Questions Your Lash Extension Clients May Be Asking

Questions Your Lash Clients Are Asking. How Can You Help?

We live in a world where the answers to our questions are only a Google search away, so it will come as no surprise to you that your lash clients are searching for questions all about eyelash extensions - "How do they work?", "Why are they so great?", "Do they hurt?". We have a pretty great Lash Tech team at London Lash Pro (if we do say so ourselves) and they’ve done the legwork to find out the most commonly Googled questions related to eyelash extensions so that we can help you help your clients - existing and potential.

Something that helps us to make a decision about which Lash Artist to go to is how knowledgeable they are - this can come down to how many courses they have taken, how they speak about the products that they are using, or even how well they answer the questions we haven’t even asked yet. Adding a little bit of information to your website or social media can really help to showcase just how knowledgeable you really are.

These FAQs are all about lash extensions - we’re have focused on a whole other post all about Lash Lifts too - just click the link to take you there!

What Are Eyelash Extensions Made From?

The majority of Eyelash Extensions on the market today are made from a synthetic fibre called PBT which is a kid of plastic that is typically used in wiring. This makes it perfect for extensions as it is heat resistant, water resistant, holds its shape, and is moldable to different lengths, thicknesses and lash curls and you’ll no doubt have seen in our store and collections! 

You might have noticed that many lash brands have two main ‘types’ of non-vegan lashes - Mink and Silk, but why? Back in the early days of extensions, this is what lashes were made from. Why did we ditch these? 

• Cruelty to animals became something that was shunned by beauty suppliers, consumers and professionals years ago. If you don’t know, a mink is a small animal that looks a bit like a ferret - they’re very cute and very soft, so their fur was coveted for aesthetic reasons. Silk is also something found in nature, but comes instead from worms and the production of silk for materials actually overworks the worms who produce it. Worms might not be cute to all of us, but we should still be nice to them.
• Natural fibres simply do not hold their shape - if you have straight hair and you curl it with heat, how long does it hold it? Does it stay curly after you get it wet? Not at all - same for fur. 
• PBT is hypoallergenic, meaning no one is allergic to it, unlike those who are allergic to animals. People can very easily be allergic to natural substances so not only do you have to consider that a client may be allergic to glue, but you also need to factor in that they might be allergic to the lashes too if they're not synthetic. That is so much effort.
• Fur and silk don’t arrive in neatly packed boxes of measure lengths, curls and thicknesses. 

These days, we might refer to our lashes as Mink and Silk, but only to signify that there is a difference in appearance or texture. For us, Mink is shiny, Silk is matte. 

How Long Do Eyelash Extensions Last?

Generally speaking, semi-permanent lashes can last for 4 - 6 weeks, but we always suggest that a client comes in for an infill at around 3 weeks to keep their extensions looking fresh and full. Due to our natural hair growth cycle, lashes can begin to grow out or even fall out after a certain period of time. 

What is an Eyelash Extensions Infill?

An infill is an ‘in-between’ appointment. A client would have a full lash set, and 3 weeks later they've shed some of their natural eyelashes, so they’re looking more sparse. An infill simply means that the Lash Tech will attach new extensions to the new natural lashes that have grown where the old ones fell out. It keeps the lash set full and fresh.

Can You Wash Your Eyes When You Have Lash Extensions?

Yes! And moreover you should. Not washing your lashes can result in some nasty things happening to your lashes - eyelashes are designed to keep dirt and sweat out of our eyes, so not washing them leads to a residue build up, which is not only super gross for your Lash Technician but can lead to little bugs called lash mites taking up residence in your lash line and snacking on the hairs - please join us in a big EWW!

Consider too, that the cleaner your lashes are when you arrive at your appointment, the more time your Lash Tech can spend giving you the best lash set ever, instead of cleaning all the sebum and makeup residue off of them.

What is the Difference Between Russian Volume and Classic Lashes?

Classic Lashes, or single eyelash extensions are one extension per every natural lash. They typically give more of a mascara type effect but can be more dramatic, depending on the lashes being used. Why are they called Classic? Because they were first. 

Russian Volume Lashes are fans of single lashes which are much thinner and lighter than their classic sisters. Fans ranging from 2D (two extensions) up to 20D (20 extensions) can be applied to each individual lash, depending on the desired look. The size of the fan will depend on the thickness of the extensions, and fans in any given thickness will only be created in a size that the clients’ natural lashes can handle.

Russian Volume is characterised by the very even top line of the lashes, and are very neat in their appearance. You may have also heard of Hollywood, or American Volume, which is characterised by a more wispy, devil-may-care finish - think Kim K or Kylie Jenner. Russian Volume is the more widely known term, simply because the technique was developed in Russia and for a time was only offered, taught and practiced there and in the closely surrounding countries. Fun fact - London Lash CEO Hanna Putjato was the first to teach Russian Volume Lashes in the UK. 

FACT - Hybrid Lashes are a combination of Volume and Classic. 

Do Lash Extensions Damage Lashes? Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt?

Not if they’re applied correctly. During treatment a large percentage of clients will fall asleep because having your lashes done feels super relaxing. If you haven’t had lashes before, an appointment from start to finish will look like this:

• Consultation to find out what kind of look you want.
• Cleansing the lashes and surrounding eye area to ensure the lashes are free from dirt, makeup, oils etc.
• Isolating one natural lash at a time and applying one extension/fan to it.
• Giving the lashes a little fan to get rid of any fumes.

After the lash treatment, there should be no pain or discomfort as lashes have been isolated prior to application, so none should be stuck together - if you do have a sticky, it will feel a bit like your eyelid is being pinched. 

Can You be Allergic to Eyelash Extensions?

The lash extensions themselves? No. As covered above, they are made from a synthetic fibre which is hypoallergenic. You can definitely be allergic to the Lash Glue though, which is why a patch test is widely recommended before your first lash extensions treatment, or if you've not had your lashes done in a long time.

How Do You Remove Lash Extensions?

Lash Extension Removal is easy peasy, but you must go back to your Lash Tech to remove them, you simply cannot do it at home as a DIY project. Eyelash extension adhesive is so incredibly strong, it will not be broken down by oils or anything you have lying around at home that should ever be near your eyes. Can oils lead to poor retention? Yes - they can get between the glue bond and the hair (unless your Lash Tech used Booster) and cause the extension to slide off - this will not work for all of your extensions and the oil will not break the glue down. 

You need to go to your Lash Tech and have them remove the lashes as they will have a professional product which they know how to apply safely. This will break down the glue cleanly and will have your lashes all clean and naked in as little as 5 minutes.

How Much do Eyelash Extensions Cost?

This is a tricky one, because in the UK, and we’re sure all over the world, eyelash extensions treatments are priced so differently from one area to the next – if you get your lashes done in a city, it will be more expensive than in the suburbs. This is not because city slickers can afford it more, or because the salons there have ideas above their station, but because when your Technician is factoring in everything as they are pricing their treatments, they are considering:

• The cost of materials.
• Their rent and bills.
• The time they spend on the treatment.
• Their level of skill.

If your Lash Technician has been lashing for only a few months, yes they are very skilled - we’d never take that away from anyone, but they don’t have as large a portfolio! They may be offering an introductory discount so if their prices are lower than others, by all means give them a chance, but be aware that their prices may change.

On the other hand, if a Tech has been lashing for 6 years, has attended multiple courses during their career and has been to competitions and won, they are likely to charge a bit more, after all, they’ve put lots of time, energy, money and commitment into their craft.

The best thing to do is to look up Lash Artists in your area, check out their lash photos on their website/social media and read some reviews.