All About Lash Extensions and Lash Lifts: Your Complete Guide
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By PAGE Editor
Luscious lashes can make your eyes pop beautifully. But not everyone is blessed with naturally long, dark lashes. That’s where treatments like lash extensions and lash lifts come in. These popular salon services enhance your natural lashes for eye-opening effects.
What Are Lash Extensions?
Lash extensions are artificial lashes applied one by one to your own natural eyelashes using a special glue. Each tiny extension is attached to an existing lash to add length, thickness, and curve. A full set ranges from 60 to over 100 extensions per eye.
When professionally applied, the added extensions blend seamlessly with your real lashes. Lash extensions should feel lightweight and comfortable once applied. The results appear glamorous while still looking natural.
Types of Lash Extensions
There are three main types of lash extensions used in salons today:
Synthetic Lash Extensions
Synthetic lash extensions are made of plastic polymer fibers. This makes them an affordable option, although less natural-looking than other materials. They come in a wide range of curls, lengths, and thicknesses.
Silk Lash Extensions
Silk lash extensions are made from natural silk fibers with a soft luxurious texture. Silk lashes are very lightweight and durable. They offer a more natural, seamless look compared to synthetic versions.
Mink Lash Extensions
Mink lash extensions are constructed from real mink fur hairs, making them the most natural-looking. They are ultrasoft while retaining volume. Mink lashes provide a lush, feathered effect that lifts eyes for a wide-awake appearance. They are the most expensive type too.
Application Process
The application of lash extensions is a meticulous process that requires a professional. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Preparation
The process begins with cleaning your eyelids and lashes to remove makeup, oils, and debris. Pads are placed below your eyes to catch any glue drips. Your natural lashes are brushed through and evaluated.
Selection
Next, the lash technician selects the proper type, size, curl, and thickness of extensions based on your desires and natural lash health. Customization creates the most seamless end results.
Application
The lash artist applies glue to the base of an extension, then carefully presses it onto your natural lash as close to the lash line as possible. The process is repeated extension by extension until the full lash line is filled out.
Drying
After the extensions are attached, the technician may use a fan or drying tool to ensure the glue bonds properly. Lashes quickly set within seconds. Lash extensions should feel lightweight once drying finishes.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to maintain your lash extensions and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips:
Avoid Water and Steam
Prevent water from touching the bonding area, including shower steam, for at least 24 hours post-application. After that, try to keep lashes dry as much as possible. Moisture weakens the glue bond.
Use Oil-Free Products
Do not use oil-based makeup remover, cleanser, or moisturizer around lash extension areas. Oil breaks down the glue. Use only oil-free, non-waterproof eye makeup products gently.
Be Gentle
Brush lashes gently in a downward motion only using a specially designed lash comb. Avoid rubbing, curling, perming, or tinting extensions. Handle them with care and don’t pick or pull on them.
Regular Touch-Ups
Lash extension touch-up fills are needed every 2 to 4 weeks as some extensions shed with your natural lash growth cycle. Touch-ups replace fallen-out extensions to maintain your desired fullness.
Benefits of Lash Extensions
Lash extensions offer several benefits that make them a popular beauty treatment:
Enhanced Appearance
Extensions boost lash length, thickness, curl, and fullness dramatically. Even the shortest natural lashes transform for eye-opening effects. The custom-designed shapes create a flattering lift tailored to your eyes.
Convenience
Wake up with lush lashes daily without needing mascara, curlers, or gluing on falsies. Extensions save you time getting ready while always looking camera-ready. Head to work, the pool, or the gym with built-in beautiful lashes.
Customizable
Choose your desired volume, curl, and length. Go glamorous and bold with a doll-eyed look, or keep it subtle and natural daytime-friendly. Define eyes to balance facial features.
Long-Lasting
One full application provides a lash enhancement for between three to eight weeks. As natural lashes shed, touch-up fills maintain the extensions for as long as desired. Compared to daily mascara, extensions are lower maintenance.
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that enhances your natural eyelashes. The process uses solutions to gently curl lashes upwards from the base, creating the illusion of longer, lifted lashes. Results last for 6 to 12 weeks.
How Does a Lash Lift Work?
The lash lift process involves several steps:
Preparation
Start by cleaning eyelids and lashes thoroughly. Silicone pads are placed under the eyes. Rods are positioned above lashes to hold them in place during the treatment.
Lifting Solution
The stylist first applies the lifting solution, brushing it along the full lash line including the tiny interior and outer corner lashes. The solution works to gently lift lashes from the natural origin position.
Setting Solution
Next, the setting solution is applied to help set the lashes in an elevated state as the curl takes shape.
Nourishing Solution
Finally, the nourishing solution contains conditioning ingredients like keratin to strengthen lashes. This may be brushed on and left on for extra moisturizing benefits.
Aftercare
To maintain the results of your lash lift, follow these aftercare tips:
Avoid Water and Steam
Wait 24 hours before exposing lashes to moisture to allow perm solutions to set. After that, minimize water contact as much as possible to boost longevity.
Be Gentle
Do not rub, pull on, or crimp lashes for at least 48 hours post-lift. Carefully apply mascara focusing on tips by looking down into a compact mirror.
Use a Lash Serum
Apply lash conditioner or serum daily to nourish lashes, promote growth, and enhance natural curl over time.
Benefits of a Lash Lift
A lash lift offers several benefits, including:
Natural Enhancement
Lifts make your real lashes look their best. There’s no need for extensions or falsies. Embrace your natural beauty just improved.
Low Maintenance
Avoid daily mascara and nightly lash glue strip removal. Lifts require little upkeep once performed.
Long-Lasting Results
Lash lift effects last for 1-3 months depending on lash growth cycles. Newly emerged lashes continue appearing curled upwards thanks to the perm.
Safe and Gentle
The lift solutions use safe ingredients that only affect the lashes, not the delicate skin. The perm straightens lashes first before setting them in an elevated state.
Lash Extensions vs. Lash Lift: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between lash extensions and a lash lift depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and desired look. Here are some factors to consider:
Desired Look
If you want major volume and length with a glam doll eye effect, lash extensions are the way to go. For a subtle enhanced appearance, lash lifts add an eye-opening curl.
Maintenance
Lash lifts require virtually no maintenance, while extensions need refills every 2 to 4 weeks. If you don’t want regular salon upkeep, get a lift.
Longevity
The effects of lash extensions can last from 3 weeks to 2 months with proper aftercare and timely refills. Lash lifts reshape natural lashes for 6 to 12 weeks.
Cost
A full set of extensions ranges from $100 to $300 for high-quality mink lashes. The lash lift costs an average of $100 with results lasting 1-3 months, making it more cost-effective long term.
Finding the Right Salon
Choosing the right salon is crucial for a successful lash extension or lash lift experience. You could search for “lash extensions near me” and look at these useful tips:
Research and Reviews
Look for salons with many positive customer reviews for lash services. Check their website and social media for real before and after photos.
Consultation
Book a short consultation first to ask questions and assess the technician’s experience, approach, and advice.
Certifications
Verify salon staff completing your service hold advanced training certificates from lash vendor brands.
Products and Tools
The salon should use high-quality adhesives and solutions from reputable brands applied with proper tools and techniques for your safety and good results.
With knowledgeable guidance from a skilled lash stylist, you can achieve a gorgeous eyelash enhancement customized for your unique eyes and lifestyle. For lush lashes without the hassle of daily mascara, book a consultation to learn more about extensions and lifts!
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