Eyelash Extensions
Pickering, Ontario
No, with proper application, eyelash extensions will not damage the health of your natural eyelashes. Damage to natural lashes is the result of either improper application or a lash artist not selecting the correct type of lash (weight and length) for an existing natural lash that may be too heavy for your natural eyelash to handle. This is the reason why it is crucial to go to an artist who is experienced and will be able to choose and apply the correct lash extensions for you.
There are numerous potential reasons that red eyes may occur. The most common is because of cheap low-quality lash adhesives that may contain chemicals that are too strong for eyelash extensions and are not up to the Canadian standards of safety. Another reason is improper taping methods that are applied by an inexperienced technician allowing fumes to get into the eyes. One final reason could be your natural body chemicals. Cyanoacrylate is the crucial ingredient in most eyelash adhesives, and some people are allergic to it. This is another potential factor for red eyes immediately after your eyelash extension appointment.
At Lash Layer, all adhesives are premium and Canadian made and very gentle on the most sensitive eyes. Additionally, we also offer free patch tests for clients who have sensitive eyes or might have allergies to ensure client safety. If you are one of the less common cases which are allergic to cyanoacrylate, then eyelash extensions are not for you. In this case, a lash lift and tint would be an ideal alternative.
Because the area around your eyes is very sensitive, it is crucial to find a certified professional. A professional lash artist will be appropriately trained, who will not compromise your lash health, has proper application techniques, and uses professional or medical-grade products. Be sure to ask about training and certification when looking for a new eyelash salon. It is also beneficial to ask them how long they have been doing eyelash extensions, look at before-and-after pictures, and do your research by reading reviews. You have beautiful eyes; make sure they are taken care of by the best!
This is a common source of anxiety for many clients, particularly those who are new to the eyelash extension world and are not sure of what to expect from an appointment or an artist. Let us help you figure it out. The telling difference between a good artist and a bad one comes down to a couple of key factors: quality of products, amount of time taken to lashing, pricing, experience and knowledge.
Quality of products: Many sub-par lash technicians use products that are cheap and manufactured in questionable locations. Products from factories such as these often do not meet high-quality standards therefore making them less expensive for purchase by low-end lash technicians. Quality is key, especially for something so close to your eyes! At Lash Layer, we research and personally test all products to ensure they meet the highest standards. Our lash extensions are all vegan and cruelty-free. Our lash adhesive glue is medical grade and made in Canada. Not only that, but we also carry medical-grade lash adhesive for clients with sensitive eyes. Finally, our under eyelash pads are comfortable and protect your sensitive under-eye area from irritation.
Time: The worst thing an eyelash technician can do is rush your appointment. A rushed appointment means improper placement of extensions to your natural eyelashes and this can cause problems such as damage, irritation and loss of extension retention. Not only that but a rushed appointment can lead to “bald spots”; this is when areas of your lash line have not been lashed to fullness because of a careless technician. Avoid these pitfalls by finding a trusted lash artist who will take their time. Ideally, an appointment for a full set of eyelashes should take approximately 2 hours and a refill appointment should be 1 hour long at the very minimum.
Pricing: Extensions can get pricey; it is a fact. Although we understand the temptation to shop around for the cheapest lash studio, you may want to think again. The reason these places offer cheap extensions is that they cut corners; often the quality of their materials is low grade, they do not take their time, their techniques are not refined, and the result is not a professional-looking eyelash set. If a deal for a set of new lashes seems too good to be true, it probably is! You should be skeptical of the quality of eyelash glue or extension fibres used. You may think you are saving a couple of dollars upfront by going to a cheaper lash studio but will end up paying the price – either with damaged natural lashes or by going to another location to pay for removal services. In the end, it simply is not worth it!
Experience and Knowledge: Currently, there are no regulations or government-sanctioned licensing in Canada regarding who may apply eyelash extensions for commercial purposes. As a result, it is essential to do your research! Find a lash artist who has completed accredited courses and training by distinguished aesthetics academies specializing in eyelashes. The more knowledge and experience your lash technician has, the better. At Lash Layer, we are continually staying up to date with courses and training for the safety of our clients. For a list of accreditations, click here.
Eyelash extensions that are safe for use are either synthetic, silk and mink. Length availability ranges from 6mm to 20mm. The length depends on the client’s preference, lash weight, and the position of the extensions on the lash line. All extensions used at Lash Layer are vegan and cruelty-free. For an in-depth understanding of different lash types, lengths, shape, weight and curl, please take a look at our Lash Guide (*insert hyperlink).
Classic Lashes
Classic sets are applied individually on a 1:1 ratio. This means that the lash extension that is used is one single extension that is placed onto one single natural eyelash. Classic sets are good for a subtle and natural eyelash look. This type of set is beneficial for providing length and shape to your eyelashes. Classic sets serve as an excellent introduction to eyelash extensions for beginners.
Hybrid Lashes
Hybrid sets are exactly how they sound – a mix (hybrid) of classic and volume all in one beautiful lash package. Hybrid sets have every other natural lash attached to a classic 1:1 ratio extension while the remaining natural lashes will be attached to a “fan” lash. Hybrid sets are unique in that they allow for more flexibility in building shapes easily. For example, for those looking to create an “open-eye” look, more volume “fan” lashes can be placed in the middle of the lash line. For those who would like a “cat-eye” look, more volume “fan” lashes are placed in the outer corner of the lash line. Hybrid sets are good for those who want more fullness than a classic set look but are not interested in the bold look of a volume set.
Volume Lashes
Volume sets use “fan” lash extensions. This means that each extension has a “base” which is used to attach to your natural lash and out of this “base,” 3-5 tiny eyelash extensions fan out. Volume sets are good for creating a dark, full and fluffy eyelash look. It is essential to find a lash artist who is experienced in creating volume sets so that your natural lashes stay healthy and are not weighed down by improper “fan” lash placement. Volume sets are good for a big event or those looking to keep that va-va-voom look going all day long.
A good lash artist is one who takes their time to ensure your lashes are correctly applied. A full set of lashes should take approximately two hours for application. Lash extension can be maintained year-round with follow-up touch-up appointments called “lash refills” every 3 to 4 weeks. A refill appointment should take approximately one hour for application.
No, the glue will not get in your eye while your eyelash extensions are applied. Medical-grade fabric tape is used to keep your eyes shut the whole time lash extensions are applied. As a result, no glue will ever get into your eye. To avoid any irritation, however, the first safety precaution you can take is to ensure that the glue is safe for your eyes and does not contain anything that can harm them, like formaldehyde. At Lash Layer, we test all glues and adhesives to guarantee their safety for our clients.
No, neither eyelash extensions nor the application process will cause blindness. The application and use of eyelash extensions are harmless. During your lash appointment, your eyes will be closed during the application process. Your technician should be appropriately trained to apply the adhesive and lashes in an entirely harmless way. No matter how bad an allergic reaction may get, you will never go blind. The worst-case scenario is that you need to go to the eye doctor to get specific eye drops to treat an allergic reaction.
Eyelash extensions last through a full growth cycle of natural eyelashes, which is typically six to eight weeks. However, just like hair growth, the schedule of your natural lash growth cycle is unique. As a result, we recommend a lash refill appointment every three to four weeks in order to keep your extensions looking full.
Wearing mascara with eyelash extensions is not recommended and should be avoided as much as possible. The reason for this is that mascara tends to clump the extensions together, particularly for fan lashes. If you are planning to wear mascara in addition to the extensions, only use it on classic lash extensions and gently apply a small amount of the product. This will be enough to give your eyes that “pop” along with the extensions. Never use mascara on Volume lash extensions or at the base of the extensions. This can ruin your extensions and is extremely difficult to remove. If using mascara on your extensions, it is best to use a water-based mascara, which will come off easily and does not require oil-based removers to take off. Additionally, using waterproof mascara on the extensions is not recommended, as it is hard to remove and can pull off the lash extensions prematurely when trying to take it off.
Keep water away from your lashes for the first 2 hours after application or touch-ups. The reason for this is to give the lash adhesive time to set the bond of the extension to your natural eyelash. The after-care varies depending on the glue used. It is also important to avoid crying or any other sources of moisture, such as steam or rain within the first two hours of lash application. With the use of premium Misencil adhesives you don’t have to wait 24 – 48 hrs anymore!
When it comes to lash extensions, oil is not your friend! When oil comes in contact with the adhesive that holds your extensions in place, it starts to loosen that bond and slowly breaks it up. This causes your extensions to fall out faster. As a result, oil-based cleansers, eye creams and serums should be avoided as much as possible. Instead, look for water-based products that will give you hydration and not compromise your lash extensions.
Extensions are false lashes that applied on top of your real existing lashes. Keep in mind that your natural lashes are technically hair, and hair does shed. The natural shed and regrowth cycle of a single eyelash is, on average, 60 days. The reason you may see your extensions falling out could be due to this natural shedding cycle. If your natural eyelash is in its shedding face, the eyelash extension that is attached to it will fall off along with it as they are together. Luckily, each eyelash will shed on its own time as all your lashes are at different stages in the shed/regrowth cycle at any point in time. That means you will still have plenty of extensions on top of your natural lashes to hold you over until your next refill!
Getting eyelash extensions should be a completely pain-free experience. If you experience any discomfort or irritability during extension application, which causes your eyes to tear up or make you cry, you should certainly speak up. You may need to have your technician change the glue or placement of the under-eye pads.
No, it is best to try and keep your lash extensions off the pillow so you can have the best retention possible. However, with our unique application technique our face-sleeping clients still manage to hang on to most of their extensions until their refill. Other drawbacks of sleeping on your extensions include bending the lash extensions or flattening them out.
So you want the ease of waking up with beautiful eyelashes but aren’t entirely interested in eyelash extensions? Or maybe you tried extensions and found that they weren’t quite for you? A great alternative is a lash lift and tint! Essentially a lash lift is like a perm but for your eyelashes.
Note: If you get a Lash Lift done, you have to wait up to 8 weeks before you can get Eyelash Extensions.
Ready to book your Appointment?
Click the link below to reach our online scheduler. Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a detailed Lash Styling Form consisting of Pictures to create the perfect set for you.