The lash enhancement option you choose is a matter of personal preference. Factors to consider are your budget, available time, lash cycle and the look you want.

My personal preference is individual false eyelashes because they are cheaper and easy to change. I used to get Eyelash Extensions until I realised that my aesthetician was applying cluster lashes which aren’t actual Eyelash Extensions. When I asked her whether she found them easy to apply, she told me she applies her own lashes while on the bus in the morning! I then asked myself, why am I paying you to apply these when I could do this myself at home? This began my love affair with individual false eyelashes!!

However, just because my aethetician wasn’t following industry guidelines it doesn’t mean others won’t do a wonderful job! My advice would be to do your own research and even try both methods for yourself to find out what suits you. Either way, eyelash enhancement is fun and either option can produce beautiful results!!

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_eyelashes

Sensitive Eyes – If you have sensitive eyes and often experience irritation after using skin care products or makeup, extensions may not suit you. However, if you only react to a specific ingredient, simply check that the glue does not contain it.

Sickness – If you have a cold, sinus or allergy infection, please do not have this service done! Your lashes will not last a long time due to secretions and irritation from the eye area.

Curly natural lashes -If your lashes are naturally very curly, you may not be a good candidate for extensions. Lash extensions must be applied to straight to semi-straight lashes to bond properly. For people with very curly lashes, extensions may only last up to three days before they start to lift.

No lashes – A person with no lashes may not wear lashes because there is nowhere to place them. Extensions must be placed on the natural lash and not the skin. These clients must refer to a strip lash. See Temporary Strip False Eyelashes.

To remove individual false eyelashes at home, use false eyelash remover on a cotton bud (Q tip). Close your eye and hold the soaked cotton against the root of the eyelash for a few seconds then gently roll the cotton bud between your fingers away from the eye. Keep rolling it gently until the false eyelashes slide away. They should slide off easily, however if they don’t, do not pull at the lash. Saturate them in a rich, oil substance such as mineral oil or baby oil and leave for another few minutes before sliding them out.

When applying your own individual false eyelashes, there are a wide range of glues to choose from. Most false eyelash packs will already contain glue to use with your lashes. I would advise that you use this as it will be the best glue suited to that particular type of lash. However, if you purchase lashes in bulk without glue or want to try something new, do your research and review the types of glue out there. Some glues have a reputation for making your lashes fall out or are just not very good quality. Also, you will need to consider the colour glue you want to use.

Eyelash glue usually comes in clear or dark options. The clear eyelash glue goes on white but slowly fades to clear and is not visible. The dark eyelash glue dries to a dark colour wherever it is used and can be helpful if you’re trying to achieve a more dramatic look. However it will be visible if you accidentally get any on your eyelid.

Choose waterproof eyelash glue if you want a strong, secure hold. Waterproof formulas generally last longer than other types of eyelash glues.

Read the product information on the eyelash glue you choose. Not all glues work on every type of fake eyelashes, so read carefully to make sure you have the right glue for the fake eyelashes you want to use.

Unlike false eyelashes, where synthetic lashes are applied to the root and can be easily removed after use, Eyelash Extensions are applied directly to the natural eyelash with a bonding agent and can last up to 8 weeks. These bonding agents and glues are irritants and can cause discomfort and potential eye damage in severe cases.

Repeated use of Eyelash Extensions can cause Traction Alopecia, a condition where the hair falls out due to excessive tension placed on the hair shaft. As a result this can damage the hair follicle, which can slow down and even cease production of hair.

To minimise any of the above risks, it is important to do your research and find a reputable aesthetician with the correct certification. See Extensions Salons for further detail.

To minimise any risks with applying your own individual false eyelashes, make sure you read the ingredients of the glue on the back of the pack for anything you may be allergic to. If you are unsure, test a dot of glue on the back of your hand. Leave it for two hours and if no reaction occurs, it will be safe to apply to your lashes.

Avoid applying false lashes in a vehicle in case it stops suddenly and you poke your eye with the tweezers. It is also unwise to apply lashes while intoxicated as you may get glue in your eye, poke yourself in the eye with tweezers or completely mess up your lashes!

• Do not wash eyes or let them come in to contact with water for 10 hours after lash application
• Do not swim, spa or use a sauna for 48 hours after lash application to allow adequate time for bonding.
• Be gentle with your lashes and avoid rubbing your eyes. Do not touch them what so ever!
• Sleep on your back if you are able to! If you sleep on your side, the lashes on your pillow side can tend to bend out of shape or may rub off.
• Avoid rubbing them on clothes or towels. Put a cloth over your face before pulling on a top with a tight head hole, to avoid rubbing them off.
• When drying your face, gently blot around your eyes.
• Do keep the eye area clean. Avoiding proper hygiene can result in an eye infection whether wearing Eyelash Extensions or not.
• Avoid oil-based and waterproof mascara. Water based mascara and water based mascara remover may be used.
• Use mascara sparingly and gently remove mascara with water-based eye makeup remover. Apply mascara on the tips only.
• Do not allow moisturises, eye creams or oily/creamy eye make up removers or creamy eyeshadows to come in contact with the false lashes or Eyelash Extensions.
• Do not curl your lashes after application of the Eyelash Extensions or false eyelashes.
• Cleanse the eye area use a cotton bud with a cleanser which does not contain any oils! The following products are recommended.
• Luscious Lashes Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover
• Johnsons Baby Wash
• Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser Oil Free
• Revlon Pure Skin Care Oil Free
• Almay Clear Complexion Clarifying Cleanser Oil Free
• Boots No.7 Purifying Gel Cleanser Oil Free

The cost of Eyelash Extensions can run anywhere from $100 to $500 in the United States, depending on the type and number of lashes applied, the qualification and skill of the aesthetician and the location of the salon. It usually takes 90 minutes to two hours to apply, depending on the number of false eyelashes and the speed of the aesthetician.

An average person might have anywhere from thirty to eighty lashes per eye. The variance in the number of lashes accounts for the difference in how long it takes to apply them. Many salons will give you different service options, which will vary in the number of lashes applied. The more lashes applied, the more dramatic the look. The more dramatic looks are great for special occasions and are often applied for weddings. These options are also more expensive.

Many eyelash extension salons offer repair options, where you can go in to get the fallen extensions replaced within a few weeks from the initial application. This will usually be offered at a lower cost.

Eyelash Extensions are temporary and can last up to 8 weeks depending on your lash cycle and after care. The average lash life cycle is around 25-28 days and as your lashes grow and fall out, so will the individual extensions. A good way to assess your lash cycle is to look at the growth speed of your hair and nails. If your hair and nails grow quickly, it is likely your eyelashes also shed quickly and your extensions will not last as long as someone with slow growth. This may be a good indication of how much you will want to spend on your extensions. If you have very fast growth and it is likely that the extensions will only last 3 weeks, you may want to consider a lower cost option such as individual false eyelashes.

Eyelash Extension Expertise Levels

The qualification or certification of the aesthetician applying your lashes is very important. Many salons claim to have the experience or have attended extension workshops but may not necessarily be industry certified. Certification is important because it verifies that the aesthetician is aware of industry standards and best practice when it comes to applying extensions, therefore minimising any associated risk or harm during and after lash application.

Master Lash Specialist

• 3+ years of expertise with several advanced techniques
• Shorter application time
• All necessary training completed with maximum state and industry requirements.
• Up to date with eyelash extension industry trends.
• An instructor of Eyelash Extensions a
• Member of the Lasholigist Association of America.

Senior Lash Specialist

• 1+ years of expertise
• Completed all state and industry requirements
• Up to date with continuing education.
• Mentored by a master lash specialist.

Lash Specialist

• 6+ months of expertise
• Completed minimum state and industry requirements
• Regular attendance at trade shows and conventions.
• Up to date with continuing education
• Mentored by a master lash specialist

Eyelash extension prices will vary according the expertise level above. A Master Lash Specialist will charge premium rates. Make sure you ask about the certification level of the aesthetician before dishing the cash!

Important questions to ask before making your appointment:

• How long have you been applying Eyelash Extensions?
• What company are you certified with?
• What level of certification do you have?

Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of certification. These are your eyes you’re dealing with…they are quite important!!!

Beware of the phonies!!

Be ware of the salons that offer extensions for ridiculously low prices. This can mean that they are not qualified or they are merely using cheaper false eyelashes with semi permanent glue.

Confusingly, some salons and spas are offer “cluster” or “flare” lashes under the name ‘‘lash extensions’’. ‘‘Cluster’’ or ‘‘flare’’ lashes can be done in less than half the time of true extensions, and often cost much less. However, these little groups of 4-6 hairs should never be applied with the semi-permanent glue used for true lash extensions. To do so often causes severe loss of natural lashes. This happens because these groups of hairs pull at the natural lashes from several different directions at the same time. Cluster lashes can be perfectly safe to use, provided they are attached with adhesives that are worn for one day only. As explained earlier under Temporary Individual False Eyelashes, cluster lashes are a great option when applying your own individual false eyelashes. However, it is very misleading for salons to refer these as ‘‘extensions’’.

If a salon or spa is advertising ‘‘Eyelash Extensions’’, the lashes applied should be single, individual hairs. If they are clusters, run the other way!… Or run home and do them yourself!

Eyelash tinting can be performed at home using a home kit or can be performed by a qualified aesthetician at salon which offers the service.

There are a range of dye colours to select from; the most commonly requested shades are those in blacks and browns. One of the most popular shades, which is the darkest and looks the most dramatic, is blue-black. However, make sure to choose the shade which will match the colour of your chosen false eyelashes or Eyelash Extensions.

The procedure is relatively simple; completely pain free and results typically last from four to six weeks, which is also the average lifetime of semi-permanent Eyelash Extensions.

Whether the tinting experience takes place at home or is performed by a professional, the procedures will remain the same. The entire experience from preparation to completion will take approximately thirty minutes. As the tinting is near the extremely sensitive eye area, it is necessary to be cautious, and anyone uncomfortable doing it themselves, should seek assistance from a friend, or visit a reputable salon.

Step 1

Clean your eyelashes thoroughly, using a non-oily cleanser to remove any make-up and natural oils.
Rinse eyes to wash away any residue from your cleanser.

Step 2

Prepare your eyes by applying petroleum jelly or a similar thick cream to the eyelid and underneath the eye. This provides a mask to prevent the skin around the eye area being dyed.

Mix the dye cream with the developer liquid (check tinting pack for quantities) and stir until the mixture becomes a creamy and does not drip.

Step 3

Apply the mixture to the eyelashes, using the wand in the same way that you would apply normal mascara – you need only a thin coat. Personally, I find the wand provided in the home kit is not easy to use and does not coat the lashes. If you have an old mascara lying around which you no longer use, clean the wand thoroughly and use this to apply the dye instead!

The dye may come out on your lashes lumpy and thick. Don’t worry about this; just apply all over your lashes the best you can.

Leave to develop for ten minutes.

Step 4

After 10 minutes, soak a cotton pad with lukewarm water. With your head to the side, over a basin, gently wipe away the dye from your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing firmly to avoid dye going into your eye.

Open your eyes and using a cotton bud with a little eye makeup remover, dab away any dye from your bottom lashes and under your eye.