Eyelash Extension Misconceptions

Questions have been raised on occasion in the media regarding the effects of eyelash extensions on natural lashes. Unfortunately many of the reports have not included complete facts and in depth information.

PROPERLY APPLIED eyelash extensions do not cause damage to natural lashes.
Situations where damage has or can be done to the natural lashes are typically caused by one of the following unfortunate scenarios:

1) UNQUALIFIED professionals applying semi-permanent eyelash extensions. Xtreme Lashes™ believes it is irresponsible to sell eyelash extension products without requiring training. The application process, which requires the use of a strong bonding and long lasting adhesive and sharp tweezers near the eye area, is very meticulous. Only under the supervision of a well qualified Certified Trainer can a student learn how to properly 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 and must repair the damage that has been done to the 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).

2) CHEAP WORK. Everyone wants a discount and yes, you can get your lashes done for $100 or $150 for a full set. 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 short cuts. 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.

3. 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. Of course applying lashes in bundles like this will take significantly less time to apply to achieve a full look 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 because they are bonded together. This can result in permanent damage and lash baldness if done repeatedly.

4. 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 a faster growing natural lash begins to pull out a slower growing natural lash it is adhered to. While not significant pain (it can be equated to that of a small pin pricking sensation along the lash line) it is a sign that something is not correct with 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 however it can be much more subtle in appearance than these pictures show. Two single lashes adhered together may not be initially visible to you but a good technician will notice. A trained professional will 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 in the application, and provide great results.

Before having eyelash extensions applied, ask to see the license & certificate of your technician.