Lash Extensions-what are my options?
Eye Lash Extensions
The average person has 125-150 lashes on their top lid…
What are Eyelash Extensions?
Don’t be confused with other types of false eyelashes that you can buy and put on yourself at home…lash extensions are applied with a semi-permanent adhesive (glue) to each of your individual natural lashes by a professional lash stylist in a salon.
Lash extensions can be applied to your lashes individually or in clusters. You can also get a full set or a partial set. A full set means extensions are applied to all of your individual lashes, versus in a partial set the extensions are attached to your lashes from the middle to the outside of your lash line.
What are the different types of Eyelash Extensions?
At the most basic level, lash extensions are composed of either man-made materials or animal fur. The animal fur choices are mink, sable and fox.
Mink Lash Extensions
Mink lashes come from the tail fur of Siberian minks and Chinese minks. Siberian minks produce the most premium fur, also the most desirable. Mink is lightweight and fluffy. The downside is having an allergy or sensitivity to animal fur, in such cases you should not consider mink lashes. Likewise, if you have ethical concerns about the treatment of minks, or using their fur, you may decide against it. Mink is also expensive.
Sable Lash Extensions
Sable is even more fine and fluffy than mink. It’s the lightest possible material available for extensions. Lash stylists usually only recommend it for those with the finest natural lashes. The downside of mink are the same for sable: Don’t choose sable lashes if you have an allergy to animal fur.
Fox Lash Extensions
Fox fur lash extensions are on-trend right now. In their natural state, fox fur lashes are a soft, reddish tone. If fox extensions interest you be sure to check around because not many salons have them.
While animal fur lash extensions are lightweight and natural looking, they must be permed to give them a curl. This means they will involve some maintenance from you.
Man-Made Eyelash Extensions
The biggest benefit of man-made lashes is the curl and lack of sensitivity. Unlike real animal fur lashes, you won’t need to perm them and you don’t have to worry about any animal allergies.
Faux-Mink and Faux-Fox Lash Extensions
Yes, you can get the look of mink or fox, but without the hefty price tag. Extension manufacturers have gotten very innovative, and they’re making some feather-weight, fluttery lash extensions that won’t set you back like the real thing.
Silk Lash Extensions
These lashes are called “silk”, but they’re not made of genuine silk as you would find in a blouse or a scarf. Silk lashes are mid-weight, and for most people, they’re heavier and not as comfortable as the faux-mink or faux-fox options. They’re best for a special occasion look, not every-day wear.
Synthetic Lash Extensions
Synthetic lashes are the heaviest and least natural looking on your eyes. They have a sheen to them, rather than a soft luster that you would see in human or animal fur lashes. Some people find them to be too heavy for their eyelids.
Volume Lash Extensions, also known as Russian, or XD Lash Extensions
One of the latest trends is volume lashes. With this type of extension, your lash artist will apply 2 to 6 ultra lightweight lashes to each of your own natural lashes. You can choose either 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D or 6D lash options. Volume lashes are generally made of silk or mink. A different application method is used than your more traditional eyelash extensions, so you should expect volume lashes to take longer to apply, and to cost more.
Choosing a length and curl type in your Eyelash Extensions
Lash extensions come in a range of lengths, and most salons will carry 9 mm to 15 mm. The length you and your stylist select will depend on the thickness or fineness of your own lashes. If you have naturally long, thick lashes, you can wear a longer extension. Those with sparse or shorter lashes might opt for extensions on the shorter end of the spectrum. Most people will land somewhere in the middle.
Are you a “C” Curl?
Once you’ve decided on a length, you’ll need to choose a curl type. The “J” curl is the most naturalistic style. A “C” is for the girl who wants all the drama she can get. Of course, it’s possible to combine your curls, and get a more dramatic “C” curl just on the outer edges of your eyes.
Salons
As you would with your hair stylist, nail artist or other cosmetic professional, make sure that you talk to your friends, read reviews, and DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
