Lash Lift vs. Lash Extensions

I would love to clear up a few differences between lash lifting and lash extensions. Lash extensions have been very popular the past few years & while lash perming has been around for a long time, the new lifting technique is becoming popular. I am going to go over the pros & cons of each as well as some horrific pictures of lash extensions gone wrong. 

LASH EXTENSIONS 

Lash extensions are beautiful when done correctly. They are also very damaging when done incorrectly. Lash extensions are something that you really need to do research on who you go to. I also think that it is best to see before & after pictures from this lash artist. I cannot tell you how many clients come in with extensions and they look HORRIBLE. I want to cry or go scream at their lash artist. I have also had a few clients who have lost all of their natural eyelashes due to poorly done extensions. I personally do not do extensions due to a bad shoulder & the pain it causes with the long application process. I have done extensions in the past and have gotten them applied to myself. If you are in the Lexington, KY area I have lots of recommendations on who you should go to. Clients who do not know anything about extensions might not know what to look for, or things that are bad in extensions so I hope these pictures clear things up. These are from various lash artists with clients who come in from other artists, these are not the work of the artists name. 

You should never have clumps of glue on your extensions. Also, cluster lashes are NOT eyelash extensions and are not supposed to last more than a day or two. If your lash "artist" offers clusters claiming to last longer than a few days, clearly they do not know proper extensions & I do not recommend going to them. HOWEVER volume lashes are okay & give the appearance of fuller lashes. This is where the artists creates "fans" and multiple lashes are applied to your natural lash. This is okay when done by a trained volume lash artist. 

This last photo is an awesome example from Savannah Vaughn who lashes here in Lexington. She is great and offers volume & classic extensions. The name of her business is Skin Savy. She is amazing at lashing. 

Extensions are great for those with short lashes who cannot lift. I also think it is great for clients who want a dramatic look. It saves so much time in the mornings not dealing with mascara. Extensions will last several weeks however they do require fill ins. The application process can be anywhere from 1-3 hours. The cons are they require maintenance, can have bad allergic reactions, long application process, if done incorrectly will cause damage, can cause irritation and they are not very natural. Pros are they look beautiful when done correctly, dramatic, less time spend in AM on makeup, you look great with no makeup, great for special events (weddings, photo shoots,etc.) 

LASH LIFTING

Lash lifting is permanently curling your natural lashes until they all shed naturally. Results will last 6-12 weeks. My client average is about 10 weeks between lifts. Lifts are much more natural looking. You can also tint the lashes after your lift if you have lighter lashes to give the appearance of mascara. This will last 4-6 weeks. Lifts are easier for some because they are maintenance free, unlike extensions requiring fill ins every few weeks. Also, I have never had a client have a bad reaction to the lift, with extensions lots are allergic to the glue used and can have an allergic reaction. Lash lifting takes around 30 minutes to an hour. If you have long lashes that criss cross & drive you nuts, lifts can help straighten & position your crazy lashes. I have only had about 5-10 clients who I had to turn away from a lash lift. This is because their lashes were too short for the perm. I always suggest Latisse or GrandeLash MD to help grow your lashes. The pros to lifting are it is maintenance free, no irritation, enhances your natural lashes, looks natural, gives the appearance of longer, fuller lashes. The cons are if the lashes are too short they cannot be lifted and if you are going for a false lash look, you may want to opt for extensions.

I have a previous post all about lifts HERE 

Here are some before & after photos of MY lash lifting work. 

If you are unsure if you should have a lift or extensions come in for a free consultation with me & I can discuss which one is best for you & your lashes. Contact me Megan Johnson, LE at (859)619-2155. Happy lashing everyone.