False Eyelashes (Care and Dangers)

It used to be nail or hair extensions and a spray tan that we couldn’t live without, but lately, the biggest trend is to add length and volume to the eyelashes. I wear my own naturally long lashes with some of my favorite mascaras. But for those that don’t have long lashes or just want to enhance their own, here are some dangers and things to be aware of.

False eyelashes are back in fashion, even the exaggerated and unusual sorts, but a new craze for semi-permanent eyelash extensions is also emerging. Semi Permanent Eyelash Extensions are synthetic eyelashes glued directly to the natural eyelashes. They last 4 – 8 weeks depending on your real eyelash growth cycle and how well you take care of them. It should be done by a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, and it is important to look into the quality of the bonding agent used as well as the standards maintained by the salon and the “Lash Artist”. While there advantages to this false lash method over the more popular method where a prefabricated strip of eyelash is applied to the eyelid, there are also more things to beware of. The drastic difference that lash extensions can make in your appearance can almost seem comparable to plastic surgery, only without any surgery. But just because the process isn’t surgical doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Unfortunately, many people are learning this lesson the hard way.

Another thing to remember is that most face cleansers will dissolve the glue used to attach your extensions. Use the wrong cleanser and you could wash off your extensions completely, or even end up with all of your eyelashes stuck together in one big clump. Trying to remove the lash extensions before they fall off naturally is difficult to do without causing your natural lashes to fall out too.

So, while some people are swearing by eyelash extensions as their new beauty secret, many are wishing they’d just been thankful for the natural lashes they had. If you’ve made up your mind to get eyelash extensions, make sure you have someone with plenty of experience apply them, and find out how to care for those extensions once you have them.

What the Experts Recommend:

Allergy Test
Have an allergy test prior to any treatment involving chemicals. Your sight is precious so it’s always better to be safe and to check it out before having any treatment. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, see an optometrist as soon as possible.

Beware of Moisture
If you want to go swimming or wear mascara with your eyelash extensions, check with the therapist first.

Eyelash Mites
To prevent an infestation of lash mites, special cleaning must be followed.

No Pulling, Picking or Playing With
It is important to leave your eyelash extensions alone as much as possible. While you will need to carefully comb them and clean them, you will otherwise need to abstain from tampering with them in any other way.

Is It Really Worth It?
There are more ways than one to enhance your eyelashes. Try a quality mascara and or wear some descent fake lashes for an occasional boost to your look. Whatever way you choose put your health first.