About a month a go I contacted by Trang from Glow Studio STL to see if I wanted to try out lash extensions. If you know me you know that I wear fake lashes almost daily but this time I wanted to try something new and cut some time out of my beauty routine every morning so I thought why not!
Initially going in I had so many questions…
Will this hurt?
How long will it take?
Can I add mascara on them?
Can I be in water? (as in shower, lol)
How long will they last?
Will they shed all at once?
Trang is so knowledgeable and was able to answer all my questions plus give me more information about the lash extension industry. And can I say, her studio was adorable and the bed I laid in was so comfy that I took a little nap in the process of her applying my lashes!
Here are all the answers to my original question that I’m sure you have too about extensions:
Will this hurt?
The process was painless, the only thing that irritated my eye a little bit was one of the cleaning foams but that went away in a matter of seconds. As for the rest of the process you don’t feel a thing!
How long will it take?
This all depends on how many lashes you have in the 2nd and 3rd stage. Your hair grows in 3 stages and the extensions can only be added to the lashes that are in the 2nd and 3rd growth cycle. Overall, because I had lots of lashes and in those stages mine took about 5 hours. Trang suggested to put at least 2-3 hours aside for the first time you come in as that will take the longest as opposed to when you keep coming in afterwards.
Can I add mascara on them?
No, these should be your replacement for anything lashes. Also, stay away form oily makeup products and makeup removers as they can speed up how fast your lashes fall out.
Can I be in water? (as in shower, lol)
Yes, After 24 hours you can go back to showering and what you regularly do. Just avoid rubbing your eyes because this can cause fall out.
How long will they last?
Typically 3-4 weeks, it just depends on each person and how fast their lash growth cycle is. I went in a few days ago for a refill and it had been 3 1/2 weeks and they still looked amazing.
Will they shed all at once?
No, they shed on your regular hair growth cycle 🙂 So you shed about 20% a week
My Before and After is the biggest difference in the world!
As soon as I got my lashes done and sent out a few snaps and insta stories, I got so many questions about the process and the prices and who I came to. I wanted to wait enough time before writing this post to give you my full experience.
My Takeaways:
Would I recommend this to anyone?
Absolutely! Especially is you have a big day where there may be some crying involved like a wedding, prom, ect. or if you will be traveling and don’t want to have to worry about having to do your makeup. Or for any occasion really but it all depends on your budget and if you have time to for the refills but I think if you save up and want to go all out for a big occasion lash extensions are the way to go!
How often would I get it done?
I personally can see my self doing them again for my wedding and when I travel or have a big event. Like I said everyone’s budget and availability is different and that includes mine.
Who do I think is perfect for this?
Anyone! As I said anyone having a big day like a wedding or traveling or a mom I think are perfect! Especially for a moms because this can be your pampering you give yourself plus, as I mentioned I dosed off and took a nap towards the end and when I woke up had fabulous lashes!
Is the price worth it?
I believe you have to be reasonable with your budget and what you want them for and if you want to maintain the upkeep. Obviously if you doing it once I think you can totally save for them and you won’t be disappointed on how long they last! If you plan to want to keep doing refills then be sure this is something you can fit into your budget without breaking the bank then this absolutely is for you!
Trang has a little more info for you that are better explained from the expert herself:
1. Why it is important to clean your eyelashes?
Hygiene. Practicing proper hygiene is crucial especially when wearing extensions. You should use an oil free eye makeup remover or oil free makeup remover to remove the oils, sweat, makeup buildup around your eyes. I recommend to all my clients to use a lid scrub which removes oils and proteins from the eye area. This is an opthalmologic eye scrub (Ocusoft or Thera Tears) meant for those who have allergies, blepharitis, or other eye irritations. It is a product meant specifically for use around the eyes. Cleaning and brushing your lashes daily will help your extensions last longer. My clients who practice proper eye hygiene always have better lash retention. Protect your investment by taking care of your lashes!
2. Your eyelashes shed just like the rest of the hair on your body.
I included the photo from London Lash Pro. They are awesome eyelash extension educators and provided this little cartoon to show how properly applied eyelash extensions differ from strip lashes, clusters, and improperly applied eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions are applied to a single natural lash. Your natural eyelashes grow in a cycle and will shed when a new eyelash forms below the surface. This is a common misconception that you still have the same eyelashes you were born with. Just like the hair on your head, brows, body… your eyelashes shed. Eyelash shedding is more noticeable when you wear extensions because the extensions are curlier, longer, and thicker than your natural lashes. Your natural eyelashes would shed whether or not you had extensions on them.
“Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles (every 60 to 90 days). When a natural lash matures and falls out, a new lash has already been growing and quickly replaces it without us noticing the turnover. This process is constant and at any given moment our many natural lashes are at different stages of maturity. Some are just growing in, while others are ready to shed. People typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes each day, depending on their individual growth cycles. On shorter natural lashes, this growing and shedding cycle is virtually unnoticeable. ” –https://www.xtremelashes.com/eyelash-extensions-what-you-need-to-know-faq.aspx
Eyelash extensions both classic (1:1) and volume (super thin handmade fans tailored to each client’s eyelashes) take much more time to apply than pre-made clusters bought from the store and applied in 15 minutes. Also the adhesive I use (Xtreme) is a medical-grade formula. Some cluster lashes and even some eyelash extensions are unfortunately applied with adhesives not meant for use around the eyes such as hair extension or nail glue. Ask many questions and educate yourself about the process at your consultation. If the thickness, length, and overall weight of the extension are not carefully tailored to the client there could be natural lash damage. Be a smart consumer and ask questions 🙂
Special thank you to Trang form Glow Studio STL for teaming up with me to bring you this post. Just so you can experience the lash extension game yourself, Trang was nice enough to off my readers a discount. All you have to do is fill out my name in the referral section when you book your appointment and you will receive:
$50 off a full set of extensions or $15 off a lash lift!
Initially going in I had so many questions…
