Eyelash extensions

Eyelash extensions are any number of enhancements designed to add length, thickness and fullness to natural eyelashes. They may be compared to hair extensions for one's eyelashes. They can be separated into two types: temporary and semi-permanent. There is also a medical way of enhancing eyelashes.

History[edit]

The invention and use of false eyelashes began in 1916 when director D.W. Griffith was making his film Intolerance. He wanted actress Seena Owen to have lashes "that brushed her cheeks, to make her eyes shine larger than life." The first false eyelashes were made of human hair woven through fine gauze by a local wig maker. They were then attached to Owen's eyes.

Types of lashes[edit]

Temporary false lashes are any lashes designed to be worn for a short period; i.e. a day or less. They can be made with human hair, or with synthetic materials. The highest quality synthetic material is made with Keraspecific Fibre. This is made to feel and behave like real human hair. They are not designed to be worn when showering, sleeping or swimming. They are applied with lash glue designed specifically for temporary lashes. Permanent lashes, also known as eyelash extensions, are lashes applied with a stronger adhesive. Generally, a single lash is applied to each natural lash; when applied properly, neither the extension lash nor the glue should touch the eyelid. The bond is designed to last until the lashes naturally fall out, though the extensions may fall out faster if one uses oil-based eye makeup remover or rubs eyes regularly.

For both types, eyelashes come in various lengths, colors and thicknesses, from natural-looking to outrageous.

Process[edit]

A set of new eyelash extensions can run anywhere from $100 to $500 in the United States, depending on the type and number of lashes used, the skill of the cosmetician and the venue where extensions are performed. It usually takes an hour to two hours to attach a full new set. An average person might have anywhere from thirty to eighty lashes per eye. The variance in the number of lashes accounts for the difference in how long it takes to apply them. Many eyelash extension packages come with repair options, where one can go get the fallen extensions added within a few weeks from the initial application, at a lowered cost.