Wondering whether to have eyelash extensions or a lash lift? Or trying to decide between regular lash extension and Russian lash extensions? This article will help explain what the three options are and the difference between them.
What Are Eyelash Extensions?
In short, you attach an extension to your eyelashes 1-2mm from the eyelid. The extensions are made from mink, silk, synthetic, horse, or human hair.
The extensions don’t just enhance the length of the eyelashes, but also their thickness. They can, likewise, improve the curl (believe it or not, this alone can greatly improve the look of your lashes!).
What’s Important When Getting Eyelash Extensions?
Firstly, you need to ensure that each extension is at least 0.5 mm away from the eyelid. If not, your eyelid can react to the adhesive (give you a rash, or worse) and also, your eyelashes will likely end up feeling like sticks, or like they’re really heavy.
Secondly, you cannot attach an extension to more than one eyelash, because eyelashes grow at a different rate. This means if an extension is attached to two, then as the lashes grow, there’s trouble.
Thirdly, the lash technician has to ensure to attach only the weight your lashes can handle. This is because too much weight can destroy your lashes.
Lastly, it’s important to note that you need to have it done properly, as otherwise it can irritate your eyelashes. It’s also good to take a break ever so often from using extensions.
If using eye-makeup, it’s recommended to stay away from mascara as you might remove the extensions with the mascara, especially if using a cream based make-up remover.
Classic Eyelash Extensions
Classic eyelash extensions are simply extensions where you apply one “fake” lash to one real lash. Some lashes might not be long enough to handle carrying a lash, so again the beauty technician needs to pay attention.
Depending on how many natural lashes you have and what your desired look is, you can attach 30-150 lashes! You can never attach more lashes than you have natural lashes though!
Russian Eyelash Extensions
Russian eyelash extensions are made from very fine material so that you can attach several lash extensions to one eyelash.
The reason you can attach more than one extension, is that the material is so fine and therefore weighs less. Normally you attach two to eight lash extensions to the one eyelash. How many you attach depends on the desired look and how strong your natural lashes.
What Is a Lash Lift?
A lash lift has nothing to do with extensions—you simply curve the lashes in such a way that you can see their full length. Normally eyelashes aren’t bent up properly, giving the illusion they’re shorter than they are.
It might sound like it’s not a big deal, but if you check out some before and after pictures…you’ll see it makes a whole lot of difference! And if you aren’t someone who has time to curl your eyelashes every day, then this is a great solution.
The effects last four to six weeks, depending on how fast your lashes grow. You can apply mascara as normal within 48-hours.
As with eyelash extensions, they need to be done by professionals. Chemicals are involved in the process (similar to having a perm, for example) and it’s important the person using them is trained to do so.
Conclusion:
If you want a natural look that needs no work, but that still enhances your natural lashes, then a lash lift is the obvious option.
If you want longer, thicker lashes, then an eyelash extension is perfect.
And if you want super thick lashes, then Russian lashes is the way to go!
Whatever your option, beware that a professional needs to do the job to ensure no damage is done to your lashes, or eyes. They’re delicate things!