Lash Out : Eyelash Extensions

An in depth Q & A with Tracy Brame
Lash Stylist The Eyelash Spa
2473 S. Higley Road, Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 474 -4333

Ok girls, we all know that September is Lash Month, so in keeping with the theme, we’ve got a fabulous in depth convo about what exactly Eyelash Extensions are – finally, the secrets of the fabu-lash have come to surface, AND are only a phone call away!

Q: Ok Tracy – tell us what exactly Eyelash Extensions are…

A: Also known as eyelash tabbing and an eyelash weave, Eyelash Extensions are an exciting new product and technique for thicker, longer, and naturally abundant looking eyelashes. Eyelashes are made to look this way through professional application of an individual eyelash which is attached directly to the natural eyelash with a specially formulated eyelash extension bonding agent.

Q:Are they synthetic or are they animal hair? you know, we heard the J Lo rumors that she gets mink eyelashes, but we’re not trying to start anything…

The Eyelash Extensions I use are made of lightweight polyester fiber threads – a pliable synthetic material available in various curves, thicknesses and lengths. They do come in silk and human hair, but I find those too flimsy to last long or give the thicker look my clients want. Those mink lashes you hear about are available as strip lashes you apply yourself or have applied for you.

Read The Entire Interview LashOut : Eyelash Extensions
Q: What are the differences between eyelash extensions and say, the dollar fake eyelashes that are at your local drugstore?

A: These is quite a difference between eyelash extensions and traditional false eyelashes. The idea is the same – to give the lashes a fuller, thicker look. But the results and manner of application are very different. In fact, when you view the two side-by-side, there is no comparison; the eyelash extension is much more natural looking – making it look like YOUR OWN lashes are actually longer, thicker and fuller!

Most false eyelashes come in a strip form or knotted in bunches. The lashes are arranged on the strip which contains an adhesive that you apply to your upper eyelid. It is possible to purchase false eyelashes at any drugstore and beauty store. An eyelash extension, in contrast, comes as individual lashes that are carefully applied one by one. Each extension is made to look identical to a natural lash – thicker at the base and finer at the tip, and each is placed on top of the natural lash it is meant to extend. A special glue is used to hold the extension in place. It does not touch the skin of the eyelid. Because each lash extension must be precisely placed, it requires professional application, and it is not something you can do yourself.

An eyelash extension will remain in place until the natural lash on which it rests falls out. This can be as long as two months or more. False eyelashes last only about a week. Additionally, there are many activities that you cannot do while wearing false eyelashes: swimming, heavy workouts, getting them wet in the shower. With eyelash extensions, however, it is possible to do any activity that you would normally do. The special adhesive creates a waterproof bond that will not break no matter the level of your physical activity.

Eyelash extensions can look remarkably natural. As long as you keep up with the touch-ups, it is almost impossible to tell that you are wearing them!

Q: Is there an ‘ideal candidate’ as to what type of person would most benefit from lash extensions?

A:More and more people are wondering if it is right for them as eyelash extensions grow in popularity. These procedures add thickness and length to the lashes, and eliminate the need for mascara. So who can wear eyelash extensions? The answer is almost anybody. Anybody who wants gorgeous eyes! You can swim, shower, exercise and even sleep without the worry of running mascara or raccoon eyes…who doesn’t want that?

Even if you have sensitive eyes, it is possible to wear eyelash extensions. There are bonding formulas made especially for those whose eyes are more sensitive. These adhesives are specially made to be medical grade and allow those who might not tolerate regular bonding formulas to receive the lash extension procedure without discomfort. And because each eyelash extension is bonded to the natural lash, no contact is made with the skin.

In addition to women with short lashes or those who just don’t want to bother with mascara, I’ve applied eyelash extensions to women with multiple sclerosis, sight problems, and other disorders that leave them unable to apply traditional eye makeup. The eyelash extension procedure is simple, and it does not take very long. Also, because of the versatility of the lash extensions and the strong adhesive that holds them to the natural lashes, nearly anyone can wear them, no matter their gender, age, special sensitivity eye or skin issues, or level of physical activity.

The only people who are NOT candidates are those who have no eyelashes of their own. An extension is applied to existing lashes, so you must actually have lashes to extend them.

Q: Ok so before we get overly zealous and run out to book an appointment, how much will a set of lashes run?

A:A full set of eyelash extensions is required at the initial visit, and the charge can be up to $350.00 per procedure. The approximate amount of lashes applied is around 80-90 lashes for both eyes (40+ on each eye), the cost is dependent upon personal preference and the service program set by the lash professional in your area. I charge $219.00, personally. This is neither low nor high for my area.

The cost may vary depending on a few factors:
1. Service location and demand
2. Skill level of the Lash Stylist
3. The number of lashes applied
4. Special offers
5. Time spent on the application

Q: How often will I have to get them retouched?
A: The natural life of the lashes is about 90 days. Your own eyelashes will grow out on a continuous cycle, so touching up the lashes will help to maintain their fullness. Touch-ups are recommended every 2-3 weeks. At this time the stylist will remove any loose lashes and add to the newer lashes that have grown in. The cost may range from $25 – $100. Kind of like getting acrylic nails, the upkeep is something you need to factor into your decision to get lashes. It is a commitment if you want them to stay looking fabulous! Factors such as your natural eyelash characteristics, lifestyle, and general care of the eyelashes will affect how well your eyelash extensions last. Without maintenance, they’ll slowly fall out. I tell my clients that as long as they return for a touch-up while they still have at least half the extensions present, I will charge them a touch-up fee. Less than that, they must pay for a full set.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The initial full set of lashes takes about 90-120 minutes. A touch-up should take about 30-60 minutes. Some stylists are faster and some slower.

Q: Should you wear mascara? What about curling them?
A: Eyelash Extensions have a natural looking curve so there is generally no need to use eyelash curlers or mascara. I advise my clients not to use the mechanical eyelash curler – period. It can put a bend or crimp in the synthetic lash that is not attractive at all. A heated eyelash wand-style curler will gently curve and lift them should you feel the need for more curl. The need for mascara is eliminated – but some people cannot be without it. For those people I recommend applying a non-waterproof formula just to the tips. This will easily wash off with soap and water, so there is no wear and tear on the lashes.
Q: Are there any risks?
A: As with many things, in the wrong hands, there are risks. Clumps of adhesive or lashes that are stuck together reflect poorly applied lashes that can cause itching, irritation and eyelash loss. This is your eyes we are talking about, so do a little research before making an appointment. Most important, you should make sure you’re going to a reputable, well-trained lash stylist. Make sure you practitioner works in a clean space, and is thoroughly versed in sanitation. I personally autoclave sterilize my tweezers, and everything else I use (qtips, cotton rounds, microbrushes, eye pads) is disposable. My entire work area gets wiped down between clients with a disinfectant wipe. I also wash my hands and use an antibacterial hand gel constantly. The eyes are kept closed during the entire procedure, so there is no risk of something getting in the eye itself. Some lash stylists even tape the lids closed to prevent a client from accidentally opening their eyes.

The glue does not touch the skin, but there still may be a reaction to the glue in some extremely sensitive people. I have only ever run into one person who could not wear extensions, so severe was her reaction. She was also extremely reactive to many other things, so I was not surprised to learn of her inability to wear extensions. This is rare, as only about 1% of the population shows allergic reactions to the glue.

Q: does it hurt to get them done?
A: Nope! Most of my clients fall asleep! A trained and experienced lash stylist gently separates each individual eyelash and delicately applies one extension to one of your natural lashes. Nothing painful at all!

Other useful links:
ABC News coverage on Eyelash Extensions
USA Today article on Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash Extensions make News

Be sure to check out Tracy’s personal website with tons more photos & contact info: