Many women want to extend their eyelashes themselves because they believe that this will give them fuller, more feminine-looking lashes. And in most cases, they are right! Eyelash extensions can drastically change the appearance of your eyes - making them appear wider and fuller. To find out which extension method is best for you, you should first take a look at your options. False eyelashes that you apply to your eyelid are not the only alternative to traditional eyelash extensions.
Why do we lose eyelashes?
There are various reasons why your eyelashes may fall out. Some possible causes are listed below:
Mascara
Mascara is known for adding volume and density to your eyelashes. However, what most people don't know is that mascara also dries out your eyelashes. With frequent application, this can cause natural eyelashes to become brittle and fall out. Eyelashes can break or fall out if you don't remove your makeup properly before bed or if you rub them too hard when washing your face.
Nutrient or vitamin deficiency
A balanced diet is not only important for our health, but also for the strength and growth of our eyelashes. Two important nutrients that eyelashes need are magnesium and iron, which are found in leafy greens such as spinach and kale. Biotin (also known as vitamin H) and vitamins A, B, and E promote healthy hair growth - so stock up on carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, eggs, salmon... and anything else your nutrient-rich heart desires!
Hormonal imbalance
An underactive thyroid can affect your eyelashes in various ways, such as making them thinner and falling out. With an underactive thyroid, the hair on your head may become less dense. But not only that: your eyelashes can also fall out due to the hormonal changes in the body.
Skin diseases
Eyelash loss can also be the result of a number of skin conditions affecting the eyelids. Neurodermatitis, herpes oculi, and psoriasis are just a few examples of such conditions.
Medication
Many medications have hair loss as a side effect, and this can also cause your natural eyelashes to fall out.
Eyelash extension methods
Eyelash extensions with individual lashes or clusters
When a false eyelash, also known as a lash extension, is applied to each natural lash, it is called an eyelash extension or volumization. This is the working method of professional lash salons - but we advise beginners against this approach. The individual lashes must be meticulously applied. A steady hand and a lot of dexterity are required. Especially at the beginning, it is usually easier to use many lashes in one piece, for example, in a cluster. This way, you can apply your eyelash extensions yourself without spending hours fixing them afterward. You can apply the artificial eyelashes yourself with tweezers and eyelash glue that runs under or over your natural lash line, depending on your preference.
Eyelash extension with oil
In addition to false eyelashes, there is a more natural, but somewhat more time-consuming technique to strengthen your own eyelashes. With the help of oils, for example. The following are some of the most popular:
- Castor oil
- Almond oil
- Lavender oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
Apply the selected type of oil to the eyelashes every day before bed - a cotton swab or an old mascara brush is ideal. After one to two months, you should notice the first results. This type of DIY eyelash extension is permanent. The eyelashes appear longer and denser. This method has the advantage of being both cost-effective and non-invasive for the eyes. However, it requires your patience and perseverance. A "wow" effect, as you might experience with fake eyelashes or extensions, is not present here.
Eyelash extension with eyelash serum
An eyelash serum is another way to make your eyelashes grow permanently. Eyelash serums, which contain proprietary active ingredients that promote the natural development of the eyelashes at the root, are one of the most effective methods to lengthen your eyelashes. The gels are odorless and colorless and are applied like an eyeliner to the lash line - ideally in the evening after removing makeup. The advantage of serums is that the results are visible after 6 to 8 weeks, while oils take up to 3 months. However, you need to be patient with this technique. But if you want a long-lasting eyelash extension that doesn't fade after a few weeks - and is permanent - then this technique is for you.
Doing your own eyelash extensions – Beginner's Tip
If you are unsure whether you want to try eyelash extensions and are worried that you won't be able to manage them, start by using a strip lash. Strip lashes also require glue but only last one to two days. They are easy to handle and come in various designs.
If you doubt that you can glue on eyelashes, or if you want to save yourself the trouble, magnetic eyelashes are a great solution that will give you the long lashes you desire. This type of false eyelashes is applied with a magnetic liner that you apply close to the lash line. This option is also very suitable if you have an allergy to eyelash glue.
How do DIY eyelash extensions work?
- Check your current lash situation: Before deciding on an eyelash extension, it's important to assess the condition of your natural lashes. This means removing all makeup residue and having a rough idea of how many individual lashes you'll need for the extension.
- Removing the lashes: To protect the eyelashes, an eye pad is now placed under the eyes.
- If the lashes have been filled previously, they are examined to see if any artificial lashes have already grown out or if the adhesion of some false lashes may have loosened.
- In the next step, the natural lashes are freed from all residues and the area between the lashes is degreased and cleaned.
- Fill your lashes: In the last and most important phase, the natural lashes are carefully filled with artificial lashes. An artificial lash is placed and secured with a special lash adhesive directly behind (never on!) the base of each natural lash. With this technique, your lash line will gradually be strengthened thanks to the eyelash extension.
- You will know within two days if the eyelash extension was successful. If you are satisfied with the length, density, and shape of your lashes and they do not feel stiff or artificial, then the extension was a success!
By the way: Make sure that no liquids such as water or lotions come into contact with your eyelashes within the next 48 hours, as this could cause the extensions to detach from the adhesive and fall out again. When inserting and removing contact lenses, wearers of eyelash extensions should be particularly careful not to accidentally damage the eyelashes.
How often can eyelashes be refilled?
How long you should wear fake lashes depends on how quickly your natural eyelashes recover and how well you care for them. The density, length, number, and curvature of the eyelashes are also subject to individual fluctuations, not least due to genetic predisposition. The average lifespan of eyelash glue for sensitive eyes is three to four weeks. The first fake lashes occasionally fall out after just 14 days. In certain situations, the eyelash extensions can last up to five weeks. The question of whether your eyelash extension lasts or not depends on how many false eyelashes have fallen out and how many natural eyelash hairs have regrown. However, you should not wait too long to refill your eyelashes, as it can become expensive. A refill means you skip the current application and start from scratch.
Take a break every five to six months to extend your eyelashes. This allows your real eyelashes to rest and the new extensions to adhere better to the lash line.
How do you remove false eyelashes?
To remove your eyelash extensions, there are a few methods that work every time. Here are instructions on how to do it.
Remove eyelashes with tweezers
With this method, soak a cotton pad in makeup remover. Then gently press it onto your eyes. After that, you can easily pluck off the fake lashes with tweezers. It is important not to scrub your lashes with the cotton pad - otherwise, your real lashes could also come off.
Remove eyelashes with steam
First, remove your eye makeup by gently rubbing it with an oil-soaked cotton ball. Then pour boiling water into a bowl and place your face over the bowl, placing a towel over the back of your head. Hold this position for a few minutes so that the heat can dissolve the eyelash glue. Carefully remove any remaining artificial eyelashes with another oil-soaked cotton ball. Then rinse both real and false eyelashes thoroughly.
Remove eyelashes with glue remover
Before you start, it is important to have a professional glue remover from the pharmacy. After that is done, follow these steps: Carefully remove makeup around your eyes and place eye pads under your eyelids to protect the skin. Take the lash brush and apply the remover generously to it. Let it sit for three minutes before proceeding. Brush the false eyelashes from the inside out, as if you were applying mascara. Use a cotton swab moistened with makeup remover to remove any adhesive residue. Gently wipe the lash line until all adhesive residue is gone. If any of the remover gets into your eye, rinse it immediately with cold water.
Are eyelash extensions harmful?
If you're wondering if eyelash extensions are safe, consider this: Are there any unwanted effects? Medical experts advise against using eyelash extensions. The adhesive used in eyelash extensions can irritate the skin and eyes, especially if it is old. Many women have reported problems after eyelash extensions. For example, some women report that their eyelashes became dry after wearing them for a while. Other complaints include infections, styes, and allergic reactions.
However, if you do the eyelash extension yourself, it can lead to greater damage to the eyelashes or eyelid. As a result, the eyelashes can fall out and not grow back. The natural eyelashes disappear on their own and must be replaced by artificial eyelashes. In general, doctors and opticians believe that magnetic eyelashes are the most sensitive option if you want to do or have eyelash extensions done yourself. Magnetic eyelashes are not only beautiful and practical, they are also healthy. They do not contain harmful adhesives. However, when ordering magnetic eyelashes, you should pay close attention to the manufacturer and the quality of the product. Many of these eyelashes are poorly designed in one way or another, with the magnets occasionally repelling each other, so they cannot be shaped or simply fall off. So be careful with ill-considered purchases based on consumer reviews!
If you want to apply eyelash extensions yourself, it is advisable to first inform yourself about the different methods and weigh the advantages and risks. Full and long eyelashes may be attractive, but it is still a smart idea to test how your eye feels after irritation from the extensions. If you have very sensitive eyes, waterproof mascara, an eyelash curler, or regular mascara may be a better choice for you. If not, eyelash extensions can give your eyes a great, long-lasting shine.
