Your Complete Eyelash Extensions Guide, From Avoiding Infections to Expert Advice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFlNs0gOeiQ
Eyelash extensions are basically the answer to life's
eternal question: "What if I want to wear mascara every day without
actually having to apply mascara every day?" The semipermanent
"lashes" stay on for days, streamlining your makeup routine
instantly. Plus, unlike lash growth serums, you only have to refill them
periodically instead of applying nightly.
If you've never gotten them before (but are curious), these
are the basics: Extensions usually last around 2-4 weeks before you'll need a
touch-up appointment. You’ll also need to avoid oil cleansers around your eyes
and brush them out to keep them in good condition. And, they can be a fairly
expensive addition to your routine (top technicians like the ones in this story
can charge up to $450/appointment). Even so, legions of makeup lovers continue
getting them for the instant drama they add to every smoky eye and winged liner
look.
Of course, if you have lash extensions, it’s essential to
know how to best care for them. And it seems there are a lot of questions
floating around out there, from the possibility of eye infections to the
possibility of your actual lashes falling out. We spoke to a group of experts —
from pro lash extension artists to eye doctors— to get the scoop on what you
need to know.
What are the risks?
Let's start with the biggest question first. On the milder
end, there can be side effects like itchiness and redness. The purpose of our
eyelashes — much like our brows — is to keep out sweat, dirt, and dust to
better protect our eyes. "Extensions, however, trap all of this debris,
increasing risk of infections," optometrist Dr. Caryn Nearnberg explains.
As debris accumulates, the chance for irritation increases.
Occasionally, more serious side effects can occur as well.
According to Dr.Nearnberg, “Eyelash extensions can cause infections to the
cornea and eyelids, as well as loss of your natural lashes." Applying
extensions puts additional tension on the hair shaft, which can damage the hair
follicle and slow down lash production.
One more thing to look out for: conjunctivitis and
keratitis. This is due to “attached debris and bacteria that get trapped and
stay in the lashes,” says Dr.Nearnberg, “The bacteria can also clog the oil
glands and cause styes.” If you encounter any of these conditions, consult an
eye doctor immediately, as you’ll need topical or oral antibiotics to treat
inflamed and swollen lids.
Granted, all of this might sound like lash extensions will
mean doom for your eye health, but plenty of people wear them regularly without
issue. While the risks can happen, there's a significantly decreased chance of
encountering them if you do your research. So:
What should I research?
As lash extensions become increasingly popular, you want to
make sure you're in the hands of the pros and getting them in a hygienic
environment. Dr.Nearnberg recommends that you “review the certifications and
ensure that the salon is sanitary and a reputable establishment.”
Lash expert and owner of Envious Lashes, Clementina
Richardson, notes that “depending on the state, the stylist also needs to be
licensed, not just certified." Always check credentials as a potential
customer and make sure that the salon is clean. (Other considerations include
making sure your technician is wearing gloves and washing their hands
frequently.)
"Besides licensing and certification, experience is
crucial," Clementina says. "At least one year of experience is a
must. Look closely at before and after pictures of the artist's work — there
should be no evidence of visible adhesive or criss-crossing lashes, nor should
there be any clumping of the lashes. There should never be multiple lashes
attached to an extension."
Courtney Akai, lash expert and owner of the eponymous
Courtney Akai Lash Boutique, recommends asking or researching the following
questions before making your first appointment:
• How much
lash experience does the stylist have?
• What is
the salon's reputation?
• How do
they sterilize their implements?
• Can I see
before & after pics?
• What type
of lashes do they use?
• What type
of adhesive are they working with?
• Is it
ophthalmologist tested?
• How can I
be sure my own lashes will stay healthy?
Discuss the weight of the lashes your stylist will use, too.
The appropriate weight will make sure your natural lashes are not weighed down
and stay in healthy condition. “With the modern methods, it’s very possible to
give a very full look without causing too much stress on the natural lash,”
Courtney says. If you don’t have strong natural lashes, Clementina recommends
trying a lash treatment three weeks prior to your extension appointment.
"The stronger the natural lash, the better the chance are of preventing
breakage,” she explains.
How can I make sure I won't have an allergic reaction?
It's also important to ask about the glue that is being used
to adhere the lashes. Some places actually use a formaldehyde-based glue, which
can be toxic. "Most eyelash adhesive brands include the chemical
formaldehyde," Dr.Nearnberg says. "If this kind of glue gets in the
eye, it can irritate or scar the cornea." We recommend making sure that
the glue your specialist is using is formaldehyde-free. “You can also ask the
aesthetician to spot test on your inside wrist to make sure you are not
allergic,” adds Dr.Nearnberg.
What do I need to know about caring for my eyelash extensions?
Taking good care of your new extensions can also go a long
way in preventing issues. “It’s important to keep your lashes clean once you
get them,” Courtney says. ”The old school myth is that you don’t ever wet them,
but this is not true!” She recommends using a gentle, (oil-free!) cleanser,
which won't cause them to fall out. So, grab your favorite formula and give
them a good clean every night. With a little extra attention, you should be
able to avoid a bad reaction — and enjoy your new extensions in peace. Visit https://www.lashurious314.com/
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