Have you tried everything from spending hundreds of dollars on the perfect mascara to waking up early to apply false lashes every morning? Tired of trying everything and anything for that perfect beautiful blink? Well, why not take a plunge and get eyelash extensions. They are the new addiction.
Eyelash extensions add extra definition to your eyes. Fuller and longer eyelashes provide a feminine and youthful look to your persona. With eyelash extensions, there is no need of going through the pain of applying false eyelashes. Plus, you can save the time spent on eye make-up every day.
Types of eyelash extensions
There are several types of cosmetic options if you are interested in getting thicker or longer eyelashes. One is semi-permanent eyelash extensions and the other one is permanent eyelash extensions. For both, you would need a specialised cosmetologist or a plastic surgeon.
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are made from synthetic fibers. In this procedure, each lash is applied one by one to your own natural lashes. Individual extensions are glued onto the upper eyelids so as to get longer and thicker lashes. This is not a permanent solution and can last several months. With proper care and touch up visits, this can sometimes last longer. Usually, a person’s natural eyelash falls out every 60 – 90 days and a new lash grows in immediately. So, it becomes necessary to get touch-ups to fill in the fallen lashes. Touch-ups are recommended every 2 to 3 weeks, although it depends on person to person. This procedure is quite expensive. If you are wary of the painful surgical procedure of getting an eyelash extension, then this is the best alternative. Under this procedure, the result takes longer time to be visible. It needs to be repeated over two months.
These extensions are available in varying lengths and thickness. Once you get them, there is no need for mascara, although you can go for water based mascara. The eyelashes are safe in the shower, while swimming, sleeping or exercising.
Permanent eyelash extensions
This procedure is quite popular these days. It requires you to get a delicate plastic surgery that involves transplanting hairs from the scalp to the edge of the eyelids to fill in the lashes. The hair follicles from your scalp are trimmed and curled to give shape to the natural eyelashes. They are done regularly to retain healthy eyelashes. Usually around 20-30 hairs are taken and trimmed to avoid excessively longer eyelashes. This procedure takes few hours. These are performed using the local anaesthesia. Consider perming the lashes to avoid constant curling. This is a permanent solution which will result in thicker or longer lashes, but are extremely expensive. Plus, usually it’s not covered by your insurance.
Another new medication called Latisse (bimatoprost) is also used these days to increase eyelash thickness. Consult your dermatologist to get further information.
Who needs eyelash extensions?
- If you have extremely thin or nonexistent eyelashes
- If you commonly experience eye discomfort from small particles of dirt in the air
- If you often use false lashes or extensions
- If you suffer from lash fall out
- If you are a patient who has just recovered from trichomoniasis
Tips on grooming your eyelashes
- Don’t forget to take care of your lashes daily, just the way you take care of your hair. After each appointment, your stylist or doctor should provide you with a clean brush to keep your lashes aligned. Lightly brush them throughout the day to avoid looking messy.
- Wash your lashes daily. While you may think twice before getting your extensions wet, it’s very important to cleanse them daily. They are there to protect your eyes from the dirt and debris, and if you don’t clean them regularly, the grime can build up on extensions. So, rinse your lashes every day gently with baby shampoo. Dilute the shampoo in a cup of water. Using a cotton bud wipe along the lash line several times. This will help to clean away any bacteria or debris that has built up. Ideally, this should be done daily but at least 2 to 3 times a week.
- Use silk pillowcase. While cotton causes friction when you toss and turn during night, silk will be smooth and will prevent your lashes from getting damaged.
- Avoid picking or pulling at your lashes. Tugging at them can cause damage.
- Go for regular touch-ups in case of semi-permanent eyelashes. Get fills every 2 to 3 weeks to keep them looking fresher and fuller.
- Do not use a mechanical eyelash curler. This can cause breakage.
- Use only water-based mascara.
- Do not run water directly onto your lashes. Avoid standing with your lashes directly under the shower.
- Once you are done with showering, comb your lashes gently. Start at the middle and going upward. Avoid combing at the root of the lashes.