosmetic procedure that’s meant to professionally curl your existing eyelashes, giving the appearance of longer, fuller lashes. This procedure looks like there’s something put on them to make them extended, but in reality it is your own natural lashes curled up.
Lash lifts are definitely a great option if you’re sensitive or allergic to products near your eyes, or even just on your face. This is definitely the best alternative if you’re looking to do a more natural look without any harsh products like a thick glue.
Other False Eyelashes You Can Wear
One of the easiest, most affordable eyelashes you can put on are strip lashes.
I myself actually wear these types of lashes on a day to day basis. Strip lashes are a pre-made band of lashes that are applied with a removable adhesive on your eyelid/lashline. I love them because I can take them off at the end of the day, and give my eyes a rest when I go to sleep.
These false eyelashes are meant to be worn throughout the day, but are not to be slept in overnight. I love the feeling of putting on a unique pair of lashes if I want to change them up. These come in many different styles to match your eyes and your preference. They can also last a long time if cleaned after wearing them.
There’s also lashes that are called cluster lashes. Which are essentially strip lashes, but cut up lashes into clusters that are applied to the lash line in small groups, making the, “clusters.” These are more natural looking because they apply underneath your lashes.
How to Clean Your Strip Lashes
L’0real Paris has stated that to clean your false lashes you need to “Gently wipe (using a gentle sanitizing wipe like Pamper’s Baby Wipes) the band and the fibers of the false lashes to remove any leftover mascara, dirt and excess oils. Repeat this process until the lashes are completely clean.”
I myself will clean them regularly in order to keep them longer-lasting. These are definitely cheaper to buy and maintain. While lash extensions technically last longer, they also cost more and need regular professional maintenance. You end up spending more for the lash extension maintenance, than you do when wearing simple eyelash strip lashes you can care for yourself at home.
Just make sure you don’t keep your strip lashes for too long. One of the benefits you give up when choosing affordable strip lashes, is their longevity. I usually keep them for a week at max, but some people keep them for two weeks or even longer. This is all depending on the person, but I wouldn’t keep them longer than the recommended one to two weeks. After that they can become harmful and damaging to your eyes.
Magnetic Lashes and No-Glue Lashes
Lash strips, extensions, and lash lifts aren’t your only option – there are now even Magnetic Lashes that bond to a magnetic eyeliner you wear. These can be tricky because they have to line up just right in order to maintain that magnetic hold – but with practice, they are an interesting option. Magnetic lashes are NOT recommended for people with sensitive skin, however, as it can be too irritation or even cause a reaction.
No-glue lashes that simply press on, like the new amazing brand imPRESS, require NO glue (‼️), only take ONE step 😱, and you place them under your natural lashes so that the bands are invisible 👊💥!
Aftercare for your Natural Eyelashes
Aftercare is the most important thing you can do to take care of your eyelashes. Wearing fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions for that matter can damage your natural eyelash over time and become exhausting to your eyelashes.
Many of people use a lash serum after using extensions to help grow and strengthen them. This promotes longer lashes, and strengthens them with a therapeutic oil applied at the base of the hair follicle. Most work by extending the telogen-phase of the lash growth cycle – so it really is scientifically growing your lashes faster overtime if you apply your lash serum consistently.
There’s many different lash serums out right now, but finding one that works for you is the best thing you want to do if you plan on using a serum. Many people choose not to apply anything and just let them be. And this can be refreshing to your eyelashes after wearing your extensions for a long period of time. Giving your natural lashes a beak can help restore your them, especially if they are more sensitive after wearing extensions.
Caring for your Eyelashes
Making sure what you put on your eyelashes is healthy and safe is the best thing you can do, especially because they sit so close to your eyes. Wearing extensions is the new norm in today’s world for the younger generation.
Making sure you know how to take care of your extensions properly to avoid any irritations or reactions near or around your eyes is critical. Please know your information about extensions before taking the steps to apply them.
There are many different types and styles of eyelash extensions you can get – literally something for everyone to wear. But please take care of your eyelashes!
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