Getting eyelash extensions? Here are 16 things you need to know

If you’re dreaming of getting full, thick lashes, the kind that even Bambi would envy, consider eyelash extensions. They help you achieve that bright-eyed look without the daily hassle of dealing with eyelash curlers, mascaras, eyeliners, or false lashes.

We spoke with experts Rachelle Bravo, marketing director of New Lounge PH, and Hitomi Kashimura, Japanese eyelash designer at Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty, to find out everything you need to know about getting eyelash extensions — what they’re made of, how long they last, and important dos and donts.

Illustration Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/GMA News

1. Eyelash extensions work for every eye size and shape. According to Bravo, when it comes to eyelash extensions, the size and shape of your eyes don’t matter. Eyelash extensions are for everyone and anyone who want to get dramatic-looking eyes.

2. They save you time and effort in achieving your #lashgoals. Kashimura recommends eyelash extensions for people on-the-go, especially people who want to shave time off from their morning beauty ritual.

“Having eyelash extensions is very convenient and saves time with your makeup routine, especially if you like putting on false eyelashes. [At the same time], they make your eyes pop and look more beautiful,” she says.

3. They’re perfect for Asian lashes. “In general, Asian women usually have downward facing lashes that are mostly very thin and sparse. Lash extensions address these problems by adding volume and thickness, making it seem [like you’re wearing] perfectly applied mascara or eyeliner without actually having to put them on,” observes Bravo.

4. There are different types of eyelash extensions: silk, sable, or mink. According to Kashimura, the main differences between the three are what they’re made of and their thickness. “Sable is the thinnest and softest among those three. We recommend it especially for clients who want a natural look and feel,” she says.

Bravo also notes that sable lashes are ideal because they closely approximates human hair.  “In New Lounge, we don't use animal hair like mink or synthetic lashes,” she notes.

Both Kiyosa and New Lounge use sable lashes because they don’t feel heavy or bulky on the eyelids, so they’re not cumbersome to wear.

5.  You can choose the length of your extensions. Kashimura says that when it comes to the length of the extensions, it’s best to listen to the recommendations of your eyelash designer.

“If they are a first-time client, they have a consultation with the eyelash designers, where the process, dos and don’ts, and even bad practices are explained. We may reject our client's preferred design if it is not recommended for their natural eyelashes, but [we will] adjust in any way we can to achieve [the look they’re after],” she says.

6. You may need to get a patch test before getting eyelash extensions if you have sensitive skin, and/or a doctor’s certificate if you have any existing skin conditions.
“If you have sensitive skin, we recommended having a patch test first (we offer this in Kiyosa for free) to learn if you’ll get an allergic reaction to the glue we use,” says Kashimura.

Meanwhile Bravo mentions that you’ll need to secure a medical certificate or permission from your doctor if you have any existing medical contraindications, like skin asthma, eczema, allergies, lasik surgery, dry eyes syndrome, or have undergone a recent operation, before getting your lashes done at New Lounge.

7. It takes around one and a half to two hours to apply. Check your calendar twice before you book an appointment for lash extensions. Since the procedure involves applying one extension for every lash, it takes a lot of time: an hour and a half to two hours to apply a new set and one hour for repairs or retouches.

Bravo says clients are told to keep their eyes closed during the entire procedure to ensure that no foreign substance, such as glue will get into the eyes. Kashimura adds that this is also done to give the glue enough time to set.

“Our customers usually take the time to take a nap. Getting eyelash extensions is very relaxing!” Kashimura says.

Bravo agrees, “Even this downside can be a perk since you get to pamper yourself, and you wake-up looking fab!”

8. You can kiss oil-based skincare and makeup products goodbye. According to Kashimura, you can’t use any oil-based products on your face since they can affect the glue used for the extensions. That means no oil-based foundations, concealers, and other makeup products, or oil-based cleansers and serums.

Even sweat and steam should be avoided as much as possible, with Bravo adding them to the list of no-nos.

9. Same goes for eyelash curlers and mascaras! Kashimura advises against using them when you have lash extensions, “Eyelash curlers may distort the curl of the eyelash extensions and mascaras usually require oil-based makeup removers.”

And you shouldn’t need them anymore anyway. “Let the extensions do their work!” Kashimura exclaims.

10. You shouldn’t sleep face down. “Sleeping with your face down for a long period of time will result in extensions developing a kink,” explains Kashimura. It could change the shape and direction of the curl of the eyelash extensions or cause them to come off entirely. So best be safe and sleep facing up.

Bravo also advises against rubbing your eyes or pulling your eyelashes—any type of mechanical manipulation that may cause your extensions to come off prematurely.

11. Lash extensions shed. Be ready with your wishes! Just kidding. But don’t be surprised if they start to shed. Eyelash extensions are not permanent. “They shed due to everyday wear and tear,” Bravo notes.

And because they are attached to your natural lashes, they pretty much follow the life cycle of your actual eyelashes. “Our natural lash shedding cycle ranges anywhere between two to six weeks, depending on your care and hygiene,” she explains.

If you’re pregnant, according to Kashimura, the life span may even be shorter, since pregnant women are more prone to hair loss. 

12. You’re going to need to brush your lashes regularly. For post-care, Bravo recommends you brush your lashes with a clean mascara wand regularly, especially after you shower, to separate your lashes and avoid clumping.  

In general, they’re pretty low maintenance. Bravo says that there’s a misconception that they’re not. “It’s actually the other way around. The only daily maintenance [you need to do] is to brush them regularly and they’e good to go. We hand out after-care tips and instructions [at New Lounge] as guide to make them last up to a month or more.”

13. You need to go back for retouches regularly. You’ll need to come back for repairs and touch-ups every two to three weeks. Our experts also recommend getting a new set of eyelash extensions every month.

At Kiyosa, they offer eyelash coating, which maintains and extends the life of your extensions.  Meanwhile at New Lounge, you can get eyelash treatment products such as eyelash growers and coating essences to help maintain and care for your lashes.

“There are no limits as to how often one would like to have lash extensions, it’s not even true that you need to take breaks in between,” says Bravo.

14. You shouldn’t remove your eyelash extensions yourself. Some things are best left to the professionals, and removing lash extensions is one of them. Doing so yourself could damage your natural lashes.

15. This is how much it’s going to cost: At Kiyosa, rates start at P960, depending on the number of pieces and whether a junior, senior or Japanese staff will perform the procedure. For the full list of prices, visit their official website.

At NewLounge, prices for a new set of extensions start from 2,500 to 5,000 on average. For retouches, it’s anywhere around P700 to 1,500. Prices may vary depending on the type of lashes. For more information, visit their official website. — LA, GMA News