Eyelash extensions

A natural wear, a natural look, and a natural feel are what is expected after receiving eyelash extensions. Like hair extensions, eyelash extensions are a cosmetic process whereby synthetic materials are applied to create a fuller, longer look. Once a product accessible only to a limited consumer, eyelash extensions have become more popular and affordable. Aiming for an authentic, natural feel, they come in various lengths, colors and thicknesses, and can be worn during sleep, showering and swimming. However, excessive exposure to water and heat can weaken adhesive bond. Eyelash extensions differ from "fake" or "false" eyelashes in that they are applied one by one, and can last for two to six weeks.

Before having eyelash extensions applied, make sure your eyelash extension professional is properly trained and certified. Attempts to apply professional eyelash personally is highly discouraged, and may result in harm and/or serious eye injury.

Procedure
The procedure to attach the extensions is painless, and can take an average of two hours for a full set of extensions of roughly 30-80 lashes per eye. A beautician carefully applies the "lash" with tweezers and a bonding agent. If applied with a proper medical-grade adhesive, eyelash extensions are designed to bond to one's natural eyelash. Since eyelash extensions shed just like natural lashes, wearers are advised to have them re-applied every 2-4 weeks. The average cycle of a single natural eyelash is 90 days.

Here are some tips to prepare for eyelash extensions:

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE THE LASH APPOINTMENT:


 * 1) All eye makeup should be removed with oil-free cleansers
 * 2) Lashes should be cleaned with a mild, oil-free cleanser
 * 3) Do not put on any mascara
 * 4) Do not curl your lashes
 * 5) If you are a contact wearer, remove contact lenses and wear glasses to your appointment. Or, bring a lens case and remove them when you arrive to your appointment
 * 6) At least two hours should be set aside and free for the lash extension procedure

Here are some tips for long-lasting extensions and upkeep:

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO AFTER YOUR LASH APPOINTMENT:

1) Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first day of receiving your eyelash extensions

2) Hot saunas, steam rooms, swimming, and exposure to extreme heat should be avoided for the first two days.

3)Refrain the use of an eyelash curler, it may break the bond

4) Do not perm or tint the eyelash extensions, this may also break the bond

5) Do not use regular or waterproof mascara, because it will dissolve the adhesive. It is recommended to only use water-based mascara.

6) Avoid excessive rubbing of the eyes

7) Do not pull on lash extensions and do not attempt to remove lash extensions When removing make-up, only use non-oily or non-creamy cleansers

After extensions are professionally and properly applied, there should not be any differences felt in regular eyelashes with the eyelash extensions. If any differences are felt after having extensions applied, the procedure may not have been conducted correctly.

Popularity and Use
Eyelash extensions have been used throughout East Asia before becoming more common in the West. Three years ago, Lavish Lashes became the first U.S. company to adapt this procedure from Korea, thus popularizing the beauty trend in beauty salons and spas across the US. Lavish Lashes is a process of converting eyelashes thicker, longer, and more noticeable. The process, conducted by a trained licensed professional, is done through application of individual synthetic eyelash extensions. The extensions are directly attached to the client’s natural eyelash with a bonding agent. Beauty salons like Frederick Fekkai in Beverly Hills and Shu Uemura in New York City have made headlines by becoming some of the first salons in the United States to feature the extensions. In 2006 and 2007 eyelash extensions became popular in Australia, with companies such as LashDesign Studios of Melbourne, being booked out for weeks in advance.

Eyelash extensions have made notable appearances on many film and television stars. Madonna, Beyonce Knowles, Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Lopez have all been reported to wear eyelash extensions, and several television actresses and television personalities have followed suit. Jennifer Lopez's were made of mink, and Madonna paid $10,000 for a diamond-encrusted set..

Laws and Regulations
The Food and Drug Administration has yet to rule on eyelash extensions, leaving regulation to each state. States such as California, Oregon, Texas and Washington have yet to rule on the procedure. Colorado forbids eyelash tinting but does not address eyelash extensions. Ohio has banned eyelash extensions, and if someone is caught applying them they can be subjected to a one-time $50 fine.

Nova Lashes, another American eyelash extension provider, claims to have been approved by the "AEWCA", or "American Extended-Wear Cosmetics Association". However, the legitimacy of the AEWCA is under question as President of NovaLash, Sophy Merszei, is the registered domain name owner of the AEWCA's website, ae-wca.org.