What are Lash Extensions?
Lash extensions are typically synthetic fibers that are individually attached to each of your natural lashes. Lash extensions give you the look of falsies without having to put them on each day and they look like they are your natural lashes. Lash extensions give you the look of longer, thicker lashes that you were naturally born with. With proper application and after caring you are able to maintain the appearance of luxurious lashes all while keeping your natural lashes nice and healthy. Lash sets range in different lengths, thickness and style depending on the set that you get.
Thickness
Lash extensions are handcrafted for your specific eye and different diameters in thickness can help you achieve classic, hybrid and volume sets. Thickness is all determined on the diameters of the lashes, diameters range from 0.15 to 0.05. 0.15 is the thickest lash that there is to offer and is commonly used for classic lashes, the next commonly used diameter is 0.10 and these are used to create a 2-dimensional look for a set. Finer extensions such as .07, .06, and .05 are used for volume sets because of the dimension they carry. A good rule of thumb for clients to remember is that they thickness of the natural lashes should be taken into consideration when deciding the set, they are choosing.
Lengths
Along with finding the right dimension and set, clients are able to choose from lengths ranging from 8mm to 21mm. Typically 8mm – 12mm are for classic sets, and 12mm -21mm can be used for hybrid and volume sets. Although the client ultimately makes the decision on the type of length and style your lash tech should always advise you on the what’s the healthiest way to maintain your natural lashes. Clients that have thinner lashes should proceed with caution when choosing lengths and thickness because the extensions are too heavy for the natural lash.
Style
The style of lashes depends on the look the client is trying to achieve, styles can range from cat, and doll eye and even dramatic. A lash tech can customize a cat eye look by using extensions that start of short and the last lash being the shortest, doll eye styles uses longer lashes in the middle and is tapered towards the inner and outer corner of their eye. The dramatic style of lashes used short to long while maintaining length all throughout the eye, this look typically uses the longest extensions creating a dramatic look.
Application
Applying lashes is simple yet a unique process that only certified lash technicians should perform. It is essential to isolate each of the individuals natural lash before applying the extension, once the lash has been isolated the extension is then applied with adhesive on top of the natural lash and is ready to set and dry. Once the extensions are applied and dry you are left with a luxurious set of natural looking lashes.
Aftercare
The first 24 hours after you get your lashes done are pivotal to how they will retain. The most important thing to remember is to not get your lashes wet at least for the first 24 hours after a full set or a fill. Not getting your new set wet will assure that the lash adhesive is completely dry and can properly adhere to your natural lashes. Clients should avoid putting anything oil based on and around the extension and saltwater or chlorine. Mixing these types of products with the lash extensions will allow the adhesive to break down, causing premature shedding, dropping and fall out.
To properly retain your lash extensions, you should brush them every day, especially after showers, to avoid clumping and to allow dirt/debris to be removed from the extensions. Lash Babes should also avoid putting mascara onto the extensions and should maintain fills every 2-3 weeks. An important thing to consider is lash retention depends on how the Lash Babe sleeps, and the shedding of their own natural lashes. Lash Babes can go the extra mile by choosing an approved lash extension cleanser to make sure that your lashes and eyes remain clean and clear.