We all have a friend out there who has had eyelash extensions.
Chances are we have multiple friends who have tried them.
Eyelash extensions are one of the most sought after services in the beauty industry.
They are also one of the most misconceived.
Have you ever had one of those friends tell you that lash extensions ruin your natural lashes?
Well I'm here to tell you that's a lie.
No, I do not mean your trusted friend and source is a LIAR.
I am here to tell you that the concept "lash extensions ruin your lashes" is a LIE.
It is in the artistry.
Or lack thereof.
Maintaining natural lash health is the MAIN priority in applying eyelash extensions.
This beauty featured above has been coming to me for over two years now.
When we first started, her extensions were longer throughout and a thicker diameter.
As time has progressed, her natural lashes have changed.
Age, stress, lifestyle, and environmental factors are all contributors to an overall change in lash health.
Because of one of these, or a combination, her natural lashes are now shorter and many of them aren't as thick.
Now I could have continued applying the same style of extensions as before, but over time that only would have DAMAGED her NATURAL lashes.
Extensions that are too heavy will prematurely pull the hair out of the follicle, resulting in hair loss over time.
Too heavy extensions also won't last very long and your clients will be wondering why their retention is so low.
It is IMPERATIVE to find a lash stylist with INTEGRITY.
This is where the ARTISTRY comes into play.
Some ladies want them natural, or to look like they're just wearing mascara.
Others want them long, thick, and fluffy so they can fly away with them.
No matter what you want, there is one common factor in the outcome:
YOUR NATURAL LASHES
It is a common misbelief that extensions ruin natural lashes.
No no.
These lash "artists" out there who do not focus on proper isolation, application, adhesive control, and eye safety...
...their LACK of artistry is the reason extensions can be damaging.
You can see how this extension is attached to multiple hairs and has excess adhesive. The extensions are also placed entirely too far from the base of the lash.
Now, back to that babe up top.
I have since changed her extensions to a thinner diameter lash that weighs less, and I apply shorter lengths in certain areas.
I recommend fills every 7-1o days for fair lash clients.
It reduces the risk of outgrown lashes that weigh heavy on the tips of the natural lash and puts strain on the follicle.
For clients with weak, fine, or short lashes, you can also look into Russian Volume.
(Click here to read my article on Classic lashes vs Volume lashes.)
If you are an artist, you need to keep natural lash health at the forefront of your priorities.
Communicate with your client if you notice a change and what you are going to do to help.
The truth is, for every lash ARTIST who takes her craft seriously, there are many more that just simply don't.
For those of us who do take this art seriously, it is our duty to inform the public on what to look for.
If you are a client, I strongly recommend you seek a stylist with integrity.
(Click here to find out how to find the BEST lash artist.)
And most importantly, be realistic in your goals and desires.
You may not like what you have to hear, but an expert stylist will be looking at the big picture.
That is what matters LONG TERM.
Happy Lashing!
This is the before and after from the picture I used to showcase what damage and improper application looks like. She was a transfer client and I made an executive decision to remove her previous work. Because adhesive remover can cause improper bonding, I had her come back 24 hours later and I applied a fresh new set. Now she has lashes that will live a happy and healthy life!