Eyelash extensions are an instant solution if you’re looking to make your lashes look longer. They come as a strip or as individual hairs, in a variety of materials, and are glued to your natural lash. They’ll grow out as your lashes grow so they’ll require frequent and sometimes costly maintenance to keep them looking in top condition.
The cost and upkeep aren’t the only downsides. There are two big potential negative effects to watch out for:
Traction alopecia is caused by constant excessive tension on a hair over a period of time. It can cause the hair follicle to enter a resting phase of its growth cycle. When this happens your lash technician is likely to insist that you take a break so that your lashes can recover; otherwise, there’ll be nothing to attach the extension to.
If you want to use eyelash extensions for more than just a single event, you need to consider protecting your lashes from traction alopecia. This will mean that you can keep using extensions for longer, minimizing breaks and making the most of your investment.
Lash serums are one option to consider. They’re now widely available and typically include conditioning agents that contribute to healthy growth of both the lash and brow. It’s like using conditioner on your hair; the serum smooths and moisturises the hair cuticles, making them less prone to drying and breakage. Always select anything you apply to your eye area with care, and purchase from a reputable source. If you’re using extensions already, check with your lash technician that a serum is suitable for use alongside your extensions.
A serum won’t actively cause growth. But it can help each individual hair to stay healthy, and that means they can better sustain a natural length and thickness, and cope with the extra weight of extensions.
Before and after photos showing real customer results after 12+ weeks of Sun Protect Serum use.
A testimonial from a Mylash and Opti Laboratories customer
“I’ve used MyLash (now Opti) for several years now. It has made such a difference to how I look. My eyes appear more open and brighter. I get comments about how long and lovely they look all the time.
Over the years there have been periods where I have stopped using the product for one reason or another (mostly laziness) and my lashes have reverted to the short stubby ones I was given naturally.
My advice is to continue with the product and don’t get lazy with remembering to apply it. It takes 30 seconds each day to use, it’s really easy to apply and gives phenomenal results.
It might seem quite expensive initially to buy, but a bottle lasts for ages and honestly, the results are worth it. It’s much more affordable and gives a better appearance, in my opinion, than extensions (which I tried years ago before i discovered this product).
You won’t be disappointed with the results!
Opti Laboratories Sun Protect Serum is one of the newest and most innovative serums on the UK market. It’s a first of its kind product. Not only does it include conditioners and anti-irritants, it’s the world’s first serum to protect your lashes and brows from one of the primary causes of damage and breakage.
Even a small amount of sun exposure, such as we might get during a UK winter, can break down cross-linked bonds, degrading keratin and other proteins and weakening hair.
The serum is a light, non-greasy formulation designed for every day use. It also works as an ideal primer for mascara and brow pencil, separating and defining before make-up application.
Eyelash extensions have been popular for decades and are showing little sign of losing that popularity. The best lash technicians have loyal followings who keep them booked up year round.
Some of us, however, might be wondering about embracing a more natural aesthetic. Famously, Pamela Anderson has been seen hitting the red carpet with a make-up free face (and looking utterly amazing!)
It’s Gen Z, however that are the biggest proponents of the trend, and that poses a problem for those of us of older generations that are looking to maintain a youthful look. By hanging on to a decades old trend, we’re possibly just showing ourselves to be decades older. There are a wealth of TikTok reels referring to the ageing effect of the full-lashed look; it’s become almost as clear a sign of ageing as the no lash look.
If you’re interested in pursuing a lighter look or ditching the extensions altogether, the same solutions mentioned in this article will help your lashes to recover.
Need to know more? If you’re considering a switch to a serum and want to speak to one of our team please contact us.
