Lash FAQs
1. What are lash extensions?
- Extensions are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that have a beautiful tapered curve to replicate a natural eyelash. They provide length and thickness to your natural lashes and are available in various lengths and thickness.
2. What are they made from?
- All eyelash extensions, other than real mink (fur), are manufactured from a synthetic material called polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). ‘Faux mink’ and ‘silk’ are really just names manufacturers have given to their lashes to try and differentiate them from other brands. They are ALL synthetic and all made from PBT. However – that said, synthetic lashes can differ vastly in terms of quality. I only use premium quality, soft lashes.
- Genuine mink (fur) lashes are unethical and I will never use these. They also do not hold their curl and are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than the synthetic lashes.
- Clients who have previously used other brands of eyelash extensions, as applied by other lash technicians, and then tried Miyen’s eyelash extensions are amazed by their soft, natural feel.
3. How are they applied?
- Each natural eyelash is isolated and a synthetic lash is adhered to your own natural eyelash, one lash at a time. The extension is applied approximately 1mm from the eyelid so neither the glue or the lash extension has contact with the skin.
4. How long do they last?
- Approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on your natural lash growth cycle and your level of aftercare.
- Each day we can lose 3-5 natural lashes, but often they fall out unnoticed, but we are more aware when an extension falls out as they are longer, darker and thicker.
- A real lash’s life cycle is around 25-28 days, and as yours grow and fall out, so will the synthetic ones that are attached. If your hair and nails grow quickly then that may indicate that your lashes also are growing, shedding and renewing themselves quickly so you may find that your lashes will not last as long as someone whose hair growth is slow.
- Your life style and what work you do will also make a difference how long they last. Consider a lady working in the food industry where there is a lot of heat, steam and oil. Her lashes may not last as well as a lady who works in an air-conditioned office.
5. Can I keep them maintained or have them removed?
- Most women love their lashes so much that that wear them indefinitely, coming for fills every 2-3 weeks.
- Should you want them removed, you may return to the salon for a simple lash removal (see Pricelist), or you can let the extensions drop off naturally.
6. What are the glue ingredients and is it safe?
- The generic name for the adhesive used in eyelash extensions is cyanoacrylate. It’s a fast-acting adhesive specially formulated for medical or eyelash extension purposes.
- As with eyelash extensions, adhesives can differ vastly in terms of quality. Our adhesive is a high quality, fast-drying product which does not give a clumped look. We take great care to ensure that the adhesive and adhesive remover does not come in contact with the skin or eyes.
- If you are concerned about skin sensitivities or allergies, contact us about scheduling a test application.
7. Will the extensions damage my natural lashes?
- If your extensions are properly applied – individually, neatly and not weighing down your natural lash – your natural lashes will remaining healthy and strong. Inferior lash application damages natural lashes.
- Your lash extensions aftercare also plays a vital role in maintaining the good health of your natural lashes.
8. I am a bride-to-be/going on holiday, when is the best time to book an appointment?
- If you’ve never had eyelash extensions applied before then we recommend booking your full set appointment 2 weeks prior to your wedding/departure date. You can then book a fill 1 or 2 days before the date.
- This will allow time to experiment with different lashes, learn proper aftercare and ensure there are no sensitivities to the product.
9. Who should NOT get eyelash extensions?
- Have pre-existing eyelid or eye conditions such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea
- Are very rough with themselves and do not want to follow aftercare instructions
- Want a very heavy mascara look but do not have the natural lashes to support it
- Have a condition called Trichotillomania, which is compulsive pulling or twisting of hair or eyelashes
- Are in chlorinated water many times a week
- Cannot control rubbing their eyes, either out of habit or due to allergies
- Use prescribed medicated eye drops or ointment as this may coat the lashes and cause them to clump
10. Can I wear eye make-up?
Yes, you can still wear eye make-up, as follows:
- Do not use waterproof/colour-stay products – these take too much fiddling too remove.
- Do not use oil-based products. Use an oil-free make-up remover and a lint-free cloth to remove make-up.
- If you still feel that you still need mascara, apply to lash tips only.
- Do not use an eyelash curler.
11. How do I prepare for my appointment?
- If you have extremely fair eyelashes it is recommended to have them tinted beforehand.
- If you wear contact lenses please bring your contact lens case as your lenses will need to be removed. Rather wear your glasses.
- Ensure your lashes are clean and free of any make-up or cream.
12. How long is the appointment?
- A full set appointment is 2 hours long. You will lay comfortably on a massage bed with your eyes closed. An under eye pad will be applied below your eye to cover your lower lashes.
- Many people fall asleep during the appointment and are encouraged to do so. A calm and quiet environment allows your technician to focus and apply more lashes.
13. How to choose between classic and volume eyelash extensions?
- Think about your main objective – do you want length or fullness? If your natural lashes are already quite long, your objective may be fullness, and therefore Volume extensions are the best choice.
- Remember, Classic application involves adhering ONE synthetic extension to ONE natural lash. Volume application involves adhering MULTIPLE super fine synthetic lashes to ONE natural lash.
- If you’re concerned that Volume extensions may be too heavy – although we use more synthetic lashes during the Volume application, each synthetic lash is thinner (super fine) than the lashes used in Classic lashing. Therefore, care is taken to not overload the natural lashes.
- Volume is customisable – e.g. you could have 2D Volume, which is 2 synthetic lashes adhered to one natural lash, OR, 4D Volume, which is 4 synthetic lashes adhered to one natural lash. So the degree of fullness can be customised to your specific needs (and to what your natural lashes can handle).