What you need to know before getting eyelash extensions

Oprah Winfrey once said she doesn’t feel complete without her false lashes.

While Miss Winfrey may be part of modern culture and trends, faux eyelashes have a long history, dating as far back as turn of the century Paris when wigmakers would meticulously sew human hairs onto the eyelids of Parisians.

Since those almost barbaric beauty regimens, false lash technology and application have come a really long (they are about length after all) way, and celebrities like Katy Perry and Cheryl Cole have launched their own ranges.

YouTube offers a multitude of how-to eyelash beauty tutorials, where expert make-up artists glue on lashes in five minutes, convincing anyone watching it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 … it’s not.

Picture: iStock

The problem is you have to try and glue on a strip of lashes onto your natural lashes – and they just won’t sit correctly.

If you really want longer lashes there’s many ways to get them without having to sit with glue all over your fingers and half a faux lash hanging off the edge of your eyelids.

Individual lashes can be done at most eyelash bars but to be sure they are done correctly rather book a session with a professional. Just because a lash-bar offers a service it doesn’t mean the procedure will be correct.

Sorbet Beauty Salon offers a great and personal lash service. A qualified therapist takes time to insert individual lashes that last a few weeks. Each therapist has a consultation with the client, offering lash types and sizes and asking questions that would help determine which lashes suit your lifestyle.

The type of glue used to stick the lashes is explained in detail making sure allergies or swollen eyes won’t result. Often at fly-by-night salons hair glue is used to stick on faux lashes and this can result in a serious eye infection.

Picture: iStock

Inserting individual lashes can take one to three hours, depending on how full you like them. Each lash is glued on and the therapist will use a small lash brush to comb the lashes into place making sure they all sit uniformly.

Once completed, a full set of individual lashes can last from 12-14 days before needing a fill – that’s refilling the spots where some of the lashes have fallen out. Done correctly you won’t lose your natural lashes because of false lashes.

Things to avoid

• To maintain your lashes, it’s advised that oil-based face washes and toners are avoided. This could loosen the glue and take the lashes out.

• Mascara isn’t necessary when you have faux lashes. This could also weigh them down and remove them slowly.

• Sorbet contact: www.sorbet.co.za

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