Kirby Adams|@kirbylouisville
I was running around the loop at Seneca Park last Sunday when I saw a friend and we stopped to chat. Neither of us was wearing any makeup, but she looked amazing and I told her so.
"Oh, I have eyelash extensions," she told me, "I lovethem."
I knew it! You may have noticed this, too, if your friends are ditching their eye makeup and looking better than ever. It could be thatthey have gotten a set of lash extensions.
The process involves a singlelong, full lash being attached, one at a timeto your natural lashesuntil each eyelash has a longer, darker companion glued to it.
"I have blonde lashes and always felt like a boy if I wasn't wearing eye makeup," said Carrie Minotti, who has worn lash extensions for a couple of years. "With the extensions, I don't need to wear eyeliner, mascara or eyeshadow and I feel beautiful."
Thanks to results like Minotti's, business is brisk for Kelsey Hack, who started offering lash extensions at J. Michael's Spa and Salon in St. Matthews three years ago.
"Women come in all the time and say they can't believe they've never heard of lash extensions before now," Hack said. "Or they are from California and can't believe Louisville doesn't have a salon offering extensions on every street corner."
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The eyelash basics
There is a lot to like about lash extensions and one of the biggest benefits is the way you look —wide-eyed and refreshed all the time.They also save time because you won’t need to curl your lashes, apply mascara or wear other eye makeup. Hack says a set of extensions makeyour lashes look like you always have on two coats of mascara.
Most lash extensions do need some maintenance, including regular brushing and special cleansing. You might also want to sleep on a silk pillowcase and on your back so they don't tangle asyou sleep.
Aset of lashes can last year-round, but they need regular touch-ups. Extensions shed with your natural eyelashes, which means they should last through the growth cycle of your natural lashes — about every six to eight weeks. Because you never want to start over completely from scratch — that would be costly — you'll need to get on a regular maintenance schedule.
Minotti has new extensions filled in every two to four weeks.
It takes about two hours for your first set to be glued into place and maintenance appointments are about 45 minutes per session. The initial cost can range from $150-$300 and touch-ups are about $50-$75.
You can swim and shower in extensions but you'll need to keep them dry for the first 12-24 hours after each appointment to let the glue set.
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Do your eyelash homework
There are different lengths and types of lash extensions. Salons may use a synthetic or silk lash, which creates a uniform length and fullness. A lighter, natural looking lash is achieved using Mink hair - which is more expensive. Hack uses a brand called Minkys.
"We chose to go the synthetic route because of animal cruelty issues and because we like the look these achieve," she said.
Eyelash extensions come in a range of sizes from around 6-mm to 17-mm. The length and thickness of the eyelash extensions a technician will apply depend on your natural lashes and the look you want to achieve.Do you want a less obvious or a glamorous set? A professional lash artist will be able to suggest the type of extensions to achieve the look that's right for your lifestyle.
A half set of lashes are an economical alternative applied as filler to thicken naturallashes or applied outward from the eye for a specialized look.
Be picky about who applies your lashes
Only someone with the proper training can guarantee the right products will be used and the lashes will be applied without damaging your natural lashes or causing harm to your eyes.
Some people may be allergic to the semi-permanentglueused to stick the extension to your natural lash. The technician is also working with tweezers very close to your eye.
Be sure to do your homework before booking your first appointment. When I asked, Hack told me she has been specially trained to applythe extensions. The semi-permanentglue she uses is formulated specifically for use around the eye and if a client has a concern about an allergic reaction, she'll discuss the different types of glues available based on sensitivity.
Other questions you might ask include: How long have they been doing lash extensions? Are they associated with a doctor’s office or a reputable salon or reputable lash-only establishment?
Obviously, you want to avoid eye infections, so be certain the technicians is properly sanitizing the tools they use to apply your extensions.
Just like you would with a hairstylist, research who you want to go to and how long they have been working as a technician. Look at before-and-after photos, read reviews and always make sure they are licensed and lash-certified.
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So, are extensions bad for your natural lashes?
Artificial extensions can damage your natural lashes - but only if you twist, tug or pull on your lashes and fail to clean them properly. Hack recommends a gentle cleanser while you're in the shower to keep your lashes free of debris. And avoid makeup and cleaners which contain oil — they will break down the glue and ruin your investment.
Once the eyelash extensions have been applied, they'll take sometime to grow out. If you decide you don’t like the way they feel or are not up for the regular upkeep, they will fall out with your natural lashes. A technician can also apply a solution to dissolve the glue and remove the extensions from your natural lashes if you choose.
Removing your extensions voluntarily sounds like a crazy idea to Minotti, who says she is constantly complimented on her beautiful eyes.
"That never happened before the extensions," she said. "They're amazing."
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4336.
WHERE TO GET EYELASH EXTENSIONS
There are many salons and spas in the Louisville area which lash extensions. We've listed a few to get you started. A quick search on the internet willgive you customer feedback —which is always important to know before you book an appointment.
- J Michaels Spa and Salon | 4121 Shelbyville Road | 502-742-8790
- Joseph's Salon and Spa | 3938 Dutchmans Lane | 502-897-5369
- The Lash and Brow Company|12689 Shelbyville Road | 502-416-3943
- Skye Lash Lounge |211 Clover Lane |502-554-7911
- Neatbeat | 9200 Taylorsville Road | 502-822-5626
- Absolute Skin Salon |10220 Shelbyville Road | 502-493-7300
- Lash | 11601 Main St.,Middletown | 502-354-1794
