What you should know before applying eyelash extensions & bull; hello healthy

Most women don't have enough time - or patience - to put on fake lashes or do two or three mascara reviews to get that seductive curvy look. So, it's no secret why the trend of eyelash extension has been on the rise in recent years.

You are tempted to get it, but are still a little hesitant to try this beauty treatment? Here is some information that you should read about the process and safety of eyelash extensions before you rush to the nearest salon.

False eyelashes for extension are made of synthetic fibers

In contrast to the creepy hoax that the lashes used in the extension process are derived from human hair, false lashes are individual lashes made of synthetic fibers - such as nylon - that are implanted one by one over your upper lashes.

There are three types of lash extensions: synthetic, silk, or mink. The length varies from 6-17 mm.

The process is complex, much like micro surgery

Using long, pointed tweezers, the eyelash extension technician dips one synthetic lash in a drop of adhesive. With another pair of tweezers, he separates your natural lashes to isolate just one strand, continuing to hold them until the glue dries. The technician will repeat the process, one lash at a time, and implant up to 40-100 synthetic lashes per eye. For a natural look, the technician will use different lengths of lashes, embedding the longest synthetic lashes in your longest natural lashes.

The adhesive used is a specially formulated glue and is semi-permanent. Your new lashes can last from a few weeks to two months, and will fall off with natural lashes that fall out. Don't worry, you should generally still have at least 50 percent of your planted lashes after 30 days. Furthermore, you only need one visit every few months for a touch-up session on lashes that have grown back.

Eyelash extensions take at least two hours

Everyone has different lashes, and depending on the condition of your own natural lashes, the technician can only cater to a certain limit of demand for lash length and thickness - to ensure that your natural lashes stay healthy. For example, if your real lashes are short and thin, you can't get thick, dramatic lashes like Hollywood celebrities because the results won't last long.

Embedding a complete set of false lashes takes approximately two hours, and the results can be maintained for up to a year with several touch-up sessions - recommended once every 3-4 weeks. It's a good idea to start with a half set first if you're still not completely sure of the results you're getting or this is your first time trying out lash extensions, as it's much easier to add a new "bunch" of lashes than to pluck them out. A half set of false lashes is an economical alternative to achieving an equally dramatic finish, implanted as a filling to thicken natural lashes, or applied on the outside of the eye for a special look.

Eyelash extensions can cause allergic reactions to infection

Quoting the Daily MailDaily Mail, Dr. Robert Dorin, of New York's True and Dorin Medical Group, says that the glue used to attach natural versions of false lashes can cause allergic reactions in some people. Dorin continued, for reasons that cannot be known, bacteria choose to settle between the eyelash extensions, and doing so can cause a fungal or viral infection.

Eyelash extensions have also been reported to cause irritation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) or cornea (keratitis). This irritation can result from direct contact with the lash strands or hypersensitivity to the active ingredients in the adhesive glue. Among other beauty care trends, eyelash extension ranks first in the number of complaints in eye clinics in Japan, where this procedure is widely used.

It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between an allergic reaction and an eye infection. Experienced technicians and certified professionals will not allow infections to occur in their customers, but if you are allergic to (the ingredients of) eyelash glue, you will still get an allergic reaction - it doesn't mean that the glue is really dangerous.

Infections and allergies are not the only health risks of lash extensions

Apart from infections and allergies, eyelash extensions have a risk of eyelash loss, temporary or permanent. This can happen if the extended lash damages the natural lash follicle or is too heavy to put tension on the root of the lash, causing it to fall out.

Eyelashes have an important function: to sweep dust and dirt away from the eyes, maintaining your eyesight. Temporary loss of lashes can be very dangerous, especially forever. If they never grow back, you are putting yourself into eye problems for life.

Eyelash extensions also carry several other health problems if done carelessly by an inexperienced technician. He can implant new lashes onto the eyelids instead of the natural lashes, which can cause irritation and even serious injury. Or, he or she may implant several strands of false lashes into one real lash - causing premature lashes to fall out of too much weight. Inexperienced technicians can also use permanent adhesive glue. All of these are dangerous and ineffective techniques.

Can I go blind after getting eyelash extensions?

Since your eyes are closed the whole time the eyelash implants, you will be sure that the adhesive won't drip into the eye. It's just that, still make sure that the glue is safe for your eyes and does not contain harmful ingredients, such as formaldehyde. Delivery of glue from various parts of the world often causes a buildup of formaldehyde until the product arrives at its destination.

Your eyelash extension technician must be thoroughly trained to implant and apply the adhesive in a professional manner, in a method completely free of harm.

If you have an allergic reaction, no matter how severe the reaction is, you are unlikely to go blind. At worst, you may need to visit an ophthalmologist for prescription eye medication to treat the allergic reaction.

If you experience a burning sensation or discomfort during the procedure that makes you cry or flush, this is a red flag and you should report the complaint immediately - no matter how minor or severe it is. You may have to ask your technician to change the adhesive product he uses.

Always choose a professional and certified eyelash extension technician

It is true that not all lash extension stories end tragically, but risks remain looming. If you are still unsure about the safety of the procedure, you can lower the chance of unwanted complications by taking a few precautions.

First, make sure to contact a reputable beauty salon and have your procedure done by a licensed eyelash extension technician. Second, ask what type of adhesive glue was used and the ingredients. Allergic reactions are the biggest concern among lash extension customers, make sure you ask the technician to sterilize your hands and any equipment used to prevent the spread of infection due to microbes. The eyelash extension procedure should be a pain free experience.