Eyelash Extension 101 - A Complete Guide to beginners

Eyelash extensions can make eyes look bigger, lashes look fuller, and face look more feminine. Who wouldn’t want to totally rock the ‘I just work up like this’ look?

If your heart is leaning toward trying out a set of lash extensions for the first time, read this post. We will walk you through everything about the eyelash extension in this post. 

Eyelash Extension 101: Things you should know before getting eyelash extensions

So what is really an eyelash extension?

Unlike those DIY party lashes (strip lash, cluster lash) that last up to 24 hours only, for eyelash extension, your lash technician uses a strong professional lash extension glue to attach a super fine synthetic lash strand to your natural eyelash. This is a painless procedure but it needs the hands of a skillful professional lash technician.

Look how the lash extension can enhance the beauty of your natural eye shape:

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Who doesn’t love a #beforeandafter ❔❕ • • • Top: natural lashes Bottom: full set of classic eyelash extensions. Using @bl_lashes_official in sizes 9,10,11,12 in a d curl 😍🔥

A post shared by 𝕷𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖊𝖘 | 𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖜𝖘 | 𝕹𝖆𝖎𝖑𝖘 (@lash.lab.ldn) on Feb 17, 2020 at 11:08am PST

With proper care, lash extensions can last for six weeks until they naturally fall out according to the growth cycle of your natural eyelash. Eyelash extension is a semi-permanent treatment using salon-grade products and it should only be done by certified professionals. 

Lash extensions are totally customizable depending on the wearer’s eye shapes and tastes and they can look from very natural to uber dramatic. 

What are the benefits of getting the lash extension? 

Eyelash extension comes with a huge benefit. They will make your eyes ‘pop’, and noticeably more dramatic yet feminine. The lash extension creates effortlessly beautiful eye line, curl, and length of the lashes. You will love skipping the morning eye-makeup routine (phew, no more mascara!).  

Is the lash extension safe? Will it damage my natural lashes?

If done properly, yes, it’s very safe. There are risks of getting problems like allergies, eye infection, and loss of natural lashes. But this is NOT a direct side effect of getting eyelash extension itself but mostly caused by unprofessionally executed lash extension placement. 

This is why it’s so important to find a good lash technician. A good lash technician is equipped with a vast amount of product knowledge, experiences, and techniques that respect the health and safety of lash clients and a great artistic styling skill. 

Our advice is to take time to find a reliable lash artist who "click" with you — a person who is certified, well-trained, and who has received flawless feedback from former customers. 

This kind of lash artist is very likely to use high-quality tools, lash extensions, and glue/remover, knowing which type of product is the best fit for whom. That way risks for allergies and lash loss can be greatly reduced!

How long does the lash extension application take?

It can take from about 1.5 to 4 hours for the initial application, depending on the style you want to reach, and how experienced your lash artist is. The fill (touch-up) can take up to an hour or two. You’ll need to get a fill every two to three weeks. 

How long do lash extensions last?

Generally, 4-6 weeks. The touch-ups are needed every two to three weeks, depending on the growth of the natural lashes. 

How much do eyelash extensions cost?

The cost will vary greatly based on the following: location of your lash artist, the artists' experience level, and the style of eyelash extensions (classic vs volume vs mega-volume) you choose.

Typically volume lashes cost more as the artist will need to spend more hours creating lash fans and applying them. Usually, a beautiful classic lash set can be done for $80 to $150, while a full set of volume or mega volume lash extension costs around $120 to $400. Fill (touch-up) should cost about half of your full set. 

Is Mink eyelash extensions cruelty-free?

Although many lash artists call their lashes ‘mink lashes’, in fact, those lashes are mostly NOT real animal hair but it is a synthetic PBT material that mimics the shine of animal mink hair. Some lash studios might offer ‘real mink hair’ lashes as a service but it is getting rare. We recommend you to choose ‘synthetic mink lash (faux mink)’ because the PBT has excellent flexibility and retention to its curl and color.

Eyelash Extension 101: Things you will talk with your lash technician during the consultation. 

Should I get a classic or a volume lash extension set?

So let us break this down for you. The classic eyelash extension is when one lash extension is applied to one natural lash (some call it 1:1 lash). With a classic lash set, your lashes can look more naturally elongated and elegant. 

On the other hand, a volume lash extension is when fans of 2 or more very fine lash extensions are applied to one natural lash. With a volume set, your lashes will look more dramatic and fierce. 

Volume lash fan: Your lash technician makes this 'fans' and apply on your natural lash

What are Russian Volume, Mega Volume, and Hybrid lash extension?

So there are different styles in the ‘volume lash family’. Here are the summaries and examples of different types of volume lashes.

Russian Volume: Volume and Russian Volume are basically the same. Some salons may name the style like 3D volume or 5D volume, this means you will get a lash fan of 3 or 5 per natural lash. (bigger fan will fill up more gap between the lashes)

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A post shared by BL Lashes (@bl_lashes_official) on Dec 9, 2019 at 6:25pm PST

Mega Volume: Mega Volume lashes are very similar to the Russian volume technique except they are created using even lighter weight lashes and so a much bigger ‘fan’ of lashes can be created. These lashes give the most dramatic effect.

Hybrid lashes: They are the ‘mix (hybrid)’ between a classic and a Russian volume set. A 50/50 mixture of 1:1 lashes and the volume fanned lashes, they are stunning, texturized, and give a life-like lash look. This look is made popular by Kim Kardashian.

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A post shared by BL Lashes (@bl_lashes_official) on Jan 18, 2020 at 1:37am PST

What’s the right curl, length, and fullness for my lashes?

During your initial consultation, your lash artist will investigate the condition of your natural lashes and decide the right curl, length, and fullness (thickness) for you. 

Different curls can make a completely different outcome:

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A post shared by secretlashes Adriana Panfil (@secretlashes) on Jan 7, 2020 at 2:38am PST

Generally, the thicker/longer your own lashes, the thicker and longer extension lashes that can be applied. Very thin/sparse natural lashes should have a finer, shorter extension so as not to weigh them down. 

The healthier and fuller your natural lashes are, the more you can play with the length of the extensions. Do not burden your natural lashes if they are already in bad shape.

Wearing lashes that are too long or too thick for your lashes can cause damage in the long run, so you need to make sure your extensions aren't too much longer or thicker than your natural lashes. 

Can I have colored eyelash extensions?

Of course! We love your brave heart for that. Not everyone is looking for black eyelashes and that’s cool. If you wish a more natural look that complements the hair, skin, and eye color. So for many, brown lash extensions would be much more preferred choice over the usual black.

But, taking a step further, you can choose other vivid hues that complement a client's natural eye color. For example, purple will make green eyes appear more intense and brown eyes larger, while green paired with hazel eyes creates a beautiful wash of color. 

Eyelash Extension 101: How to make your eyelash extensions last longer. 

What’s my do & don’t after getting the lash extensions?

First of all, avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 24 hours. Why? Your lash set may look all ‘done’ but in fact, the lash glue is still slowly curing. It can take 24 to 48 hours until the lash extension glue is completely cured and attached. Change in humidity, wind, touch can weaken the bond before it has the chance to set. So avoid the following  24 hours.

• Do not get your lashes wet for 24 hours
• Do not apply any aftercare product for 24 hours (including lash extension sealer)
• Avoid strong wind blowing to your lashes
• Resist brushing or touching the lashes

After this initial 24 hours period, your aftercare routine is much easier.

How can I make my lash extension last longer?

Oil is the worst enemy of lash extension glue. Do not use oil-based eye makeup - mascaras, eyeliner, or any other creamy stuff. And Do not pull your lash extensions, please.

Use an eyelash extension sealer instead. It protects new lashes against sweat, dirt, water, and environmental chemicals that may attack lash adhesive. The sealant not only gives the eyelash extensions a maximum bond but also gives them a seamless coating. We recommend BL Black Diamond Sealant, which is highly appreciated by our customers. 

Can I wear mascara with lash extensions?

Generally, the answer is no. Mascara can clump extensions and the beautiful lash fans and it can make your lash set very messy. If you really have to use mascara, use the one that is made explicitly for extensions to protect them. Like BL Lashes Noir Mascara.

How do I clean my lash extensions?

Use an oil-free lash cleanser explicitly formulated for eyelash extensions, as some products contain ingredients that can weaken the bond and cause extensions to shed prematurely. In the morning and evening, give your lashes a lash bath and gently brush your extensions with a spoolie to keep them clean and detangled.

You can find fantastic BL Lashes aftercare products here, from lash shampoo, oil-free makeup remover, Lash Growth Serum and Lash Conditioner. 

Eyelash Extension 101: How to remove eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions are better to be removed after three to four weeks of wear because of the growth cycle of natural eyelashes. In about three weeks, some extensions will have already fallen out, and some will have grown out and ruined the overall design. In this case, these extension lashes better be removed. 

It is highly advised NOT to remove your lash extensions at home. Book an appointment with your lash artist and get them removed professionally with a lash glue remover. 

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