If you’re considering eyelash extensions, you’ve come to the right place. Extensions are everywhere; on celebrities, influencers, your besties, even your mom! The rise in popularity with extensions has given everyone a virtual hall pass to look more glam and feel more beautiful.
The problem is, there’s a lot of confusion about what eyelash extensions are, how they work if they’re safe, and if there are any other alternatives. Even when considering extensions only, there is a myriad of different fiber types you can choose from, which can make something you thought was going to be easy, not very easy at all.
Others of us may have a history of strip-lash usage and may be wondering if eyelash extensions are a better option. Are they cheaper? Do they last longer? Will they look more natural? These are all important things to consider, and deciding which lash enhancement option is right for you is important.
Here at Doe Lashes, we’re strip lash professionals. We love the look and feel of a gorgeous set of strip lashes. False eyelash strips are:
- Easy to apply and remove. You can get a pair of strip eyelashes on your lids in under five minutes, and removal literally takes seconds.
- Natural-looking and feeling. Doe Lashes uses only Korean silk lash fibers on a 100% cotton lash band, so our lashes never ever feel heavy or uncomfortable.
- Affordable. One of the least expensive ways to enhance your natural lashes is by using strip lashes. Our lash sets are under $13, and last over fifteen wears with proper care. That’s over half a month’s worth of gorgeous lashes for less than $1 per use.
- Low commitment. Sometimes you want extra length and volume that really turns heads, sometimes you just want a little more natural look. No matter what you want, you can get the look you need with strip lashes, and for times when you want something different, you can simply use a different style. You aren’t locked into the first pair you try; you can build a lash wardrobe to meet your lash style needs.
Although we could sing the praises of strip lashes all day long, we know you came here to learn about eyelash extensions. We’ll give you the 4-1-1 on all things related to eyelash extensions, including what types are available and best, so you can decide if eyelash extensions are right for you.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
Lash extensions are individual false eyelash fibers glued individually to your own natural lashes. You can have eyelash extensions applied individually, or in small clusters. Most always, you will have these applied at a salon by a lash technician. You can definitely try to do it yourself, but you really need some solid experience to do the job correctly and without damaging your natural eyelashes.
Lash extensions are attached to your natural eyelashes with salon-grade eyelash glue, which is essentially as strong as super glue. This glue can be irritating to some users’ eyes, so if your eyes are sensitive, this may not be an option for you.
You can opt to get a full set of lash extensions, which will mean you have individual lash fibers applied to every single natural lash on your lash line, or opt to have a partial or a fill means the placement will only be in certain areas.
Lash extensions last as long as it takes your natural eyelashes to fall out, which is typically 2-3 weeks. When your natural eyelash falls, it will take with it the extension that is glued to it. This means you’ll need to go back to the salon for a fill every 2-3 weeks.
Salon eyelash extensions are not cheap. You can generally expect to pay between $100-$300 for your initial set, depending on how many lashes you decide to have placed and what type of fiber you use (more on that in a minute). A fill will cost anywhere between $50-$150, again depending on how many fibers are used and what type of fibers are chosen. You’ll also need to account for gratuity for the eyelash professional who applies your lashes, and that is usually 20% of the total price of your lashes.
It will take several hours for the eyelash professional to place your lashes. It is an incredibly tedious process, and being in the chair with guards under your eyes can make some people feel slightly claustrophobic. A fill will take less time, but you should still allocate at least an hour of your time for maintenance appointments.
What Are the Best Types of Eyelash Extensions?
Eyelash extension fibers are available in many different materials, the most popular being mink, vegan mink, synthetic, and silk. Each type of fiber has benefits and disadvantages.
- Mink. Celebs like Kim K. and Beyonce made them famous, and now eyelash extension lovers everywhere are saving up their paychecks to buy a set of mink eyelash extensions. Mink fur feels incredibly soft and has a texture that is very similar to natural lashes. Mink is the most expensive type of eyelash extension, and you can spend close to $1k on a full set depending on how many fibers you want, the brand you choose, and the professional who applies them.
Mink is also never cruelty-free. Although some labels claim their mink fur is harvested from cages or “after brushing,” the fact remains that minks are wild animals meant to live in the wild. Minks that are used for their fur are often kept in small cages, rarely let out, and in conditions that are unsanitary. Because of this, PETA recommends you never support a brand or salon that openly uses real mink lash fibers.
- Faux mink. For users who prefer 100% cruelty free lashes but really love the look and feel of mink, there are faux mink lash fibers available. These man-made fibers look and feel very similar to mink, but won’t require your entire paycheck and won’t force a tiny animal into a cage.
- Silk lash extensions. Silk lash extensions are a midweight lash fiber that is generally well-loved by users. A salon will likely try to convince you that these types of lash fibers are not a good fit because they aren’t as expensive as mink or faux mink.
- Synthetic fibers. The least expensive lash fibers available are synthetic fibers. These fibers are notoriously weighty and can leave you feeling heavy and uncomfortable. They will also look the least natural of all your lash fiber choices, but also cost the least amount of money.
Are Eyelash Extensions Safe?
Millions of users get eyelash extensions placed every single day, but there’s some mounting evidence that suggests they may not be as awesome as we originally thought. From red flag warnings issued by eye doctors to reports of users who say eyelash extensions interfered with their natural lashes’ ability to regrow, eyelash extensions definitely have a dark side. Additionally, the glue used to apply eyelash extensions can be toxic and contain ingredients like formaldehyde.
Ultimately, only you can decide if the risk is worth the reward, but for us, it’s a hard pass. You can get the same (if not better) great looking lashes with a set of high-quality strip lashes like the ones available from Doe. False eyelash strips are applied just above your natural lash line, so you never have to worry about a strip eyelash interfering with the natural growth of your real eyelashes. Also, the glue used to attach a false eyelash strip is much less potent than the glue that is generally used for applying eyelash extensions.
False eyelash strips will also never rip your natural lashes from their follicles when applied properly. Since they sit directly above the natural lash line, they aren’t actually attached to your natural lashes, although they blend in perfectly with them. Eyelash extensions can cause your natural lashes to rip or pull before they are naturally ready to fall out. We’re all about preserving our natural lashes as best we can!
Conclusion
Eyelash extensions are a popular option for creating the look of longer, fuller lashes. You should always have eyelash extensions applied in a salon by a professional, as the process is tedious, involves really powerful glue that could be harmful to your eyes, and requires extreme patience and skill to do correctly. Eyelash extensions are extremely expensive and only last as long as your natural lash cycle, which means you’ll have to get them redone on a bi-monthly basis.
False eyelash strips go on and off with ease in the comfort of your own home, cost less than $13 per pair, and never interfere with your natural eyelashes. They’re quick, affordable, and create the full, thick, beautiful lash looks you love without requiring you to keep them on for weeks at a time. When you’re done, you can simply remove them. If you’re looking for the easiest and most cost-effective way to lengthen your lashes, strip lashes are a definite win.
Sources:
https://www.peta.org/features/mink-eyelashes/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/eyelash-extensions-safe#
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eyelash-extension-facts-safety