A Complete Guide To Eyelash Extensions

Last Updated on 3 years by Nishant

Eyelash Extensions can make your eyes more beautiful and brighter. Eyelashes are the most beautiful and important part of the eye that defines the beauty of the eye. Every woman wants thick and beautiful eyelashes because they make the eye look bigger and the face more feminine.

Eyelashes are those tiny hair projections that protrude from the eyelids. Their growth varies from person to person. Everyone has different kinds of eyelashes varying from its length to thickness. 

Talking about eye makeup and not discussing eyelashes would be completely unfair. After applying eyeliner, eyeshadow and Kajal on the eyelids what comes in the end is Mascara which is applied on the eyelashes to make it look more visible, thicker and defined. Apart from the makeup part, eyelashes also protect eyes from dirt and dust. 

“The eyes shout what the lips fear to say.”

William Henry

Everything you want to know about eyelash extensions

A complete Guide to eyelash extensions

Why use eyelash extensions?

Everyone wants to look beautiful and eyelashes play a very important part in it. Some people have thinner eyelashes and some have thicker ones. Some people have long eyelashes and some have shorter ones. To make the eye beautiful it is important to have well defined eyelashes. 

For those people who have thinner or shorter eyelashes and face difficulty in making their eyes look bigger, eyelash extension is their solution. 

You might be wondering what eyelashes are and what they do, how to apply them, their side effects, Benefits, Cost and Types etc. This article is a complete guide to eyelash extension. Read the article completely to get your queries answered. So let’s dive into the article.

What are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are basically a makeup item that makes the eyes look more defined, bigger and gives the face a feminine look. They are artificial lashes made up of materials like mink, silk, synthetic, human or horse hair. They are lightweight and are applied directly on the natural eyelashes to enhance them. You can call it false eyelash as well. 

Earlier these eyelash extensions were made up of acrylic resin but over the time the materials have changed and now special plastic fiber called polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is used to make these false lashes. This material is strong and has natural shine. These extensions last for two to eight weeks and fall off with natural eyelashes. 

What are the Different Types of Eyelash Extension ?

The kind of eyelashes depend on the material, application, thickness, length, curl and style. There are broadly two kinds of eyelashes: False eyelashes and semi-permanent eyelashes. Both serve the same purpose of making the natural eyelashes thicker and increase their length. 

Temporary False Eyelashes

Temporary false eyelashes are advisable not to use while swimming, bathing or sleeping. They are available as individual lash, in clusters, or in the form of lash strips.  They can be easily removed as well. They are easy to apply eyelashes without the need of a professional makeup artist. 

Semi Permanent eyelashes-

Semi-permanent eyelashes are applied directly on the existing eyelashes. It is a complete two hour extensive process to apply semi permanent eyelashes. Semi-permanent glue is used to apply these extensions. 

Depending on the material there are two kinds of eyelashes 

  • Natural eyelashes
  • Man made eyelashes

Natural eyelashes

There are three different types of natural eyelashes extensions:Mink, Sable and Fox Fur

Mink eyelashes are made up of Siberian mink and sable extensions are made up of sables. Both are quite expensive. They are made up of natural fiber as they are taken from animal fur. As per experts no animal is harmed while making them. They give a natural look. If you are someone who doesn’t prefer animal fur then you can go for extensions that are made up of human hair. Extensions made up of natural hair have their own color but can be dyed to black color. 

Things to keep in mind before choosing an eyelash extension

Eye shape, Eye color, Eyelids, Orientation of eyes, Size of eye, Qualities of natural lashes, Look preference, Allergies, Tolerance etc.

Man-made Custom Eyelashes

Man made eyelashes are available in two variety: Silk eyelashes and synthetic eyelashes

  • Silk eyelashes– Silk eyelashes are made from synthetic silk like material. They are thicker at the bottoms and thinner at the tips so best for creating a dramatic look. They require less maintenance comparatively to natural eyelashes. 
  • Synthetic eyelashes– A texturized yarn commonly called Korean fiber are used to make synthetic eyelashes. Mostly synthetic eyelash extensions are made up of polyester or acrylic fiber. 

Thickness Based Eyelash extensions

  • 0.20mm
  • 0.15mm
  • 0.10mm
  • 0.07mm

Eyelash extensions of different diameters are created for different purposes. It is advisable to avoid eyelash extensions that are too heavy so that it doesn’t affect natural eyelashes. To apply the correct eyelashes it is better to choose according to the thickness of the natural eyelashes. 

According to my research, eyelashes with a diameter of 0.7mm are used most commonly.

Shape Based Eyelashes

  • Classic eyelashes
  • Hybrid eyelashes
  • 2D eyelashes
  • Volume eyelashes
Classic eyelash extensionClassic eyelashes are applied on the single natural eyelash. They are best for creating a natural and voluminous look. It is perfect for beginners.
Hybrid eyelash extensionIt is a combination of both volume and classic eyelash extensions. They provide a full voluminous as well as natural looking eyelashes. A hybrid eyelash extension gives the eye a bigger and brighter look and thus there is no need for eye makeup to enhance the eye. These eyelashes are enough to give eyes a perfect look for all occasions.
2D eyelash extensionThese kinds of eyelashes are thicker than volume eyelash extensions and thinner than classic eyelash extensions. They give the eye a perfect definition. It is best for those who have fewer natural eyelashes.
Volume eyelash extensionWhen it is required to create a fluffier look or fuller look then volume eyelash extensions are used. They are lightweight and better than classic eyelash extensions. These are perfect for those who have weak, fine or sparse natural lashes. It also suits people who want their eyes to look more dramatic.

All these lashes Classic , Hybrid , 2D and Volume Lash extensions are customizable and can be made to suit the needs of the clients.

Style based Eyelash extensions

  • Cat Eye
  • Doll Eye 
  • Dramatic eye

As the name suggests these kinds of eyelashes provide the cat eye look, doll eye look and dramatic eye look. In cat eye eyelashes the lashes go from shorter to longer towards the end. In doll eye eyelashes, there are few lashes shorter at the both ends and bit longer in between. In dramatic eye eyelashes, the lashes are of almost the same length, they are all longer

What are different Curls Available in lash extensions?

  • J curl
  • B curl
  • C curl
  • D curl
  • L curl

The shape of the curl depends on the letter shape they are based on. On the basis of length, eyelashes range between 8-15 mm. According to my research it is better to use eyelash extensions not more than 12mm because they are very long and difficult to manage. But it totally depends on the person and also how they manage.

Preparation before going for eyelash extension professional

Before visiting the professional it is important to prepare yourself for the process. Here are a few things that you can do on your own to prepare yourself. 

  • Make sure you reach the appointment center before time.
  • Try wearing comfortable clothes as you may have to sit for hours there.
  • Remove your glasses and contact lenses beforehand.
  • Turn off your mobile phones and stay calm for those 3 to 4 hours.
  • Don’t wear makeup so that you can save your time from removing them.
  • Don’t apply sunscreen to the under eye area as it can make the adhesive resistant to sticking. 
  • Don’t wear mascara so that the extension can settle properly on the eyelashes. 
  • Don’t wear fancy jewelry or earrings as they can distract and cause problems during the application process.
  • Don’t curl your lashes a day before the process. Try keeping the lashes as fresh and natural as you can.

How to apply eyelash extension Perfectly for beginner?

There is a proper method to apply eyelash extension. But before going for eyelash extension it is important to keep a few things in mind.

First of all you need to check the condition of your natural lashes. If they are naturally thin and short then you need to be careful before using eyelash extension as they may affect the growth of natural ones. Weak eyelashes will not be able to withstand the weight of artificial ones. You can first use those eyelashes that have less volume to check the ability of their holding. Then you can go further with more voluminous ones. 

There are a variety of eyelashes available depending on material, application and style. So you can choose accordingly. 

Different eyelashes have different methods of application. There are few lashes that you can apply on your own and for some eyelash extensions you need professionals.

If you are a beginner or first timer for an eyelash extension it is advisable to seek professional help for this process. For convenient we have documented detailed steps to apply eyelash extension at home like experts.

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Clean the eyes

Rinse your eyes thoroughly before applying. Eyes are a very delicate area of your face so make sure to take proper care before applying.

Apply under eyepatch

You need to apply an under eye sticker to protect your skin from glue. This sticker is placed over the lower eyelashes. They provide a white background so that you can work on individual lashes. 

Choose the extension

You have to choose an extension with a proper length to avoid a clown-like look. It is advisable to use 8mm of extension for a natural and proper look. The application of extension begins from outside so you need a longer extension first.

Apply the eyelash extension

Squeeze a small amount of glue and put on the extension. Now use a tweezer to put the extension on the natural eyelashes. Slowly drop the extension on the eyelashes. Wait for 60 seconds to let the extension settle. Close your eyes and don’t move it so that the extension remains intact. Make sure the glue touches your lashes, not your skin. Repeat the process on the other eye.

after Apply the eyelash extension

Apply more extensions

Similar to the above process apply two or three more extensions on the outermost edge of the eye. Don’t overload the eyes with extensions because you want to create a natural look. Wait for the extensions to settle and then move with further extensions. 

Apply medium extensions

After applying the longer extensions now it’s the time to apply medium sized extensions on the outer portion of the eye. To create a natural and voluminous look you can place medium extensions between the longer ones. Start from the outside as you did earlier. Take your time to do this process. 

Now apply the medium sized extensions on the middle portion of the eye. Apply three or more extensions on the middle part of the eye with the same process. Keep on adjusting the extensions with the tweezer. Repeat the process with the other eye. 

Apply shorter extensions

After completing the middle part now apply the shorter extensions on the inner eyelids. Also fill the middle part with shorter extensions to create a voluminous look. Be careful while working with shorter extensions as they can be tedious comparatively. Repeat the process with the other eye. 

Wait for the settlement

After completing the process of application, close the eye for a while and don’t move much. Wait for 12-24 hours to let them settle completely before wetting them with water or mascara. 

So we know Almost Everything about Eyelash Extensions but Our Complete Guide To Eyelash Extensions can not be completed if I don’t tell you about how to maintain it after purchasing.

How to maintain your eyelash extension

  • To keep your extension fresh and look best you need to take proper care. Use an eyelash brush to gently comb the eyelashes regularly every morning. Try sleeping on your back to prevent damage. 
  • To give your eye a pop you can apply a small amount of mascara to the tips of the extensions  but be careful while applying. Don’t apply a lot of mascara on the extensions. Try avoiding waterproof mascara or oil based mascara as they can loosen the adhesive applied. 
  • Remove your makeup carefully at night with a gentle makeup remover. Don’t rub the skin near your eye too much to avoid the extension getting pulled off. Don’t use oil based makeup remover as they can loosen the extensions. 
  • Normally eyelash extensions remain intact from two to six weeks and fall off with the natural eyelash cycle. But if you lose any of the extensions before then you can either use mascara to fill the gaps or you can add new lashes. Give a touch up every three to four weeks to maintain the eyelash extension.
  • After taking shower make sure to dry your eyelash extensions with a blow dryer and comb it with a lash brush daily.
  • You need to be extra careful while using eye accessories like glasses, lenses, sleep masks etc.

Side Effects of using eyelash extensions

Extension eyelashes are a temporary way to make the eye look defined and beautiful. It is not the permanent solution. So it might have side effects that vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult any professional makeup artist while applying this extension. As they have good knowledge of the things related to these. 

When these eyelashes are not applied correctly can cause irritation, or skin allergy. So make sure to apply them carefully. 

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Some of the major side effects are permanent loss of natural eyelashes, infection, discomfort or skin allergy. These can be avoided if applied carefully. The adhesive that is used to apply these eyelash extensions can cause problems. The ingredients that are used to make these adhesive glue can cause skin problems. So it is necessary to use a good quality and safe skin adhesive. 

There can be symptoms like:

  • Burning sensation on the eyelids
  • Swelling
  • Red or bloodshot eyes
  • Pain
  • Rash

These vary from person to person as everyone has different skin types. If you have any kind of allergy or have a sensitive eye skin then consult any dermatologist in advance to avoid these issues. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of eyelash extensions

These eyelash extensions have great advantages. They make the eye look beautiful, bigger, and more catchy. The face gets a more of a feminine look with these extensions. They are the best way to make eyelashes look more pronounced for those with lesser voluminous eyelashes. 

Once these eyelashes are applied there is no need for mascara. So it saves time from doing eye makeup. 

Also as they are available in various lengths and curls so you have options to change them according to your requirements. 

Pros:

  • They make the natural eyelashes look fluttering.
  • No mascara required.
  • A good and perfect eyelash reduces the use of excessive makeup on the face.
  • They are highly customizable and can be made according to the requirements and facial features.

Cons:

  • It requires a lot of maintenance.
  • This process is expensive and time consuming.
  • Might cause allergies and discomfort.
  • Might affect the natural lashes.

How much do eyelash extensions cost ?

Price of eyelash extensions varies in every country and area. But mink eyelashes are expensive in every country compared to other eyelashes because of their quality. Normally these eyelash extensions cost $120 to $500 or more for one person. Its maintenance can cost approximately $50 to $70 dollars additionally.

Eyelash extension supplies

Eyelash extension is a time consuming process and it requires an extensive kit to apply them. Before going for the eyelash extension process it is important for you to know about the materials that you will need. Here is a list of supplies that you need to buy. 

Eyelash extension

First of all you have to decide what kind of eyelash extension you want. There are various kinds of extensions available ranging from material to length and price. So check the different kinds of extensions available and decide carefully what you need and which is good for you. Invest in a good quality extension for maximum benefits.

Extension Glue

Eyelash extension glue is another important material that is required to put the extensions. There are different kinds of extension glue available ranging from ingredients to price. Invest in a good quality adhesive so that you can protect your eyes from skin allergies. You can consult a professional before buying the adhesive. 

Lash extension primer

Lash extension primer is applied before applying the extension to remove extra and residual makeup. This is a pre-treatment product which is important for cleaning, improving adhesion and retention time. This primer contains herbal ingredients and disinfects the area before the application. It makes the lashes healthy and minimises the lash loss. 

Eyelash adhesive remover

Removing the eyelashes is a very careful process and recommended to be done by professionals. Eyelash adhesive remover is an important material needed to remove extension. Make sure to consult a professional before buying adhesive remover. There are basically three types of eyelash adhesive remover: Gel remover, cream remover, liquid remover. 

It’s better to consult a professional before choosing any kind from above.

Under eye patch

While applying eyelash extension it is important to put an under eye patch to secure the under eye lashes. This patch protects the under eye skin from application damage. These pads moistures the skin and give the cooling effect as well. 

Other than patch there are various tapes also available to apply under eye but they are not as effective as eye patch. 

How to remove eyelash extension?

Normally eyelash extensions fall off naturally with the natural eyelash cycle. But it can take off earlier also. It is advisable to consult professionals when you want to take them off. 

Lash glue remover is basically used to remove these extensions artificially. They are applied and left for a few minutes. After that sterilized tweezer or hair brush is used to remove one at a time. 

When trying to remove it at home you can steam your face and use cotton swabs dipped in olive or sesame oil and gently apply it on them. This will loosen the glue and the eyelashes will come off naturally. Don’t rub the area extensively. Be careful if you are pulling it off with your hands otherwise you may end up pulling off the natural eyelashes.

I hope you have got all your answers in this article. The bottom line is that whatever kind of eyelash extension you choose to wear, make sure you are comfortable in it. Don’t do this to look beautiful in the eyes of others. You have the right to choose the best for you. Keep this in mind that these are artificial things, what makes a person look beautiful is what’s inside. 

Hope you Have Liked our Article of complete guide on eyelash extensions and found all of your queries in our Single Post.

Anukriti Srivastava
Anukriti Srivastava

Anukriti Srivastava is freelancer who works in various domains like content writing, editing, blogging, Voice over, and presentation making. She has written blogs in niches like food, gifts, lifestyle, education and fashion. She believes in writing in simple language to keep the audience intact till the end rather than distracting them with difficult vocab. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Dr. HariSingh Gour university, Sagar, M.P. She wants to be a journalist and news-anchor in future. In spare time she loves to read self-help books and romantic novels.

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