The Shadow
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I am thinking about getting eyelash extensions but am unsure what to ask to know that I am getting them done safely. Can you help?
Tiffany, Covington
Tiffany, all eyelash extensions are not created equal. Eyelash extensions done incorrectly or with inferior products can result in eye infections, swollen eyes and a loss of your natural eyelashes. However, when done correctly and with high quality products, they can be absolutely beautiful!
Let’s make sure you understand what eyelash extensions are. Eyelash extensions are individual fibers — not a strip of lashes — that are glued, one by one or in small groups, onto your natural eyelashes to enhance the appearance of length and fullness.
Most eyelash extensions are made of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, and are bonded using various types of professional glues. Silk is another material used for eyelash extensions and is the one of the more natural looking. There are even mink eyelashes made of natural fur. Typically, anywhere from 40 to 100 eyelash extensions are applied per eye.
How long they last has a lot to do with the way they are applied, the thickness of the extension used and how quickly you shed your natural lashes. If done correctly with high quality products, your eyelash extensions should last about a month before needing to fill in missing lashes. At this time you will have lost about 30-40% of the applied extensions.
The biggest danger you will face in getting eyelash extensions is from the glue that’s used to bond the synthetic extensions in place. Many of the glues used contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that can cause irritation and allergic reactions. So before having extensions applied, verify the lash artist is using a medical grade glue. It’s tends to make the service more expensive but is well worth it in keeping your eyelashes (and eyes) healthy.
