Long eyelashes are considered a sign of beauty in many cultures. Some women look to enhance their eyelash length artificially by means of eyelash serums, mascara’s, false eyelashes and a fairly new cosmetic treatment called semi permanent eyelash extensions.

Eyelash extensions are lightweight synthetic lashes that are individually attached to each of the individual’s own lashes with specially formulated glue. Eyelash extensions are the most natural looking and the most long-lasting of all the treatments and cosmetic applications available on the market today.

What are eyelash extensions made of?

In most beauty salons and health spas, specialists use nylon-based synthetic hairs. The most expensive extensions are made of mink hairs that have been combed from a living mink and then sanitised, but due to ethical and financial reasons, mink hair is not a popular choice.

How are eyelash extensions applied?

The process involves attaching an eyelash extension to each natural lash using fine point tweezers. The natural lashes are separated and the eyelash extension is dipped into an adhesive and attached. The process is repeated until all eyelashes have been covered with an extension.

Maintenance on eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions can last easily between two to four weeks before any re-touching is required, it all depends on the individual’s rate of hair growth and how well the extensions have been maintained. When an eyelash reaches the end of its growth phase it falls out, at which point re-touching is necessary for maintaining a full look of the lash set. These re-touching sessions can take up to an hour to complete.

Can you use make-up on eyelash extensions?

For the first 2 days after application, it is advised to be extra careful not to damage the bond between your lashes and the extensions, so you can’t get them wet, rub them, wash your face with any type of cleanser or go into a steam room or sauna.

Make-up removers and moisturisers should be avoided altogether as they can dissolve the glue. Mascara, curling irons, oil based creams should also be avoided as well, as all of these can damage the extension or dissolve the glue.

Pro’s and Con’s of eyelash extensions

Pro's

• For those who can afford the cost and the time involved, extensions seem to be a stress-free way to get longer, thicker eyelashes, without the need for daily applications of make-up and serum’s.
• They last longer than false eyelashes.
• They look more natural than false eyelashes and mascara.

Con's

• It has been reported that some find that their own eyelashes suffer from repeated applications.
• Extensions are expensive and must be maintained regularly, at least every two to four weeks.
• They take a long time to apply and with regular maintenance appointments, you will be spending a lot of time at the beauty spa.
• They can get uncomfortable and heavy as the natural eyelashes grow and drooping occurs, which could cause eye irritation.

Difference between eyelash extensions and false eyelashes?

Eye lash extensions are applied one lash at a time to the person’s individual lashes. False lashes come in a strip and are applied over the top of the natural lashes in one application. False eyelashes are easier to apply and you can do it yourself at home, however they don't look as natural as eyelash extensions.

How Much?

The fee for the procedure depends on the availability of the service in your area. The suggested retail price is between R500 to R850. The fee for touch-ups should be based on the number of replacements that have to be done.

What are eyelash implants?

Eyelash implants have quickly gained in popularity as a surgical cosmetic procedure, developed originally for medical reasons, or conditions associated with hair loss.

Typically, around 30 – 60 hair follicles are taken from the head or back of the neck and implanted into the upper lash area. The surgery is performed under a local anaesthetic , the whole procedure takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the number of implants required.

Results are not immediate, as the implants will need time to establish and grow. If the implanted follicles have come from your scalp, then your new lashes will grow faster and longer than your natural eyelashes and will need trimming regularly. It is also quite possible, that your new lashes will have the same tendencies as the hair on the scalp.

Deciding on having this procedure should not be considered lightly as eyelash implants are a basic form of transplant surgery and is therefore quite expensive and comes with obvious risks.