Autumn Houston The Salon

Eyelash Extensions is the hot new "Must Have" that has us all swooning. Of course, along with all new hot commodities, come the rumors and unanswered questions. This blog is dedicated for the True and False on extending your beauty, one lash at a time. Before we get to the FAQ, let me first give you a play by play on how Lash Extensions work.

Lash Extensions vary in material, thickness, and curl. There are Mink, Silk, and a synthetic material called PBT. Everyone has a different look they're going for, and your Artist will go over what he or she recommends for your eye shape and natural lash length.

Each Lash Extensions is attached to your natural lash, ideally 1mm away from your lash line, using medical grade cyanoacrylate glue. In layman's terms, medical grade superglue that is non- toxic and virtually fume less. Depending on the quality of glue that your chosen Artist uses, your set of Extensions, without any routine maintenance, could last you 6 weeks before they are all shed. If you choose to keep your set looking fresh, full and new you will typically go in for a Re- Lash every 2-3 weeks. During a Re- Lash, your Artist will go over your set, remove any Extensions that are overgrown, and fill in any gaps. You leave brand new, ready to bat those pretty eyes again.

There are things you need to commit to when signing up for Lash Extensions though, it is a two way street!

Before And After Eyelash Extension Set

*Shower and cleanse your lashes before your appointments. The reason why is because for the first 48 hours after your visit, the adhesive is curing. That means no steam, heat, humidity, or eye makeup! If you choose to do any of the aforementioned during this time, just be aware that you will lose some Extensions prematurely. So protect your investment and just follow the rules!

*No more scrubbing your eyes to remove your makeup. Be gentle. Your artist should send you home with an "Aftercare Kit", which will include lint free applicators to remove any mascara or eyeliner, and a disposable mascara wand to brush your babies back into place if ever they become unruly.

*No More Lash Curlers! They are bad for your natural lashes as it is! Do you know how many of my clients have purchased RevitaLash from me, because their lashes started breaking from curling them every morning? If you use a lash curler on your Extensions, you will ultimately break the bond of the adhesive, and your Extensions will simply fall off. If you must curl your lashes, use a Heated Lash Curler instead. They are easy to find, Sephora carries inexpensive ones.

Before And After Eyelash Extension Set

Okay, now on to the FAQ. As a Lash Extension Artist, I have heard them all. Let's start with the most popular...

"I heard that if you get Lash Extensions, all your real eyelashes fall out."

FALSE.

If you have a full set of Extensions, that means you have a synthetic lash attached to each of your natural lashes. Due to the natural hair growth cycle, you shed 2-6 lashes daily, which means that you will also lose 2-6 Extensions daily. They are not pulling your natural lashes out, Nature is just taking it's course. *However, if you are routinely going to an Artist that was improperly trained, or if you are having flares applied, that could be a different story entirely. Do your research ladies (and gents!), find out where your Artist did their training, and if the company they was trained through is reputable.

"My lashes are straight and point down, I was told I can't get Extensions."

FALSE.

It makes absolutely no difference. If your lashes are very straight and angle down, your Artist can use a heated lash curler first to bring them up a bit. There are also different curls available in the Extensions, so she can always fix the problem for you.

"My eyes are very sensitive, and they tear a lot, I'm not sure I'm a good candidate for Lash Extensions."

TRUE.

Unfortunately, excessive tearing is not good for Lash Extensions. It takes 48 hours for the adhesive to fully cure, and moisture will only interfere with the bonding. You might want to really contemplate investing in Extensions, because you most likely will lose your Extensions quicker than most clients.

"I heard you can't wear mascara with Lash Extensions, because it will make them fall out"

TRUE and FALSE

You CAN wear mascara, but it must be oil free or very low oil content. Oil interferes with the bond of the adhesive, and your Extensions will just slip off. Most reputable Lash Extension companies offer oil free/low oil eye makeup products, so make sure to ask your Artist. Oil Free Makeup Remover is easy to find in most drug stores or department store counters, but I highly recommend purchasing mascara and eyeliner through your Artist, NOT Sephora or elsewhere. For instance, Xtreme Lash has a really good Mascara and GlideLiner, it is formulated to go on and come off easy, without the need to scrub your eyes. Big No-No with Lash Extensions! Keep in mind though, you don't have to wear mascara with Extensions...One of their many benefits is that you wake up looking like you already have it on.

After Eyelash Extensions

Lash Extensions are fast becoming part of the Beauty Budget right next to skin care, waxing and hair. No more raccoon eyes when swimming in the pool? No more mascara in the morning? Longer, thicker lashes, without of the use of eyelash conditioners that threaten to change the color of your eyes? Some of you may be finding yourself asking, "Where do I sign up!?" Elena McCrary, Autumn Houston The Salon's, exclusive Eyelash Extension Specialist is available at 619. 546. 5464.