What's the deal with Lash Extensions?
Last extensions are a beauty choice that are great for almost everyone and they are perfectly safe. You can even get lash extensions if you have contact lenses. Even during a pandemic, lash extensions are a great option that will keep you looking like a million bucks (but they don’t cost that much!) Skip the mascara, spring for the lash extensions!
Who AREN’T They For?
If you’re a daily swimmer or have really oily eyelids, you might have challenges with retention. Also, if you have undergone cancer treatment or had eye surgery, consult with your physician before getting lash extensions. You may need to wait 6-12 months before you can start getting your lashes done, but it’s important to listen to medical advice to preserve your natural lashes.
Are Lash Extensions COVID safe?
Lash extensions are perfectly safe during the pandemic so long as your lash technician uses appropriate hygienic techniques and wears the mask. It is important that the room be cleaned prior to each service, with surfaces wiped down with an approved solution and towels or sheets changed so that they are fresh and clean for each client.
All high-touch surfaces need to be cleaned regularly, either between clients or at regular intervals. These would include door knobs, light switches, faucets, toilet flushers and anything else your clients come into contact with. Many facilities are not allowing people to sit on soft furniture that would be harder to clean between guests.
The other thing that has to happen is that lashes need to be cut from the strip and placed on a tile instead of pulling out the strip and taking what you need and putting it back. It’s important for proper technique to be used to avoid cross-contamination between clients.
You should be able to see tiny little pieces of a strip cut up on tiles. That’s how you know that that lash artist is actually properly safeguarding materials from contamination. If you’re seeing entire strips that look like they’re used, then they’re not taking the proper precautions.
Lash Extension Myths
Some people believe that you cannot get your lash extensions wet and that could not be further from the truth. In reality, you need to be cleaning your lashes on a daily basis and washing them with a water based cleanser. Some people also believe that you cannot wear makeup with them, but that isn’t true either. You definitely can wear makeup with your lash extensions, you just have to wash it off at the end of the day like you would normally.
How Often Do Lash Extensions Need To Be Redone?
Every two, three weeks, depending on that person’s lash cycle. The lashes have a cycle of 60 to 90 days. Some peoples’ cycles are faster than others. Typically you lose two to five lashes per day. Most people lose 1-2 a day, while people with thyroid issues might lose four or five a day.
If you work in a kitchen where you are dealing with a lot of heat and humidity you may need to get your lashes done more frequently. If you spend a lot of time in a sauna then you might need to get your lashes done more often also.
How Long Do Lash Extensions Take?
Depending on the type of lash extensions you choose, it can take one and a half to three hours to get a set done. There’s classic, hybrid, and volume lashes. Hybrid is a mix between the classic and the volume. There’s also different levels of volume. You can get a lighter volume or you can get like a more dramatic mega volume.
What Are The Safety Risks For Lash Extensions
When applied safely, lash extensions are perfectly safe. That said, it is an unregulated industry. There are a lot of online classes, where correction of techniques isn’t possible. It’s important to learn proper isolation and the proper use of glue. A lot comes with experience, technicians learn how many lashes to fan, and what weight and length so it doesn’t damage the natural lashes. When lots of natural lashes fall out daily, that’s usually an indication of poor application or the client is picking at them.
Can you be allergic to lash extensions?
Most of the allergy related incidences are to do with the lash extension adhesive. Cyanoacrylate which is the main ingredient is a known allergen. It’s important to note that once allergic, you’re always allergic. Allergies to this ingredient can develop overtime which means your next fill, you could have a reaction. Sometimes, these reactions are very mild and can build with every appointment. If you have a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately from a physician and contact your lash artist to let them know. It is highly advised you speak to your physician prior to removal as the ingredients in the removal gels can potentially increase your reaction. Patch tests are available and can always be requested from your lash artist if you feel you need it.
It’s also important to know the difference between a sensitivity and a reaction (allergy). A sensitivity will be mild and tend to disappear within 72 hours of getting extensions and never get worse. A reaction can calm down but will never completely go away and will get worse with each appointment.
What about pregnancy and lash extensions?
There is a lot of controversy on pregnant women getting lash extensions. Some say it’s safe while others say it’s not. The main concern would be lying on her back for an extended period of time. After 6 months pregnant women should not lie on their back for longer than 60 minutes. So get your full set prior to this and keep your fills at 60 minutes max. Some lash artists won’t work on pregnant women while others will.
In a google search you may find that eyelash extensions glue can cause birth defects. While there are some questionable adhesives out there, any reputable lash artist will only use safe, high quality products. It is also important to note that the adhesive doesn’t actually touch the skin. It is a great way to still feel beautiful and confident while you’re pregnant and probably feel like a whale (we’ve all been there….). Also because hormones can disrupt a lot of systems in the body, retention could be an issue or a reaction can occur.
Lash extensions are appropriate for almost anyone when applied safely by a trained lash technician. Keep these safety tips in mind when selecting a technician and when deciding if lash extensions are right for you. Don’t be bashful about getting a lashful, but make good safety choices for your health!
Hey, I’m Stef!
I have a home studio located in the Cloverdale area of Surrey BC where I offer beauty services such as lash extensions, lash lifts, makeup applications and hairstyling.
My top priority is natural lash health and top quailty products that are cruelty free and as toxin free as possible. All before and aftercare are clean and safe. Read more about me here.