FULL, long, dark lashes every single day without needing coats of waterproof mascara... You’ve probably contemplated getting lash extensions a thousand times after your friend told you her little secret. But before booking an appointment, you need to educate yourself on the good, the bad, and the annoying aspects of having those selfie-ready lashes.

How does it work?

Unlike gluing a strip of temporary fake lashes onto your lash line, semipermanent lashes are applied by a technician who hand-glues the extensions on top of your natural lashes, says Andra Marin, expert lash stylist at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in NYC. Because lash extensions don’t come in a strip, they are super customizable and actually look real. With proper care, they can last for six to eight weeks until they naturally fall out like your lashes usually do.

There isn’t much evidence that shows whether eyelash extensions actually affect your natural lash length or health long-term. There is, however, a small risk of developing traction alopecia, says Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, which is where your natural lashes can fall out as a result of the constant weight of repeated eyelash extensions.

“It usually takes years of bad application and improper care for long-term lash damage to happen as a result,” says Marin.

As a precaution, only go to reputable, well-reviewed salons, and make sure your technician washes their hands between clients, wears a mask, uses sanitary pillow covers, sterilizes their tweezers, and uses disposable eyelash brushes.

When making your appointment, also ask the salon about the ingredients in the lash adhesive they use. If they say the glue contains formaldehyde (a known eye irritant that can cause redness, irritation, and itchy, swollen eyelids), cancel the appointment.

What size fits you?

“The type of lashes you can get all depends on the length and strength of your natural lashes,” says Marin. “Wearing lashes that are too long or too thick for your lashes can actually cause damage in the long run, so you need to make sure your extensions aren’t too much longer or thicker than your natural lashes.”

A licensed lash specialist will help you make the best decision for your lashes, including what type of material you should get, like synthetic mink or synthetic silk. Mink is usually pricier, feels softer, and looks more natural; however, some synthetics, which are highly customizable, can also look and feel natural and end up costing as much as or more than mink.

When it comes to density, curl, and length of your extensions, you’ll want to work with your technician to figure out which is the best option for you.

If you’ve finally decided to give it a try, follow these tips:

1. Show up to your appointment with clean skin and no eye makeup. Anything on your lids or lashes could affect how your extensions turn out.

2. If you want to swim or take a shower, wait at least 24 hours after your appointment.

3. Don’t use mascara with lash extensions. Because when you attempt to take it off at the end of the day, you can actually cause your extensions to break from the friction and makeup remover. If you’re wearing eye makeup, use oil-free pads and gently swipe downward, rather than back and forth, to get your lids and lashes clean. And whatever you do, avoid rubbing or tugging at your eyes.

4. Lashes can get tangled when you’re sleeping or showering, so it’s required that you gently brush your lashes with a clean spoolie brush when you wake up, after you shower, and at the end of the day.

(SD-Agencies)