What Good & (Really) Bad Lash Extensions Actually Look Like, According to a Lash Tech
Chloe is the Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. She spends most of her time crafting scroll-stopping content, but outside of work, you'll find her building on her Glasshouse collection, hanging out with her fur babies and probably cleaning. Her all-time favourite products include the Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil.
I have been a lash technician (or lash tech for short) since 2017, and to be honest with you, I don't really know who I'd be without my eyelash extensions.
Even when I started at 5am working at the Adore Beauty warehouse, I would pop on a pair of strip false lashes every day.
That's how committed I am to the lash life.
I love the way lashes complete whatever look I am going for, and give me back an extra 15 minutes of beauty sleep.
But most off all, I absolutely adore the confidence boost a fresh full set of eyelash extensions gives my clients.
Thankfully, I haven’t encountered too many disaster lash extension sets, but I have heard a bucket load of horror service stories.
Unfortunately, it's the bad experiences that make people Google all sorts of eyelash extension questions like:
- Are eyelash extensions bad?
- Can eyelash extensions cause permanent lash loss?
- Do eyelash extensions cause damage?
- Do eyelash extensions ruin your natural lashes?
Being able to teach people the ways of the lash extensions through my Instagram (@chloevuyen) and in Beauty IQ content like this is one of the coolest parts of my job.
No more blindly walking out of your appointment - figuratively speaking, I hope - and wondering if pain on the eyelids is normal. (It's not, by the way!!)
So, let's run through the do's and don'ts eyelash extensions.
We'll cover different eyelash extension styles and types of eyelash extensions, eyelash extension aftercare and how to care for eyelash extensions, and even some eyelash extensions before and after examples!
Eyelash Extension Styles & Types of Eyelash Extensions.
Eyelash extensions are ultra fine lashes, usually faux mink or silk, placed on one natural lash to create a fuller, longer and more curled effect.
There are different eyelash extension styles and sets to suit the look you're after.
Types of eyelash extensions are usually differentiated by the number of lashes applied to each individual natural lash.
The most common types of eyelash extensions and lash sets are:
- Classics - One lash on one natural lash for a subtle, natural-looking result.
- Volume - Two to eight lashes on one natural lash for a full effect.
- Mega Volume - Eight or more lashes on one natural lash for a dramatic result.
You can also get different eyelash extensions based on the curl.
Here are some different examples of lash sets (photo one = volume, photo two = full volume).
Often, lash artists will offer a hybrid set, which is a mix of classic and volume lashes.
The way how to make your eyelash extensions look fuller or more natural is to work with your lash artist or salon on the best eyelash extensions for you.
Both the look you're after, but also what's realistic for you to maintain.
How Do Lash Extensions Work?
1. First, we prep your lashes, making sure they are nice and clean, and ready for the glue to grip onto your natural lashes.
2. Eye pads are placed under the eye to protect your bottom lashes, and we get you comfortable for the next one to two hours.
3. Based on the set you have chosen, we then create a volume fan. This involves bringing a number of lashes together into one 'fan' that can be attached to the base of a single natural lash.
This is what a volume fan for different eyelash extensions can look like!
4. Next, we dip the fan gently into the glue, isolate one single natural lash, and wrap the fan around the base of the natural lash.
5. This is then repeated up to 150 times on each eye so every individual natural lash is attached to an extension!
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Take?
A full set of lashes can take up to two and a half hours.
This all depends on the style you're having, if it's a new full set from scratch, or if you are getting an existing set refilled.
How Much Are Eyelash Extensions?
How much do eyelash extensions cost?
A quality set of lash extensions can cost anywhere from $100 to $400.
When it comes to eyelash extensions price, the thicker you want your lash extensions to look, the more moolah you are going to have to invest.
You can also watch Chloe give the full lowdown on lash extensions in the YouTube video below...
How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?
Everyone's eyelash extension growth cycle will be a little bit different, but on average, our eyelashes fall out and grow back over a 30-day cycle.
Lash extensions last for about four to six weeks depending on how you care for them and your natural lash cycle.
Part of eyelash extension aftercare is not pulling your lash extensions out as some start to fall out and others hang on for dear life.
The best way to avoid damaging your natural lashes and keep them nice and full all year round, refills every two to three weeks is recommended.
If you aren't going to get them refilled, best to let them fall out naturally rather than plucking them along with your natural lashes.
Are Eyelash Extensions Bad? What Do Bad Lash Extensions Look Like?
Unfortunately, eyelash extensions can be done wrong in a multitude of ways.
From too much glue and poor isolation/placement, to using too heavy a fan for the natural lash, placing lashes too close to the lash line, using the wrong types of fans - I could honestly go on, and on.
All of these things could result in infection, irritation and damage to natural lashes.
Generally speaking, eyelash extensions could be a bad choice for those who pick at their lashes, have easily-irritated eyes or already have damaged or weak lashes.
You should also avoid eyelash extensions if you love wearing mascara, because mascara and extensions don't go well together!
Lash Extension Red Flags.
Here are some things to look out for before, during and after your lash extension appointment that could indicate something to worry about:
- Dirty or unsanitary lash space.
- The technician completes a full set of lashes in less than 45 minutes.
- Sets that feel like dumbbells on your eyes or make your eyes look droopy.
- Stinging when in contact with water (after initial 24 hours)
- Sore eyelids when blinking or a swollen lash line.
If you are concerned about infection or irritation, go and see your GP for personalised, professional medical advice.
What Should Good Lash Extensions Look Like?
Here is a great eyelash extensions before and after example of a textured natural volume set using different lash lengths.
Good lash extensions should be:
- Perfectly isolated - You should be able to brush through them with ease using your spoolie brush.
- The mapping or lash style should compliment your individual eye shape.
- The extensions should look nice and fluffy, and flutter every time you blink.
How to Prepare for Your Lash Appointment.
- Avoid caffeine for at least three hours prior to your appointment as coffee or soft drink can cause your eyelid to twitch, making it near impossible to apply your extensions.
- Wear comfy clothes and bring headphones if you want to listen to a podcast or playlist to pass the time.
- Come eye makeup-free to your appointment, bonus points for cleansing your lashes beforehand.
- Wash your hair before your appointment, as you don't want to get your lash extensions wet for 24 hours so the dry can properly dry.
How to Wash Eyelash Extensions.
It's important to wash your lashes to keep them clean and free of debris.
Please don’t apply your regular face cleanser directly on your lashes. To clean your lash extensions, purchase a lash foam from your technician.
Lash-Friendly Cleanser Recommendations.
Some creamy or oil-based cleansers can mess with your lash extensions, even if you try really hard to avoid using them around the eye area.
Here are my top lash-friendly cleansers for different skin types that won't ruin your extensions.
Love lash extensions but oil-free cleansers dry you out? Consider Alpha H’s Balancing Cleanser your saviour. It's also great for melting your makeup off, since cleansing balms are basically banned from going anywhere near your lashes.
2. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser.
What an absolute blessing it is to have The Ordinary always coming through with affordable skin care. This baby is another oil-free cleanser that is lash tech-approved.
Last but not least, a daily cleanser for all you oily skin-havers. The Effaclar Foaming Gel will give your skin the cleanse it needs, without ruining your new fluffers.
Lash Extension Aftercare.
- Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 24 hours. This includes getting water on them, saunas, facials and vigorous exercise.
- After that, wash lashes daily with a lash cleanser.
- Brush your lashes daily using a provided spoolie brush to help them in good shape.
- No mascara on your lashes. EVER.
- Avoid oil-based products on and around the eyes as this may tamper with the lash adhesive.
- Sleep on your back to avoid waking up with lash extensions all over your pillow.
Lash Extension Myths, Debunked!
Can you swim with eyelash extensions? Yes, as long as you don't get them wet within 24 hours of application.
Can I use eyeshadow with eyelash extensions? Can I wear eyeliner with eyelash extensions? Can you wear makeup after eyelash extensions?
Yes, yes and yes! Except mascara, that's a no-no.
What's more important is how you remove your eye makeup, and knowing how to wash eyelash extensions.
If lash extensions aren't for you, you can learn how to apply false strip lashes with Chloe in this YouTube video below.
Final Lash Extension Advice...
Every lash tech has their different style. Jump on Instagram and you'll find abundance of skilled lash artists with showing examples of their work.
Browse around until you find a lash artist you like the look of, and ask for an in-depth consultation.
Then all that's left to do is to enjoy your new fluffers!
Want more tips and product recommendations from Chloe? Check out more of her articles here:
