Eyelash extensions last longer than you think. With proper care, I can make my extensions last up to a month and a half. Most sites recommend that you come back every 2 to 3 weeks for a touch-up, but if you want to save a little money, you can extend its lifespan. The good news is that if you follow the technician's advice for aftercare, you'll have long, full eyelashes for four to six weeks.
The only way to remove your eyelashes is with a serious professional. You'll end up tearing out or breaking your eyelashes if you try it yourself, and it's not worth it. They usually last between three and four weeks, but don't be surprised if you replace them again before then. According to Clementina Richardson, founder of the Envious Lashes salons, properly applied eyelash extensions can last up to six weeks.
When an eyelash falls out, so will the false eyelash attached to it. It also warns against exposure to steam, rubbing my eyes or sleeping on my stomach as factors that can damage my eyelashes; I once got too close to an open oven and noticed that the heat had caused my eyelashes to scorch and curl. Since my eyes are round and bend slightly downward at the outer corners, Shin recommended that the longest eyelashes be in the center of my eyes (between two and three on his “Glam Scale”), rather than the popular cat-eye shape, to open them even more. A consultation will also help you determine which material to choose (the most common are silk and synthetic mink; silk is a little shinier and stands out more, while mink is more wavy and natural), the length and type of curl (J is the lightest curve but ends up looking longer; C and D are the most inverted), as well as how many eyelashes must be applied.
It takes a day or two to get used to the feeling of wearing extensions, but I found them much more comfortable than strappy lashes. When I first read about eyelash extensions, I learned that maintaining them isn't cheap; eyelashes themselves have a growth cycle similar to other body hair, and the glue that holds an eyelash extension can weaken and dissolve over time. While it may be tempting to order the longest, curliest extensions available, these could cause the most damage if your own eyelashes can't hold them. If you're into eyeshadow palettes, Richardson says you should be careful not to alter the glue that attaches the extensions to the eyelashes.
Most eyelash salons require customers to schedule refueling appointments every two to three weeks; wait longer and they'll book your refill as a new, complete set. After showering, you can blow dry your eyelashes in the lightest and coolest setting, and then brush them gently and without too much pressure. Ramy Gafni, famous makeup and eyebrow guru, advises opting for extensions that align with the shape of your existing lashes, rather than extra long and dramatic lashes. That's why Shin ends each date by handing you a soft pink sponge and teaching you how to comb your eyelashes daily.
While it's important to wash and brush your eyelashes daily, excessive handling can affect the adhesive bond. Eyelash extension retention rates vary from person to person based on several factors, such as aftercare practices, the natural growth and loss cycle, and skin and hair type. The cost of eyelash extensions can vary widely depending on your location, your eyelash technician, the type of eyelashes being used, and the style you want.
