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Lash Extensions FAQ: Top 10 Questions About Lash Extensions Answered
Let’s face it — the world of lash extensions is ever-evolving, changing, and growing. This means that there are so many different topics to cover when learning about lash extensions. To make it a little easier, we’ve compiled and answered a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about lash extensions!
Keep reading to discover the answers to the top 10 most asked questions about lash extensions!
What Are Lash Extensions Made Of?
When they were first introduced, extensions were commonly made from silk or mink. Yes, that means actual hair fibers taken from minks!
Nowadays, a lot of lash brands are steering away from these in order to stay vegan and cruelty-free, and opt for synthetic materials instead. Here at PLA, all of our lashes are made from 100% Korean PBT, which is a plastic that results in high-quality durable lashes with a light matte sheen.
How Long Do Lash Extensions Last?
The majority of your extensions should stay on for about 6 weeks (this varies depending on your unique lash growth cycle). You will inevitably experience some fallout as you brush and wash your lashes; this is totally normal and healthy. Keeping up with proper lash aftercare will help your lashes stay on longer.
After about 2 to 3 weeks, your lashes will probably start looking a bit sparse — this means it’s time for a fill!
How Much Do Lash Extensions Cost?
This is going to vary depending on where you live and how experienced your lash artist is. If you live in a high cost of living area, lashes will likely be more expensive. If your artist is highly experienced or skilled, they will probably charge you more as well.
In general, a full classic set will be around $150-200 and a full volume set will be around $200-$250. Hybrid lashes fall somewhere in between, around $175. Mega volume sets can be even more!
Keep in mind that these are costs for a brand new full set. We recommend going in for a fill every 2-3 weeks, which can be about $50-$90 each time.
Can You Wear Eyeliner With Lash Extensions (Or Any Makeup)?
We get it, sometimes lashes just aren’t enough! We generally advise that you stay away from eye makeup when you have extensions, but if you absolutely need to wear some, you can.
Just try to stay away from excessively oily or waterproof products, remove the makeup gently, and be even more diligent about washing your lashes afterwards. For more information about wearing makeup with extensions, check out our other blog on the subject here!
Are Lash Extensions Safe?
The vast majority of the time, lash extensions are safe for you and your lashes. However, if done improperly, extensions can pose a risk to your natural lashes.
The main risks you take when getting extensions are allergic reactions, improper application, and poor aftercare.
Some people do experience allergic reactions to the cyanoacrylate in adhesive. At your first lash appointment, make sure your lash artist does a patch test with the adhesive they will be using to ensure you won’t react. Additionally, others are allergic to carbon black, which is used to make adhesive black. If so, ask your lash artist to use a clear adhesive instead.
If the extensions are too long and/or heavy for the natural lashes, they can put too much strain on the lashes and cause them to sag or twist. This goes hand in hand with isolation; poor isolation will cause the lashes to stick together. If a stuck lash falls out, it will likely pull out the lash it is stuck to (whether it is ready to come out or not). Too much of this can lead to traction alopecia, which is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Not taking care of your lashes after getting extensions can cause oil, dirt, makeup, and other debris to build up. This can lead to an out of control lash mite population or even infection. Lashes should be washed daily with an antibacterial cleanser and brushed through often.
How To Take Care Of Lash Extensions
As mentioned before, aftercare is essential to the health and longevity of your extensions. Your lash artist should take the time to go over proper aftercare with you at your appointment.
Washing your lashes once (or even twice) a day with an antibacterial cleanser and a lash brush will remove any oils, dirt, makeup, or other debris that collects in your lashes throughout the day. Then you can either air dry them or use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to dry them quickly.
Brushing through the lashes also helps keep them neat and removes any loose extensions that could otherwise fall into your eyes.
How Long Do Lash Extensions Take?
This will depend highly on the style of lashes you are getting, how experienced your artist is, and if you are coming in for a full set or a fill.
A classic lash appointment tends to be on the shorter end of the spectrum, taking around 90 to 120 minutes. Volumes lashes take longer, around 90-150 minutes. Fills will be shorter, depending on how sparse your lashes are.
Additionally, the more experienced your lash artist is, the quicker your appointment will likely be.
Which Eye Shapes For Lash Extensions?
Your lash artist should have a complete consultation with you before beginning the application to figure out which shape and style best suit your unique eyes.
We recognize three main styles — cat, kitten, and doll/open eye. Each of these goes best with specific eye shapes, although they can all be tweaked to fit a wider variety of eyes. Check out our blog for more information about each map!
Do Lash Extensions Hurt?
No! There should be no pain when getting your lashes done. However, it is normal to experience a little discomfort here and there throughout the service.
It can feel a little odd laying still with your eyes closed for a few hours. Sometimes the eyepads or tape can also be placed in a way that irritates your eyes, but if there is any acute pain, make sure to let your lash artist know.
To stay fully relaxed, we recommend taking headphones and listening to music or a podcast. Or if you can, take a lash nap!
How Often Do Lash Extensions Need To Be Filled?
We recommend getting a fill every 2-3 weeks. Before that, your lashes will probably still be quite full, so a fill would be unnecessary. And any longer than that, your lashes will look quite sparse and be left with gaps. Because of our natural shedding cycle, your natural lashes will fall off every 4-6 weeks. As they fall out, so do the attached lash extensions. This is why lash fills are a must!
Interested In Becoming A Lash Artist? Learn More In Our Online Lash Tech Classes
We hope you enjoyed this quick rundown of lash extensions FAQ!
If you need any more information or a more thorough breakdown of these topics, make sure to check out our other blogs and social media. You can also reach out to us directly with any questions you might have! We are dedicated to providing quality education about lashes to our fellow lash artists, no matter where they are in their journey.