Myth Busters
There are a few myths about lash extensions that are not based on fact.
Here’s Julie’s professional view that’s shared by likeminded professionals
Myth
I don’t need a patch test. I’ve had them done before!Fact:
You do! We all use different products. It is a requirement of our insurance so it’s non-negotiable. A patch test is just one part of your consultation. We need to ask questions about eye health, infections and allergies to ensure that we can even patch test.
Myth
Eyelash extensions are painful to wear!Fact:
They can be painful if they have been poorly applied or in the rare event that you suffer a reaction to any of the products used to treat. If the eyelash extension or volume fan is bonded to one natural lash and it is not overloading it, there will be no pain or discomfort.
Myth
Eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes and makes them fall out!Fact:
If eyelash extensions are applied correctly to each individual natural lash using good quality products, they will be carried by the natural lash until it is ready to shed as part of its natural growth cycle. This does not damage them, its perfectly normal.
Myth
You must take regular breaks!Fact:
Again, if eyelash extensions have been correctly applied then they will be carried by the natural lash until it is ready to shed as part of its natural growth cycle. There are no need for breaks unless you want one.
Myth
Anyone can have extensions so their lashes look like Kim K’s!Fact:
Anyone with extremely strong and healthy natural lashes can have a look like Kim K. Not all of us are naturally blessed so false strip lashes may be the only way to compete with these celebs!
Myth
Every lash can be lashed!Fact:
Natural lashes have a life span of around 90 days. The young ones are growing and the mature ones will shed. Baby lashes are far too weak to carry an extension so we can’t claim to be able to lash every lash!
Myth
When you stop having them, your lashes are shorter!Fact:
The weight tricks your lashes into thinking they’re fully grown. Once removed, they soon return to normal. Extensions are longer and thicker so yours will appear to be smaller.
Myth
Eyelash extension wearers are likely to get infections!Fact:
Those who don’t wear eyelash extensions are just as likely to get infections. They do not cause infections but improper care just might with a mite…..
Myth
Any beautician can do eyelash extensions!Fact:
Applying eyelash extensions well requires up to date expert knowledge and skill that comes from many hours of continuous and diligent study and practice.
Myth
You can wear mascara on eyelash extensions!Fact:
No, please don’t! You will add weight that was not considered when the length and thicknesses were chosen to create your look. You could overload your lash line and stress your follicles. The tapered tip is lost as mascara looks clumpy from root to tip. They will be hard to clean and the extensions get dislodged if you try. You’ll provide a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to infections.
Myth
Eyelash extensions last up to 12 weeks ‘with regular infills’!Fact:
Not quite! This overpromises what the treatment can do. Lashes are on replenishing growth cycle. They are treatable when they are about 4 weeks old and they shed at around 12 weeks. If you treat a 4 week old lash, it is still growing and the extension will be carried away from the lash line. It would be removed at a later infill and a new one placed closer to the lash line. If the odd extension lasts 8 weeks then that’s good going!
Myth
All eyelash extensions are make of real mink!Fact:
Some are! They’re not often used in the UK as the animals are generally caged. Their fur is combed, collected, cleansed, cut, curled and sold. Elite will not use these products. Most stylists prefer to use synthetic lash extensions that are also called mink. They’re made from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) plastic. This is why we advise you to be careful around heat as they’ll melt!
Myth
My friend and I can have the same lashes!Fact:
Highly unlikely! You’ll have different face shapes, eye shapes, lids, brows and lashes (quality, number and projection). A great Lash Stylist will tailor a bespoke look to suit you.
Myth
You must keep the lashes dry for 24 hours!Fact:
This is the biggest myth of them all! It was thought that the adhesive needed up to 24 hours to cure before getting wet. Scientists advise that we can get them wet after 5 minutes and it’s wise to do a post treatment wash to remove glue vapours from the skin to help prevent the onset of allergies.
Myth
If I have a reaction, it’s okay to try a sensitive glue!Fact:
No! No way and never! If you are allergic to the adhesive that was used, you will still be allergic to a sensitive adhesive as they contain the same chemicals, just in different quantities. Please don’t risk it.
Myth
I’ve a big event this week, its okay to get my lashes done for the first time!Advice:
You should have your eyelash extension treatment done around 3 weeks before your special day and then have an Infill no sooner than 3 days before it. Though a reaction to this treatment is rare, it can happen so Julie strongly advises it.
If you’re planning to have other beauty treatments, here’s some considerations:
1. Do not have a spray tan just before your eyelash extension treatment. The eye pads or tapes that protect the lower lashes can lift the tan.
2. Do not have other treatments that will get your eye area dirty such as oils from facials. These will be very difficult to remove from the lashes, especially volume ones.
3. Please don’t add false lashes or cluster/party lashes to them! Their adhesive will get stuck in the lash line and it will be impossible to clean it thoroughly yourself.
Myth Busters
There are a few myths about eyelash extensions that are not based on fact.
Here’s Julie’s professional view that’s also shared by likeminded professionals
Myth
I don’t need a patch test. I’ve had them done before!Fact:
You do! We all use different products. It is a requirement of our insurance so it’s non-negotiable. A patch test is just one part of your consultation. We need to ask questions about eye health, infections and allergies to ensure that we can even patch test.
Myth
Eyelash extensions are painful to wear!Fact:
They can be painful if they have been poorly applied or in the rare event that you suffer a reaction to any of the products used to treat. If the eyelash extension or volume fan is bonded to one natural lash and it is not overloading it, there will be no pain or discomfort.
Myth
Eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes and makes them fall out!Fact:
If eyelash extensions are applied correctly to each individual natural lash using good quality products, they will be carried by the natural lash until it is ready to shed as part of its natural growth cycle. This does not damage them, its perfectly normal.
Myth
You must take regular breaks!Fact:
Again, if eyelash extensions have been correctly applied then they will be carried by the natural lash until it is ready to shed as part of its natural growth cycle. There are no need for breaks unless you want one.
Myth
Anyone can have extensions so their lashes look like Kim K’s!Fact:
Anyone with extremely strong and healthy natural lashes can have a look like Kim K. Not all of us are naturally blessed so false strip lashes may be the only way to compete with these celebs!
Myth
Every lash can be lashed!Fact:
Natural lashes have a life span of around 90 days. The young ones are growing and the mature ones will shed. Baby lashes are far too weak to carry an extension so we can’t claim to be able to lash every lash.
Myth
When you stop having them, your lashes are shorter!Fact:
The weight tricks your lashes into thinking they’re fully grown. Once removed, they soon return to normal. Extensions are longer and thicker so yours will appear to be smaller.
Myth
Eyelash extension wearers are likely to get infections!Fact:
Those who don’t wear eyelash extensions are just as likely to get infections. They do not cause infections but improper care just might with a mite…..
Myth
Any beautician can do eyelash extensions!Fact:
Applying eyelash extensions well requires up to date expert knowledge and skill that comes from many hours of continuous and diligent study and practice.
Myth
You can wear mascara on eyelash extensions!Fact:
No, please don’t! You will add weight that was not considered when the length and thicknesses were chosen to create your look. You could overload your lash line and stress your follicles. The tapered tip is lost as mascara looks clumpy from root to tip. They will be hard to clean and the extensions get dislodged if you try. You’ll provide a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to infections.
Myth
Eyelash extensions last up to 12 weeks ‘with regular infills’!Fact:
Not quite! This overpromises what the treatment can do. Lashes are on replenishing growth cycle. They are treatable when they are about 4 weeks old and they shed at around 12 weeks. If you treat a 4 week old lash, it is still growing and the extension will be carried away from the lash line. It would be removed at a later infill and a new one placed closer to the lash line. If the odd extension lasts 8 weeks then that’s good going!
Myth
All eyelash extensions are make of real mink!Fact:
Some are! They’re not often used in the UK as the animals are generally caged. Their fur is combed, collected, cleansed, cut, curled and sold. Elite will not use these products. Most stylists prefer to use synthetic lash extensions that are also called mink. They’re made from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) plastic. This is why we advise you to be careful around heat as they’ll melt!
Myth
My friend and I can have the same lashes!Fact:
Highly unlikely! You’ll have different face shapes, eye shapes, lids, brows and lashes (quality, number and projection). A great Lash Stylist will tailor a bespoke look to suit you.
Myth
You must keep the lashes dry for 24 hours!Fact:
This is the biggest myth of them all! It was thought that the adhesive needed up to 24 hours to cure before getting wet. Scientists advise that we can get them wet after 5 minutes and it’s wise to do a post treatment wash to remove glue vapours from the skin to help prevent the onset of allergies.
Myth
If I have a reaction, it’s okay to try a sensitive glue!Fact:
No! No way and never! If you are allergic to the adhesive that was used, you will still be allergic to a sensitive adhesive as they contain the same chemicals, just in different quantities. Please don’t risk it.
Myth
I’ve a big event this week, its okay to get my lashes done for the first time!Advice:
You should have your eyelash extension treatment done around 3 weeks before your special day and then have an Infill no sooner than 3 days before it. Though a reaction to this treatment is rare, it can happen so Julie strongly advises it.
If you’re planning to have other beauty treatments, here’s some considerations:
1. Do not have a spray tan just before your eyelash extension treatment. The eye pads or tapes that protect the lower lashes can lift the tan.
2. Do not have other treatments that will get your eye area dirty such as oils from facials. These will be very difficult to remove from the lashes, especially volume ones.
3. Please don’t add false lashes or cluster/party lashes to them! Their adhesive will get stuck in the lash line and it will be impossible to clean it thoroughly yourself.