Eyelash Extensions 101 Guide for any Newbie

We’re all about saving time nowadays, and what better than to reduce the need to primp and put on mascara to your peepers everyday while looking oh-so-fabulous? Here’s an introduction for you who’ve never ventured to this new land of fabulous eyelashes before.

What are Eyelash Extensions?

It’s the the process of lengthening and thickening your eyelashes by applying extensions to each individual natural eyelash without touching your skin. This gives your eyes the illusion of being bigger and doll-like without the need of more makeup. Therefore when your natural eyelashes drop, so will the extension.

What types of Eyelash Extensions are there?

There are several factors to eyelash extensions: Single Extensions vs Fanned lashes

Single extension refers to 1 extension glued to 1 natural eyelash – also known as Classic 1D Extensions. This is the more popular type of extension as it is better for your lashes and has a more natural look.

Fanned extensions are handmade to achieve different volume that can be applied to individual lashes. The number of strands of extensions attached to 1 natural eyelash ranges from 2D to 6D (explained below).

What is 1D, 2D, 3D… 6D etc?

This reflects the volume of overall eyelash extensions
1D refers to 1 Extension per eyelash, 2D is 2 extensions to 1 natural eyelash, that are either cut to split into 2 or 2 thinner extensions glued onto to 1 lash and so on.
Therefore the higher the number, the more voluminous it is.

What are the Thickness and Length of extensions?

This refers to the thickness of each extension lash. It ranges from 0.05mm to 0.3mm and the thicker the extension, the fuller it is. However this also means that it may be heavier on your eyelash.

This shows the length of each extension. The longer extensions, the longer your lashes will be, and the more dramatic the look, simple as that! 🙂

Types of curl

The curls range from B, C, D, U, J, L – The different alphabet corresponds to a different curl.

What types of Styles are there?

The type of look you want will then change the thickness, length and curl of the extensions that will be applied to your natural lashes.

Will it damage my natural eyelashes?

When done correctly, it should not damage your natural eyelashes or irritate your skin. However, there is a higher probability of damaging with “Cluster” lashes.

Are they painful?

When it’s being put on, or removed, it shouldn’t hurt if done properly. Even after the session, you shouldn’t feel any significant difference in the weight or affect your vision at all.

How long does it last?

This depends on how fast your eyelash grow but a full set usually will typically last 3 weeks or so without touch up. But your natural lashes do usually drop every few days so be prepared for some gaps the longer it hasn’t been touched up. This also varies according to the thickness and style that you’ve opted for and your natural lash growth.

How do I make it last longer or maintain it?

Don’t wet your eyelashes for the first 24 hours after your session to let the glue dry. After that wash your face regularly (that includes your eyes and eyelashes) but don’t rub the eyelashes if not you’ll tug it out. When drying your eyelashes, don’t use use tissues as the tissue fibres will get stuck on your eyelashes. Let it air-dry or use a hairdryer with no heat and low fan speed for a few seconds then comb it.

You can also “comb” your eyelashes everyday with a clean mascara-like wand to maintain the shape and separate them well.

Can I put on eye makeup on top of that?

Yes you can but it will be best not to put anything on the eyelash extension itself as dirt and products like mascara may cause infections if not cleaned properly. However if you decide to put mascara (then you should have done thicker eyelashes), then remove it thoroughly with a water-based makeup remover.

If you put eyeliner or eyeshadow, be sure to use a special q-tip to remove the makeup for the spaces between your lashes. Don’t rub it with a tissue or a cotton pad as the fibres may fall or get stuck.

Will it look weird when the extension drops? Will there be a hole?

For the lower dimensions (1D or 2D) it may be quite obvious after 2 weeks or so, but for more the voluminous extensions, it will simply looks less thick over time but there won’t be a big gapping hole unless you rub it. If there are holes, do go back to the salon for “infills”. They will remove the overgrown extensions and replace them with new ones and fill in the ones that have dropped.

How should I remove it?

Don’t ever remove the extensions on your own and let the professionals take care of it. If your set has lasted more than 2 months without any touchup, it is recommended to remove the whole set and redo again due to hygiene purposes.

What should I prep before coming for my eyelash appointment?

Don’t come with any eye makeup at all to get the best out of it as the glue won’t be able to stick on your natural bare lashes if there are any product on it. Remember to go to the toilet before you go for your session as you won’t be able to open your eyes during. Read reviews of the places if you’re comfortable with them before heading down.

How long does the session usually take?

It should last between 1 to 2 hours depending on how voluminous you want your extensions to be. So take the time to relax and sleep. Try not to arrange it on days you need to rush (lunch time or if you’re rushing for an appointment) so as not to rush your therapist and that they have time to do it well. Don’t worry, the therapists are the best people to provide you with the best recommendations on the best type of eyelash extensions for your face and eye shape, as well as what you’re looking for.