What are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions were developed to look absolutely identical to human lashes, and may be made of synthetic material, silk, or mink.
Eyelash extensions are literally placed and bonded onto your existing natural lashes to naturally enhance your eyes and their natural beauty.  Unlike eyelash implants, lash extensions are considered semi-pernament. Eyelash Extensions

How long do eyelash extensions last?

They will remain until your natural lash on which it is placed falls out, which is normally up to 2 months.

How do false eyelashes and eyelash extensions compare?

Both achieve similar results. Both enhance your eyes.  However, false eyelashes are just that – false.
False eyelashes are permanently bonded to a synthetic strip, and then glued to the eyelid. They can feel heavy on the eye, obstruct vision, and can also permanently damage natural eyelashes during the mechanics of removal.
Eyelash extensions are exact replicas of human lashes, and are virtually weightless, and undetectable.
They will not cause your lashes to fall out. The lifespan of false eyelashes are a few days, whereas eyelash extensions will last up to 2 months.  Mascara is routinely used to ‘blend in’ false lashes with natural lashes. With eyelash extensions, your lashes will look lush and beautiful on their own, and mascara is not needed.
False eyelashes can’t hold up to showering, exercise or sleeping, whereas eyelash extensions will not come off, unless you choose to remove them.

Who can wear eyelash extensions?

Virtually everyone. Women who wish to enhance their natural beauty without false lashes, those with pale or baby blond lashes, those with allergies to mascara, and those who lead an active lifestyle.

What is the cost for this procedure?

The cost is dependent upon the client’s preference. Generally, 25 to 60 lashes are placed. More lashes give a lush, dramatic look. A full set of eyelash extensions run anywhere from $250.00 and upwards.
Re-touching may range from $10 to $100.00.

Recently, the FDA has sent a warning letter to the Allergan company, concerning its new drug Latisse.  It addressing the fact  that some of the information about Latisse may be misleading.  The FDA is concerned that the promotional materials describing the new drug to grow eyelashes, does not adequately inform the consumer about the risks and side effects.  Allergan, (according to the FDA) should tell the consumer more about the reasons why not apply Latisse only to the upper eyelid…unwanted growth to lower eyelids, also to warn about possible  eyelid darkening side effects more prominently.

The FDA warns that redness and itching can cause damage to the eyes, facts the consumer should be aware of in the promotional materials.

What this all means is that Latisse will probably have to have more extensive warnings on their new drug to grow lashes longer.  Some promotional material will have to include information the FDA deems more factual and appropriate.  When using this drug or any drug, be aware of possible side effects, and talk to your doctor about your particular situation before using any medication.

When it comes to growing eyelashes, the most evasive and expensive option is to actually have surgery. Eyelash implants/ eyelash transplants are a viable way to longer lashes. By using hair taken from your brow, or scalp, follicles are placed in your upper eyelid. The hair will fall out after surgery, but soon new hair will grow from the implanted follicles. Great looking , permanent results are then achieved, with out drugs or conditioners.

This is a great way, for people whose eyelashes have fallen out thru damage, disease or chemo, to have permanent eyelashes.  Also a great option for those who suffer from trichinosis.  As with any surgical techniqnes, results will vary.

When looking for a doctor to perform this operation, look at before and after photos, talk to past patients to determine their satisfaction with the surgeon. Check out message boards different perspectives on this process.

After the eye lash starts to grow, you will have to trim it , using special scissors.  That is because the new lash will grow like the hair on your scalp, quickly.  It will also have to be curled.  Small price to pay for longer eyelashes.

The cost of this procedure is not cheap.. expect to pay around $3000.00 dollars per eye!

Eyelash Curlers:  What are the Best Options?

When it comes to eyelash curlers there are two different types to choose from:

1.  The first most basic is the mechanical squeeze-type .   This is the everyday one used by women for ages to make their eyes look wider and more open.   Curlers can either be metal or plastic.  They vary in price form $2.95 to over $20.00 dollars.  Best sellers from Amazon are: Sephora Brand Eyelash Curler
  and the Japonesque Go Curl Pocket Lash Curler
These work well with no fuss.
 

2.  Next choice is a heated eyelash curler.  Of these there are two different styles.  One is like a wand, similar to a mascara applicator.  It is heated by a battery then stroked across the lashes.  The other type is like the mechanical squeeze-type only with heat ( supplied by a battery).  Each promise to easily curl your lashes.  Top rated bestsellers from Amazon are: Japonesque Heated Mini Eyelash Curler ( wand type) and the Blinc Heated Lash Curler, 1 lash curler also a wand type.

Tips for using eyelash curlers.

1.  Use Before mascara, otherwise your lashes will stick together!

2.  To get more of a curl, try heating a metal ( Not Plastic) curler with a blow dryer for a few seconds ( on low Setting) to get better results.  Your eyelids are very sensitive so don’t make the eyelash curler too hot.  Check by touching with your finger tip.

3.  Hold and squeeze for 10 to 30 seconds, close to the root.  Do not twist!  Repeat on other eye.

If you have sparse thin eyelashes you may have wondered what is the best way how to grow eyelashes.  Left on their own, lashes fall out and are replaced naturally.  Excess pulling and applying eyelash extensions can cause eyelashes to fall out prematurely.  Here are some of the following ways how to grow eyelashes longer……

1.  The proven way  is to use Latisse, a prescription drug that actually grow eye lashes back.  Clinical trials have shown startling results.

2.  Eyelash conditioners have sometimes been used to grow eye lashes.  Many testimonials from customers attest to their effectiveness.   Some have similar formulas to the prescription products.

3.  Take care of your health.  Your body needs proper nutrition to grow and repair cells in your body, ( like eyelashes).

Until the development of Latisse and eyelash  conditioners your options to grow eyelashes were quite limited to letting nature take its course.

Eyelash Tinting?

One of the more unusual ways to get long and dark lashes is to have your lashes tinted!  Eyelash tinting is similar to  having your hair colored.  A dye is applied to your lashes to make them look darker.  This is usually a natural- based dye for saftey.

Why whould you want your Eyelashes Tinted?

There are several good reasons to use tinting instead of mascara.  Those who swim frequently would benefit from this process.  Any one who is also very active in a sport where mascara is not an option.  Another reason is for those who have a sensitivity to mascara.  Finally contact lense users would also find this procedure attractive.

How is it Done?

The process involves a dye used to darken your eyelashes.  It gives a very natural look when compared to masacara. A beautician can find the right shade you desire, during consultation.  You can go with whatever is best for your skin tone.  This is great for people with blond or reddish hair.  The whole process takes about 30  minutes in a salon.  Dye is placed on the lashes, for about 10 minutes to be absorbed by the lashes.  Excess dye is removed by water.  Your eyes are closed during this time.

What are the Side Effects?

Because some people might be allergic to the dye, a skin test is usually administered.  This will be done for about two days before the tinting.  You may experience  eye irration if the color gets in your eyes.  The test will determine if you can safely tint your eyelashes.

Can I do it myself?

Yes, there are home tinting kits, but it is highly recommended to have a trained professional do the coloring.  Done by a pro, eyelash tinting results are quite good.

How long does it Last?

As your eye lashes grow out, and are replaced are the color should last about 6 weeks.  However, some people report that after 2 to 3 weeks the color fades.

Finally, How much is this going to set me back?

Home kits vary in price from $8.00 to over  $ 50.00 dollars with a  kit that includes a DVD for instruction. Salons can average around $ 40.00 Dollars.

There you have it a another option for darker eyelashes!

When you are considering eyelash glue or adhesive, here’s what to know before you buy:

Color:  Some glue dry clear and others dry black.  If you are applying a dark mascara, obviously  the glue shoud also be dark.  Otherwise look for a clear drying glue.

Ingredients:  Some glues contain formeldhyde (A rather nasty chemical that can lead to all sorts of problems ).  This ingriedent can cause eye irritation and redness, for people with sensitive skin.

Waterproof:  Some eyelash adhesives are waterproof.  So that swimming and getting wet is not a concern.  These glues are typically stronger and might cause your eyes to water when applied.  They are not intended for very high heat and steam  situations ( like a sauna).

Eyelash Loss:  Sometimes when using glue with eyelash extensions there is a greater chance of lash loss.  Care must be used with these products.  Instead of having better lashes, you can cause your natural eye lashes to become sparser!

So when using eyelash glue, just be careful and read the ingredients for safe use.  After all, you are placing a chemical near your eyes.

The new FDA approved drug Latisse is used by putting drops onto a sterile applicator to grow longer eye lashes. How exactly Does this process work?

1. Before applying Latisse, make sure your face is clean from any make-up. No contacts lenses in your eyes. Other facial products should have been already applied.

2. Remove the applicator from its packet. Then, holding the Latisse solution bottle down, apply one drop of Latisse solution to the applicator, near the tip.

3. Apply applicator to the skin at the base of the lash line. This area should be wet, but not excessivley so that the product runs off.  Run the applicator across the lash line.

4. If there is any excess, blot gently with a tissue.

5. Dispose of applicator after one use. Do not use applicator for other eye. Use a new applicator for the other eye, repeat the process.

There you have it, drops that grow your eyelashes longer!

Are you a candidate for eyelash transplants?
Autoimmune diseases, certain medications, poor nutrition and hypothyroidism all play a factor in eyelash loss.
For severe cases, an eyelash transplant may be your answer to full thick lashes.
The procedure is micro surgical, and done under local anesthesia, in an out-patient setting.
This is a 45-minute procedure involving harvesting scalp follicles from the back of your head.
Hair follicles are surgically placed in your upper eyelid. Keep in mind that these are hair follicles being permanently transplanted, therefore, the hair will possess the same characteristics as scalp hair, thus needing routine trimming (and perhaps curling).
Occasionally, an ‘eyelash perm’ is recommended for those patients with straight hair. 
An additional session of eyelash transplantation may be needed to reach the patient’s restoration goal. 

The cost of each eye transplant can be up to $3000.00 dollars.

Tricotillomania, which is a hair pulling compulsion, and the regular use of eyelash extensions commonly performed at beauty salons seem to be the basic causes of lash loss and trauma.  This is a form of ‘traction alopecia’ –very similar to removal of hair extensions from  tight braiding.

However, if you want long lush eyelashes, permanently, this may be something you would like to discuss with your doctor.

Semi -permanent eyelashes can be a great solution for thinning or sparse eyelashes.  While they can be done by yourself, usually a registered beautician applies the lashes.  Semi-permanent eyelashes are applied, lash by lash over your existing eyelashes.  With proper care and touch-up visits, they can last a very long time.  The life cycle of a normal lash is about 60 to 90 days.  Because lashes fall-out and are replaced by new ones, it is necessary to have touch-ups.  Individual results vary, some clients report having their eyelashes for over a year with regular touch-up visits.  However, semi-permanent eye lashes normally last about 2 months.

The extensions are made of synthetic materials.  They vary on length and thickeness to match your natural eyelashes.  They are applied to your individual lashes one at a time.  The whole process takes about anywhere form 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the look you want to achieve.  You can then shower , swim or even spa worry free.  Prolonged exposure to steam and heat , will cause the lashes to loose adhesion.  Waterproof mascara is not recommended with these lashes.

There are some individuals that semi-pernament lashes would not be recommended.  Pregnant women and nursing mothers, diabetics, or any one else witha compromised immune system.

Semi-permanent eyelashes feel no different than your normal eyelashes.  They also look very natural.  While more expensive than false eyelashes, they last longer with little maintenance.  A great solution for bad lashes!

The cost varies, with a full set averaging about $300.00 dollars.  Touch-up visits can cost between $50.00 to $75.00 dollars.