Yahoo Lifestyle Everything you need to know about getting eyelash extensions
Lash extensions are one of life's most magical inventions — let us tell you why. Before their invention we all had to make do with mascara. Sure, mascara is great and not too much drama, however, we're sure you'll agree that it can be a bit of a nightmare to use/apply/remove.
When you have lash extensions, however, all of that faffing flies out the window. From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, your lashes look perfectly done. You never have to worry about annoying fall-out or smudging. In fact, you could dunk your head in a vat of water and they'd still look pristine. Honestly, it's bliss, it's quite literally the future.
How do lash extensions work?
Let's start from the top: initially your technician will have a chat with you about what you're looking for. Depending on the type of style and finish you're after, they will either recommend individual lashes (in which one single lash extension is attached to each lash), or cluster lashes (in which multiple lashes are attached to each lash).
Generally, individual lashes look more 'natural', while cluster lashes create lots of volume and thickness. It can be difficult trying to explain what you want, especially if it's your first time at a new salon, so come prepared with screen shots of examples you've seen that you like.
How are lash extensions applied?
Once you've settled on the type of look you're going for, your technician will clean and prepare your lashes for the treatment. Next, a sticky backed rubber pad will be placed beneath each eye to cover your bottom lashes and make it easier for the technician to see what they're doing.
The process of applying each lash is entirely painless — in fact, you can't feel anything at all. At times the glue can smell slightly strange, but don't fret, it shouldn't go near your eyes. Each extension is attached onto the base of your lash, not your eyelid, as some people assume.
How long do lash extensions take to apply?
It completely depends on what you're having, how many lashes you have and how fast your technician is. Some people are particularly speedy and can apply a full set in just over an hour, others take two. If you're lucky enough to have lots of lashes, your appointment time will err on the longer side.
Lash extensions before and after
All in the name of journalism, we headed to the salon for a lash extension sesh of our own. Here are the results — which speak for themselves, TBH.
How long do lash extensions last?
Aftercare is key, if you don't follow it your lashes will start to shed really quickly — if you do, you can expect them to stay put for about 2-4 weeks. Your lash technician should give you all the aftercare information you need, but we've put together a few tips just in case...
Lash extension aftercare tips
It's imperative to keep your lash extensions dry (this includes no steam or sweat) for at least 24 hours. After that, you need to avoid using any products that contain oil, as this will loosen the glue and make your lashes fall out.
No matter how tempted you are: Do. Not. Pick. This is often tricky to resist when the lashes start to fall out as they go through an annoying half-attached stage. But by picking and pulling you'll end up plucking out your natural lashes, so unless you're cool with naked eyes, just don't do it.
You should also be entrusted with a small spoolie brush after your appointment. Use this to gently comb through your lashes when you wake up and to fluff them up whenever they start to get stuck together.
While your lashes are fresh you won't need to wear mascara, but when your extensions are on their last legs, we can assure you, you'll be desperate for it. Yes, it definitely does help to fill in the gaps, but it's near impossible to remove without taking some of your lashes off with it. If you decide to use it, make sure you use an oil-free eye makeup remover that's safe for extensions, like Clinique's Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent.
Where to get lash extensions
If you've been convinced to book in for lash extensions (we don't blame you), here are a few of our favourite salons...
Who: Nails & Brows
Where: 33 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London
£££: A half set of lashes costs £115, while a customised full set is £220 and infills start at £85.
Who: Nouveau Lashes
Where: Nationwide
£££: Prices are determined by each salon.
Who: Blink Brow Bar
Where: Locations across London, Manchester and even Paris
£££: A half set of lashes costs £90, while a full set will be £160. You can also choose from a range of styles, like the 'Flirty' set which costs £75.
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