If you’ve always wanted long, fluttery lashes without having to apply multiple layers of mascara, then eyelash extensions might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
While eyelash extensions are a beauty essential for many individuals, if you’ve never had them you might be wondering: What are the disadvantages of eyelash extensions?
In this article, I cover some key information about eyelash extensions, including the disadvantages and risks of eyelash extensions.
So, let’s get started.
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What are the main disadvantages of lash extensions?
Price
One of the biggest disadvantages of eyelash extensions is how expensive they are. The price of eyelash extensions tends to vary depending on the style, the technician’s experience, and the area in which you live.
However, you can expect a full set of eyelash extensions to start at around $125 and climb to as high as $500 depending on where you go to have the treatment. Routine maintenance, such as adding in fillers, may cost around $50 to $100 per session.
If you calculate this into your monthly outgoings, eyelash extensions are an expense that many people cannot afford!
Restricting rules
Another large disadvantage of eyelash extensions is the restricting rules that come with them. There’s a lot to think about that wouldn’t normally cross your mind.
Namely, you have to avoid steam and wetting your lashes for the first 48 hours after getting lash extensions, making them incredibly inconvenient in the shower or when you’re washing your face.
In addition to this, when you are able to shower you’ll have to blow-dry your soaking-wet lashes with a hairdryer, on the cool setting, with a spoolie brush. This, in turn, adds more time to your daily routine that you might not have.
You also have to be incredibly careful and gentle with your eyelash extensions, which is easier said than done in some situations. For instance, you can’t rub your eyes when you’re tired as this will result in immediate eyelash fallout and breakage.
As these are rules you wouldn’t know unless you’ve had lash extensions, it’s fundamental that you know the reality of what you’re signing yourself up for.
Inconsistent shedding rates
As your natural lashes shed at different rates, so will your extensions. As a result, then, after just two or three weeks, you’ll likely be left with a wonky lash line that’s fuller in some areas, but sparse and short in others.
As you can’t remove your extensions by yourself as you’ll risk pulling out your natural lashes in the process, you’ll have to book another appointment at the salon for a lash refill. This costs more time and money, so you shouldn’t go for eyelash extensions blindly.
You have to have them professionally removed
As I’ve mentioned above, another disadvantage of getting eyelash extensions is that you typically have to get them professionally removed.
Keep in mind the lash glue remover may contain chemicals you’re allergic to or that may be irritating to your skin.
While you can try to remove them at home without chemicals, you’re at further risk of damaging your natural lashes because you don’t have the relevant experience.
That being said, you can try removing your lashes at home by steaming your face.
Following this, remove the lashes with olive or sesame oil on a cotton swab. This will loosen the lashes, letting you gently pull them out. Just be careful to only remove the extensions and not your real lashes.
Can’t apply mascara or oil-based products
If you’re into your oils for your skincare, say goodbye to them whilst you have your eyelash extensions on. In addition, you can’t apply mascara, so you have to put a lot of trust in your lash technician for the length and volume that you desire.
This comes down to the fact that oils and creams will loosen the lash glue and cause the extensions to fall off faster, while mascara will add weight to the delicate lashes and could cause breakage.
As a result, you have to accommodate your eyelash extensions and take these precautions to ensure that they last for as long as possible.
What are the risks of eyelash extensions?
There are also a few risks of eyelash extensions that you should be aware of before committing to getting them. What are the cons of lash extensions?.
The risks of eyelash extensions include but are not limited to:
- Temporary or permanent loss of eyelashes
- Swelling
- Skin irritation of the eyelid
- Infection of the eyelid or cornea
Symptoms you may experience include:
- Stinging and burning eyes and eyelids
- Severe swelling
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Pain
- Rash
These symptoms are not to be taken lightly, and you should always take the proper precautions to ensure that you are being as safe as possible when going for eyelash extensions.
To avoid these risks you should follow these guidelines:
- Do your research! This is arguably the most important guideline to follow, as you need to ensure that you’re choosing someone that you trust and know is trained to apply your eyelash extensions. Always make sure that a professional, experienced, certified cosmetologist attaches your eyelash extensions in a clean environment.
- Always ask for the list of ingredients used in the adhesive. It might seem daunting but this step is crucial to ensure that you’re being safe. Avoid any adhesives that include formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a toxin that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
- If you have sensitive skin or allergies to products such as makeup, ask to have a patch test done on your arm a few days before the procedure.
- If you’re allergic to latex, make sure it’s not one of the ingredients listed.
In summary
There are a variety of disadvantages and risks associated with getting eyelash extensions.
Lash extensions aren’t always the right option for everyone. Make sure that you don’t go into the process blindly, and always do your research, particularly when it comes to the technician that you are getting them from.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
As a certified lash and brow artist, I am passionate about helping others grow their lash and brow businesses, while educating consumers on the current trends.
So let me help you get the lash or brow business you’ve always wanted! We have a lot of great information on One Stop Lashes to help you.
Need more clients? Get your business listed with us, and we can help you get customers in your seat. I have 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and am certified in eyelash extensions, lash lifts, microblading, and lash and brow tints.
Being involved in the lash and brow industry, I have helped numerous businesses as a consultant helping lash artists grow their businesses and income.
In addition, I help my clients with a strategy to build the perfect lash business for long-term sustainable growth.