The Real Truth From The Professionals: The Pros And Cons Of Eyelash Extensions

Let us start with the cons…

Cons

1. Price – Quality eyelash extensions are expensive. Depending on where you live, a full set can set you back a couple hundred dollars, and to maintain the lush look, will be about $100 (give or take), every few weeks.  Your natural lashes grow at different rates so getting lash fills are required to maintain a full look.
2. Risk of infection – Just like you want to go to a clean hair and nail salon, you also want to find an establishment that practices impeccable sanitation processes for their lash tools and implements. I do not recommend getting your lashes done in someone’s home as they are not inspected by the state board.  The person who is applying your lashes should be a licensed beauty professional, and if they are not, I suggest finding someone who is, as licensed technicians are trained how to clean and sanitize their tools.  If the tools are not sanitized properly, you can get conjunctivitis (gross!).
3. Risk of irritation/allergy – lash adhesives are comprised of many chemicals that can cause irritation, inflammation, or allergies to some people. Although the majority of people are able to enjoy eyelash extensions without any issues, there are those few whose bodies reject the adhesive.  If you would like to rule out the possibility of irritation or allergies, you can schedule a time to have the lash technician do a patch test prior to the lash application.
4. They can ruin your own lashes – Just like going to a person who isn’t skilled in hair color who overbleaches your hair, resulting in your hair breaking off and falling out in clumps, this can happen if you do not do your research to find a qualified lash professional. It breaks my heart to see clients who went to someone who said they knew how to do lashes but didn’t know the basics, (hello isolation), in maintaining the health and integrity of their client’s natural lashes.  To avoid this, do research!  Look on Yelp or Instagram, get a referral from a friend and ask your potential lash artists questions.  She should be able to answer any questions you have confidently and accurately.  Lash extensions don’t have to ruin your lashes.  In fact, when applied correctly, you should be able to wear them for months or years at a time.
5. Adjustments to your beauty routine – While wearing extensions, you want to avoid oil-based makeup and beauty products as the oil from these products can break down the bond between the extensions and your natural lashes, making them fall off faster. You will also want to avoid rubbing your eyes harshly as this can also result in your lashes being pulled out prematurely.
6. Extensions need to be removed by a professional – Once the lash extensions are applied, the safest way to have them removed is to a) have the salon that applied them, remove them, or b) let them fall of naturally. Attempting to remove the extensions yourself will result in your own lashes getting pulled out or broken off.  Having them professionally removed is quick and painless, whereas letting them fall off naturally isn’t quick but it is painless as well.

And now for the pros of Lash Extensions

Pros

1. No mascara – hallelujah! Long gone are the days of worrying about your eye makeup running. With lash extensions not only do you not need mascara because your lash line has been enhanced with longer and fuller extensions, but most clients also don’t need to wear eyeliner because the extensions give the illusion of having eyeliner on.
2. Free naps with every service – Yes, seriously. The process of having your eyelashes done is so relaxing that many clients use this time to catch up on some rest.  If you don’t fall asleep, the process is still luxurious and enjoyable.  You lay down with your eyes closed and listen to soft background music as your lash artist applies the extensions.
3. You look refreshed – Lash extensions have this magical way of making you look awake and ready to go. My more mature clients have claimed it’s like getting a facelift, and my mommy clients love that they don’t have to hide behind dark sunglasses for the school drop-offs and coffee runs.  The dark lashes make the whites of your eyes appear whiter and brighter, and there are ways to apply the lashes so that they create a more open-eyed look instead of droopy and tired.
4. Cuts down morning routine – How much time do you spend getting ready every morning? After having lash extensions applied you can use the extra half hour to squeeze in some more zzz’s.  Not needing to apply mascara, eyeliner is such a time saver and will allow you to enjoy your coffee a little longer or hit the snooze button one more time.
5. Customized to YOU – A good lash artist won’t just apply eyelash extensions she will consider your facial features, lifestyle, and beauty routine before getting to work. She will know how to enhance your features without making you look like a drag queen (unless that is what you want).  With so many different lengths, curls and thicknesses the possibilities are endless.  Also, because lash extensions are not permanent you can adjust your look whenever you want.  Some clients want more drama around the holidays or for a vacation, while others will scale back for a work function.  One size does not fit all which is the beauty of having extensions.
6. Extensions last weeks – Yes, they are a financial investment but imagine waking up every day with beautiful, bright eyes! Eyelash extensions are applied to each and every one of your lashes to achieve the fullest look.  As the days go by, you will notice lashes shedding here and there, but most clients can return once a month for a fill.  Again, do your research to find a reputable lash artist as the retention relies not just on their technique and products but also on how you care for them.  If you read reviews saying they have to return every week, my advice is to look somewhere else.
7. You can still wear makeup – You don’t have to ditch the smoky eye, or winged liner if you don’t want to. You can still rock your favorite eyeshadows, eyeliners, etc. without causing damage to your eyelash extensions.  It is important to remove all makeup at the end of the day to prevent buildup along the extensions which will make them stick together, but aside from keeping them clean and avoiding oil-based products, you are good to go.
8. They are water-proof – Hello vacation! In the early years of lash extensions, it was recommended that one should wait 24-48 hours to get their eyes wet.  That rule no longer applies.  With the advancement in technology came advances in how the adhesive cures and bonds to the natural lashes.  Clients can enjoy the gym, shower, or a swim after having lashes applied and they are a favorite for vacations for this reason.  You can go to the pool or ocean with no problem and still look effortlessly beautiful.
9. Feel beautiful and confident – Sounds silly that something as small as eyelash extensions can give you a confidence boost but it is SO true! Every single client who gets eyelash extensions comes back loving how it makes them feel.  A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to effortless beauty.

After reading some pros and cons of getting eyelash extensions only you can decide if it is worth it to you.  Some people don’t mind the financial investment and add it to their list of monthly beauty services, while others don’t mind applying lash strips or makeup daily.  Hopefully, this blog gave you some insight on what you can expect with eyelash extensions, as far as potential risks and maintenance.

xX

The EVRLY Team