Nowadays, there are so many ways you can enhance the look of your lashes. There are the ever-so-popular lash lift treatments, “miracle” eyelash growth serums, false lashes, cult-favourite mascaras and everyone’s favourite, the eyelash extensions.
When the latter first became popular in the mainstream market, many assumed that this was the best way to achieve fuller-looking, wispy lashes. And while they may not be entirely wrong, many have yet to consider the downside of getting eyelash extensions. For example, when it’s not done professionally, it can damage the health of your natural lashes or it can lead to skin inflammation which can also stunt the growth of your lashes.
According to an article by The Straits Times, “one can also lose natural eyelashes,” says Dr Natasha Lim, senior consultant ophthalmologist at Novena Bladeless Cataract Surgery & Eye Specialist Centre. She also added, “Losing natural lashes, may be due to reasons such as the heavy weight on the roots of the eyelashes caused by the lash extensions or false lashes, chronic inflammation, or an allergic reaction at the roots of the natural lashes.”
But what difference does it make if you’re adding eyelash extensions instead of falsies? And why are people still opting for the former? We dive in on everything you need to know about eyelash extensions as well as the different types of styles that you can opt for if you’re planning to get them done.
First and foremost, eyelash extensions are usually defined by adding individual fibres to your natural lashes. Unlike falsies, adding these extensions to your lashes is a more meticulous task, and would take about 140 strands for each eye. In most cases, an average session would probably last around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the lash tech’s experience and if there’s any removal required. Something to note about lash extensions is that they are also attached using a semi-permanent glue and they use to attach the lashes to your natural lashes, not the skin.
After each application, your lash tech will also give you a fan for you to dry the glue for the next 10 minutes or they might leave it for you to air dry.
In most cases, when you’re getting these extensions, you will also be advised to avoid getting your new lashes wet within the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent the water from reacting with the eyelash extension glue and which may cause a flash cure.
These eyelash extensions usually last you up to four to six weeks, depending on the quality of the lash glue and the material the lashes are made of. However, if you do start to lose lashes because some of us are guilty of tugging them throughout the day, or if it falls out naturally, you can still go back to the salon to touch it up after two to three weeks.
Of course, while you have these synthetic lashes on, you’ll also want to avoid using oil-based cleansers to remove your eye makeup as it may eventually make your lashes drop off.
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Now that you’ve set your mind to it, you’ll want to do a little research on what kind of lash extensions you would want to get. Besides, doing so would also make it easier for you to explain to your lash tech about the look you’re going for.
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Starting off with the basics, the classic eyelash extensions is a fuss-free set that involves applying the lash extension based on a 1:1 ratio. Great for those who are looking to enhance their natural lashes. Depending on the desired look, there are a variety of curls, lengths, and thicknesses to choose from. The most common curl types are J, B, C and D, and varies depending if you prefer a natural-looking set of lashes or if you like a mascara look.
Volume lashes are usually crafted into a fan before being applied to individual natural lashes. This style usually varies from a natural look which adds some length and volume, to a very dramatic and full look.
Otherwise known as one of the most popular styles, the cat eye eyelash extensions start out with shorter strands at the inner corner of your eye and then become gradually longer towards the outer corner. Eponymous with its name, many usually prefer this style because it mimics the shape of a winged liner and creates the illusion of a feline-eye look. Think of it as a sexy twist on the classic and volume lash extensions styles which aim to elongate and lift the outer corners of your eyes.
If you’re looking to achieve a more sophisticated open-eyed look, then the doll eye eyelash extensions will be your best bet. Your lash tech will use the shortest strands on the inner corner, and the longer strands right at the centre of the lash line, above the iris. More often than not, people usually opt for this style to achieve the illusion of a rounder eye shape.
This style of eyelash extensions was particularly popular last year on TikTok last year, and it seems like the trend isn’t slowing down. As its name suggests, this trend was inspired by the hairs of lashes of Manga characters, which are commonly known to grow into pointy clusters that are spaced out along the top and bottom lash lines, creating a spiky look.
These Manga lashes are also categorised as Thai Style lashes or Katun lashes at some other lash salons in Singapore.
The Wet Lash look appears similar to classic lash extensions. The main difference? These wet lashes are usually thicker and bolder looking. They are created essentially by using lighter lashes to create narrow, bundled fans, that resemble a set of volume lash extensions that are wet (hence the name). Think – a softer, more modern, and hydrated version of the classic extensions, with a spikey, textured volume look.
Did someone say Kim Kardashian? You read that right. A style that’s becoming increasingly popular, the Kim K set usually focuses on creating a wispy, spiked look. Perfect for those with smaller eyes and a high set of brows, the style comprises longer lashes at equally distanced points along your lash line, creating a fuller, fluffier look.
Text: Shazrina Shamsudin/HerWorld