10 Things You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash Extension 101 with Lash Esthetica
If you dream of fuller, longer lashes, you're not alone. Yes, there's mascara and lash strips, but after ISO and an extended period working from home, the thought of applying makeup, let alone false lashes is out of the question. The time we used to spend on makeup has turned into an extra long sleep or making some French toast in the morning. We're certainly not willing to give these perks up in a hurry and thanks to lash extensions we don’t have to. Lash extensions fit quite perfectly into post-iso life. The growing beauty essential completely eliminates the need for mascara, making your bright-eyed appearance at the 5am gym class look effortless.
Curious? At least a little? Us too. Thanks to Lash Esthetica founder, Jess McConville, our questions have been answered. You might be wondering if the extra length will compromise the health of your OG lashes? Will you end up looking a bit OTT? Or will they last long enough to make them worth the cash? So if you’re considering giving what nature gave you a lift, here’s 10 facts you NEED to know first.
1. Eyelash extensions DO NOT damage your natural lashes when applied correctly.
The number one perception many of us have with lash extensions is that they can damage our natural lashes. Jess assures us that eyelash extensions won’t damage our natural lashes if applied correctly. In saying that, perfecting the trade is no easy feat. It’s Jess’s years of experience that mean your lashes will be in safe hands and stay damage-free. Jess says she even has clients that have been with her since she first started lashing and their lashes are still completely healthy!
“A lash course is just the beginning. Eyelash extensions take a lot of practice, especially when it comes to Russian Volume. This technique can take a year to a year and a half to really master.”
Luckily Jess has been in the industry for 11 years and lashing herself for 10, so it's safe to say she's an expert in the field. Jess’s love and passion for lash artistry was ignited when she started at a salon in St Leonards, before moving to Paddington to run Love Those Lashes. “Love Those Lashes was probably Sydney’s first lash salon. I was there for quite a few years and then when I turned 26 I decided to take a leap and open a salon of my own. We were one of the first lash salons in the Shire and now four years on it has really taken off, which is incredible.
I have travelled a lot with lashes, to stay up to date because it's an industry that is still so new and constantly evolving. The quality of lashes and the quality of work that you’re seeing now is just beyond.”
2. Eyelash extensions are customisable.
Eyelash extensions can be customised to your exact desires. The options range from classic which is a more natural look to Russian volume. You can also choose from ½ sets, natural sets and more. So, rest assured, you won’t look OTT (unless you want to of course).
“Classic Lashes consist of an individual lash that is applied to your natural lash, ensuring perfect isolation of your lashes. Russian Volume Lashes are much thinner so we can apply more than one to each natural lash, without weighing down your natural lashes. Russian Lashes are applied in a fan-like shape to add volume.
We also purely do handmade extensions to ensure each application is completely customised to the client. You do need to be an advanced lash technician to do this technique. Many salons use pre-mades, which are multiple lashes on one. These can become uncomfortable, twist and damage your own lashes”. Eeek!
3. By rule, you should only be going 30% longer than your natural lash.
“You should always ensure that your extensions are an appropriate length and thickness for your natural lashes, this will mean that your own lashes will continue to grow normally. On some clients, I may be able to apply a really long lash. On others, I can't because their natural lashes won’t hold it. So this is why the 30% rule applies.”
4. It’s not a quick process.
The timing does depend on which set you choose, but a classic can take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. For volume lashes, the process can take two to four hours depending on thickness so Jess suggests leaving the morning or afternoon free.
5. It’s a very relaxing service.
“It’s so relaxing. Everyone falls asleep. You can’t touch your phone, you can’t do anything.” From the moment you enter Jess’s salon, you will appreciate the relaxed, yet luxurious atmosphere. The process itself allows for the most socially acceptable naptime a working adult could ask for! When you think about it, you're lying down on a bed, for at least an hour, with your eyes closed as calming music plays in the background. Score.
6. You can wear makeup.
If you can’t stand the thought of ditching your go-to smokey eye, don't worry, you don't have to. Jess says a big yes to makeup, giving you the go-ahead to use eyeliner and eyeshadow while your extensions are on. However, mascara is a no-no. You won’t need it anyway!
7. You can’t feel them.
Were we alone in assuming lash extensions would be heavy? It can be hard enough to keep our eyes open on a good day, let alone if we had something weighing them down! Never fear, according to Jess you shouldn’t be able to feel your extensions. They’ll feel as normal. “Everyone always assumes they are going to be annoying, like a strip lash, but even with the most dramatic set you won’t notice them.”
If you do have sensitive eyes, Jess suggests a patch test which involves applying approximately 3 lashes on one eye to see if there’s any reaction. She also recommends starting natural and working your way up to a volume Russian set if desired.
8. You must clean your lashes with a lash shampoo
“To avoid infections and bacteria growth, you must clean your lashes with a specific lash shampoo. This product has no oils in it and, most importantly, no glycerine. Glycerine is similar to vaseline - it will just make your lashes slide off.”
9. Sleep with a silk pillowcase.
Sleeping with a silk pillowcase is not only great for skin and hair health but it will prolong the life of your lashes. They are expensive, but you’re sleeping on them every night so it's worth the investment.
10. There's a big price variation.
“Eyelash extensions will cost anywhere between $100 to $300, it just depends on the set you’re after. Infills are from $65 to $100 every two to three weeks. It’s just the initial set that's more expensive.”
If you're now tempted to take the plunge, it's important you're in safe hands; lashes are not something you want to skimp on. At the end of the day, there are tweezers, glue, and your eyes involved here! Don’t forget to ask the questions. How long have they been lashing for? What materials do they use? Are you getting a full consultation to assess your natural lashes before treatment?
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Posted September, 2020
