Eyelash Extensions: Are They Safe Or Not?
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Everyone wants to wake up feeling beautiful. This could be one reason why lash extensions are so popular–imagine waking up every morning with perfect lashes! With no need for mascara, lash strips, or a long makeup routine, this beauty hack sounds too good to be true. That leads you to wonder: Are eyelash extensions good for your eyelashes?
We did some digging to see if these extensions are the gift that keeps on giving or the gift you want to avoid.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are fibers that are individually placed on top of your natural lashes with semi-permanent glue. The fibers can be natural or synthetic, ranging from faux mink or silk to human hair. The lifespan of your eyelash extensions mirrors that of your natural lashes, usually shedding alongside your lashes every six to eight weeks. Yet unlike your natural lashes, it can be easy to tell when your extensions have begun to shed. For this reason, refills every two to three weeks are highly recommended to help extend the lifespan and beauty of your extensions.
There are two main types of eyelash extensions: classic and voluminous. The effects of classic eyelash extensions can be similar–or even better–to the effects of your favorite mascara and are usually the most natural-looking style. On the other hand, a voluminous set can give you a highly dramatic lash look that is hard to come by when only using mascara.
Hybrid lashes are another popular type of lash extensions. Just like their name suggests, this type is the perfect combination of classic and voluminous styles.
There are many ways to style these eyelash types. The most popular style is called the ‘Cat Eye.’ In this style, the extensions get longer as you move towards the outer eye. Cat eye lash extensions help to elongate the eye and can complement many different eye shapes.
Another popular lash style is more natural, a look that mirrors your natural lashes as much as possible and only adds a non-dramatic amount of length and thickness.
For those looking for a fun extension style, the ‘Doll’ look is achieved by placing the longest extensions in the middle of the eye with shorter extensions added around both the inner and outer eye. This style creates the perfect Barbie look by giving you beautiful round eyes.
Are Eyelash Extensions Safe For Your Eyes?
When properly applied by a skilled professional, eyelash extensions are safe and should cause no harm to your natural lashes. Neither the type of fiber nor style of placement are inherently bad for your lashes. However, the glue used to apply lash extensions can be quite bothersome for those with sensitive eyes. It’s always best practice to research lash techs in your area and the products used to prevent unwanted eye irritation.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Eyelash Extensions?
What are the benefits of lash extensions?
The biggest benefit to lash extensions is obvious: You’ll save time by not needing to apply mascara or lash strips each time you want an enhanced eyelash. You’ll also be able to achieve an eyelash look that is customizable. This is a huge benefit if you don’t love your natural lashes or you simply want to try something new.
What are the negatives of lash extensions?
One negative of lash extensions is that your eyelash look is set for several weeks. While this may not matter to some, if you like to switch up makeup looks dramatically and frequently, having one lash style for a period of time may not be fun.
Another reason to possibly avoid eyelash extensions? The cost. On average, lash extensions can cost upwards of $300 monthly to install and maintain. You may also need to make some minor lifestyle changes in order to maintain your extensions, like getting special pillows and cleansers (or never rubbing your eyes again!).
But perhaps the biggest downside to extensions is natural lash loss. Though not common, eyelash extensions can cause temporary loss of your natural lashes due to friction. In more rare cases, you can suffer permanent hair loss of your natural lashes, known as traction alopecia, most often caused by improper application.
How Do I Maintain My Eyelash Extensions?
For the first 24 hours, you want to keep your extensions dry. Doing so will allow the glue to set as much as possible.
After this time has passed, it’s time to start cleansing your face daily! Cleanliness is a vital component of eyelash extension maintenance. Keeping your lash extensions clean will prevent things like early shedding, infection, lash mites, irritation, and damage to your natural lashes.
And don’t assume that your extensions won’t get dirty just because you don’t wear makeup! Oils, dirt, debris, and dead skin cell build-up don’t discriminate. While a gentle soap can be a good cleanser for your extensions, there are also many products available that are specially designed to clean lash extensions.
Whatever you use, make sure it’s an oil-free product so as not to interfere with the glue that holds your lashes together. You will also want to avoid washing your extensions in the shower as pressure from the showerhead can lead to premature shedding.
Friction can quickly ruin your extensions (and natural lashes), which means it’s a great idea to avoid rubbing your lashes at all costs, including on a cotton pillowcase. Instead, opt for silk (or affordable satin) pillowcases and lash-safe sleep masks.
When it comes to eyelash extensions and makeup, you’ll want to use mineral-based makeup or, at minimum, oil-free products that won’t loosen the glue too soon.
While some may choose to also wear mascara with extensions, it’s likely to decrease the overall lifespan. This is mainly because mascara, and even eyeliner, can be difficult to remove. Remember: the last thing you want is makeup and debris build-up!
How Do I remove My Eyelash Extensions?
Do not pull them out! This could lead to damaging your natural lashes. Paying a visit to your local lash artist to have them professionally removed is the safest choice for your eyes and best way to protect your lashes.
Want To Remove Your Lashes At Home?
We know it’s not always possible to make a trip to a local salon. If you need to remove your lashes at home, opt for those oil-based products your tech told you to avoid at all costs as these will naturally loosen the adhesive. Products with glycerin can also be used to break down the glue. A natural oil, such as coconut oil, or Johnson’s Baby Oil are affordable options.
How To Remove Lash Extensions At Home:
Wash your face. As with all procedures that involve your face, starting with a clean surface will protect your eyes and skin from harmful bacteria.
Wash your hands. Don’t bring bacteria into your eyes!
Soak cotton balls or pads in warm oil. This will be what loosens the adhesive and allows the lash extensions to detach from your natural lashes.
Place the oiled pads on your closed eyelids. Close your eyes, lay back, and let the oil do its magic! Keep the pads on for about 5 minutes.
Gently swipe the pad across your lashes. We can’t emphasize the gentle part enough. Take slow, deliberate swipes across your lashes to separate the extensions.
Repeat Steps 4 & 5, as necessary.
Comb your lashes. Using a clean spoolie (think: mascara wand), slowly brush through your lashes. You can also use a lash comb.
Optional: Use a facial steamer in between oil applications to warm the lashes to allow the oil to better absorb.
Remember: Resist the urge to pluck! These steps might not initially remove all of your lash extensions, but repeating the steps in the following days can help to remove any stubborn lashes. Your natural lashes will be extra-delicate right now, so don’t rush the process!
Other Products for Longer & Voluminous Lashes
Don’t worry–if the cons of eyelash extensions outweigh the pros to you, there are other ways to get beautiful, long lashes!
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $40
$$ | Between $40-$80
$$$ | More than $80
Lash Serums
Lash serums are formulas developed specifically to stimulate lash growth in length, thickness, or both. Consistent use of a great lash serum can eventually result in a natural lash look that resembles falsies or extensions.
Tip: Most serums will take a few months of daily use in order to achieve noticeable results.
Image: Amazon
LiLash Eyelash Serum
Lilash
Price: $$$
This highly recommended lash serum is physician-formulated, vegan, paraben-free, and animal cruelty-free. Users say that it works so well that they are regularly asked if they’re wearing eyelash extensions!
Image: Amazon
Enhancing Eyelash & Brow Serum
Terez & Honor
Price: $
A great bang for your buck, this eyelash growth serum doubles as a brow enhancer and can be safely used on sensitive skin and eyes.
Image: Dermstore
Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
revitalash
Price: $$$
Another long-standing favorite on our list, Revitalash is the only ophthalmologist last serum on the market. It is also has a clinically tested, non-irritating formula that is both vegan and cruelty-free. Even better—the company donates a portion of all proceeds to breast cancer research initiatives.
Tip: Revitalash offers a 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month supply option!
Image: Target
LashFlash Strengthening Mascara
The Lip Bar
Price: $
Another affordable option, this dual-purpose serum and mascara calls itself a “superfood mascara” because of the green tea extract included in each stroke.
Image: Sephora
GrandeLASH-MD Lash Enhancing Serum
Grand Cosmetics
Price: $
A 4.9-star review on a lash serum is nearly unheard of, but this serum is in a class of its own, and its near-perfect rating proves it. This serum works fast with many noticing dramatic differences in less than three months!
Image: Uklash
Eyelash Serum
UKLASH
Price: $$
Infused with biotin, vitamin B5, and green tea extract, this serum nourishes your lashes and rapidly stimulates growth. If you don’t believe us, believe the incredible amount of nearly 5-star reviews where countless women admit they were surprised at how well this serum worked!
Volumizing Mascara
The classic way to get unbelievably dramatic lashes.
Image: Sephora
Lash Amplifying Mascara
AMI COLE
Price: $
This award-winning mascara is designed to thicken lashes and increase volume with ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil.
Image: Amazon
Fullest Volumizing Mascara
Ilia
Price: $
Ask around and you’ll soon find out that this is one of the best volumizing mascaras on the market. Sensitive eye friendly, you’ll only need a light cleanser to remove this falsie-like mascara.
Image: Sephora
Dark Star Volumizing Mascara
Pat McGrath Labs
Price: $
Have you ever wanted lash extensions but have been worried if they’ll feel too heavy? Here’s good news: this lightweight mascara feels like nothing is there while giving your lashes that classic extension-like look.
Image: Target
Dream Big Lash Extending 7-in-1 Mascara
Pacifica
Price: $
Extend your lash length and gain a lash lift with this coconut and vitamin B-infused mascara.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a cheap (but powerful!) moisturizing tool. When applied to your lash line, it can stimulate lash growth quickly and also acts as a great makeup remover. It can even be used before you apply mascara to keep your lashes moisturized and protected from makeup.
Image: Target