Yes. Be sure to tell your lash artist at the time of your appointment that you wear glasses so that the extensions that are to be applied are not so long that they interfere with your glasses, typically anything longer than 11mm will probably touch the glasses. Persons who wear contacts would be more comfortable taking the contacts out prior to their lash appointment. Sometimes people who wear contacts use eye drops for dry eyes or to keep their eyes hydrated. Keep in mind, that if you use eye drops, they will compromise the longevity of the eyelash extensions, especially following an application and before the 48-hour period needed for the adhesive to cure, which is why we recommend that you not wear contacts during the application. If you must wear your contacts and you must apply the drops, do the following to try to not compromise your eyelash extensions: form a pouch in the lower lid and place 1 or 2 drops in the pouch, roll your head back and forth rather than clenching your eye shut. Clenching your eye shut will allow the eye drop to get all over your extensions, and cause them to fall off prematurely.
All posts by Mea Arsenault
Am I a Candidate for Eyelash Extensions?
The answer is no if …
You are allergic to cyanoacrylate (an ingredient found in adhesives). Reactions can be very superficial to severe. If you are allergic to tape, latex, silicone, anything related or if your eyes are hypersensitive, then probably not, consult with your lash stylist if you are not sure. If you pick at or play with your lashes, or have seasonal allergies then you should not get extensions. It is best to wait until your allergies have cleared up before getting them applied. Seasonal allergies can cause your extensions to fall off prematurely and eyelash extensions can collect the allergens and hold on to them causing you more irritation.
You have any back problems or any medical conditions that might interfere with lying flat on your back for 2 hours. There is no way for the artist to apply lashes in any other position other than for you to be flat on your back.
You have any eye problems, eye infections, recent surgeries of any kind, then you must wait until you are fully healed prior to having extensions applied. For any other medical conditions, or if you are pregnant or nursing, then you will need to get your physician’s consent prior to getting eyelash extensions. Most physicians are fine with having eyelash extensions applied during your pregnancy, however, it is important that you consult with your physician first.
You have had eyelash extensions in the past and had any reactions to the adhesive, eye pads, tape or any other products, then you would need to have a thorough consultation with your lash artist prior to making an appointment. In some cases, what may have seemed to be a reaction to the adhesive could have been caused by the cleanser or eye pads and your lash artist can help you determine the exact cause and can adjust the procedure to determine if it was something else or use a different adhesive. Sylvia has found that clients that have been sensitive to adhesive in the past have had good results with using over-the-counter Claritin and Pepcid AC before and after having their lashes done. Both medications target histamine receptors H1 and H2.
You have seasonal allergies, cry a lot, have oily eyelids, participate in hot yoga, play with your lashes, wear excessive eye makeup, not consistent about removing eye makeup, swim a lot, use eye drops or have watery eyes, sleep on your face, etc.
You are not able to commit to a bi-monthly fill.
Otherwise, you are a candidate. 🙂
Sylvia Explains How to Keep Your Extensions Clean
In this video, Sylvia, demonstrates how to keep your extensions clean.
Can eyelash extensions be added to lower/bottom lashes?
Yes, having them applied on the lower lashes is not only beautiful and complimentary, they complete your look. If your lash artist is gifted your extensions may appear much more realistic since your lower lashes will also be a bit longer and fuller. Having extensions on the upper and lower lashes at the same time adds symmetry, and no one will be the wiser that your extensions are not really yours. Lower lashes are an add-on service, the cost depends on the lash artist. The design can be short, wispy, cat eye, symmetrical, staggered lengths, long and dramatic, or something more natural. It just depends on the length and style of your natural lashes and the look that you want. You never have to worry about raccoon eyes because there is no need for mascara on the bottom eyelashes.
When Sylvia started adding extensions to the lower/bottom lashes, neither Sylvia or Mea were aware of anyone else doing it. She had to create a technique to apply them effectively and in a timely manner that is comfortable for her clients. We are still not aware of many lash artists, in our area, that are applying them to the bottom lashes even though they make such a difference to the overall look..
Lower lashes typically start upwards from $35 for new lashes and fills, but it depends on the type of lashes, the time needed to apply them, and the number of lashes. Bottom lashes take approximately 30 to 45 minutes and about 20 to 30 minutes for fills.
Goggles – Are they a good option to protect your eyelash extensions?
According to the article - http://neriumsupport.com/downloads/Shape_October2016.pdf goggles may leave the eyes looking puffy or swollen and, in some cases, can cause bruising. Dermatologist S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D. in Miami advises that the suction in swimming goggles may also cause laxity of the eye-lids, and the pull from the goggle straps may be considered harsh on ones’ eyelids, which may cause capillary breakage, dark circles, deep lines and loose skin.
We personally stopped using googles because when the seal breaks (and it does as you try to adjust the straps to wash your hair and face), then you end up getting your extensions wet, anyway. The goggles also fog up and will bend your extensions which can cause them to loosen or break. It is also difficult to wash your hair, and full face with goggles and they are not comfortable. Our suggestion is to wait 24 to 48 hours following your full set or re-lash appointment to shower.
As of this writing we have a patent pending tool to protect your eyelash extensions that we are working on getting to market. Having our tool will allow you to do everything you are not supposed to do, including shower immediately following your extension appointment. The protective cover will protect your extensions from water, steam and heat, and increase the longevity of your extensions, so you can wait longer between fills.