What is Eyelash Extension: 8 Important Facts about the Procedure + 3 Before and After Photos and How It’s Done

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Svetlana Tarasova

Hairdresser-stylist with more than 8 years of experience, expert in the field of haircuts, styling, hair care, coloring.
Beautiful eyelashes are the dream of most women. The modern world offers many cosmetic products and procedures to create a stunning look. In this article we will look at the classic extension procedure.

Eyelashes after extensions: before and after photos

Eyelash extensions are the procedure of adding artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes. Thanks to this, the volume increases and the look becomes more expressive. Each girl is unique, so when selecting eyelashes for extensions, the specialist relies on several factors:

eye shape;
thickness of eyelashes;
eyelash length.

Using various techniques, a lash maker can emphasize almond-shaped eyes, hide a “sad” drooping outer corner, or emphasize eye color using tinted eyelashes.

Classic eyelash extensions

How to make diagrams

It is necessary to develop a classic hair extension scheme, taking into account the individual characteristics of the person and the effect that needs to be achieved. Here are some useful tips:

There is no general rule regarding the length, curl, thickness of artificial eyelashes suitable for each client. For example, with close-set eyes, you need to use a fox or cat pattern to visually separate the eyes a little. For wide-set ones, a doll-like effect is suitable, which will emphasize expressiveness. Natural will make your eyes more attractive, emphasizing their natural beauty. The squirrel effect will make you look a little surprised.
Try combinations of different hair lengths. Although many designs place the longest ones closer to the center of the eye, you can move them towards the outer part. This way you can adjust your appearance. For example, stretch out bulging or round eyes, creating a sharp transition from short to long eyelashes.
You can experiment with the width of the sectors, making them the same or different. This method is perfect for almond-shaped eyes.
Try to choose artificial eyelashes for the inside of the eye that are the same length and curl as your natural ones. But the central part of the eyelids is a field for your experiments and fantasies.
Combine hairs from different sets.

Types of eyelash extensions

There are two types of eyelash extensions:

classic;
volumetric.

Classic eyelash extensions involve adding one eyelash to each natural eyelash.

Volumetric extensions - extensions of 2 or more eyelashes per natural eyelash. This is where the terrible names 2D, 3D, 4D, and “Hollywood” come from. In the latter case, from 5 to 10 artificial hairs are used (as they say, bat your eyelashes and take off).

Volumetric extension 2D

Before getting extensions, a girl can choose the shape of eyelashes she likes from the artist’s portfolio on social networks. In order not to get confused in various letters and numbers, there is a short cheat sheet: all Latin designations (C, C+, D, D+, CC, L, L+, M, B) are bends, and the numbers (2D, 3D) indicate volume, then there is the number of eyelashes that are glued to each “native”.

For the first extension, it is better to choose the classics; it will be easier to get used to. Volumetric extensions last a little longer and look neat longer. In addition, when the eyelashes begin to fall out, it will not be so noticeable, the eyes will not go bald dramatically.

Step-by-step instructions for extensions, duration of the procedure, preservation of the effect

Stages:

First you need to prepare a clean, white, smooth surface.
Then you should lay out the eyelashes on the surface along the length.
Then the master must prepare the glue by pouring it into a previously prepared container.
Tweezers must be treated with a disinfectant before the procedure.
Then they wash their hands and remove all makeup from their face.
The eyelids and natural eyelashes are treated with a degreaser immediately before gluing the eyelashes.
The lower eyelashes must be fixed with special strips or adhesive tape.
Then the eyelashes are combed with a special brush.
Taking tweezers in your hands, grab the eyelash with the tool, dip its wide tip in glue and glue it onto the natural eyelash as close to the eyelid as possible.
Use a cotton swab or toothpick to hold the lashes that have not yet been captured.

You need to extend eyelashes not from the inner edge of the eye, but from the outer one. It is important to ensure that they lie in the same direction. For the glue to dry completely, you need to lie down and wait a little.

The procedure takes from 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on the extension method.

The effect of the extension should last for at least 2-2.5 weeks. To make your eyelashes last longer, you need to take care of them.

How to do eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions are painstaking jewelry work. It is often compared to bead embroidery, which requires high concentration of the eyes on a small object and clear, precise movements.

Just imagine, we have 150–200 eyelashes on each eye. When building up, the master works on each one.

Therefore, the procedure takes about 2 hours. Do not be afraid that all this time you will need to lie without a single movement. If your neck is stiff out of habit, a good master will suggest changing your position or warming up a little.

Step-by-step instructions:

Applying patches to the lower eyelashes. This is necessary so that the eyelashes do not stick together.
Degreasing of eyelids. The specialist removes eye makeup and degreases the skin so that the eyelash extensions are well secured.
Gluing artificial eyelashes. The master sticks them from the outer to the inner corner of the eye with transparent or black glue.
Combing eyelashes and removing patches. The final stage, at which the master checks that all the hairs are firmly attached and will not fall off.

If you are going to an important event and have planned your first extension, then it is advisable to do it in 2-3 days. Firstly, there will be no unnecessary fuss during the procedure. Secondly, you will have some time to get used to the eyelashes and recognize yourself in the mirror.

How long does it take to create classic eyelash volume?

A novice master, before learning all the intricacies, spends about 5–6 hours on the procedure. Even the most patient client who pays a small fee will not be very happy with lying on the couch for such a long time.

Regarding the time spent by a professional in a beauty salon (compared to an inexperienced master), here everything is done much faster. Here is an approximate calculation. The number of eyelash extensions ranges from 80 to 250 pcs. on one eye. Most masters build up within 140 pcs. An experienced lash maker spends approximately 15 seconds. for gluing 1 eyelash. Having calculated, it is easy to understand that gluing an average of 250 hairs will take at least 2 hours, not taking into account the time for preparing for the procedure. But you shouldn’t rush the master, because this can affect the quality of his work and the final result.

Eyelash extensions: cost

The cost of eyelash extensions depends on the region in which you live.

Extensions will cost the most in Moscow - 2,000–4,000 rubles . In St. Petersburg, the service costs less - 1,600–2,600 rubles . In other regions of Russia, you can get eyelash extensions for 1,000–2,000 rubles.

If you choose a master yourself, prioritize what is more important to you: cost, geographical location of the salon, beautiful work, or personal sympathy and trust in the master.

In big cities, the easiest way to find a master is on Instagram.

If the account is visually beautiful, there is detailed information about prices, operating hours, materials and territorial location, feel free to ask if there are free “windows” for recording.

How long does the procedure take?

Very often clients ask how long eyelash extensions take. The classic looks amazing in the photo. But how long does the master take to make this beauty? During the procedure, a person should not experience any discomfort. Both the quality of the extension and the time it takes depend on the complexity of the work, the experience of the artist and the thickness of the natural eyelashes. On average this takes three hours. If the master is a true professional, then there will be no pain during the procedure and after it.

The most difficult thing may be that during this action you will have to lie in one position for a long time. That is why the procedure is not recommended for pregnant women. They should not lie on their backs for long periods of time.

It is important to know that eyelash correction is much faster than the first extension. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a specialist in a timely manner.

Materials for eyelash extensions

The most important tools for extensions: tweezers, glue, eyelashes and careful hands.

Microbrushes are small brushes with a special tip. They resemble elongated cotton swabs and are intended for removing eyelash extensions.

Pros and cons of eyelash extensions

There are two main types of extensions, so let’s look at the pros and cons of each of them.

Classic extensions Pros:

average build-up time (1.5-2 hours);
visual effect of painted eyelashes.

Disadvantage: This type of extension will have to be updated a little earlier than a volumetric one. Visually, the classic quickly returns the eyes to their previous appearance, and already in the 4th week, girls still take out mascara and tint their eyelashes.

Volume extension Pros:

the opportunity to get thick eyelashes (especially important for girls who naturally have sparse eyelashes);
visually the eyes will look brighter, and the image will be complete without makeup.

Cons: Not everyone is comfortable with such bright and fluffy eyelashes, so you may want to choose a dark brown color rather than black.

What can be the consequences after eyelash extensions?

After removing the extensions, it will seem as if your natural eyelashes are almost gone. This is similar to an optical illusion, since within a month the girl gets used to seeing herself in the mirror already well-groomed and with eyelashes, and the artificial ones are perceived as family. Therefore, after removal, it seems that yours have disappeared somewhere.

Of course, seeing this, you want to return everything back as soon as possible. This is how addiction occurs, and building up becomes a need.

Possible negative consequences include:

Allergy. The glue contains components that in rare cases can provoke a reaction.
Chemical burn. It occurs from glue vapors if the eyes were not tightly closed during extensions.
Natural eyelashes may become thinner and weaker if you have thick eyelash extensions or have been glued together.

Advantages of the classics

Following the laws of proportions, stateliness, clear lines, clear forms, verified logic - these are the traditional principles of the classics.

Today's classic is a combination of tradition and modernity. The indisputable advantage of modern classics is that in this style you can decorate the interior of any stage

No matter what room, classics have always been appropriate, and will remain so for a long time

Today it is a style that implies preserving free space, practicality and incredible comfort.

This style is not overloaded with details; it radiates peace and emphasizes respectability and refined taste. This is a combination of discreet dignity and sustainable family comfort.

Natural colors are welcome - brown, beige, white, light gray, pale green. To decorate the walls, wallpaper with embossed patterns or paintable wallpaper is used.

Arches, niches and columns add unsurpassed sophistication and grandeur to the room. These interior details add their own unique flair to the decor.

In many ways, aesthetic goals are achieved with the help of natural materials that emphasize the nobility of simple geometric lines.

Another feature that modern classic interior design has adopted is restraint in decor and precision in all proportions.

Modern classics are an opportunity to enjoy classic interiors without sacrificing free space and mobility.

Contraindications for eyelash extensions

After laser vision correction, doctors advise refraining from eyelash extensions for about six months.

Allergies identified during previous extensions are also contraindications for subsequent extensions.

How to restore eyelashes after extensions

If you choose the right technician, you won’t need to restore anything. If suddenly you made a mistake, went to the wrong specialist, and your eyelashes were damaged, then the easiest way is to wait 2-3 months. During this period they will completely change themselves.

Vitamins help renew eyelashes. Also, various cosmetic brands produce oils and tonics that accelerate eyelash growth. Often only expensive products provide visible results.

Using something extra or just taking a break from extensions is the choice of every girl.

Post-session care

Remember! You can preserve artificial eyelashes longer after classic extensions through proper care:

hairs should not be rubbed with hands or scratched ;
applying greasy creams to the eyelids is prohibited , as these products quickly corrode the glue;
it is necessary to exclude any contact of the eyelashes with other surfaces, including during sleep ( you need to sleep exclusively on your back );
If you need to slightly correct the color of your eyelashes, you can use water-based mascara, but not often . And you can remove such cosmetics only with a special means for cleaning eyelash extensions in order to avoid dissolving the glue and shedding hairs;
Using regular mascaras can cause the hairs to stick together, and when you try to separate them, they will separate from the natural base.

Eyelash care at home

Eyelash extensions, like a manicure with shellac, do not require special care. But to maintain a beautiful appearance, follow a few recommendations:

Prohibition on water procedures during the first 24 hours after extensions. You should wash your face carefully so that water does not get on your eyelashes (moisture from the sauna also counts). This recommendation is related to the behavior of the glue that is used for eyelash extensions.
Be careful with skincare products. While you are wearing eyelash extensions, it is better to remove makeup with regular micellar water or foam. In no case is it a two-phase product, since it contains oils, and along with long-lasting makeup, you can one day wash off your beautiful eyelashes.
Sleep position. If you are growing neat, natural short eyelashes (up to 11mm inclusive), then you can safely sleep with your face in the pillow. If your eyelashes are longer, it is recommended to sleep on your back or side. The eyelashes themselves are made of monofilament, which is very plastic in shape and holds a bend. Even if you slightly “remember” the eyelashes on the pillow, it will be enough to simply comb them in the morning with a brush, and they will return to their previous position. Magic? No, the tricks of leshmakers.

Remember that when wearing eyelash extensions, you cannot rub your eyes, otherwise the eyelashes will fall off!

Care instructions

It will be easier to do this if you follow the advice of the experts:

the first day after the procedure you will have to not wash your face and thereby allow the glue to harden;
you have to give up sleeping face down, because this way your eyelashes can become wrinkled;
Do not rub your eyes without good reason;
No curling devices are required. They will only harm the result;
It is recommended to wash your face with special gels, without picking or rubbing your eyes;
It is better to refuse mascara, because it will affect the appearance of the attached villi and damage them;
It is better to remove makeup with non-greasy products.

This procedure is contraindicated for those who wear contact lenses, since their liquid has a negative effect on the glue, and it, in turn, on the liquid. Since glue and materials can cause an allergic reaction, you should check for allergies before contacting a professional. And if after several procedures the condition of your own eyelashes has worsened, it is recommended to give them a rest and take a break.

The beauty of the extended classics will delight its owner for approximately three weeks. After this there will be a correction. There is no way to remove lint on your own, because there are special tools for this. If the correction is done on time, artificial eyelashes will make your eyes more attractive for up to three months.

How to grow eyelashes yourself at home?

No way. That's it in short. And now more details. The main obstacle to DIY extensions is glue.

As a result, your eyes start to water, you blink, try to flush them with water, which ultimately prevents you from growing eyelashes.

But even if your eyes can withstand the glue (which is almost impossible), applying eyelash extensions with your eyes open is still dangerous. In any case, glue fumes will come into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes, which will negatively affect their health, including causing a chemical burn.

But you can remove eyelash extensions yourself. Use any oil that can be applied to eyelashes.

Advantages

So, we answered the question of how to extend eyelashes using the beam method. Now let's move on to its advantages. Among them are:

Short duration of the procedure. It takes a minimal amount of time.
Low cost. Unlike the ciliary method, this one costs much less.
Duration of wear. With the correct extension techniques and care, the results from the service last for 2 weeks. But this period is still shorter than with eyelash extensions.

Creating a bright and unique look. With the help of beams you can significantly lengthen the natural base and increase their volume.
No need for makeup. Bundle eyelash extensions allow their owner not to spend a lot of time on makeup.
Easy to remove. You can remove threads from polyester using a special product. At home, you can perform this procedure with olive oil. To do this, soak a cotton pad in it and apply it to your eyelid for a while.

What is better: lamination or eyelash extensions?

Lamination is ideal for girls whose eyelashes are naturally thick and long, but want the effect of being slightly tinted and curled. If your eyelashes are naturally sparse or short, then you may not get a beautiful effect.

Lamination of eyelashes

Advantages of lamination compared to extensions:

you can rub your eyes as much as you want;
no need to change your skincare products (with eyelash extensions, they should not contain oil);
laminated eyelashes can be additionally tinted with mascara.

There are a number of professions (in medicine, for example) where eyelash extensions are prohibited. Therefore, lamination can be a compromise option.

If you want a creative job, learn how to do eyelash extensions and make money from it, then feel free to sign up for courses. There they will tell you about all the nuances, provide practice and issue a certificate confirming the right to engage in extensions.

Most often, courses last 2 days. The first is theoretical, the second is practical. There are express formats where in half a day they teach you how to work on a mannequin and give you theory. There are also longer courses where masters train on 2-3 models over the course of several days.

The courses, in addition to the theory about the profession itself, should also talk about options for building a career in the chosen field. Often they only give theory and practice. But after such training, the girl leaves and does not have a step-by-step development plan for the near future. Chaos begins in the head from an overabundance of information, and the master rushes around, grabbing at everything.

They will also tell you about working with glue at different temperatures and humidity, and about the correct selection of eyelashes depending on the shape of the eyes. And they will provide all materials: from tools to models.

You need to choose a teacher with both your mind and your heart. It is important that the mentor knows how to convey information to you competently and easily. Some teach dryly, some are more fun, somewhere they will support and encourage, while others will get an overly demanding teacher-pedant.

It is worth choosing the person whom you completely trust to fill yourself with new knowledge.

Nowadays, most beauty masters have a page on social networks, you can read about them and get to know the teacher better virtually.

The most important thing that the student receives is experience and the answer to the question of whether he wants to continue working with eyelashes.

Upon completion you will be given a certificate. Some schools provide a starter kit, but its contents may vary.

Eyelash extensions are a procedure that will make your look more expressive and add volume to your eyelashes. Don't forget about all the recommendations and get down to business with confidence. It's easy to become a professional and master eyelash extensions!

This training may be right for you:

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Proven eyelash lamination courses in your city: Yekaterinburg , Krasnodar , Nizhny Novgorod , Kirov , Novosibirsk , Voronezh , Krasnoyarsk, Chelyabinsk.

Scheme and technique of execution

There are 2 methods of classic extensions:

Poresnichnoe. It is more labor-intensive than a bunch, but the eyelashes last longer, because an artificial one is glued to each of its own hairs.
Beam. Eyelashes do not last long, approximately 3-4 weeks. Tufts of additional hairs are attached to the outer edge of the eyelid at regular intervals. Density may vary.

During the procedure, glue is used that does not harm the skin, but if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, it can cause a burn. In case of individual intolerance or poor quality of materials, an allergy occurs.

On average, the procedure lasts 1.5–2 hours. During the session, the woman is in a horizontal position. She should not open her eyes until the master gives her permission.

Extension scheme:

Gluing the backing. It is glued along the lower eyelid to prevent the connection of the upper eyelash row with the lower one. Treatment of upper eyelashes with a degreaser. This is necessary so that the artificial hairs hold on tighter. Extension. New eyelashes are glued to natural eyelashes one by one with glue. They are attached with tweezers from the base to the middle of the hair. You need to make an indent of 0.5 mm from the eyelid so that the glue does not come into contact with the skin. So that a woman does not experience discomfort while wearing, the minimum distance between artificial additions should be 0.5–1 mm, otherwise there will be a feeling of tightness

Important. New hairs are glued taking into account the direction of the eyelash row.

Final stage

The extended row is combed, stuck together areas are trimmed, and the backing is removed.

Only a specialist should remove additional eyelashes.