Are eyelash extensions good or bad?

### The Good: Benefits of Professional Extensions **Dramatic, Natural-Looking Enhancement**: Quality extensions create fuller, longer lashes that frame your eyes beautifully. Unlike mascara's temporary effect, extensions maintain their impact 24/7 for weeks. **Customizable Appearance**: Professional technicians customize: - Length (8mm-15mm typically) - Curl (J, B, C, D, L curls) - Thickness (0.03mm-0.25mm diameter) - Volume (classic individual, Russian volume, hybrid) This customization means you achieve your desired look—subtle and natural or bold and dramatic. **Time-Saving Convenience**: Eliminate daily mascara application and removal. Morning routines shrink by 5-10 minutes. No touch-ups needed throughout the day. Wake up with perfect lashes every morning. **Water-Resistant Durability**: Swimming, showering, crying, rain—extensions endure all without smudging, running, or losing curl. This reliability suits active lifestyles that make traditional makeup impractical. **Confidence Boost**: Many clients report feeling more confident without makeup. Extensions provide definition that makes you feel put-together even in casual settings. ### The Bad: When Extensions Go Wrong **Damage from Poor Application**: Inexperienced or untrained technicians create numerous problems: - **Stickies** (multiple natural lashes glued together): Causes pain when lashes grow in different directions and can pull out healthy lashes prematurely - **Over-weighting**: Extensions too heavy for natural lashes stress the follicle, potentially causing permanent damage or loss - **Inadequate isolation**: Results in unnatural clumping and damaged natural lashes - **Excessive adhesive**: Creates thick, uncomfortable bonds that irritate eyes **Natural Lash Damage Risk**: When extensions are removed improperly (picked, pulled, or rubbed off), they can remove natural lashes prematurely. Professional removal is essential. **Allergic Reactions to Adhesive**: Though rare, some individuals develop sensitivity to cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. Symptoms include: - Redness and swelling - Itching or burning sensations - Watery eyes - Persistent irritation Patch testing before full sets helps identify sensitivities. **Maintenance Requirements and Cost**: Extensions demand: - Infills every 2-3 weeks (£30-60 per session) - Careful daily cleansing (oil-free products only) - Avoiding oil-based skincare and makeup near eyes - Lifestyle adjustments (no rubbing eyes, careful sleeping positions) - Annual costs of £500-900 for ongoing maintenance **Lifestyle Restrictions**: While extensions are durable, certain limitations apply: - First 24-48 hours: no water contact - Long-term: avoiding steam saunas (weakens adhesive bonds) - Careful application of any eye area products - No lash curlers (unnecessary and damaging) - Limited eyelid makeup options (cream shadows can interfere with adhesive) ### Making Extensions Work Safely **Choose Qualified Technicians**: Verify your technician has: - Professional certification in lash extension application - Established portfolio showing various styles - Clean, professional salon environment - Proper isolation and application technique - Understanding of natural lash health **Select Appropriate Weights**: Your natural lashes have weight limits. Technicians should assess your lash strength and select extensions accordingly: - Fine natural lashes: 0.03mm-0.07mm extensions - Medium natural lashes: 0.10mm-0.15mm extensions - Strong natural lashes: up to 0.20mm extensions Exceeding these limits stresses follicles and causes damage. **Commit to Proper Aftercare**: Extensions succeed when you: - Cleanse daily with oil-free, extension-safe cleanser - Brush lashes gently each morning with clean spoolie - Sleep carefully (avoid face-down positions) - Keep regular infill appointments - Remove professionally (never pick or pull) **Take Lash Breaks When Needed**: If you notice natural lash thinning, take 2-3 month breaks periodically. This allows natural lashes to recover fully and ensures long-term lash health. ### Who Should Avoid Extensions Extensions aren't suitable for everyone: **Medical Contraindications**: - Active eye infections or conditions (conjunctivitis, blepharitis) - Trichotillomania (compulsive lash pulling) - Alopecia or medical conditions causing hair loss - Very weak or sparse natural lashes - Recent eye surgery or treatment **Lifestyle Incompatibilities**: - Cannot commit to 2-3 week infill schedule - Engage in activities incompatible with extensions (contact sports with face contact, scuba diving) - Prefer low-maintenance beauty routines - Budget constraints preventing ongoing maintenance **Personal Preferences**: - Prefer changing looks frequently - Enjoy wearing varied eye makeup daily - Dislike salon appointments and scheduling

**Available at both locations**: - **Newcastle City Centre**: Certified technicians with extensive training - **Gosforth**: Comfortable, professional treatment environment **Our Eyelash Extension Services**: - Classic Extensions Full Set: From £95 | 90-120 minutes - Russian Volume Full Set: From £125 | 120-150 minutes - Infills (2-3 weeks): From £40 | 45-60 minutes - Removal: £15 | 20 minutes [Book Extension Consultation - Free Lash Assessment]