Dos And Don'ts Of Eyelash Extensions

Lash extensions are the hottest new beauty trend, and women everywhere are paying a pretty penny for these voluptuous eye enhancements. Gone is the everyday use of mascara and the constant battles with gluing on falsies. Extensions have taken over the beauty industry, and businesses entirely devoted to their application are quickly popping up.

As with all beauty procedures, there are good results and bad results. With eyelash extensions, this can be based on the skill and experience of the lash artist. There are several things you should do — or not do — to ensure your lash extensions look and stay their best.

Do Make Sure You See a Licensed Eyelash Technician

Applying eyelash extensions is an art form and far more complicated than simply gluing on a temporary set at home. Each lash is attached individually with special adhesive meant to keep the lashes in place for several weeks. Technicians who are professionally trained and licensed will have the proper skills to ensure the extensions are applied safely and without damaging the client's natural eyelashes. Unfortunately, there are a lot of unlicensed people with no training who attempt to add lash extensions to their pre-existing salon businesses. Double-check that any lash artist working on your extensions is a certified and licensed technician, and you will be in good hands.

Don't Pull on Your Extensions

Having eyelash extensions for the first time can take getting used to, especially if your natural lashes were extremely short. Resist the urge to pull on the new lashes as it can yank them out and damage the natural lash. Lash extensions, just like regular lashes, will fall out over time. This is why having extensions requires getting refills every few weeks. But tugging on the extensions can result in large clumps being pulled out at once, leaving gaping holes in the lash structure.

Do Follow the Aftercare Instructions

After you receive your first lash extensions, your technician will give you a very detailed list of aftercare instructions. These include keeping the lashes dry for 24 hours, avoiding mascara and any oil-based makeup products or face creams, sleeping on your back so as not to crush them, and making sure to gently brush them daily. If followed to the letter, these instructions can be the key to keeping your lashes looking fresh and full for several weeks as opposed to falling out in a matter of days.