Many women want to lengthen their eyelashes themselves because they believe it will give them fuller, more feminine-looking lashes. And in most cases, they're right! Eyelash extensions can drastically change the look 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 choices. False eyelashes that you apply to the eyelid are not the only alternative to traditional eyelash extensions.
Why do we lose eyelashes?
There are various reasons that can cause your eyelashes to fall out. Some possible causes are listed below:
Mascara
Mascara is known for adding volume and density to your lashes. However, what most people don't realize is that mascara also dries out your lashes. If applied frequently, this can cause your natural lashes to become brittle and fall out. Lashes can break or fall out if you don't remove your make-up properly before going to bed or scrunch them too much 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!
Hormone disorder
An underactive thy roid can affect your eyelashes in various ways, for example by making them thinner and falling out. Hypothyroidism can cause the hair on your head to become less thick. But that's not all: your eyelashes can also fall out due to hormonal changes in your body.
Skin diseases
The loss of eyelashes can also be the result of a number of skin diseases that affect the eyelids. Neurodermatitis, herpes oculi and psoriasis are just a few examples of such conditions.
Pharmaceuticals
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 of lashes
When a false eyelash, also known as a lash extension, is applied to each natural eyelash, this is known as eyelash lengthening or thickening. This is the way professional lash salons work - but we advise newcomers against this procedure. The individual lashes must be applied meticulously. 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, e.g. in a clump. This way, you can apply your eyelash extensions yourself without having to spend hours touching up the lashes afterwards. You can apply the artificial lashes yourself using tweezers and an eyelash glue that goes under or over your natural lash line, depending on what you prefer.
Eyelash extensions with oil
In addition to false eyelashes, there is a more natural but slightly 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 your eyelashes every day before going to bed - a cotton bud or an old mascara brush is ideal. You should notice the first results after one to two months. This type of DIY eyelash extension is permanent. The lashes appear longer and thicker. The advantage of this procedure is that it is both inexpensive and non-invasive for the eyes. However, it does require your patience and perseverance. There is no wow effect, as you can experience with fake eyelashes or extensions.
Eyelash extensions with eyelash serum
An eyelash serum is another way to permanently grow your eyelashes. Eyelash serums, which contain proprietary ingredients that promote the natural development of lashes at the root, are one of the most effective ways to lengthen your lashes. Thegels are odorless and colorless and are applied to the lash line like eyeliner - ideally in the evening after removing make-up. The advantage of serums is that the results are visible after 6 to 8 weeks, whereas oils take up to 3 months. However, you need to be patient with this technique. However, if you want long-lasting eyelash extensions that won't fade after a few weeks - and are permanent - then this technique is for you.
Do it yourself eyelash extensions - beginner's tip
If you are not sure whether you want to try eyelash extensions and are worried that you won't be able to cope with them, use an eyelash curler first. Eyelash curlers also require glue, but only last one to two days. They are easy to use and come in different designs.
If you doubt that you can glue eyelashes, or if you want to save yourself the trouble, magnetic eyelashes are a great solution that will give you the long lashes you want. This type of false eyelash is applied with a magnetic liner that you attach close to the lash line. This option is also very suitable if you have an allergy to eyelash glue.
How do you do your own eyelash extensions?
- Check your current eyelash situation: Before deciding on eyelash extensions, it is important that you assess the condition of your natural eyelashes. This means removing all make-up residue and knowing approximately how many individual lashes you need for the extension.
- Removing the eyelashes: An eye pad is now placed under the eyes to protect the eyelashes.
- If the lashes have been previously filled, they are examined to see whether artificial lashes have already grown out or whether the bonding on some false lashes may have come loose.
- The next step is to remove any residuefrom the natural lashesand to de-oil and clean the area between the lashes.
- Fill in your eyelashes: In the final and most important stage, the natural lashes are carefully filled in with artificial lashes. An artificial eyelash is placed and attached directly behind(never on!) the base of each natural eyelash using a special eyelash glue. With this technique, your lash line is gradually strengthened thanks to the eyelash extensions.
- You will know within two days whether the eyelash extension was successful. If you are happy with the length, density and shape of your lashes and they do not feel hard 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 for 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 lashes.
How often can eyelashes be filled?
How long you should wear fake lashes depends on how quickly your natural lashes recover and how well you look after them. The density, length, number and curvature of 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, eyelash extensions can last up to five weeks. The question of whether your lash extensions will last or not depends on how many false lashes have fallen out and how many lash hairs have grown back naturally. However, you should not wait too long to fill in your lashes, as it can be expensive. A refill means that you skip the current application and start again from scratch.
Take a break every five to six months to lengthen your lashes. This allows your real lashes 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.
Remove eyelashes with tweezers
For this method, soak a cotton pad in make-up remover. Then press it lightly onto your eyes. You can then easily pluck off the fake lashes with tweezers. It is important that you do not scrub your eyelashes with the cotton pad - otherwise your real eyelashes could also come loose.
Remove eyelashes with steam
First remove your eye makeup by gently rubbing it off with a cotton pad soaked in oil. Then pour boiling water into a bowl and place your face over the bowl with a towel over the back of your head. Hold this position for a few minutes to allow the heat to dissolve the eyelash glue. Carefully remove the remaining artificial eyelashes with another cotton pad dipped in oil. Then rinse both the real and false eyelashes thoroughly.
Remove eyelashes with glue remover
Before you start, it is important that you have a professional adhesive remover from the pharmacy. Once this is done, follow these steps: Carefully remove the make-up around your eyes and place eye pads under your eyelids to avoid damaging the skin. Take the eyelash brush and apply the remover generously. Leave it on for three minutes before continuing. Brush the false lashes from the inside out as if you were applying mascara. Use a cotton bud moistened with make-up remover to remove any adhesive residue. Gently wipe the lash line until all the glue residue has disappeared. If any of the remover gets into your eye, rinse it out immediately with cold water.
Is eyelash extension harmful?
If you are wondering whether eyelash extensions are safe, you should consider the following: Are there any adverse effects? Medical experts advise against the use of eyelash extensions. The glue 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 have become dry after wearing them for a while. Other complaints include infections, styes and allergic reactions.
However, if you carry out eyelash extensions yourself, this can lead to major damage to the eyelashes or eyelid. As a result, the eyelashes may fall out and no longer grow back. The natural eyelashes disappear by themselves and have to be replaced by artificial eyelashes. In general, doctors and opticians are of the opinion that magnetic eyelashes are the most sensitive option if you want to do eyelash extensions yourself or have them done. Magnetic eyelashes are not only beautiful and practical, they are also healthy. They do not contain any harmful adhesives. However, when you order magnetic eyelashes, you should pay close attention to the manufacturer and the quality of the product. Many of these eyelashes are poorly constructed in one way or another, with the magnets occasionally repelling each other so that they cannot be shaped or simply fall off. So be careful with rash purchases based on consumer reviews!
If you want to apply eyelash extensions yourself, it is advisable to first find out about the different methods and weigh up the benefits and risks. Full and long lashes may be attractive, but it is still a wise 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.
