Lash extensions 101
Today we are going to go over some common questions you may have about lash extensions.
What are lash extensions made out of?
Most lash extensions out on the market are made of synthetic fibers. While there are real mink ones, they are extremely expensive, inhumane to make, can often be irritating, and do not hold a curl.
At Rin Artistry, I only source extensions made of high-quality PBT fibers made in Korea.
How are lash extensions applied?
Lash extensions are applied to each natural lash using a specially made adhesive that is safe to use around your eye while staying off your skin. If you had experienced lash extensions before where the extensions were glued to your skin or had multiple natural lashes stuck together, please seek a new technician.
Will lash extensions damage my lashes?
With proper technique in application, education, and at-home aftercare, lash extensions do not damage your natural lashes. A properly trained lash artist will isolate your natural lashes to ensure that extensions are applied to each natural lash and not multiple natural lashes. When multiple natural lashes are glued together, it can cause premature fallout as every follicle on our body has a different growth cycle. The lash artist will also consider the weight of extensions to your natural lash to ensure it isn't too heavy, causing your lashes to shed prematurely.
What kind of aftercare do I need to follow, and why?
While lashes are meant to simplify your routine, some aftercare is required to achieve good retention and maintain a healthy lash line. A lash bath is needed at least once daily to wash away any oil, debris, dead skin cell, and dust. Cleaning your lashes is a non-negotiable, as keeping our lash line clean is imperative to avoid infections such as blepharitis. Cleaning your lashes will also help with retention, as anything you do not wash off could clump up your lashes and get caught between the seams of natural lash and extension, thus weakening the bond and pulling out lashes prematurely.
How do I brush my lash extensions? Can I touch them?
Dry your lashes thoroughly before brushing them with a handheld fan or cool air on your blowdryer. When brushing lashes, we want to make sure we are brushing from the mid to end of our lashes. The bonding of lash extension to the natural lash is close to your lash line, and we want to avoid brushing near there to avoid weakening the bond. It may be hard to fight the urge to touch your fluffy lashes, but please try your best not to! Touching them will only lead to you pulling them prematurely! Trust me, I know. 😅
Will I still need to wear mascara? Can I?
Mascara contains many oil and waxes that do not agree with lash extensions. Also, mascara will clump your extensions together, creating an unflattering look. Even though "extension safe" mascara is on the market, I still do not recommend them. Removing all of that product from your lashes will significantly weaken the bond of your extension, causing fallout. In addition, the residue from mascara will remain in the hair shaft creating a coating and causing further retention problems.
