The media has occasionally raised questions regarding the effects of eyelash extensions on natural lashes. Unfortunately, many of the reports have not included complete facts and in depth information on the subject.
PROPERLY APPLIED eyelash extensions do not cause damage to natural lashes.
Situations where damage has been or can be done to the natural lashes are typically caused by one of the following unfortunate scenarios:
UNQUALIFIED professionals who apply semi-permanent eyelash extensions. Xtreme Lashes™ strongly believes it is irresponsible to sell eyelash extension products to anyone who has not been properly trained. The application process is very meticulous, requiring usage of a strong bonding and long lasting adhesive and sharp tweezers near the eye area. Only under the supervision of a well qualified Certified Trainer, can a student learn how to properly apply lashes. They learn how to position their hands, pick up the lash extension, isolate a single natural lash, and apply the lash extension safely and beautifully. In fact, a qualified trainer is trained to work with each individual’s specific needs to help him or her overcome weaknesses and utilize strengths. Even proper posture and table height is assessed.
Our trained Lash Stylists often see the work of an unqualified professional first hand. Many have repaired the damage that has been done to a client. Below is an example of lashes applied by an untrained technician (before) and the corrections done by an Xtreme Lashes™ Lash Stylist in Houston, TX (after).
CHEAP WORK. Everyone wants a discount and yes, you can get a full set of eyelash extensions done for $100 or $150. But would you really want to? At this price, technicians have to speed through the procedure to maximize their time. This leads to poor quality work or shortcuts (see item 3). On the right you can see an example of a bad application that was subsequently repaired by an Xtreme Lashes™ Lash Stylist in San Diego, CA. The client who received this initial application paid the ‘bargain’ price of $100 for the lashes you see in the photo. They are irregular in size and adhered together in large sections.
FLARES AND ‘INDIVIDUAL’ LASHES applied as shortcuts. Flares, Clusters and ‘Individuals’ consist of attached groups of 3-8 blunt-end lashes, often with a knot at the end. These types of lash enhancements are designed to be applied to the skin using temporary lash adhesive for short term wearing. It has become known that some technicians are taking these lash groups and using a semi-permanent eyelash extension adhesive to adhere flares and individuals directly to natural lashes. Applying lashes in bundles will take significantly less time to achieve a full look rather than a single lash by lash application. However this is an unhealthy method for natural lashes. These bundled lashes are far too heavy for a single natural lash to support. If applied to one natural lash they can break the natural lash and inhibit future re-growth. Alternately, if they are applied to multiple natural lashes to properly support their heavy weight, multiple natural lashes will be adhered together. Since natural lashes grow at different rates, the flares will cause faster growing natural lashes to prematurely pull out slower growing lashes from the root since they are bonded together. This can result in permanent damage and lash baldness if done repeatedly.
CARELESS ADHESION - leading to 3-4 human lashes being clumped together. Again, this comes down to training and quality. Lashes applied properly should be adhered one by one. One small synthetic lash is attached to one natural lash. If several natural lashes are adhered together because the technician has not been trained to isolate a single natural lash or is being too quick or too careless to do so, it can cause pain and, in the end, damage to the natural lashes. The pain will be felt a day or two after application, as faster growing natural lashes begin to pull out a slower growing natural lash it is adhered to. While not significant pain (it can be equated to a small pin pricking sensation along the lash line), it is a sign that something was done incorrectly during the application. Properly applied eyelash extensions should be seen but not felt. There should be no discomfort during or after application. Both of the examples demonstrated in the photos above show the effect of many lashes being adhered together. Two single lashes adhered together may not be initially visible to you, but a trained stylist or technician will notice. Trained professionals not only isolate a single lash as they apply, but constantly check throughout the application to ensure that no lashes are adhering together as they dry.
A qualified, professionally trained, and highly skilled Xtreme Lashes™ Lash Stylist will take great care during the application process to provide great results.
Before having eyelash extensions applied, ask to see the license & certificate of your technician.