When I was younger, I was always insecure about my appearance. I felt like I needed to do something to make myself stand out, so I started getting eyelash extensions. It was a pretty new thing at the time, and all of my friends were doing it too.
I loved how they made me feel: more confident, prettier. For a while, I got them done every two weeks. But then something changed. Slowly but surely, I started to notice that my natural lashes were falling out at an alarming rate. And when I stopped getting extensions, my lashes never grew back to their original state.
So, today I want to share my story in the hopes that it will prevent others from making the same mistake I did. If you’re thinking about getting eyelash extensions, please read this first.
What is Lash Extension?
An eyelash extension is a synthetic fiber made to look like human hair that’s glued to your natural lashes with a semi-permanent adhesive. They come in different colors, lengths, thicknesses, and curl types. You can even find ones that are sparkly or have feathers.
The lash extensions industry is growing. In 2015, it was worth $2.1 billion and is expected to reach $6.5 billion by 2023.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Lash Extension?
There are several pros and cons to getting lash extensions.
Pros
- They can give you the appearance of longer, fuller lashes.
- They can be a relatively low-maintenance beauty routine (compared to something like daily mascara application).
- They can last for several weeks with proper care.
- They are semi-permanent, so you don’t have to commit to them long-term.
Cons
- They can be expensive. A full set of lash extensions can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.
- They require regular upkeep. You’ll need to get them refilled every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain the look.
- They can be damaging to your natural lashes. The glue used to attach the extensions can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, it can even lead to lash loss.
- They can be addictive. Once you’ve had them, it can be hard to go back to your regular lashes.
Things to Consider Before Getting Eyelash Extensions
Before getting eyelash extensions, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
1. The Long-term Effects on Your Natural Lashes
As I mentioned, I personally experienced a significant loss of my natural lashes after getting eyelash extensions. It was so bad that when I stopped getting them, my lashes never fully grew back. And this is not just an isolated incident – there are many reports of people experiencing the same thing.
So, if you’re considering lash extensions, you need to be aware of the potential long-term damage they could do to your natural lashes.
2. The Cost of Maintaining Them
Eyelash extensions are not cheap. They typically need to be refilled every 2 weeks, and each session can cost anywhere from $50-$200. So, if you’re considering lash extensions, you need to be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on them every month.
3. The Time Commitment Involved in Getting Them Done Every 2 Weeks
Another thing to keep in mind is that lash extension require a time commitment. They need to be refilled every 2 weeks, which means you’ll need to find time in your schedule to go back to the salon every 2 weeks.
4. The Potential for Allergic Reactions
Another thing to consider is that some people are allergic to the adhesives used in lash extensions. If you’re considering lash extensions, it’s important to get a patch test done first to make sure you’re not allergic to the adhesive.
5. The Fact That They Can Be Very High Maintenance
Lastly, it’s important to keep in mind that lash extensions are very high maintenance. They require a lot of care and attention, and if you’re not prepared to put in the time, they may not be the right choice for you.
Why I Stopped Eyelash Extensions? Reasons to Avoid Lash Extensions
I stopped getting eyelash extensions for multiple reasons. The main one being that they wreaked havoc on my natural lashes. If you’re considering getting lash extensions, please be aware of the possible side effects:
- They can cause your natural lashes to fall out.
- They can irritate your eyes and skin.
- They’re expensive and time-consuming.
- They’re not always applied correctly.
- They can be addictive.
As you can see, there are several reasons why you might want to avoid lash extensions. If you’re considering getting them, please be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully.
How to Minimize the Risk of Damaging Your Natural Lashes
If you’re still considering lash extensions despite all of this, then there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk of damaging your natural lashes:
- Choose a reputable salon: Make sure you do your research and choose a salon that has a good reputation. Ask around for recommendations, and read online reviews.
- Go for a shorter length: If you do decide to get lash extensions, opt for a shorter length. The longer the lashes, the more weight they put on your natural lashes, which can cause them to fall out.
- Be gentle: Be gentle with your lash extensions. Avoid rubbing your eyes or using oil-based products around your eyes, as this can break down the adhesive and cause your lashes to fall out.
- Get them removed properly: When you’re ready to take them off, make sure you go to a professional to have them removed. Do not try to remove them yourself, as this can damage your natural lashes.
How to Take Care of Your Natural Lashes
If you’ve decided to ditch the lash extensions and take care of your natural lashes instead, here are a few tips:
- Gently remove your eye makeup: Avoid tugging or rubbing your lashes, which can cause them to fall out. Instead, use a cotton pad soaked in gentle eye makeup remover to gently swipe away any traces of mascara or liner.
- Be careful when brushing your lashes: Use a clean, soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris. Avoid vigorous brushing, which can damage your lashes.
- Moisturize your lashes: Just like the rest of your skin, your lashes need to be moisturized to stay healthy and strong. Use a lash serum or oil to keep them hydrated.
- Protect your lashes from the sun: Just like your skin, your lashes can be damaged by UV radiation. Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Get regular lash treatments: Lash lifts and perms can help keep your lashes looking long and luscious. Talk to your esthetician about getting regular lash treatments.
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions can be a great way to enhance your appearance, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before you make the decision to get them. I hope my story will help others to make an informed decision about whether or not lash extensions are right for them.
If you still want to get lash extensions after reading this, that’s totally your decision. Just please be mindful of the risks involved. And if you do decide to get them, make sure you go to a reputable place that uses good quality products. Take care of your lashes, ladies!
Do you have any experience with eyelash extensions? Share your story in the comments below!
