The truth about eyelash extensions

By Takiya Smith
For the past two and a half years, I have professionally, knowledgeably and successfully practiced as a trained and certified beauty consultant. My area of expertise allows me to specialize in semi-permanent eyelash extensions, which differ greatly from self-applied false eyelashes. I have been questioned about eyelash extensions and have heard others offer incorrect information, thus improperly educating clients. In this article, let’s discuss the truth about eyelash extensions.
First, the proper name for professionally applied lashes is semi-permanent eyelash extensions, which are individual, synthetic fibers that are grafted to each natural lash, one at a time.  The fibers, ranging from real or faux mink, plastic and even human hair, are adhered using a surgical grade adhesive that can not be purchased in stores and is only sold to and recommended for use by trained and certified specialists.  Hair extension glue, super glue and nail glue, among others, are not acceptable nor professional and can cause rash, irritation and infection to the sensitive eye and surrounding skin.
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions should only be applied by a professional, otherwise the end result could lead to improperly applied extensions and damage to the natural lash line.
One of the biggest myths regarding semi-permanent eyelash extensions is that they will cause breakage or damage to the clients natural eyelashes. The truth about the matter is that as long as the lashes are applied properly by a trained professional, the extensions will not cause damage or breakage.
Eyelashes, like hair on our heads, grow from a follicle and shed regularly.  Both the hair from our heads, as well as our lashes, go through three stages of natural growth: Anagen (growth), Catagen (transitional), and Telogen (resting). These three phases of hair growth, transition and resting are natural, and each individual eyelash has a life cycle of roughly 90 days in which they grow, shed and grow some more. Each cycle is never ending, and as semi-permanent eyelashes are adhered to the lash only, not the skin or blocking the follicle, this allows the process to continue healthily and naturally. The lash extension stays attached to the natural lash which is shed, thus leaving behind a newly emerged lash that will eventually shed as well. Several factors, such as health, medication, atmosphere, diet and exercise can determine the growth cycle of your natural lashes, however eyelash extensions are not the cause of lost lashes. Lash extensions can last between four to six weeks and can be worn indefinitely with routine maintenance every two to three weeks.
In relation, false applied lashes such as adhesive lash strips and flares, which differ greatly from semi-permanent eyelash extensions, can be bought and applied personally, but are made to be worn temporarily for a matter of hours throughout a day.  The adhesive is water soluble latex-based and should be washed and removed nightly due to being applied directly to the skin, thus blocking the follicle. Continued or prolonged use can and will damage and break the lashes as well as cause inflammation and infection due to blockage.
For more information regarding the facts about semi-permanent eyelash extensions and false eyelashes, visit www.blb-boutiques.com.