The Beginner’s Guide to Eyelash Extensions

If you suddenly feel like all your friends are growing a set of movie star lashes – they don’t. It’s just lash extensions. If all the amazing mascara formulas, lash lifts, and false lash options on the market aren’t giving you enough lift, extensions might just be your answer. Like any beauty treatment, it’s important to do your research before booking a treatment. We spoke to a number of celebrity lash experts to share everything you need to know about lash extensions, from how long it takes to how much you can expect to pay.

What Exactly Are Eyelash Extensions?

Lash extensions are semi-permanent synthetic, faux mink or silk fibers which are applied strand by strand to your natural lashes. The extensions are carefully applied one at a time using a specially-formulated, semi-permanent glue that will not irritate or damage the natural lash.

Unlike false lashes, which are applied in strips or single lashes to the skin, lash extensions are attached directly to the lashes themselves. The result is thicker, thicker lashes that go beyond even mascara.

Do eyelash extensions look natural?

The final look is designed to enhance your natural lashes, making them longer, fuller, and lifted. Whether the look is more pronounced or more natural is up to the client, but in general, the more lashes you apply, the more pronounced the effect will be. According to experts, a typical treatment involves 80-140 individual extensions per eye, with lashes ranging from 6-18mm in length. “It’s not one size fits all,” she explained. “For example, if you have damaged lashes, or if your lashes are naturally thin and naturally short, you won’t always get the more dramatic look that clients with stronger, thicker lashes can achieve.”