It’s one of life’s ironies that those blessed with long, thick and gorgeous lashes are often children or men. Eyelash extensions give back length and volume to the most pitiable lashes.


“Eyelash extensions make the eyes seem more, drawing people’s attention to them, ” says Jodie Burwood, owner of The Eyelash Pallas and creator of Lash Sublime.

“For those with drooping eyelids, or close-set or wide-set eyes, we can transform their appearance to make the eye shape appear both younger and fresher.”

Although eyelash extensions are popular for special occasions (some are even complete with optional crystal enhancements), Jana Perkins, manager of lash spa Evoque, says the appeal of false eyelashes is widespread — from women recovering from chemotherapy to busy business types who find the task of applying mascara time consuming.

“We also have FIFO clients who find the extensions practical in humid climates up north, ” she says.

Current trends

Ms Burwood says most lash stylists offer a “classic eyelash extension application”, where one lash extension is bonded to one natural lash, adding length and thickness. The latest style, the Russian-inspired Volume technique, ups the ante.

“The technique offers 300 to 600 lashes per eye, whereas classic application has only ever enabled us to apply 60 to 120 lashes per eye. The result, as you can imagine, is quite mind-blowing, ” she says.

Eyelash care

Ms Perkins says the initial application takes between 90 minutes and two hours, with the refills needed every three weeks or so.

“Typically, natural lashes fall out every 60 to 90 days, taking the extensions with them, ” she says.

Ms Burwood says: “Most adhesives require a 24-hour water-free period. After that it is essential to thoroughly cleanse your lashes daily.

“Do not let shower stream plummet on your eyelashes and never use oil-based cleansers or eye make-up removers, ” she says.

Costs

Expect to pay between $150 to $300 for a full set of eyelash extensions. Refills cost between $80 and $150.

The Russian-inspired Volume technique costs about 30 per cent more than the standard eyelash extension.

Eyelash reactions

Sensitive eyes? If you do have a reaction to your eyelash extensions, Jana Perkins of Evoque offers the following advice:

Make a time to come in and have the extensions removed as soon as possible, as the longer they are left on, the longer the “irritant” is there causing further discomfort.

Get to a pharmacy and get some antihistamines and eye drops immediately — the on-duty pharmacist will prescribe the best ones for you.

Don’t rub your eyes or pull out your lashes.

Do not rub oil or anything in them to try removing them yourself.

 

© The West Australian