Many people are interested in the whole truth about eyelash extensions, how safe this procedure is. Every modern woman wants to constantly improve her appearance. Technology and scientific developments have given girls the opportunity to quickly transform themselves. For example, in just 1 procedure you can increase the length and volume of eyelashes. To decide on manipulation, you only need to find out whether eyelash extensions are harmful.
Why do women get eyelash extensions?
Those who have not yet resorted to this procedure are wondering why eyelash extensions. Firstly, it is beautiful, and secondly, it is convenient. Long, fluffy eyelashes that curl upward are every woman’s dream. They make the look mysterious and enigmatic. After the procedure, there is no need to tint your hair with mascara, because... they are quite thick, long, and have a rich color.
Mink extensions are used to create natural makeup. Synthetic hairs look like natural ones. Silk eyelashes are suitable for evening makeup. The new 3D eyelash extension technology makes hair resistant to sun, water, and tears.
Those who have naturally thin and short hair do not wonder whether false eyelashes are fashionable, but opt for the procedure to correct a cosmetic defect.
After extensions, you won’t have to use mascara, your eyes will be expressive at any time.
Myths about eyelash extensions and reality
Opinions on this matter vary among ophthalmologists and cosmetologists. Today you can meet ophthalmologists with artificial eyelashes and specialists in salons who provide a service and do not want to experiment on themselves. Misconceptions lead to absurd statements.
It is harmful
Extension can be dangerous only if:
- technology and sanitary standards are violated;
- performed despite contraindications.
If the manipulation is performed by a professional in accordance with all the subtleties of technology, it is safe.
Natural and synthetic materials
Today, hypoallergenic materials are used for the procedure, so women with allergies may not be afraid of the side effects of extensions.
The names of synthetic materials have nothing to do with animal hair or natural fibers, but indicate the effect:
- silk – thin;
- mink – medium, close to natural;
- sable – thick and long.
Some women are interested in the dangers of eyelash extensions made from animal hair. The material is an allergen; bacteria and microbes can live on it. Microorganisms do not develop on polymer hairs.
Lifestyle is limited
After the procedure, some restrictions are imposed. Tears, high temperatures, oily and greasy textures can cause hairs to straighten or become unstuck. Following simple rules of care after the procedure will only be beneficial. There are several contraindications for eyelash extensions:
- Do not apply greasy cream to your eyelids. Apply eye cream correctly to the periosteum, so it will not damage the hairs.
- You should avoid cosmetic oils and micellar water. The cosmetic industry produces enough creams for moisturizing and cleansing, so this contraindication is not limiting.
- If your skin is oily, your eyelashes will last less. Proper care for oily skin can improve the situation a little.
- Mascara causes synthetic hairs to deteriorate. Extensions are used to avoid tinting the eyes. You just need to decide what effect you want to achieve and choose the appropriate technique and material.
- You should not rub your eyes and sleep with your face in the pillow, because... eyelashes will last less. This is also harmful to natural hairs.
- High temperatures can cause synthetic hairs to straighten. To maintain the curves, place a damp cloth over your eyes.
You can sunbathe and visit the solarium a day before the procedure. And for 2 days you need to refrain from visiting the bathhouse and sauna.
The procedure does not change your lifestyle much, but in order to extend the life of artificial hairs, it requires simple correction.
Your own eyelashes will fall out after the procedure.
After the synthetic hairs are removed, some women notice that their natural eyelashes become sparse and short. For this reason, the fair sex is interested in whether eyelash extensions are harmful to their eyelashes.
Visual deterioration of natural eyelashes is observed due to the obvious contrast after removing lush artificial hairs.
At the same time, natural eyelashes periodically fall out, regardless of whether you have had extensions done or not. The life cycle of each hair is approximately 200 days. If you properly care for the skin of your eyelids and supply your body with vitamins, recovery and growth will accelerate.
In the case when the eyelashes are removed mechanically on their own, there is a possibility that the natural hairs will be pulled out along with the glue. Damage to the hair follicle leads to slower growth.
Your own eyelashes will break due to extensions
Whether eyelash extensions deteriorate depends on the professionalism of the artist. If the material is selected correctly and the technology is implemented, then a fracture is unlikely. To strengthen your own eyelashes, apply castor oil to them with a brush and comb thoroughly. Do this at night. You can also use almond, burdock, and sea buckthorn oils.
Glue is very harmful to the eyes
Because of the use of glue, girls are wondering whether false eyelashes are harmful to the eyes. A negative effect is only possible when using cheap glue from an unknown manufacturer. In this case, allergies may develop and even swelling may appear.
The procedure, carried out in the salon by a specialist using special adhesive compositions that do not have a negative effect on the skin of the eyelids and hairs, will take place without negative consequences.
The correction will have to be done in a week
How often to extend eyelashes depends on the quality of the procedure. When done professionally, the masters guarantee that the eyelashes will last for at least 3 weeks. Correction is a simpler process than extensions and is safe for eyelashes and eyes.
When using the eyelash method, artificial hairs last up to 3 months and look like natural ones.
Myth two: natural and synthetic materials
Extensions have become accessible even to sensitive people, because artists use hypoallergenic materials.
The names of polymer fibers - silk, mink, sable - are used to indicate the effect:
- silk - thin,
- mink – average and close to ordinary human ones,
- and sable is an imitation of thick and long eyelashes.
No real animal fur is used!
- Firstly, because it is a potential allergen.
- Secondly, natural fibers are more popular with bacteria and infections.
Living conditions on polymer hairs are not comfortable for microorganisms.
Black eyelash glue contains dyes, ask to replace it with a colorless one if you are afraid of allergies.
Doctors' opinion
Doctors believe that such a procedure is safe and acceptable, but in each individual case it is necessary to take into account the state of the body and its reaction to the means used for extensions. People who are prone to allergic reactions, have sensitive skin or individual intolerance to certain components that are used during the procedure need to be especially careful.
Harmful or not
A competently performed procedure will not cause harm. However, its consequences vary from person to person. Some women do not notice any negative effects even after frequent repetition of the procedure. Others note a deterioration in the appearance of their own eyelashes. Owners of thin and light eyelashes believe that this procedure is not for them. Most women are prone to extensions and do this manipulation no more than once a month for six months.
Is it harmful to the eyes?
Some claim that after the procedure, swelling of the eyes, redness of the eyelids, burning and itching may occur. It all depends on the materials and professionalism of the master. If you decide to get eyelash extensions, choose a salon that is licensed, and before carrying out the procedure, ask to see certificates for the products used. Such precautions never hurt.
How to minimize the consequences after eyelash extensions
Of course, extensions do not apply to one-time procedures. You will need to visit the salon periodically in order to achieve the desired result and maintain it. However, there is an opinion that over time this procedure can have harmful effects on natural eyelashes. There is no need to wait until your own hairs are damaged by glue and false eyelashes. To avoid negative consequences, it is recommended to take a break from extensions after 12 months of regularly performing the procedure. At the same time, in order to maintain a spectacular appearance, you need to adjust artificial eyelashes monthly, visiting a salon for this.
Contraindications
Like any procedure, extensions have contraindications. Before gluing synthetic hairs, the master must warn the woman about the limitations.
Eyelash extensions are contraindicated in the following cases:
- If a woman wears contact lenses. In this case, the risk of inflammatory processes and disorders in the eye area increases (possible damage to fiber).
- For chronic conjunctivitis. Any intervention can cause the disease to progress with renewed vigor.
- Very oily skin. Sebaceous secretions dissolve the glue and the hairs fall off.
- For severe eyelash loss. Build-up can exacerbate the process.
- For excessively dry eyelids. Using an oil-based moisturizer causes artificial eyelashes to not last long.
If your eyelashes are excessively thin and brittle, pay attention to strengthening them. Extensions are not contraindicated for pregnant women, but due to hormonal changes, it is impossible to predict how long artificial hairs will last.
For whom the procedure is definitely not suitable
Who should not have villi extensions, according to doctors:
- Women suffering from psoriasis.
- Patients with diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, tuberculosis.
- People who have inflammatory eye diseases.
- For those who suffer from allergies.
If you have the flu or even a cold, you should not do the procedure. Wait until you recover, your body gets stronger, then you can think about transforming your appearance.
Is it possible to increase
- Hair extensions are done in the absence of any problems with them: if they are brittle, not thick, and hair loss is observed, it is better to abandon the extension procedure;
- Girls with constantly chapped eyelid skin (it turns red and flaky) who are planning to get eyelash extensions should understand that artificial material does not like greasy creams;
- Eyelash extensions are not suitable for girls who are prone to allergic reactions. In this case, an experienced technician should conduct a test for compatibility with the components;
- Those with oily skin will experience premature detachment of glued eyelashes, so they should seriously consider whether to do extensions or not;
- It is also advisable for those who like to sleep with their face in the pillow to avoid hair extensions;
- It is quite dangerous to glue artificial villi to those taking hormones, suffering from asthma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, viral and infectious eye diseases;
- Eyelash extensions will not last long if the client wears contact lenses, touches her eyes every day, or uses eye drops.
Mink eyelashes
Important! The extension will become dangerous for the client if the technician violates the technology and does not comply with sanitary standards (he can cause an infection).
Pros and cons of the procedure
Over the years, artificial eyelashes have gone in and out of fashion. Materials and extension techniques have changed. But even today, many girls are wondering whether eyelash extensions are worth it. First you need to weigh the pros and cons of this procedure.
Eyelash extensions - pros
Many ingenious inventions appear with the aim of simplifying human life, this also applies to false eyelashes. After one trip to the salon, the eyes look expressive for a long time in the absence of makeup.
The next plus is durability. Even the best mascara can fail, begin to smear, and crumble. It must be applied every time and be sure to remove before going to bed. With artificial eyelashes, you can visit the sauna, swim in the pool, and be calm during rain and snow without worrying about anything. Artificial hairs are firmly attached to natural hairs and hold firmly.
Representatives of the fair sex do not always naturally have thick and long eyelashes. Artificial materials cope with this without problems. In addition, they can enlarge or change the shape of the eyes and visually lift the corners of the eyelids. You can choose any effect.
If you just want to emphasize the expressiveness of your look, then choose classic 1:1 extensions. If you want your eyelashes to look like they were painted on, choose 1:2 (2D) extensions. There is also “Hollywood extension” 3D and 4D, but it is more suitable for a photo shoot or party, which requires brighter makeup. Each type differs from each other in the number of artificial hairs attached to the natural one.
The advantages of extensions include:
- always a spectacular look;
- saving time;
- the opportunity to change.
Eyelash extensions allow you to apply eyeliner and shadow, the main thing is that the cosmetics are not oil-based.
Eyelash extensions - cons
Harm from eyelash extensions can only occur if you made a mistake when choosing a specialist. In this case, the hairs can:
- break off;
- stick together;
- fall out;
- irritate eyes.
This can also happen due to poor quality materials and non-compliance with hygiene requirements.
Disadvantages of the extension procedure:
- False eyelashes require self-discipline. You will have to wean yourself from the habit of rubbing your eyes and sleeping on your stomach.
- To always look good, you need to make corrections every month.
- Without a good specialist, you should not expect that the eyelashes will last long and that the procedure will be safe.
- There is a danger of allergic reactions.
- Natural hairs may require restoration procedures after removing artificial ones.
Pay attention to the cost of the procedure. If it's cheap, you're unlikely to get good results.
Features of the procedure
The main task of an eyelash extension artist is to carefully glue artificial hairs to the very base of natural (native) eyelashes. Such hairs are usually attached to a special glue with resin.
For extensions, two main methods are used:
- eyelash method (each hair is processed separately, i.e. 1 artificial eyelash is attached to each natural eyelash);
- beam method (a beam consisting of 3-4 artificial hairs is immediately glued to the eyelash base).
There are also differences in the volume of extension:
- full (artificial eyelashes fill the entire space along the eyelid);
- incomplete (natural and artificial hairs alternate, or the space is filled only in the corners of the eyelids);
- 2D (2 foreign eyelashes are attached to one native eyelash);
- 3D (3 artificial eyelashes are attached to one natural eyelash);
- Hollywood look (5 artificial hairs are attached to one natural hair, usually used exclusively for photo shoots or theatrical performances).
Stages
Eyelash extensions are carried out in several stages.
Important! Some steps may differ depending on the extension method, but basically the procedure is carried out according to a single scheme.
- Preparation of native eyelashes (makeup removal is carried out).
- Isolation of lower hairs (lower eyelashes are protected with special patches).
- Degreasing the hairs (this is an important stage on which the duration and quality of eyelash wear depends).
- Using a primer (helps clean the eyelash more deeply and open the cuticle).
- Preparing a box with artificial hairs (you can use a special tablet on which it is convenient to arrange eyelashes by size, curve, thickness, etc.).
- Mixing the glue (remember to change it every 15-30 minutes).
- Using a neutralizing spray (change the disc with the spray with each change of a drop of glue).
- Treatment with an activator (necessary if the technician suddenly becomes uncomfortable working with glue).
- Hair extensions (duration and technique will depend on the extension method and client requests).
- Application of a fixative preparation (the fixative is applied to the root zone).
- Combing (gives the hairs the desired direction).
- Removing a patch.
The extension process is shown in the video:
Materials used
For extensions, specialists can use hairs from a variety of materials. The most popular types:
- silk (the hairs have a glossy shine, the thickness of one eyelash is 0.15–0.25 mm);
- mink (have a structure similar to natural human hair, thickness is 0.07–0.12 mm);
- sable (thicker eyelashes, but elastic and mobile, used for incomplete extensions);
- columns (the maximum thickness of one eyelash is 0.15 mm, holds curl well and adds volume).
Important! In addition to artificial eyelashes, the master uses specialized glue for extensions, a degreaser, a disinfectant for tools, eye make-up remover, an activator, a primer and a neutralizer.
Tools
The most important tool for an eyelash extension artist is tweezers . It exists in several variations:
- straight (needed to fix eyelashes);
- L-shaped (used for eyelash extensions);
- L-shaped (suitable for 3D extensions);
- hook (used to glue and hold bundles);
- Vetus ST 17 (suitable for extensions in the corners of the eyes).
In addition to tweezers, the master will need:
- special tape;
- patches;
- brushes for combing hair;
- consumables (wipes, cotton pads, masks, etc.);
- microbrushes (needed for correction and hair removal).
What happens to natural eyelashes after the procedure?
Girls who have had extensions done for a long time, after removal, feel dissatisfied with their natural hair. Compared to the long and lush artificial hairs, like a fan, you get the feeling that there is nothing left of the old ones. On the one hand, this is due to a change in image. On the other hand, your own eyelashes may become thinner, shorter and may not look impressive for some time. They were under the weight of artificial villi, so they grow a little worse and fall out.
When applying eyelash extensions, the consequences may include increased tear production. From the use of low-quality adhesive materials, the delicate skin around the eyes may experience irritation, resulting in a burning sensation, discomfort, and tears flowing.
How long can eyelash extensions be done without harming your health?
The safety of a client's eyelashes is directly proportional to the professionalism of the artist. If the procedure is performed correctly, the condition of natural hairs will not change either after a month, or after a year or 5 years of continuous extensions.
Some people find that after the procedure their own eyelashes become more brittle. This indicates that the process technology was violated. In this case, you need to take a break. How long to wait depends on the condition of the villi. Each hair grows for 2 weeks, then rests for 7 days and then dies. If the master damaged the hair during growth, then you need to wait for a new one after 1.5 months. Therefore, it is very important to choose a good specialist.
The “life” of artificial eyelashes depends on the porosity of natural eyelashes and the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
How does extensions affect the skin of the eyelids?
The consequences of extensions with unsuitable glue can lead to irritation of the skin of the eyelids. There may be redness and itching. In case of sensitive skin, an allergic reaction in the form of swelling may occur. It all depends on the state of health and skin of the girl’s eyelids. If the procedure is performed according to technology, then it will not cause any harm.
Allergy
Allergic reactions occur during extensions extremely rarely. Artificial eyelashes are made of special polyester fiber and are completely hypoallergenic. Allergies may occur to glue or substrates.
When thinking about whether eyelash extensions can be done, make sure that the glue the artist uses is of high quality. According to statistics, an allergic reaction can occur in only 1 person out of 200, but provided that the technology is followed and high-quality material is used. It may manifest itself as mild itching. The problem is solved by using antihistamines. If there is redness of the eyes and swelling, then the procedure should be abandoned.
How to protect yourself?
To extend the life of artificial eyelashes, you should avoid makeup and greasy creams. Visiting the sauna, pool or beach is also not recommended.
You should carefully choose a specialist and always check the brands and certificates of the glue used. Equipment inspection is mandatory. To avoid deterioration of the condition of your own eyelashes, 1 day before the session you should avoid makeup and eyelid creams. Cosmetologists recommend taking a break of 5-7 days between repeated procedures. After removing eyelashes, it is recommended to make lotions from a solution of retinol, tocopherol, and aloe juice. To strengthen the hairs, it is recommended to wash the eyes with herbal decoctions, which include chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, and sea buckthorn. If an allergic reaction occurs, the component should be replaced.
Tips for a safe procedure
Having decided to increase the length or volume of eyelashes with synthetic hairs, you should adhere to some safety measures to avoid unpleasant surprises. The procedure must be carried out only in a salon that has permits to engage in such activities. You should avoid performing extensions at home, because... It is unlikely that it will be possible to do this efficiently.
Safe extensions can only be carried out by specialists. Be prepared that their services may cost more. But this is not the case when you need to save. It is better to carry out the procedure with high-quality, expensive means. Instruments must be sanitized to prevent infection. The adhesive should not contain formaldehyde, because they may cause an allergic reaction.
Some girls wonder if eyelash extensions hurt. The procedure is painless.
Before you decide to undergo manipulation, you should consult your doctor. If you plan to do extensions permanently, then you should prepare for frequent visits to the ophthalmologist. The doctor should check the condition of the cornea and determine that the procedure does not affect your eyes.
After extensions, you need to wash your face carefully and try to expose artificial eyelashes to any mechanical stress as little as possible. Do not rub the skin around the eyes or stretch it. You should not allow your hairs to get completely wet, because... If the glue was of poor quality, it may get into your eyes.
Proper care of your eyelashes
After eyelash extensions, you should not cry, rub your eyelids, or wet your hair for 2-3 hours. If the fibers are wrinkled or fall off, immediately contact a specialist so that he can fix everything. After removing artificial hairs, to prevent natural hairs from falling out, you should lubricate them once a day with castor oil. This will strengthen them and make them thicker.
If the hairs require deep restoration, then they can be treated with mixtures of natural oils. Mix castor and burdock oil in equal proportions, add aloe juice. Apply the mixture to your hair for a month.
Mix 1 tbsp. burdock oil, sea buckthorn and rose hips. Infuse the mixture for 10 days in a dark place, then lubricate the hairs every day for a month.
Mix castor oil, chamomile and calendula extracts in equal proportions. After removing makeup, lubricate your hair every evening until the condition improves.
What to do if natural hairs are damaged?
If you have seriously damaged your natural eyelashes after extensions, then it is better to take a break and put your natural hairs in order using several procedures:
- Remove makeup from your face and eyes before going to bed every day. Use only mild cleansers and do not rub your eyes with your hands or a towel.
- Use natural oils to restore natural hairs. Regular castor oil works best (simply soak an eyebrow brush in the oil and gently “color” your eyelashes with it before going to bed).
- Brush your eyelashes regularly with a dry, clean brush.
The nuances of caring for your natural eyelashes after removing extensions are described in the video:
It is impossible to say unequivocally whether the eyelash extension procedure harms the eyes, natural hairs or skin of the eyelids. It all depends on the characteristics of the client’s body, the experience of the master, the quality of materials and tools and many other factors. So it is best to consult with an experienced specialist before carrying out the procedure and choose the best option for eyelash lengthening.