Eyelash extension: what it is, how it is done and care

Eyelash extension, or eyelash lengthening thread by thread, is an aesthetic technique that provides greater volume to the eyelashes, helping to fill gaps and avoiding the need to apply products to improve their definition.

This procedure, when carried out correctly, preserving the natural strands, can be repeated over the years without harming the health of the eyelashes.

To do this, it is essential to carry out the extension or stretching with a trained professional who has experience in this type of technique, in addition to some precautions, such as, for example, observing signs of redness or the presence of secretion in the eyes and carrying out maintenance within the indicated period. by the professional.

What is eyelash extension for?

Thread-by-thread eyelash extension can be done to:

• Increase eyelash volume;
• Darken eyelashes, improving eye definition;
• Fill gaps;
• Reduce the use of mascara.

To guarantee the effects of eyelash extensions, periodic maintenance must be carried out every 15 days or once a month.

It is important that the procedure is carried out by a trained and certified professional, and the procedure should be interrupted if any discomfort is felt. In some cases, there may be a reaction to the glue or materials used, during or after the technique, such as redness in the eyes and eyelid, itching, presence of secretion and pain in the area where the eyelashes were applied, for example.

How the technique is performed

Performing the eyelash extension technique can last around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the final objective and possible flaws that may exist, and you must follow some steps:

1. Clean the area where the eyelashes are applied: keeping your eyes closed, clean the eyelid, eyelash roots and lower eye area with neutral soap and warm water, using cotton wool, using gentle movements without rubbing the skin. Then, dry the skin without rubbing the area.
2. Apply a paper backing underneath the lashes (also known as Patch): to have a clearer view and be able to map the length of each strand, it is essential to separate the lower lashes from the upper lashes. In this way, the professional will apply the adhesive to the lower eye area, isolating the lower eyelashes, removing it delicately, without removing any strands at the end of the procedure.
3. Thread by thread application: with the help of tweezers, the technician will first separate the natural lashes, and then begin applying the synthetic lashes strand by strand. These synthetic threads can be found in silk or mink extensions, which differ in price, quality and durability of the material. To fix each synthetic eyelash, a specific eyelash glue is used, and it is essential to carry out a skin test to prevent the emergence of allergy reactions. This technique can be carried out over the entire length of the eyelid or just in areas that have a larger flaw, thus giving greater volume and prominence to the eyes.

After the first application, maintenance sessions must be carried out every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the growth rate of natural lashes and the quality of synthetic lashes. In cases where there is no desire to maintain eyelash extensions, it is recommended not to carry out maintenance sessions, letting the synthetic strands come out little by little as the natural renewal of the eyelashes occurs.

In addition, it is also possible to remove extensions at home, using sweet almond oil and a cotton pad, making gentle movements, for about 5 minutes, with the oil on the root of the eyelashes, without pulling the extension or rubbing the skin. .

Care after eyelash extension

After installing extensions, there are some precautions that are important and that contribute to greater eyelash durability, which include:

• Avoid using mascara, especially waterproof ones;
• Do not wet the extensions for 12 to 24 hours after application;
• Do not use oil-based products on the eyelashes;
• Avoid using makeup removers in the eye area;
• Do not rub your eyelashes with your fingers.

When applied correctly by a trained professional, eyelash extensions do not harm or damage natural lashes, making this aesthetic treatment a great option for those with short or weak lashes or for those looking to highlight and define their eyes.