Everything you need to know about lash extensions

It's OK to admit if you're more than a little curious about eyelash extensions, especially now that this beauty trend has extended beyond your favorite celebrities to the moms at your kids’ soccer games.

 

“Women love extensions because they can make lashes appear fuller and younger looking, while completely eliminating the need for mascara,” Clementina Richardson, a celebrity lash artist and founder of Envious Lashes in New York City, told TODAY Style. But while the idea of a simplified makeup routine sounds great, there's still the question of whether extensions healthy and safe or if they’re worth the time and money.

 

“No doubt, this person needs to be well trained, as I’m seeing more and more patients with injuries caused by extensions, some of which can threaten a woman’s vision,” said Dr. Rebecca Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Anyone who experiences an infection, any inflammation, an allergic reaction or a noticeable loss of natural eyelashes should see an ophthalmologist immediately.”

 

Here's a guide to the eyelash extensions pros and cons along with eyelash extensions guide on how to prepare and maintain them.

 

What are the different types of eyelash extensions?

 

Made of mink, sable, faux mink, silk, cashmere or synthetic acrylic, extensions come in a range of material and curl options.

“It’s important the curl on your extension follows the curl of your natural lashes, which is why I consider the application process an art, never a one-size-fits-all procedure,” said Richardson. “With so many different face shapes, it's important for your lash stylist to figure out the best look for you and your lifestyle.”

 

How long do eyelash extensions take to apply?

“The initial process lasts about two hours, while touch-ups, recommended every two to three weeks, can take up to an hour,” said Richardson. A single lash extension, ranging in size from 6 to 18 millimeters, is painstakingly attached — one by one — to the base of the natural eyelash.

How much do eyelash extensions cost?

No matter what your extensions are made of, your bank account is going to take a hit. Pricing varies depending on where you live and your technician’s level of experience, but anticipate shelling out anywhere from $150 to $350 for a full set of lash extensions (80 to 150 lash extensions per eye), and then another $75 to $100 for touch-ups every two to three weeks.

“You might want to consider a partial set, which will cut the cost and time in half, while still adding thickness to your existing lashes,” said Jennifer Garcia, a senior lash stylist at Maud’s of Beverly Hills in California. “And although natural hair is more expensive, if you’re allergic to animal fur, it’s best to stick to a man-made material.”

 

Are eyelash extensions painful?

You may feel anxious with tweezers operating so close to your eyes, but you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. “Your eyes are closed throughout the process,” Richardson explained.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

Sad to say, but you’ll lose the extension when you lose your natural lash, which is about every 6 to 8 weeks. “Women shed about 20 lashes per week,” said Garcia.

Are eyelash extensions safe?

“Lash extensions are easier to mess up than to get right,” said Richardson. A quick view of YouTube videos (“Lash Extension Horror Stories!”) confirms there can be some serious consequences if you fall into the hands of an inexperienced technician. Someone lacking in training can use too much adhesive, resulting in clumped lashes, or they can glue a single lash extension to multiple natural lashes, resulting in even more clumping or even breakage.

“Lashes grow at different rates — if you glue two together when only one is ready to shed, it can pull out the other prematurely,” notes Richardson. Which is why it’s important to research your technician. Find out how long he or she has been applying extensions, read online reviews, look at his/her before and after Instagram photos and confirm he/she’s state licensed and working at a reputable establishment.

 

Extension adhesives that contain formaldehyde can trigger an allergic reaction, so it’s important your technician uses a medical grade, formaldehyde-free, non-irritating glue. “If you notice any burning or tearing during the application, ask your lash stylist to stop immediately,” said Taylor. The gel patches used to hold down your lower lashes, which may contain ingredients including collagen, aloe and hyaluronic acid, can also cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin (some stylists prefer to use medical-grade tape to cover the bottom lashes, but even the tape's adhesive has been know to cause allergic reactions).

 

“If you notice any burning or tearing during the application, ask your lash stylist to stop immediately,” said Dr. Rebecca Taylor. Victoria O'Brien

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told TODAY Style that he's "not a fan" of the beauty treatment.

"While they look attractive, they can be associated with allergies and irritation of the skin and can cause harm, sometimes permanently, to your natural eyelashes," he said.

Beyond glue issues, there’s also traction alopecia to think about. “It's when the natural lash is lost — either temporarily or permanently — due to the tension and grip the extension has placed on the natural lash,” said Taylor. “You have to remember eyelashes serve an important purpose; they sweep debris away from your eyes, preserving your vision. Losing them temporarily is harmful enough, but if they never grow back, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of eye issues.”

Can I wear mascara with eyelash extensions?

Lash extensions allow you to ditch your mascara, eyeliner, and lash curler, saving you time in the morning. “Mascara can clump on extensions, but if you feel the need to stroke on a few coats before a big night out, be sure to apply a mascara that’s water-based, contains conditioning ingredients like vitamin B5, and is formulated for easy removal,” suggested Garcia. She recommends Xtreme Lashes Length & Volume Mascara.