Professional eyelash extensions are a popular beauty treatment that has been around since the 1930’s and evolved over the decades from the exaggerated lashes of the 60’s and punk, messy style in the 80’s to the volume and classic lashes that are around today.
With their popularity, however, comes a lot of misconceptions, falsities and misinformation, leaving most people not knowing what to believe. We are here to set the record straight and debunk some common eyelash extension myths along with some helpful information, guidance and advice.
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Myth – You Will Damage Your Natural Lashes
The truth is that if lash extensions are done correctly by an experienced, properly trained lash technician, they should be applied in a way that doesn’t damage the natural lashes. This is achieved by;
- Ensuring that the extensions applied aren’t too heavy for the individual natural lashes
- Isolating the lashes properly
- Making sure correct aftercare is followed
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Myth – You Cannot Ever Get Your Lashes Wet!
This likely comes from a time when it wasn’t recommended to get your lashes wet and so people believe it to still be true. However, with advances in lash adhesive technology, it is usually only advised to avoid water for the first 24 hours after application to ensure that the glue has had sufficient time to cure.
Although activities like bathing and swimming are fine, things like saunas and steam rooms are very hot and best avoided, especially for 48 hours after treatment and even then, stick to short, infrequent sessions and clean your lashes afterwards.
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Myth – Lash Extensions Will Cause My Natural Lashes to Fall Out
This is not a complete myth but is rather misinterpreted by people who maybe do not fully understand the process or the life cycle of lashes.
The fact is that a person’s natural eyelashes have a lifecycle which consists of continuous growth, rest and shedding. When an extension is applied, depending on what stage of the cycle the lashes are in, they will stay with the lash until they reach the end phase and fall out naturally as they would have anyway.
This means that rather than interfere with or harm the life cycle of the natural lashes, the extensions actually coexist with them.
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Myth – Eyelash Extension Removal is Painful
Correct eyelash extension removal is key and an essential part of ensuring that the natural lashes are left in just as good condition as when the extensions were applied.
Providing it is carried out by a professional, eyelash extension removal is simple, straightforward and pain-free. The process involves the lash technician using a cream or gel remover product and applying it to the base of the extensions. After waiting a few minutes, the extensions can be swabbed away or using tweezers, gently slid off the natural lashes which are then cleaned to ensure no adhesive is left behind.
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Myth – Eyelash Extensions Are Low Maintenance
This is not true and is something that people should be aware of before they decide to go ahead with the treatment as failing to uphold the maintenance requirements can shorten longevity, affect their appearance and even damage the natural lashes.
Here is how to properly care for and maintain your lash extensions;
- Regular brushing with a clean, dry spoolie helps to keep them tidy, encourages natural shedding and ensures they stay looking good
- Following the 48 hours after application, wash them every 3 days or so with a special lash cleanser
- Choose lash-friendly makeup including mascaras and eyeliners that are suitable to wear with lash extensions
- Apply a lash sealant to add an extra layer of protection
- Avoid rubbing, picking or tugging your lashes as this can cause friction and irritation, damaging the lashes or reducing the effectiveness of the adhesive
- Schedule regular infills every 2 weeks or so to help maintain full, luscious lashes