Have you ever struggled applying mascara without getting it on your eyelids? Or perhaps spent way too much time and money on falsies that just won't stick?
What if I told you that you can wake up with long, full, luscious lashes every single day, with zero effort!
Eyelash Extensions make the morning routine effortless and can be completely tailored to you and your unique physical qualities and lash needs. This blog is a beginners guide into the world of Eyelash Extensions. Whether you are completely new to them or are interested in figuring out how to find the perfect artist and style for you.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are a semi permanent lash service that accentuates your natural eye shape and facial features while elongating the appearance of the natural lashes. A lash extension is made of synthetic faux mink fibers with a glossy coating for a natural finish. Each one extension is applied to a single natural lash by using a professional adhesive to bond them together. The extension can only be applied to an existing natural lash and does not come in contact with the skin.
The treatment is painless and relaxing, you may even fall asleep during your appointment.
When you open your eyes, the extensions should feel so lightweight, almost as if they aren't even there.
What kind of lash sets are there?
There are a range of different styles to choose from, each can be specifically modified for your natural lash health and eye features.
Classics - 
The least expensive and most natural type of lashes are Classics. A Classic lash is an individual extension applied to 1 natural lash. It is a great option for those who are looking for a small enhancement to draw attention to the eyes without going over the top. If you have a ton of natural lashes or enjoy the natural look, classic would be a great option for you!
They are typically the least expensive and fastest of all the lash styles and are great if you are new to the lash world.
Volume - 
Is a technique where multiple individual extensions are bundled together to form a fan. The fan is typically made with 2-6 lashes and is adhered to one single natural lash to give a fuller, fluffier result. The weight of each extension within the bundle is significantly thinner than classics, making the fan lightweight and healthy for the natural lash. Volume can be as natural or dramatic as you choose. A fan that only has 2 lashes will give a more natural fluffy result, whereas a fan that has 6 extensions will give a more dramatic result. Volume lash services typically cost more than Classic lash services as the timing of the service is longer and the technique required is more extensive.
Mega Volume - 
Any more than 6 lashes per fan is considered mega volume. Mega volume can have up to 40 extensions bundled within one fan. This “mega” fan will then be applied to one single natural lash. That sounds dramatic, right? Well, it certainly can be but again, just as a standard volume service can be modified to your liking, so can Mega Volume. A very thin extension is used for Mega Volume, making a 7 dimension mega volume fan even lighter in appearance than a standard 6 dimension volume fan, depending on the thickness of the lash used (also known as diameter). Mega Volume services take the longest of all lash services, cost the most in products and require the most skill to complete, this makes them the most expensive lash service offered.
Hybrid - 
The best of both worlds! A 50/50 mix of Classic and Volume lashes. Receiving the fluffiness of a volume service with the piecey effect of a classic lash set, this dream duo offers a textured and dense effect. It is the perfect style for those who have been getting Classics and are ready for a little more or those who want volume type lashes but without the extensive cost. Hybrid typically costs somewhere between a Classic and Volume service.
You can take your styling further by deciding what kind of shape you would like to achieve. Think of it like contour for the eyes. Is there an area you would like to correct or accentuate?
A few standard options to choose from are:
Cat Eye - Longest lashes are on the outer corner of the lash line to give a sultry look.
Open Eye - Longest lashes are in the middle to open the eyes.
Natural Eye - Following the natural shape of the eye.
Squirrel Eye - Longest lashes are at the arch of the brow then drop dramatically in length for the very outer corners.
Uniform - A uniform lash set is where all the tips of the extensions meet at the same point. Since our lashes are in layers, it's up to the artist to choose proper lengths on each layer to achieve a crisp uniform set.
Textured - A textured lash set is achieved by mixing different lengths, curls, and diameters throughout your set to give a staggered and edgy look.
How do you ask the artist what you want?
In the lash world there are no limits to styling the perfect lash set, you can get as creative and detailed as you like. But how do you explain your vision to your lash artist?
Photos are a great way to visually show exactly what you are looking for.
This will get you both on the same page and bring you one step closer to achieving your lash goals.
Everyone has different versions of what they think is natural and dramatic, so simply saying you'd like a natural lash style could mean anything. This is why it is best to show photos of the styles you like best.
To help you and your artist further, sending them an inspiration picture before your appointment is a great idea. Some artists may not offer certain lengths, styles, curls etc. By sending them a picture with a brief explanation of what you would like could give them enough time to ensure they have the necessary supplies and save you from being disappointed at your lash appointment.
Where can you find your inspiration?
Social media is a hotspot for finding all things lash. Specifically Google, instagram and pinterest have tons of styles to browse through.
You can also use hashtags like #lashextensions #lashstyles #volumelashes #classiclashes #hybridlashes to find what you are looking for. Alternatively, give us a follow on Instagram @lostartistrylash - we post tons of unique lash styles and educate all things lash related on our page. We also love chatting lashes, so if you have questions don’t hesitate to ask.
How to find the perfect artist?
Lash services require the use of very sharp tools and strong products such as adhesive very close to the eyes. Training is an absolute must to learn exactly how to safely use the tools and supplies. For this reason, you will want to be sure to see an artist who is fully trained, qualified and experienced. This may require some research. A great way to find an artist is by googling or hashtagging your area followed by “lashes”. Example, #yyjlashes or #yyjlashartist
Check out local artists’ work, business pages and social media to see who stands out to you or ask people you know if they have suggestions on who to see based on personal experience.
A couple things to look for are:
- Are they certified?
- Do they have lash photos of the work they have done? Do you like them?
- Do they have reviews?
- Are there photos of their space, do you like it?
- Think of the personality they show within their businesses, does it align with yours?
- How is their customer service? Perhaps reach out with general inquiries to gauge this
Another important note is to make sure that the artist isn’t charging too little. Promotions are great but low prices could also mean low quality services so it’s definitely important to be cautious of this.
Maintenance of Lashes
Lashes are a semi-permanent service, therefore maintenance is required to keep them looking full and beautiful at all times. Fills are often required every 2-3 weeks. Why? Our natural lashes grow and fall out, constantly. This process is known as the Lash Cycle. We shed approximately 5 natural lashes, everyday. This means that our extensions are growing and shedding with the natural lashes. Some lashes will shed and new natural lashes will take their place while other lashes will have grown with the natural lash. The further the natural lash grows, the more top heavy the extensions become. With time, the extensions will grow so far up the lash that they begin to topple over or twist and turn. This is a sure sign it is time for a fill as that extension will need to be removed and have another extension applied in its place. It’s a great idea to book fills constantly, perhaps pre booking at each service. Artists usually require 50% retention, this allows the extensions to always look their best and keeps fills at a manageable timing and pricing (no need to pay for a full set, every time).
Concerns - FAQ
What happens if I experience a reaction?
Although reactions are rare, they do occasionally happen. A reaction will typically appear 24-48 hours after your lash appointment. Symptoms include redness, itchiness and in more severe cases, swelling. If you experience a reaction it is highly recommended to first, remove the lashes right away. Usually once the products have been removed, the irritation quickly goes away, however, if problems persist, seek medical attention.
How do I take care of them?
Your artist should walk you through the proper aftercare steps at your first appointment with them but in the meantime, here are a few important aftercare steps:
- Don't get lashes wet for the first 24 hours, unless Super Bonder sealant is used post service which allows you to get your lashes wet right away
- Clean lashes twice every day with Lash Bath and fine bristled brush (concentrating at the root)
- Avoid heat and steam from ovens, bbq’s, saunas and steam rooms
- Avoid waterproof makeup and oil based makeup removers, the artist should have a lash safe cleanser for retail
- Don't face plant your pillow when you sleep
- Don't tint, perm or curl your lash extensions (including oldschool eyelash curlers)
- Keep them pretty and full by getting regular fills every 2-3 weeks.
- Avoid the base area of the extensions when brushing
