What are Traditional Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extensions are an exciting product and technique to achieve the look of thicker, longer, yet natural looking eyelashes. This is done by adhering individual, synthetic lash hairs to the clients own individual natural lashes. True eyelash extensions are not strip lashes or three pronged, cluster lashes. They are individual, synthetic hairs that look just like your own natural lash hairs. When done safely and properly, a full set of traditional lash extensions takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
What are Volume Eyelash Extensions?
Volume eyelash extensions are an advanced technique designed to give the client a thicker look than the natural, traditional style while still maintaining the health of your natural lashes. To create a volume set, multiple synthetic hairs are used to create a "fan" that is then attached to the client natural lashes. Because the synthetic hair used to create each fan is extremely light, the process is still very safe. The natural lashes are not overburdened by weight, guaranteeing no damage. Unlike traditional sets that take only 2 hours, volume sets take close to 3 hours to complete properly. This is a very advanced technique that takes many, many months to perfect. Choose your professional carefully.
How long will they last?
They will last up to 4-8 weeks depending on how well you take care of them and also depending on your own lashes natural growth cycle. If you are like most of our clients, once you have them applied, you will become addicted and want to wear them all the time! In order to keep your lash extensions full and looking great, simple maintenance or "fill" appointments are needed typically every 2-3 weeks. They are necessary because, like your fingernails and the hair on your head, your individual eyelashes grow out on a continuous cycle of replenishment. As your eyelashes that are at the end of their growth cycle shed, it is necessary to apply some new extensions to maintain the fullness of your set. Retouch or "fill" appointments take only 45-60 minutes and cost a $75. You can come as often as you like for retouches!
What are the differences between Traditional Eyelash Extensions and 3D Russian Volume Lashes?
Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions differ from the traditional in several ways. Instead of one individual extension being applied to one individual natural eyelash, multiple extensions are applied creating a "fan". It is not damaging to apply multiple because the weight of the extensions used in this technique are much lighter. Therefore, multiple lashes do not weigh down the natural hairs, stressing-out/damaging the follicle. Volume lashes are an advanced technique and should not appear clumpy at the base or look like drug store, cluster lashes. Mascara can be used with a traditional set but should not be used with the volume lashes. Applying mascara to volume lashes will "close" the fans and ruin the fluffy, volume look. Lastly, volume lashes require 2.5 hours to 3 hours to apply- much longer than the traditional style which only take 2 hours maximum to apply. Examples illustrating the different look of each style may be found in our gallery.
Warning signs your lashes extensions are not being applied safely and correctly:
If you have had lash extensions applied elsewhere and you notice your lash extensions are coming out in clumps of two or more, please know this is not normal and that you will have bald spots in your lash line as each clump of lashes finally sheds. Lashes should shed naturally, one at a time, and not in clumps. In addition, if you notice your technician is not using a the single extensions to place on each natural lash but rather cluster extensions of twos or more, beware! Placing cluster lashes on a single lash is too heavy! The heaviness will cause stress to your natural hair follicle and damage it to the point your lashes may not grow back. One single extension should be applied to one single natural lash and then dried thoroughly. This is the safest and correct technique. Also, if your technician is not drying each lash after it is applied, you can bet the wet adhesive is sticking to the the natural lashes around it. The result? Clumps of two ore more hairs coming out and leaving you will bald spots in your lash line.
I heard extensions will harm my own lashes! Is this true?
Excellent question and one that everyone should be asking! Eyelash extensions will not harm your lashes if they are applied safely and correctly. The images on page before entering our website, are great examples of avery bad lash extensions applications. You can see that the lashes are clumped together with adhesive (no, that's not mascara!) and some of the natural lashes have even broken off due to the damage. It will take months for damaged lashes to get back to normal--if they all grow back. In addition to the poor quality jobs, the issue of safety should be considered. Since adhesive in your eyeball is obviously something that will harm you, be sure to have your extensions done by someone who has engaged in a hands-on training course by a reputable company and is has been trained properly and safely. It never fails a few times every month, we gain a new client from someone who had a pretty bad experience. The outcome and quality of your lash extensions will rely heavily upon whom you choose to do your application!
What TRADITIONAL Eyelash Extensions should look like:
Perhaps one of the best images on the web depicting properly applied extensions! You can easily see the accuracy and "clean" work from the base to the tip of each lash.
This is the "after" photo of one of our clients. Because of our expertise and quality in application, it is very difficult to see which are the client's natural lashes and which are the extensions. The yellow circles point out some of the client's natural lashes. Eyelashes that are longer than those lengths circled in yellow are the actual eyelash extensions. This photo is an excellent example of why our wonderful clients travel from miles around to visit us!
How do I take care of my new lashes?
It is not difficult to care for you new lashes. You will be given "after care" instructions before you leave your first appointment. Jill will go carefully go over them with you. If you have any questions after you leave, Jill will provide you with a number in which she can be reached immediately.
Can I use an eyelash curler?
Synthetic lashes already come with a very nice tapered curl to them. Eyelash curlers are extremely harsh and will break both natural and synthetic lashes. Too much of this treatment and it is possible that your natural lashes will not grow back! Pictured left is an example of what eyelash curlers will do to your lashes! Notice how much longer her natural lashes are compared to the broken ones pointed out by the red arrows. Even though her broken lashes are extremely small, we can still add extensions to them. By applying eyelash extensions, this client will be able to look good and feel confident while growing out her damaged lashes. The new heated eyelash curlers that have recently become available may be used and will not harm your extensions if used properly.
Can I still use mascara if I want to?
On most of the styles we offer you may use mascara. But, there are some things you should know. If you choose to wear mascara, use only brands recommended by The Lash Bar to ensure it is a water based product that will easily wash off without scrubbing. Since your lash extensions are already curled and long you will need just a "hint" of mascara taking only a few seconds to apply. Waterproof mascara is definitely not recommended because the cleaning agents will loosen the adhesive. Not advised on Russian Volume Lashes as mascara will close up the "fans".
What do I need to do before my appointment?
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Remove all eye makeup; be sure not to use oil based makeup removers or cleansers to clean your lashes prior to the application.
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Do not curl your lashes.
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If your natural lashes are very light, a lash tint prior to application is strongly recommended. Your new lashes will appear much fuller if your own light lashes have been tinted prior. Often Jill is able to tint your lashes on the same day.
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Plan to set aside about 2-3 hours for your appointment depending on which style you are having applied. Don't worry! You will be comfortably laying down on a "comfy", massage table with a bolster under your knees. Adding a relaxing massage makes the time go much faster!
Who should apply lash extensions?
Eyelash Extensions are for professional use only, and must be applied by someone trained and certified in applying eyelash extensions. In the state of Arizona, you must also be licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology to perform this procedure on the public. Unfortunately, there are several irresponsible lash extension companies that do not require a hands-on training course or proof of credentials prior to purchasing their products. As a result, many "lash" establishments are popping up that are not state board licensed or have individuals working for them that have not been trained by a reputable company with a solid reputation in the industry. You can not learn the safe and proper way to apply lashes unless you have taken a credible, hands-on training course.
Do they feel weird of heavy?
No, you should not feel them at all. If you ever leave a lash appointment from another salon and you feel them on your eyes, they've been done wrong!