Eyelash extensions are a popular approach to making the eyelashes appear longer and fuller.
When applied by a licensed professional, eyelash extensions may create a longer, fuller look. However, using the incorrect adhesive or trying to apply lash extensions yourself may increase the risk of irritation, infection or damage to your natural lashes.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibers that are glued to your natural lashes to make them appear longer, thicker and darker. The goal of lash extensions is to give the eyes a made-up appearance without the use of mascara or other eye makeup.
While false eyelashes can also achieve this look, there are some key differences between false lashes and eyelash extensions.
False eyelashes usually come in strips that you glue across the top of the natural lash line and remove at the end of the day. Eyelash extensions are individual fibers that are attached to each natural lash, one at a time. Once applied, eyelash extensions should last the average lifespan of natural eyelashes, which ranges from six weeks to two months.
The type of eyelash extension varies depending on your budget and what lash studio you visit. Eyelash extensions can be made of different types of material, including:
- Silk
- Mink
- Synthetic, such as faux mink or plastic fibers
Fibers can come in different lengths, tints and levels of curl to meet client preferences.
The adhesive used for eyelash extensions should be selected and applied carefully as some people may experience irritation or insensitivity.
Pros of eyelash extensions
If you’re trying to decide whether or not eyelash extensions are right for you, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons of having lash extensions applied. Some of the benefits of eyelash extensions include:
- They can provide a fuller look – When done well, eyelash extensions can make your lashes look long, full and fluttery. Unlike with strips of fake eyelashes, with lash extensions, you can have a more consistent, dramatic look.
- Results are immediate – You walk into your lash extension appointment with sparse, weak lashes and you walk out with a noticeably different look. The instant gratification of having enhanced lashes after only one appointment can definitely be appealing.
- Less reliance on mascara – Less smudging, flaking, running or stressing that one eye’s lashes look better than the other. With lash extensions, mascara may be a thing of the past, which can also save you the time of applying and removing product from your lashes.
- They’re customizable – Your lash extensions can be customized to fit your desired look. Talk to your technician about your lash goals, and they will tailor the length, color and curl pattern to meet your preferences.
- They can last a long time – As time goes on, your eyelashes’ natural shed cycle will cause the extensions to fall out along with your natural lashes. This typically starts to happen a couple of weeks after the first appointment and will continue until the cycle is complete (four to ten weeks). However, you can get regular “fills,” which will help keep your lashes looking consistent in appearance.
- The process is usually comfortable – If applied properly, you should not experience significant pain with the application or wear of eyelash extensions.
- They can hold up to moisture – After an initial drying period, eyelash extensions can typically handle normal activities such as showering and sweating, though keeping them dry as possible may help extend their wear.
- There are risks to consider – Experts recommend using a licensed professional to reduce the risk of irritation or other complications.
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Cons of eyelash extensions
While the benefits of eyelash extensions are many, including the potential to complement or improve your appearance, there are also downsides to having extensions applied to your lashes.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some dangers of using eyelash extensions include infection or swelling of the eyelid, infection of the cornea and temporary eyelash loss. Some of the more common drawbacks include:
- Irritation and infection risk – If proper sanitation and application requirements are not met, it’s possible for irritation or infection to occur. Most lash technicians may offer a “patch test” with glue before the extensions are applied. A patch test may help identify whether you’re allergic to the glue they plan to use. Sometimes, even if an allergy is not present, the chemicals in the glue can cause irritation on the eyelid. The area around your eyes and eyelids is very sensitive, which means the weight of the glue can also tug on the eyelash hairs and cause irritation.
- The financial investment – As with most things, the price of eyelash extensions depends on where you get them done.
- Maintenance – Because extensions can be costly, preserving them between fills is important. However, maintaining lash extensions can take extra care. How you sleep, shower, wash your face and other usually simple tasks must be done carefully to keep your lash extensions unbothered.
Find more tips for preserving and caring for lash extensions below, under “Caring for lash extensions.”
Do eyelash extensions ruin your natural lashes?
Even if you have your lash extensions applied by a high-level lash artist, there is a chance that your natural lashes will be damaged in the process.
Just like with the hair on your head, your lashes grow away from the root. As the lash extensions grow farther from the root, the weight of the extension can put pressure on the natural lash. The natural lash may not be able to support the weight of the extension, which can cause breakage.
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How eyelash extensions are applied
The number of extensions you want (how full you want your lashes to look) determines how long your first appointment will be; however, it’s recommended to block off two hours for the appointment.
Here’s what you can expect during your lash extension appointment:
- The technician will ensure you’re comfortable before gently cleansing both of your eyes.
- Your lower lashes will be taped down to help keep them separate form the upper lashes during application. This keeps the technician from accidentally gluing your lower lashes to the upper ones.
- Using tweezers or a similar tool, the lash specialist will separate and isolate your natural lashes.
- A single artificial lash fiber will be dipped with a tiny bit of glue and attached to the top of the isolated natural lash.
- The process just outlined will be repeated for the entire eyelid of each eye.
The eyes will remain closed for the entire process and possibly a few minutes afterward to allow the glue to thoroughly dry. During your appointment, your technician may have music playing in the room, or you can choose to pop in your earbuds and listen to your favorite music or podcast.
Is it safe to do your own lash extensions?
While it may be possible to achieve the look of eyelash extensions using a DIY method, it is not recommended and may increase the risk of your eyelashes and eyes.
When you have a professional apply your lash extensions, your eyes are closed the entire time to ensure precision of the application and the safety of your eyes. When applying lash extensions yourself, fumes from the glue can irritate your eyes before you’re able to attach the fibers to the lash.
It’s also common in DIY lash extension kits for clumps or clusters of lashes to be provided. Applying several false lashes onto one natural lash can cause irritation, breakage and trauma to the lash follicle.
If you want to pursue having eyelash extensions, it is recommended they are done by a certified professional.
Caring for eyelash extensions
Taking care of eyelash extensions may help them last longer. It’s a best practice to avoid rubbing your eyes or pulling on the extensions, which may weaken the adhesive.
Be careful when washing your face. Be mindful of any products used around the eyes that could weaken the extensions. It’s ideal to consult with the technician who attaches the extensions for how to care for the particular pair received.
How to remove eyelash extensions
If you have the eyelash extensions and decide — for one reason or another — that you want them removed, what do you do?
While a quick web search will produce hundreds of DIY videos for eyelash extension removal, the likely safest way to remove the extensions is to let them fall out on their own.
Trying to remove the lashes yourself can pull out the natural lashes and lead to bald spots, which may or may not grow back.
Instead of trying to pluck the extensions off, continue to take care of them by brushing them and keeping them clean. Usually within six to eight weeks, the extensions will naturally fall out on their own. You can also try to speed up the process by using oil-based cleansers or eye creams to help loosen the lash glue, but this is not an immediate solution.
The takeaway is that eyelash extensions are an investment and a commitment. Your eye doctor can answer questions during a comprehensive eye examination and help you make an informed decision about whether eyelash extensions are appropriate for you.
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