What Are Lash Extensions?


Eyelash Extensions are

semi-permanent fibers that are attached to your natural eyelashes in order to make

your lash fringe look longer, fuller, and darker. Individual lash extensions are

applied to each of your individual natural eyelashes (one extension per natural

eyelash) using a semi-permanent glue. The material varies from studio to studio, but

lash extensions can be made of synthetic, mink, faux mink, or silk fibers. Most

studios offer a variety of extension lengths, curl patterns, and tints so clients can

customize their look.

Types of Eyelash Extensions

Lash artists use three different kinds of



Individual Eyelash Extension materials: mink, silk, and synthetic. Some studios

also carry "faux mink" extensions, which are technically just synthetic

extensions that mimic mink extensions. Most lash studios have their preference for

the type of lash extension they use and won't always ask you if you have a

preference. So if you're vegan or allergic to cats, be sure to specifically

request that mink lash extensions are not used on you. No lash extension type lasts

longer than the other, but mink and silk lashes tend to have a more natural look,

while synthetic lashes can be thicker and darker, which is better suited for those

who want a bolder look.

Within these three categories (mink, silk, and synthetic), there are varying

degrees of length and curl to choose from. Typically your lash artist will use

multiple lengths and curl strengths to create a wide-eyed effect, with longer lashes

being placed towards the outer corners of the eyes and shorter lashes placed on the

inner corners.

What’s the Application Process Like?


“[Lash extensions] are carefully applied one at a time (typically 80-140 per

eye) using a specially-formulated, semi-permanent glue that will not irritate or

damage the natural lash,” says Richardson. “The lash is only applied to an existing

lash, not to the skin.” While the exact process varies from salon to salon, here’s

what you can expect:

Evaluation: “Prior to application, the technician should go through all

the risks and benefits of having Fast Fanning Lashess before applying them, and

also ask about any conditions you may have that would make eyelash extensions

unsuitable for you,” says Richardson. They'll also ask you to remove your

contacts if you wear them.

Decide on Extension Length and Curl Strength: Your lash artist should

start the process by asking you what kind of look you’re going for, whether that be

more glamorous or more natural. Based on your desired look, you’ll choose an ideal

length and curl strength for the extensions. Keep in mind that your artist may decide

to use up to 3-4 different extension lengths, concentrating longer extensions on the

outer corners and shorter extensions on the inner eyes.

Application: Using tweezers, your lash artist will dip the end of each

extension in the lash glue and then apply it to your individual lash. In most cases,

one eyelash extension is applied per natural lash, however, more voluminous looks can

require multiple extensions per individual natural lash. The application isn’t

painful, although you may feel anxious having tweezers operate so close to your eyes

while they’re closed.


False eyelashes have gone from a special occasion look to becoming an everyday

necessity for some. Two popular ways to obtain those long, beautiful lashes are

wearing temporary lashes or getting semi-permanent lash extensions applied by a

licensed cosmetologist or esthetician.


To apply temporary false lashes, Eyelash Adhesive is used along the band of the false lashes to attach

them right above your natural lashes. This kind of lash adhesive is typically made of

an adhesive component, solvents, surfactants, and ammonium hydroxide. Some adhesives

contain glycol ethers, which are potentially toxic if swallowed. Glycol ethers are a

group of solvents that are commonly found in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaners,

and many other industrial and home products. The toxic dose of most glycol ethers is

unknown. In addition, lash adhesives can contain chemicals that are generally

irritating like alcohol and detergents.


Semi-permanent lash extensions last longer than temporary lashes, usually 6 to 8

weeks. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are applied on each strand of the natural

eyelashes with a semi-permanent glue, typically a cyanoacrylate adhesive.

Cyanoacrylate is also found in instant bond glues like Super Glue? or Krazy Glue?.

Even though they share ingredients, it is important that you never substitute one of

these general-purpose glues for Eyelash Extensions Glue! In liquid form,

cyanoacrylate exists as monomers. When they interact with water or the moisture in

the air, the monomers polymerize and join to bond surfaces together. It is a fast-

acting adhesive that dries and sets within seconds. Cyanoacrylate can be an irritant

to the skin and eyes in liquid form and when its fumes are inhaled. Once

cyanoacrylate is dried, it is inert. However, dried cyanoacrylate forms a small,

solid lump that can be physically irritating to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.


To remove temporary lashes, dab the top of the lashes with warm water,

Eyelash Cream

Remover, or eye makeup remover to loosen the adhesive. If necessary, semi-

permanent extensions can be loosened with an oil-based eye makeup remover or an oily

substance such as coconut oil. However, removing semi-permanent lashes at home could

result in pulling out your natural lashes. If possible, semi-permanent lashes should

be removed by a licensed professional.

Eyelash Tweezers for

eyelash extension are designed to assist in perfecting the finest details of the lash

artistry. In fact, eyelash extension tweezers are one of the few lash extension

supplies that you need to use from the beginning to the end of the session.

Therefore, mastering the skill to use professional tweezers is a crucial step towards

mastering the art of eyelash extension.