Thursday, May 21, 2009

Do Eyelash Extensions Make My Natural Lashes Fall Out?

So, being a very conscientious, type A, very Red personality that I am, I set out two days ago to disprove some inaccurate claims made by a few Cyber world inhabitants about Eyelash Extensions. It has bothered me for some time now that claims like that were still being made while this new, fabulous way of extending your lashes was right here in out hands. This was my conclusion:

- most girls making these claims were never able to comb through there lashes without snags (not even right after their extension appointment)
-this means that their lashes were badly extended resulting in several lashes glued to one single extension
-if several lashes are glued to the same extension, the lash growing the fastest will pull out the rest of the lashes with it
-most did not go to a referred lash extension technician
-most of these technicians have not had enough practice to be able to extend the lashes one at a time
-isolating a single lash is very, very difficult if you do not practice this every day
-an Esthetician who was taught to extend lashes in beauty school and has done ten extensions in four years is NOT a qualified lash extension technician
-extending lashes is a full time job
-unless you do it every day you will not acquire the experience necessary to do it correctly
-please check for references before you venture out to find an eyelash extension specialist

Below is a picture of a client of mine who had her extensions removed after a while. Please notice her before and after extension lash line. It should not be different for you.BEFORE

AFTER
If you look carefully you'll notice that her center lashes have actually grown longer while she had her extensions. Your lash growth cycle should not be inhibited by Eyelash Extensions.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

All About Eyelash Extensions

All About Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are to eyelashes what hair extensions are to hair: magnificent modern magic. With the wonders of synthetic fiber, each one of your eyelashes can have an extension lash glued onto it. The result is a slightly fuller, and much longer, eyelash. When all your eyelashes are extended, the effect can be dramatic.

Because the extensions are attached to your actual eyelash, they’re obviously not permanent. Eyelashes fall out and re-grow constantly, so as soon as you get the extensions you’ll begin losing lashes.For most women the longer lashes will last around two to three weeks, and then you’ll need a touch-up. With touch-ups, the extensions can last for as long as one to three months, after which you’ll have to repeat the procedure.

This makes eyelash extensions a hot beauty treatment before big events, such as weddings, proms, reunions or just a steamy date with the hunk from work. The extensions cost enough that a wedding or prom is about the only time the average women could afford have them done, though.

If you do happen to have a fortune to drop on your eyelashes, there are extensions available with glitter, gem-tipped ends or other fancy embellishments. You can also decide where the lashes are placed, which helps to make eyes look bigger, wider or more evenly spaced.

Though they may not be permanent, eyelash extensions are a big step up from false eyelashes. They don’t junk up your eyelashes or feel heavy on your eyelids. They can look completely natural when done correctly and instantly create dazzling eyes on almost anyone.

Eyelash extensions can also make every single one of your eyelashes fall out if done incorrectly. Since regulations for minor cosmetic procedures are surprisingly lax in most countries, make sure to investigate a business before having any services performed.

There are several different brands of eyelash extensions and you’ll probably need to decide on a brand. The best way to do this is to simply sit down and research your eyelash selection. Look for basic pro and con information, as well as possible problems or common allergic reactions.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Specials

Birthday Girl Surprise

Come in on your birthday (it does actually have to be your birthday day :))and receive half off your "Luscious" or "Sassy" set of My Lash Girl Lashes. It's our way of saying Happy Birthday to You!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Health and Safety FAQs

Is the product FDA approved? Is it safe?

Currently the FDA is not regulating eyelash extensions because the eyelash extensions are applied to the natural eyelash hairs and do not touch the skin. The primary ingredient in our Luscious Lashes glue is the same ingredient used by plastic surgeons in the U.S. for suture-less wound closure. The application process is pain-free and relaxing. In fact, many clients fall asleep during the procedure. However, improper application by an unqualified technician can cause damage to your eyes and lashes. Do not trust your eyes to just anyone.

How do other lash enhancement options compare with Eye Lash Extensions?
There are several other meth
ods for enhancing lashes available today. Be sure you read the following information to make an informed decision.

False Strip Lashes
Traditional false lashes are made up of numerous human or synthetic eyelashes attached together in one pre-made strip. Strips are adhered with a temporary adhesive on the skin above the upper lash line.

Although readily available and relatively easy to use, strips are the least natural-looking and possibly most damaging of the eyelash enhancement options. They should not be applied frequently or worn long term. Doing so can lead to infections, blocked glands, premature lash loss and even permanent lash baldness due to follicle damage from the adhesives. The adhesives used can also loosen from perspiration or contact with water causing potentially embarrassing situations.

Flares or Lash Clusters (Occasionally misrepresented as lash extensions)
Cluster lashes, or flares, typically consist of groups of 5-8 blunt-end lashes knotted together. They can be applied either directly to the skin (between natural lashes) or on top of a grouping of existing lashes.

They are more natural in appearance than strips but carry many of the same concerns (the same skin adhesives are used when attaching to the eyelid) as well as a few additional ones. Several natural lashes are typically glued together to support the weight of a single flare. If left in place for a period of time, this will cause faster growing natural lashes to prematurely pull out slower growing lashes from the root because they are adhered together. This can result in permanent damage and lash baldness if done repeatedly.

*If you book an appointment for Eyelash Extensions make sure you are getting single synthetic Eyelash Extensions and not flares or ‘individuals.’

Individuals (Often misrepresented as lash extensions)
‘Individuals’ are synthetic lashes that are stacked one on top of the other and attached at the base, often with a knot to allow for fast and easy adhesion. Typically there are three lashes in each grouping with the longest on the bottom and the shortest on the top. Like flares, individuals can be attached to either the skin, if they are knotted, or the natural lashes.

Individuals have the same concerns as clusters or flares (see above) with regards to weight when applied to the lashes and skin irritation when applied directly to the eyelid.

*If you book an appointment for Eyelash Extensions make sure you are getting single synthetic Eyelash Extensions and not flares or ‘individuals.’

Can I be allergic to Eyelash Extensions?

Most people are not allergic to Eyelash Extensions but some do have a sensitivity to the adhesive used in the procedure. About 1 out of 20 people will experience an allergic reaction following the extension procedure. As a rule if you have been allergic to acrylic fingernails or nail polish in the past, sadly, Eyelash Extensions are not for you.

Also, people with certain eye conditions, those within a year of a Lasik procedure and within two months of tattooed eye makeup appointments are not good candidates for Eyelash Extensions.


What Do I Do if I Want Them Removed?

As the natural lashes cycle out and shed, Lash Extensions will shed with them. However, if necessary, Lash Extensions can be professionally removed by a Lash Stylist using specially formulated adhesive remover. The removal process normally takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes for a full set. Never try to remove Eyelash Extensions on your own. Damage can be caused by pulling the extensions off with the natural lash, removing the natural lash before it is ready to shed.

Care and Maintenance FAQs

How do I care for my eyelash extensions?
Now that your lashes are long, thick and beautiful, follow these easy care instructions and they can last indefinitely with regular touch-ups.

To maintain this look and extend the life of your lashes:

  • Do not wash eyes or shower and avoid crying, sweat, and steam for 24 hours after lash application.
  • Do not swim or spa for 48 hours after lash application to allow adequate time for bonding.
  • Be gentle with your lashes.
  • Avoid rubbing and pulling your eyelashes.
  • Avoid oil-based and waterproof mascara. Only our specially formulated mascara for extensions can be worn. Regular mascara is not recommended for use as it will dissolve the bond with the lashes. Gently remove mascara with water-based eye makeup remover. Apply mascara on the tips only.
  • Avoid any creams, eye makeup removers, lotions, sunscreens or cleansers containing oils on or near eyelashes. Oils can loosen the bond of lash extensions. Care must be taken to apply eye cream sparingly with avoidance of the lash line area.
  • Do NOT use an eyelash curler on your extensions.
  • My Lash Girl recommends touch-up appointments every 3-4 weeks, to fill in the areas where the natural lashes has fallen out and new lashes are growing in.

Picky Clients-Love 'em or leave 'em?

This morning I extended lashes for a long time friend and sister-in-law. She is a hairdresser and a very good one at that. The problem was that she was hesitant to get eyelash extensions. Being very low maintenance she was concerned with the time it will take out of her busy schedule to keep up the lashes. She is also very particular about the way she likes things done. One of her concerns was that her lashes would look "crazy" or "sporadic". She had looked at some of the pictures I have posted here and on Facebook and decided that she does not like the really curled look. That ruled out using the C-curl lashes. We stuck with the J-curls that have a more natural look and went with the smaller width-.15mm versus .20mm. I also used the 10-13mm length on her. While working on her lashes I also made an observation that the lash extension will follow the direction (side to side) of the natural lash. If your natural lash growth pattern is sporadic then your eyelash extensions will do the same. In the end, however, her lashes turned out fabulous. She walked away after about 2 ours with 60 lashes per eye.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Great New Thing!

Eyelash Extensions: The Next Big Thing in Beauty

Paris, Lindsay and J. Lo Have Them, and You Can Too

Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan have them, and J. Lo's are made of mink. Madonna's cost $10,000 and are studded with diamonds.

Hollywood is hip to the latest trend. But if you blinked you may have missed it: People are getting eyelash extensions.

"With lash extensions, what they are doing is taking a lash and actually bonding it onto your own lash," said Sally Blenkey-Tchassova, a New York beauty salon owner. "It really looks better than mascara. You don't have the clumpy dirty look. It looks really fresh."

Eyelash extensions started in Asia and made their way west. Unlike traditional false eyelashes that only last one day and are applied on a strip, synthetic eyelash extensions are glued to eyelash hairs one by one with tweezers. The process takes two hours and they last about two months. It typically costs between $300 and $500.

"We are surrounded by celebrity culture and so many celebrity-centric magazines, and everyone wants to look like they are walking down a red carpet," Blenkey-Tchassova said. "This is a way for the average person to look really glamorous really fast."

Beauty salons everywhere are catching on. At the Louis Licari Salon in New York City, eyelash extensions are so popular that appointments must be booked up to months in advance.

For those who do not want to pay the high price or wait for an appointment, a good alternative is semi-permanent lashes. They cost about $50, last about 10 days and take just minutes to apply.

"People are really keen on the semi-permanent eyelashes," Blenkey-Tchassova said. They could come in handy "if you're going away for the weekend or if you have a hot date [with] someone who you haven't had a sleepover with before, and they have to see you in the middle of the night, and you don't want to frighten them. So, I mean, you're going to look great."

Not Just For Celebs!


Hair by hair, extensions give lashes oomph
Baltimore Sun
By Tanika White

Tired of their puny, wimpy lashes or the fake ones that make them look like Vegas showgirls, some women are opting for another solution: eyelash extensions. In the last year, this new beautification process — gluing synthetic or animal hair extensions to natural lashes — has picked up steam in salons and spas in Baltimore and across the country.

‘It’s a very, very, very hot trend,’ says Victoria Kirby, beauty editor at Allure magazine. ‘Everybody from Lindsay Lohan to Jennifer Lopez has them. Madonna has ones that she puts on before a show that have diamonds on the ends.’

Most average women skip the bling, but even without diamonds, eyelash extensions still are expensive. The semi-permanent lashes, which cost from $200 to $600 for a full application (depending on the salon), last up to two months.

Experts say the high price is justified because the process is painstaking, involving a kind of precision that its closest cousin, hair extensions, doesn’t. Applications can take anywhere from two hours to three hours to complete.

‘This is not a product that can be picked up by anybody and applied,’ says Matt Daoudi, spokesman for Houston-based Xtreme Lashes, one of a handful of companies that provide the materials and eyelash extension training for salons. ‘It’s a very, very tedious procedure. It requires a lot of skill and teaching to do it right.’

Here’s how it works: In a salon or spa, a trained aesthetician carefully glues anywhere from 20 to 80 individual lashes directly on to a woman’s own lashes. The synthetic or animal hair lashes — which are of varying sizes and shades — are glued near the lash base and extend out past the end of a woman’s natural lashes, creating a longer, fuller look.

Many women say they don’t need to wear mascara or eyeliner once they have extensions. And the look lasts anywhere from four to eight weeks, with intermediary ‘touch-ups’ every two to three weeks.

‘The results are wonderful,’ says Rena Marmaras, manager of Honey Bee Diner, who tried eyelash extensions for the first time about a month ago at About Faces Day Spa and Salon in Towson. ‘They look very natural. My boyfriend hasn’t noticed. I get up in the morning and he just looks at me and he says, ‘Wow! You look so good.’ I love that.’

Eyelash extensions, unlike the stuck-on false eyelashes of yesteryear, have a more natural look, experts say.

‘That’s why the trend has really translated to the average person, because it’s so wearable. It’s not just a Hollywood look,’ Kirby says. ‘Fake lashes, they can tend to look too dramatic. They look a little drag-queenish. Whereas the lash extensions, if they’re done properly, they look exactly like real lashes. So it’s a much more realistic way to get that dramatic effect.’

Celebrity Eyelash Extensions

The Star Treatment: Celebrity Eyelash Extensions

The latest celebrity beauty treatment that’s making it’s way into salons and spas all over are Eyelash Extensions. Faux lashes are precisely placed around the lid using a safe glue which last for 4-6 weeks. The end result are full, lush lashes - and no need for layers of mascara.

Job for a Pro

Go to a pro for lovely lashes

Posted Friday, June 29, 2007

Eyelash extensions are getting a lot of buzz these days, thanks to celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Madonna. But lash extensions aren’t for celebrities and special occasions alone. An aesthetician can add a few lashes to the outer corners of the eyes for subtle sexiness or go all the way for screen-siren drama. If you want to try this for yourself, keep these tips in mind:

1. Go to a pro. One-time-wear, do-it-yourself extensions with temporary adhesive are fine, but if you’re thinking more long-term, leave the application to the pros.

2. Check credentials. Make sure your aesthetician is licensed in your state.

3. Go with good glue. Only accept a U.S.-made medical or surgical grade glue, and make sure there’s an eyewash close by in the event that the glue comes in contact with your eyes.

4. Protect your peepers. Make sure your eyes are protected with some sort of shield during application.

Latisse or no Latisse?

Lashing Out: Make Your Eyelashes Grow

It turns out a glaucoma medication can make lashes grow longer. But should you really use it for cosmetic reasons? Joanne Chen does the honors.

woman applying fake eyelashes

Photo Credit: Greg Delves


When glaucoma sufferers started using the eye-drop drug Lumigan eight years ago, who knew there'd be fringe benefits: longer, lusher, darker eyelashes. Eventually, Allergan, the makers of the drug, sped it into clinical trials (this time for hypotrichosis, aka underdeveloped eyelashes), repackaged it, gave it a girly name (Latisse), and marketed it for its lash-boosting magic. Now, with FDA backing, it's headed to a pharmacy near you.

It isn't the first time a serious disease-fighting treatment has been repurposed for its surprise payoffs. Some of today's most famous drugs were accidental discoveries: Cosmetic Botox (also made by Allergan) was first used by ophthalmologists to suppress eyelid spasms; Minoxidil debuted as a blood-pressure remedy; and Viagra was an enthusiastic by-product of a hypertension cure.

But instead of helping you recover your original smooth-skinned, fully maned self (as with Botox and Minoxidil), Latisse actually changes what your genes had programmed for you before birth, as if something had been clinically amiss all along. As Victoria Pitts-Taylor, Ph.D., a sociologist at City University of New York, puts it: "The line between medicine and cosmetics is blurring. Having a drug in your makeup bag next to your tweezers and lipstick is the new norm."

Lash Addicted

Lash Addicted

Posted using ShareThis

Eyelash Extensions: in a word, amazing

Trend tracking

eyelash extensions: in a word, amazing

July 29, 2008 11:29 am

Shuuemura1

Next time you set aside a day to catch up on personal grooming, add a lash-extension appointment to the waxing/brow shaping/mani/pedi routine. Having trickled down to mainstream favor from the streets of Koreatown, eyelash extensions are fast becoming as commonplace to salon service menus as blow-outs and polish changes. “My clients increase about 10 to 15 percent during summer,” says Shu Uemura lash guru Soul Lee, adding that the painstaking process of gluing between 50 and 60 individual lashes into natural lash lines is hugely popular with brides, frequent beachgoers, and mascara junkies who can’t be bothered to mix makeup and muggy weather. Lee, who’s holding court at Barneys while the new Shu Uemura boutique is being built, says she does about three to four full extension sets a day, each of which takes approximately two hours to apply. A set costs about $400 (extensions last three weeks with optional maintenance ringing in at $150 per touch-up). According to Lee, the high price tag is a non-issue. “Once you get it done, it’s like a drug. It’s such a pick-me-up.”

Photo: Courtesy of Shu Uemura

Eyelash Extensions FAQ


What Are Eyelash Extensions??

My Lash Girl Eyelash Extensions lengthen and thicken eyelashes with single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. They are applied to individual eyelashes, one lash at a time, for a natural, elegant and luscious look. My Lash Girl lashes are perfect for special occasions as well as for every day wear.

What are Eyelash Extensions made of?

My Lash Girl Eyelash Extensions are crafted from synthetic polyester. Synthetic lashes respond better to wear and tear than other materials. In addition, synthetics have the least possible chance of allergic reactions with human skin. Testing has shown that there are higher percentages of people who will have adverse reactions to contact with lash extensions created from animal hairs, such as mink.



What do they look like and how do they feel?

My Lash Girl lashes look and feel completely real and natural. Some people say they feel as if you are wearing mascara.

How long do Eyelash Extensions Last?

The look can be maintained indefinitely with refills. When properly applied, 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.

  • Natural eyelashes grow in and fall out in cycles (every 60 to 90 days). When a natural lash matures and falls out, a new lash has already been growing and quickly replaces it without us noticing the turnover. This process is constant and at any given moment our many natural lashes are at different stages of maturity. Some are just growing in, while others are ready to shed. People typically shed between 1 and 5 natural lashes each day, depending on their individual growth cycles. On shorter natural lashes, this growing and shedding cycle is virtually unnoticeable.

  • When eyelashes are extended with Eyelash Extensions, it will be more noticeable when these lashes shed because they are longer and darker than natural lashes. Please keep in mind this is a perfectly normal occurrence, with or without extensions. Lash Stylists will apply Eyelash Extensions primarily to those lashes that are in the middle of their maturation cycle to maximum the amount of time they will last, without jeopardizing the health of ‘baby' lashes. The Extension will fall out with the natural lash it is attached to when it reaches the end of its growth cycle. A few Eyelash Extensions may shed within the first week because the attached natural lashes are at the end of their growth cycle. Most will remain in place for approximately two months.

  • With proper care and maintenance, touch-ups are typically only needed once every 2 to 4 weeks to replace the lashes that have shed. Your Eyelash Extensions Stylist will add extensions to the newest mature natural lashes to maintain a full, lush appearance.

My Lash Girl adhesives are specially formulated with a unique waterproof bonding agent to last. Other glues may not last as long because of an inferior bonding strength.

Can I swim, shower, exercise, or visit a spa while wearing Lashes?

Yes. Our specially formulated bonding agent allows you to shower, swim, exercise, sleep and spa worry-free while wearing Lashes . You can enjoy these lashes with little need to adjust your lifestyle. Please do not swim or spa for 48 hours after the procedure to allow the bonding agent to fully cure.


How often should I get touch-ups?

We recommend getting a touch up every 2 to 4 weeks. A natural eyelash falls off every 60 to 90 days on average due to the natural growth cycle and is naturally replaced with the growth of a new eyelash. At any given moment, each of your natural eyelashes is at a different stage of its life cycle. A touch up is needed to replenish the lashes that have completed their life cycle.

Can I apply eyelash extensions to my own eyelashes?

No. Only a trained professional will be able to safely apply Eyelash extensions. Unprofessional application or self-application may cause eye injury, clumpy, unnatural looking lashes, or damage to your own lashes. Your My Lash Girl specialist is trained and certified to apply one lash at a time to your individual natural eyelashes to achieve long, thick, luscious, and natural looking eyelashes.

Can I apply mascara to Lashes ?

One of the main advantages of Eyelash Extensions by My Lash Girl is never needing mascara again. However, if you must have the mascara look, only water based mascara can be used. DO NOT USE OIL-BASED OR WATER-PROOF MASCARA. Waterproof mascara along with any type of oil based mascara will dissolve the bonding agent and cause the lashes to fall off.

Can you describe the application process?

You will be comfortably reclined with your eyes closed while extensions are applied individually to your natural eyelashes. Depending on the experience of the professional applying Lashes , it generally takes between 1 and a half to 3 hours to apply one set of lashes . The procedure is very relaxing and comfortable and many clients fall asleep.

How much does it cost for an application of Lashes ?

Depending on your location and the amount of eyelash extensions needed, professionals are currently charging between $250 and $600 per application. At My Lash Girl Eyelash extensions you can get your initial set for only $195.

Who uses Eyelash Extensions?


Hollywood has long since enjoyed extending their beauty with Eyelash Extensions. Models and actors have been using eyelash extensions for years. Now, you can have them too. Because they look so real, anyone could be wearing them and you would never know! Be the first in your area to wear Eyelash Extensions.



Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Eyelash Extensions


I'm glad you took the time to visit my blog. My name is Olya Van Patten and I am a Certified Eyelash Extension Technician with My Lash Girl. The purpose of this blog is to provide you with information on all aspects of eyelash extensions from start to finish. My goal is to dispel any of the myths you may have heard and make sure you have accurate information to help in deciding if lashes are right for you.

What exactly are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are just that-extensions to your natural eye lashes. This procedure increases the length and width of your natural lash thereby creating the illusion of thicker, fuller more luscious lash line.

How long do eyelash extensions last?
My Lash Girl Professional Eyelash Extensions are semi-permanent and will last indefinitely with regular touch ups. As your natural lash goes through its three to four month grown cycle the extension will stay with it and fall out when your natural lash falls out. With no touch ups extensions can last up to 4-6 weeks depending on the life cycle of your own natural eyelashes and other factors your My Lash Girl Professional will review with you at your first eyelash extension consultation/appointment. Though the average cycle of a single lash is about 90-120 days, factors such as your eyelash characteristics, lifestyle and general care of your eyelashes will affect how long your My Lash Girl lashes will last.

Will the extensions harm my natural lashes?
Absolutely not! With My Lash Girl professional application you don't have to worry about damaging your lashes. We apply a bond around your lashes, actually protecting them from wear and tear, allowing your lash to continue to grow. As you own lashes grow, so will the extensions. Human lashes have a 90-120 day life cycle. As one falls out, another grows in its place. This is why it is important to go to one of our certified eyelash extensions professional, so the lashes are placed correctly preventing damage to your natural lash.



Do I still Need to use Mascara?
My Lash Girl extensions are so natural and usually black, they darken your own lash line. They curl your own lashes and thicken the width of each lash they are glued to. There is no need for mascara or an eyelash curler!

How often do I have to come in for Touch Ups?
Depending on how careful you are with your extensions (tugging, pulling, rubbing, oily make up removers are not recommended) you can go as long as 2-5 weeks between touch ups.

What is the cost of eyelash extensions?
Lucky for those of you who live in Utah the cost of extensions here is quite low. A full or luscious set is $200 and a half or sassy set is $100. Touch ups are between $50 and $55 depending on the condition of your lashes. Elsewhere in the country the cost ranges between three and six hundred dollars a set.

How long does the procedure take?
Depending on the experience level of the technician a full set of eyelashes should take between 2 and 3 hours. A half set will take 1 and a half hours and a touch up about 1 hour. Most clients will relax or even take a nap while their extensions are being applied. Your eyes will be closed and the technician will usually apply a collagen gel pad to hold down your bottom lashes and help you achieve a rested look by the time you are finished.