So, you’ve decided it’s time to get some eyelash extensions fixed. Maybe you’re tired of waking up looking like a sleep-deprived raccoon, or you’re tired of dealing with clumpy mascara, or perhaps you just want to wake up looking like a Disney princess without having to do any work. Whatever your reason, getting your eyelashes done can be a total game-changer—if you do it right.
But before you book that appointment and strut into the salon, let’s go over a few things. Because while lash extensions and lifts can make you feel like a glamorous queen, they can also go horribly wrong if you don’t know what you’re getting into.
SEE ALSO: Carcinogens in Synthetic Hairs? A Beauty Crisis.
1. Know Your Options (Because Not All Lashes Are Made Equal)
Lash extensions come in different forms, and choosing the right one depends on your level of patience, budget, and ability to follow instructions (seriously, some of these require effort).
- Eyelash Extensions – The holy grail of long, thick lashes. A technician will glue individual synthetic or mink lashes onto your natural ones, creating a fuller look. These can last weeks, but beware—if you’re a face-rubber, lash-puller, or chronic eye-rubber, you might end up shedding more than a golden retriever in summer.
- Lash Lift – This is basically a perm for your lashes. It curls them upward, making your eyes look bigger and more awake. Perfect for people who want low-maintenance beauty but aren’t quite ready to commit to extensions. Bonus: No risk of waking up with lashes mysteriously missing.
- Lash Tint – A simple but effective treatment where your lashes are dyed darker, making them more visible. This won’t add volume or curl, but if you have light-colored lashes, it can make a big difference. Think of it as the “no-makeup makeup” version of lash treatments.
2. Find a Good Lash Technician (Because You Don’t Want Your Eyes Glued Shut)
You wouldn’t let just anyone cut your hair, right? So why trust your eyelashes to a random person on Instagram who promises “cheap lashes” but whose pictures look suspiciously blurry?
- Check reviews – If people are complaining about infections, irritation, or lashes falling out in clumps, run. No lash is worth sacrificing your actual eyeballs.
- Look at their work – A good lash technician will have an Instagram page filled with happy clients. If their lashes look neat, fluffy, and natural (even if they’re dramatic), that’s a good sign. If they look like tiny, tangled spider legs, you might want to reconsider.
- Ask about their training – A certified, experienced technician is less likely to make you regret your life choices.
3. Be Aware of Allergies & Sensitivities (Because Puffy, Itchy Eyes Aren’t Cute)
Lash glue isn’t some magical, fairy dust substance—it contains chemicals, and some of those chemicals don’t sit well with certain people. If you’ve got sensitive skin or allergies, ask for a patch test first.
Imagine spending a lot of money on a gorgeous set of lashes, only to wake up the next morning looking like you lost a boxing match. Not ideal. A simple patch test can save you from an unnecessary tragedy.
SEE Why Is The love For Wigs At The Expense Of Our Natural Hair?
4. Understand the Maintenance (Because Lashes Require Love, Too)
Eyelash extensions are not a one-and-done deal. If you want them to stay looking fabulous, you need to put in some effort. And by effort, I mean:
- No rubbing your eyes – Yes, even when you’re sleepy.
- Avoid oil-based makeup removers – Oil breaks down the lash glue faster than a bad relationship.
- Sleep on your back – If you’re a stomach sleeper, be prepared for lopsided, bent lashes in the morning.
- Get fills every 2-3 weeks – If you don’t, you’ll end up with random gaps in your lash line, and trust me, that’s not a cute look.
If you’re not up for the commitment, a lash lift or tint might be the better option—less maintenance, less stress.
5. Be Prepared for the Commitment
Eyelash extensions are like a long-term relationship. They’re amazing at first, but if you don’t take care of them, things can go south fast.
The problem? Once you start, it’s hard to stop. When your extensions eventually fall out, your natural lashes might feel… underwhelming. It’s like going from a full face of glam makeup to a completely bare face—it takes some getting used to.
If you’re the type of person who loves switching up your look every few weeks, you might prefer a lash lift or tint instead. Less commitment, same fabulous effect.
6. Know When to Take a Break (Because Your Natural Lashes Matter, Too)
If you notice your natural lashes are thinning, breaking, or feeling weaker, it might be time to give them a breather. Overdoing it with extensions can sometimes lead to lash damage, and nobody wants to be stuck with sad, sparse lashes.
Consider using a lash serum to help strengthen and grow your natural lashes during breaks. Your future self (and lashes) will thank you.
So?….
Getting your lashes done can be amazing—waking up with perfect lashes every day? Yes, please! But like any beauty treatment, it requires some thought and effort. Choose the right treatment, find a good technician, take care of your lashes, and know when to let them rest.
