Eyelash extensions are great to have, especially for busy women on-the-go, or for others that want to enhance their eye makeup. Many beauty salons offer this service, or spa treatment packages can include this option.
Typically, eyelash extensions last from six to eight weeks before they fall out. It’s not a very bad deal if it means one step less in a girl’s makeup routine. The maintenance isn’t demanding either. Although that’s the case, there are things to avoid and do to prevent premature damage and disappointment. Here’s a couple of them.
Bad Habits to Break
Bad habits are silent but deadly. One bad habit that most people do is rubbing their eyes. Be it due to conditions like allergies or simply the eyes getting tired, rubbing the eyes with eyelash extensions is a no-no. Doing this often will only shorten the lifespan of the extensions while damaging their quality in the process.
In addition, it harms the natural eyelashes. Picking at them does the same amount of damage. It’s another habit that’s unconsciously done by some, and it never yields positive results. Being aware of these habits is the first step to taking care of lash extensions.
Products and Items to Avoid
Most people have a skin care routine that they follow religiously. But unknowing to them, some products can damage their eyelash extensions. Learn about everyday items most people use that they most likely have to give up.
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Forget Oil-based Products
These are bad news. Oil-based products (like makeup removers and oil cleaners) are a no-go for eyelash extensions. The oil may cause the adhesive to break down, causing “hair fall” for the lashes. So as long as they’re included in the daily skin care routine, they can get rid of the extensions sooner than they’re supposed to last.
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Ditch the Waterproof Mascara
Other than skincare products, one makeup product to give up is waterproof mascara. It might have been useful before having eyelash extensions, but it’s not much use when you have them. In reality, it causes more damage. If applying mascara is out of habit or because of the misconception of “grooming” extensions, you must give it up because it’s hard to clean. Besides, the extensions alone make up for the loss of mascara.
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Minimize the Use of Eyelash Curlers
Besides mascara, eyelash curlers are another item to let go of. Extensions inevitably lose their curl over time due to wear and turn. But if you think a curler is a quick fix for this, know that it causes premature damage to the extensions. You can still opt to curl the eyelashes with a curler, but it’s not an advisable option.
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Tone Down the Heat
Heat is one of the main factors that weaken the adhesive that holds hair strands in place. With that, it’s best to minimize any direct contact with it. Setting your blow-dryer on a cooler setting or minimizing the use of a tanning bed are a couple of ways to go about it. This way, you can ensure the extensions stays on your lashes.
Items that Can Help the Extensions
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Use a Silk Pillowcase Instead
During sleep, we tend to toss and turn. As a result, hair can be tangled and hair strands knotted. The same can happen with eyelash extensions. The friction between lashes and a regular pillowcase can be damaging. Use silk ones as an alternative. Silk pillowcases are softer, which means less friction. This isn’t just beneficial for eyelash extensions; they’re great for the hair, too.
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Comb with a Spoolie Brush
Like combing the hair, coming through the extensions with a spoolie brush also helps. It combs the dust and debris away that can be sitting on the lashes, possibly reaching the eyes. A spoolie brush also grooms the lashes. It might even help with the urge to pick at them.
Understanding the Possible Risks
Lash extensions may enhance what you already have, but it’s not without its risks. In fact, the FDA does not regulate it and the lash glue. If there are any side effects, they usually subside on their own. However, that’s not always the case. Some adverse effects include allergic reactions, infection, inflammation, and eyelids drooping due to magnets that hold lashes in place.
It’s important to note that only aestheticians are qualified to perform lash extensions. When choosing the style and length, factors like eye shape and whether the client wears glasses should be considered.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to enhance what you already have. But going about it with proper research and having the procedure done by w professional makes all the difference.
