I’m always saying the bigger the better. In this case, I’m talking about eyelashes. Like many of you, I’m a huge fan of mascara…and by huge fan; I mean I am obsessed with the stuff. I love the way they make my eyes look. Big. Bold. Beautiful.
There are so many mascaras in market that promise a bigger, fuller and extended look. Now as much as I love to try them all, I often wonder about a little beauty enhancement that is all the rage; eyelash extensions. To get a better idea of why this has taken the beauty world by storm, we turned to one of our favourite aestheticians in the city, Hana El-Chaar of Natural Solutions, located in Toronto’s Eaton Centre to give us some insights, tips and advice.
1. What do you think has attributed to the popularity of eyelash extensions?
Celebrities started introducing us to the concept of eyelash extensions in 2004, making them not just popular but desired by many. Recently, as they’ve become more accessible, they’ve become even more popular. They are a gorgeous and natural looking alternative to mascara, and as more people see them, they feel compelled to try them for themselves.
2. What should you look for when getting eyelash extensions?
First off, you want to look for a reputable technician who is trained and certified to do this kind of procedure. Second, you want to make sure the product they are using is of the highest quality. Ask for premium eyelashes that are made of mink and silk. 3. How do you choose the set that is best for your eyes?
There are two popular looks to choose from; the Natural Look and the Cat Eye look. Your aesthetician will be able to help determine what look is best for you.
Natural look: A combination of two to three different lashes, that are evenly distributed throughout the eye but your focus is in the centre of the eye because of the length. This is best for those who have short lashes, drawing attention and emphasis to the centre of the eye, while immediately adding some lift.
Cat eye: Also known as the seductive eye, this option is used when you want to lengthen the outer corners of the eye. Three to four different lash lengths are used, keeping the longest between the outside edge. This is best for clients that have the length to play with and also the thickness. With this look you can use long lengths up to 14mm and .25 in density on the ends of the lashes. Just be sure your lashes are strong enough to hold them, otherwise you’ll get a droopy look.
4. How do you maintain the look?
Eyelash extension maintenance will vary for each person and time of year also plays a factor. When your blood flows more rapidly, your hair will grow faster, this includes your lashes. On average I’d say that a client should come in every three to four weeks for a re-fill, allowing your lashes to always look fresh.
5. Is there a health risk to eyelash extensions?
Not when done correctly, however with any product there is always risk of allergic reaction, but this is rare. Lashes will fall out naturally and not because of the extension. It’s your right to understand how your lashes are being applied. When being applied, it’s important to have the proper technique in advanced lash technology called ‘lash isolation.’ This will separate the lashes from each other using, preventing what is known as the tug and pull factor. Lashes should be applied using adhesive to each individual lash and should never touch the skin. Applying incorrectly to the skin can be damaging, causing health risks.
6. What is the application process and how long do they last?
Eyelash Extensions are individual, semi-permanent synthetic lashes that are attached one by one to your own natural lashes giving you longer, darker and more abundant lashes that can last anywhere from 5 to 8 weeks depending on how the person cares for them as well as their own natural lash cycle. Extensions are perfect for everyday wear and especially for special occasions.
With proper care and touchup visits they can last a very long time. Normally a person’s natural eyelash falls out every 45 – 90 days and a new lash grows in immediately. NOTE: we typically shed 1 to 5 natural lashes every day. Therefore, it is necessary to get touch-ups to fill in the spaces.
8. Methods for removal?
To remove eyelash extensions, the client needs to go back to the salon where we gently and safely remove the lashes. Applying eye gel patches underneath the eye and a pro-grade gel remover, the technician uses a micro brush in each hand to slide along the extension, until the extension slides off.
Eyelash extensions are a great alternative for those who don’t like wearing mascara but want the effects of it. For our readers in the GTA area who are interested in finding out more, check out one of the five Your Space Salon locations to speak to a trained aesthetician and find out what look is right for you: L’attitudes, Erin Mills Town Centre; L’attitudes, Georgian Mall; Natural Solutions, Scarborough Town Centre; L’attitudes, Eaton Centre; Natural Solutions, Eaton centre.
On December 3 from 12-6 p.m., L’attitudes at Erin Mills Town Centre is offering a full set of eyelash extensions for $60.
Hana El Chaar has over 11 years’ experience as an esthetician, continually learning the newest industry techniques and procedures. Her services range from manicures to skin care correction, permanent hair removal, cellulite reduction, waxing, specialized eyebrow threading, electrolysis, eyelash extensions, herbal organic treatments, bodywraps, photofacials and much more. You can find her working at Natural Solutions Salon & Spa at Toronto Eaton Centre.
