Have you seen women with incredibly long and lustrous eyelashes? Do you sometimes wonder why they were born with this natural gift and why you weren’t? The truth is more and more women are getting eyelash extensions, so when you spot someone with long, thick eyelashes, chances are they’re not “real real” but are real eyelash extensions, so are “sorta real.” You, too, can have enchanting eyelashes and here’s the upside and the downlow to getting them.
Like Getting Nails Done, But More so
One friend compared getting and maintaining eyelash extensions to getting and maintaining a manicure. It’s a pain, but is it worth it?
The upside: They’re simply great to have! They’re easy to care for. They stay on for three weeks. And you don’t need mascara any more (Saves tons of time putting on and removing mascara)! And they look sensational and natural. (Not like clunky fake eyelashes that fall off into your dinner plate when you bat an eye).
You sleep with them, shower with them, wear them to play sports, go in the sauna, the beach, whatever. They are just like your real eyelashes only better because they’re longer!
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
The eyelash extensions are actually tiny individual fake eyelashes made from synthetic material, or silk (or in some cases, allegedly, mink). They come in a variety of lengths and even with sparkles in some cases (Perfect for a big night out or the holidays, perhaps?)
How Are Eyelash Extensions Put On?
Each tiny eyelash is glued by hand using specialized medical-graded equipment on to a real eyelash. The glue is not approved by the FDA and does vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s a good idea to test it on your sensitive inner wrist prior to application on your eyelids.
According to the New York Times, one opthamologist was quoted as saying it’s fine to get eyelash extensions. However, there can be risks as with any medical procedure and this truly does kind of count as a medical procedure.
The downlow: The cost and the time. Getting eyelash extensions can be costly. The first appointment generally will cost upwards of $100, then monthly “fill-ins” are required (which cost less than the initial appointment but are still not cheap) to maintain your extensions. If you wait longer than a month to get fill-ins, you might have to get a fresh set and pay the higher cost all over again.
Depending on where you live and your technician’s pricing strategy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 (or more) for the first appointment, plus $60-$120 (or more) per month to maintain your extensions.
Eyelash extensions can take heat, water, beach, sports — anything. Just like a real eyelash.
Jen
As for the time, the first appointment can take two hours and possibly a little more. Fill-in appointments can take an hour to 90 minutes.
Also, while you’re having your eyelashes done, you are required to lay flat on your back, with the technician’s face directly above yours–and you cannot get up during the procedure without causing a lot of aggravation and disruption! (So avoid the coffee, tea, and be sure to use the restroom prior to your appointment!).
Finding a Brand and a Technician
Before you decide whether or not to get extensions, you should research the various manufacturers and get a personal recommendation for a capable and licensed technician. Personally speaking, I’ve been using Novalash.
The Novalash website is really aimed at the pros who become trained and then licensed for eyelash extensions but it also offers a list of highly-trained technicians around the U.S. (Zoom in to your location to find one near you) A friend of mine recommended my technician/stylist, Karen, and we’ve gotten to be great friends, even though I couldn’t find her on the Novalash website. Message me if you want her number!
There are a lot of charlatans out there who will to tell you they can give you eyelash extensions when they are not licensed or are using substandard supplies and equipment.
As mentioned, it’s important to research your technician before you book an appointment. Another site that provides some great info on eyelash extensions and things to consider is Paula’s Choice Skincare blog. As mentioned before, personal recommendations are best!
Should You Get Eyelash Extensions?
That’s totally up to you. The motto at She’s The Day is “You Do YOU.”
Even if you don’t want to get eyelash extensions, consider buying a product like RapidLash to help your eyelashes grow thicker and longer (Note: click here to buy directly from the manufacturer and DO NOT search or BUY RapidLash on Amazon. RapidLash does NOT sell on Amazon, so if you see a RapidLash product there, it is a fake/counterfeit).
Personally, this writer got the eyelash extensions, uses the RapidLash. Loves ’em both. Plans to keep ’em.
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Thanks for this article. I first got extensions about 10 years ago. I loved them but there were clumps of plastic and soooo expensive. But now these past 3 years I’ve done them from the same girl. I adore it and don’t care if I never see my own short, straight , thin lashes again! I go every 2-3 weeks. I do my own manicures and pedicures, so I prefer my $ for the lashes. And I often fall asleep while it feels like my eyelids are barely touched in the softest way. Soooo relaxing! I prefer the feeling even to a facial. I am in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, so have a favorite girl, who started her own business after leaving a salon called Manhattan Lashes. Her business is Miele Lashes., though I see more and more salons are offering it. A girl I know calls them a “game changer” and I must agree!