Lash FAQ
Q. Where did lash extensions originate? A. The art of eyelash extensions originated in Korea around the early 90’s and became very popular in Japan.
Q. What are the lashes made from? A. Eyelash Extensions are crafted from synthetic polyester PBT (Polybutylene terephthatate) synthetic that is very light. Its the same material as toothbrush bristles only softer. Synthetic lashes respond better to wear and tear than other materials. In addition, synthetics have the least possible chance of allergic reactions with human skin.
Q. What is the lash cycle? A. Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles (every 60 to 90 days). When a natural lash matures and falls out, a new lash has already been growing and quickly replaces it without us noticing the turnover. This process is constant and at any given moment our many natural lashes are at different stages of maturity. Some are just growing in, while others are ready to shed. People typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes each day, depending on their individual growth cycles. On shorter natural lashes, this growing and shedding cycle is virtually unnoticeable. When eyelashes are extended with eyelash extensions, it will be more noticeable when these lashes shed because they are longer and darker than natural lashes. Please keep in mind this is a perfectly normal occurrence, with or without extensions. Lash Stylists will apply extensions primarily to those lashes that are in the middle of their maturation cycle to maximum the amount of time they will last, without jeopardizing the health of ‘baby’ lashes. The lash will fall out with the natural lash it is attached to when it reaches the end of its growth cycle. A few extensions may shed within the first week because the attached natural lashes are at the end of their growth cycle. Most will remain in place for approximately two months.
Q. How many eyelashes are needed? A. Approximately 60-80 eyelash extensions will be used per eye.
Q. Do the eyelash extensions damage or pull out your natural lashes? A. It is important to understand the lash growth cycle. Eyelashes naturally grow and fall out, therefore the extension will fall out with the natural lash. This is only true when the extensions are CORRECTLY APPLIED, individually and neatly and not weighing down the natural lash. Therefore because new lashes grow every couple of weeks, the extensions don’t damage the natural eyelashes.
Q. What are Eyelash Extensions? A. A synthetic eyelash is attached to each one of your own eyelashes repeating this procedure until you have a full set of thicker and / or longer eyelashes or a half set of longer lashes. You could go without wearing any mascara and still look amazing for weeks.
Q. How is the procedure performed? A. The synthetic lash is applied hair by hair to each of your own lash using a special bonding agent that lasts through the length of your natural growth cycle of each lash, which is between 60 to 100 days.
Q. How still will I have to sit during the session? Please note that during the treatment, any fidgeting, eye scrunching, deep frowning or even small changes in position of your arms/legs will cause disruption to the lash application process. This will potentially cause injury and will prevent us from applying as many lashes as possible during the time limit provided. Please inform us if you need to move at all during the session as tiny body movements slow us down. Often clients “talk with their heads and hands” whilst having a conversation, small movements will affect the final result and may end up costing you a fuller lash set! This causes disappointment for the client and frustration for the lash therapist.
Q: How long does the application take? A: The application of Eyelash Extensions is painless and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to apply for the first full set, 1 hour for fills/touch ups.
Q. Then why do I need to come for fill every 3 or 4 weeks? A. Good question. Normally, not all of your eyelashes fall out at the same time. They replenish gradually day by day. You lose 4 lashes each day per eye but when your lashes are short, you don’t notice it because they are all pretty much the same length. But when your eyelashes are extended, when a few lashes fall off, you notice them right away because now, there is a length difference. Don’t worry; when some lashes fall off, there are plenty of new ones that have come out ready for the eyelash technician to refill. That is when you need to come in to be beautified again. Some people like the full look all the time and come in every 2 weeks, some prefer coming every 3 or 4 weeks. You can come as often as you want depends on your finances and time limits.
Q. How do I take care of them? A. Eyelash extensions are easily maintained. Just don’t rub your eyes too hard when you clean them. Avoid any oil based cleansers, lotion or make-up remover. Gel foaming cleanser is recommended. Use your fingers
Q. Can I use eyelash curler? A. This isn’t recommended because the synthetic lash already comes with a curve to it; also it may disturb the adhesion of glue causing the premature loss of lash extensions.
Q. Can I use mascara? A. It should not be necessary to wear mascara as these naturally add volume, length and curl up nicely!
Q. What do I do before I come in for the eyelash appointment? A. You should clean your lashes with mild cleanser very thoroughly. Don not use oily makeup remover to clean your lashes prior to the application. Don’t curl your lashes. Don’t put on any mascara.
Q. Is the lash extension glued to my skin? A. No, the extension lashes are glued about 2mm away from your skin. Neither the synthetic lash nor the glue ever comes in contact with your skin.
Q: Is it safe? A: The bonding agent is a remarkable product that is available in medical and performance grades and is suitable for hyper-allergic eyes, which means contact lens wearers can safely get Eyelash Extensions done. Contact lens wearers need to remove them during the procedure. Allergic reactions to the adhesive are very rare (1 in several thousand) and when they do present, are easily treated. Reactions to the soft anti ageing eye patches used are even more rare but present in few a people with hyper sensitive skin.
Q: Can you be allergic to eyelash extension adhesive? A: Like all cosmetic products, there are some individuals who may be allergic to this particular adhesive. Allergic reactions are extremely rare however, and subside normally as soon as the extensions are removed. If you have extreme latex/band-aid allergies, you may be at higher risk of a reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to any eyelash extensions before (swollen, puffy eyelids and under eye area) we do not recommend getting lash extensions again -as you will be allergic to most adhesives. If you do have an allergic reaction, we will need to remove the extensions as soon as possible. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ If you do not wish to maintain your lashes you can either: Come back and for a small fee we can remove the lashes easily; or, once the eyelash extensions start to look sparse to shorten the remaining extensions by cutting them closer to the length of your natural lashes.