What to know about at-home lash extensions
Eyelash extensions are a popular cosmetic trend among those who want long lashes, but don’t want the maintenance of applying mascara every day. Just one application of lash extensions can last four to six weeks. And you don’t have to worry about using any other products during this time.
Lash extension services are offered by professionals at various salons. With their rising popularity, eyelash extensions are now also offered in at-home kits.
Some prefer at-home eyelash extensions to professional services because they’re more budget-friendly. They also don’t require a wait time for an appointment. While this may sound appealing, these do-it-yourself (DIY) lash extensions can be a serious danger to your eye health. This is especially so if they’re applied incorrectly or become contaminated.
What is a lash extension kit?
An eyelash extension kit includes the materials you need to apply and remove lash extensions at home. Items may vary depending on the size of the kit, but most include:
- False lashes
- Tweezers or applicators
- Lash adhesive
- Adhesive remover
- Directions for use
Lash primer, conditioner and other tools are offered in more expensive “deluxe” DIY lash extension kits. You can find these kits at select in-store and online retailers, and you don’t need a cosmetology license to purchase them.
How much do lash extensions cost?
Professional eyelash extensions generally start around $100, but they can be more or less depending on:
- Salon location
- Product type and material
- Experience level of the technician (or stylist)
- Method of application
- Customizations (lash color, fullness, style, etc.)
This cost typically includes the consultation and application by a trained esthetic technician. It does not include any gratuity for your service, which is something to keep in mind as well.
At-home lash extensions can run as low as $15 for the most basic materials. Some higher-quality kits can cost hundreds of dollars. The price depends on what you’re getting in the kit and where you purchase it.
Just remember that the do-it-yourself route does not include:
- Guaranteed sanitation
- Esthetician training
- Salon-certified products
How long do lash extensions last?
Professional lash extensions can last around four to six weeks, depending on your personal lash growth cycle. However, many salons recommend lash refills every two to three weeks to keep them looking full and fresh. This is another cost to take into account.
DIY lash extensions don’t usually last as long as professionally applied extensions. Many brands recommend no more than 10 days of wear for the best, safest results.
Wear time also depends on how well the lashes are cared for. You can prolong the life of your extensions if you:
- Use a special lash conditioner
- Cleanse the lashes properly
- Brush them regularly
You should also avoid touching or pulling at the extensions. When you’re ready to take them off, it’s best to have the extensions professionally removed.
Are DIY lash extensions safe?
There are risks involved with lash extensions, even when you get them done in a professional setting. But these hazards can multiply when you attempt to apply the extensions yourself.
The area around your eyes and eyelids is delicate and often sensitive. Using products and tools in this area may introduce bacteria, allergens and irritants that can lead to ocular complications. These may be more likely to occur when you use an eyelash extension kit at home.
NOTE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate eyelash extensions or their adhesives, which can contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
Risks of at-home eyelash extensions
DIY eyelash extensions can pose a threat to your eye health in a number of ways. When you apply them yourself, it can be difficult to hold a steady hand or see what you’re doing. There are also no salon regulations or supervision for self-applied extensions. This can result in:
- Corneal abrasion or injury if the eye is poked, causing pain, redness or potential infection or other complication
- Eye abrasions or skin irritation from cosmetic tape or eyepads used
- Allergic reactions to lash adhesive, causing swelling, itching and redness
- Chemical burns caused by lash adhesive and other chemicals, particularly formaldehyde or cyanoacrylate
- Sore or itchy eyes due to improper hygiene and/or application
- Infections due to poor hygiene or contaminated products
Taking extensions off at home can also be hazardous. Removal without the help of a professional can cause:
- Pain and irritation due to improper technique
- Accidental removal of natural eyelashes
- Reaction to the lash remover used
Long-term effects of improper use
The complications above can also result in long-term problems that require treatment. Such problems can include:
- Eye injury
- Eye infection
- Chronic irritation
- Increased eye sensitivity
- Permanent damage to natural lashes
Consider these factors before applying lash extensions at home.
SEE RELATED: How do you treat an eye infection from makeup?
How professional lash extensions are different
There are several differences to note between professional and DIY lash extensions. Here are some things that set salon services apart from do-it-yourself kits at home:
Trained professionals
Eyelash stylists often go through in-depth training before providing unsupervised extension services. Many states also require that technicians earn and maintain a license in order to perform these and other cosmetology services.
Depending on the location, it can take hundreds of hours of education and experience to become certified in various services. Training would likely include supervised application of eyelash extensions.
By choosing to do your own eyelash extensions, you:
- Skip professional esthetic training
- Ignore safety risks
- Lack important knowledge about proper application and removal
If you notice minor issues with your extensions, you can ask your technician for advice. But if you experience eye pain, irritation, vision changes or other symptoms, contact your eye doctor.
Estheticians are trained to perform cosmetic services. They are not trained or licensed to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.
Sterile environment
Depending on the state, professional salon services must be performed in a clean environment with sterile equipment. These strict regulations are in place to ensure proper sanitation for the salon, and they are required to be posted in licensed practices. These laws and regulations protect each client from harm and contamination.
It’s important to find a salon that:
- Complies with the state’s regulatory board
- Gets great reviews
- Has excellent sanitation practices
Home settings may lack a high level of hygiene and sterilization standards and they can fall short of the health and safety rules. This creates a hazardous space, especially for your eyes.
Regulated materials
Professional salons that offer lash extensions should follow proper sanitation and hygiene practices. Reputable salons should also use high-quality, regulated, eye-safe products. Your technician should be able to answer any questions you have about safety protocols and ingredient lists.
They should also provide a patch test (if requested) to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the adhesive they use. Be sure to avoid harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. This chemical is found in some eyelash adhesives and can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
DIY lash extension kits often do not have the same high-quality, professional-grade materials as salons. And it can be difficult to find and understand relevant information if you’re not a professional. This adds to the risk of at-home application.
Safer alternatives to DIY eyelash extensions
There are many ways to get the look of luxurious lashes without risking your eye health. Some options to consider instead of lash extension kits include:
- Professional eyelash extensions applied by certified technicians
- Magnetic eyelashes (which do not require adhesives)
- Strip lashes with hypoallergenic adhesive
- FDA-approved eyelash growth serum
- High-quality hypoallergenic mascara
Remember, eye makeup can still pose a risk if it is used incorrectly. Follow these tips to ensure your eyes stay healthy and protected:
- Always take your eye makeup off before going to sleep
- Never share mascara or other cosmetics
- Throw your eye makeup away after six months
- Don’t use dirty, old or potentially contaminated cosmetics
- Follow proper hygiene practices when applying eye makeup
DIY eyelash extensions aren't worth the risk
DIY lash extensions may be tempting to try at home. After all, they’re marketed as convenient, budget-friendly and easy to use. But the risks of infection and injury should outweigh those factors when it comes to your long-term eye health.
With increased sensitivity around your eyes, using the wrong tools or products can cause a problem in a short period of time. It’s best to use professional lash services or another alternative with fewer risks than an at-home kit.
If you experience complications from at-home lash extensions, or notice any pain, redness, or vision changes after application or removal, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Prompt assessment and treatment are key to avoiding additional complications.
