Are eyelashes extensions worth it?

Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent eyelash enhancer that uses synthetic or natural fibers to increase the length, curl, or volume of natural eyelashes. Eyelash extensions work, plain and simple. They can enhance just about anyone's eyelashes, meaning you'll wake up with denser, longer, darker lashes, but not without paying the price. Extensions are expensive, and even if you do everything you're supposed to do when it comes to aftercare, it's very possible that you'll suffer some damage to your natural eyelashes, such as breakages and falls.

But that said, eyelashes are hair after all, and in most cases, they'll grow back within a few weeks. In terms of safety, dermatologists compare eyelash extensions to acrylic nails; they're not necessarily good for your health, but they're not likely to cause serious health problems either, so you may decide that the aesthetics of the extensions outweigh the possible side effects (which usually include irritation, infection, and allergic reactions). If you plan to have eyelash extensions, ask a licensed esthetician to apply them to you to avoid these side effects. They practically disappeared at the same time, except last week.

Moral of the story: pay attention to your eyelashes and try not to spend more than 3 to 4 weeks between fillers at most and you shouldn't have any problems. Eyelash extensions aren't dangerous or harmful, as long as the technician follows the right methods and uses the right materials. If you feel that the mascara isn't enough and you're okay with the extra maintenance and money that eyelash extensions require, it's definitely worth finding a specialist and going to a consultation, in my opinion. My decision to put on eyelash extensions is due to the same idea: to want a simple look with minimal effort in the morning.

Finally, since eyelash extensions aren't permanent, you'll need to schedule an appointment to refill your eyelashes every two weeks. I don't usually use mascara or curl my eyelashes, but I couldn't help but be intrigued to know what the eyelash extensions would look like. So when eyelash extensions started to become popular, I didn't take a break before booking an appointment. If you're looking for a bold, defined lash line with or without eye makeup, then eyelash extensions are definitely worth it.

By eliminating the need to wear mascara, eyelash extensions provide an instant renewal to your look and often eliminate the need to wear makeup entirely. The result was great (I woke up with bangs full of eyelashes and went to work without wearing any makeup), but after a week I started waking up with my pillowcase covered with eyelashes, both extensions and my own natural eyelashes. One of the scariest things about eyelash extensions is that the process is not regulated in some states, such as Alabama, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho and Wisconsin.

Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent eyelashes that are glued by hand over natural eyelashes, says Andra Marin, artistic director and expert eyelash stylist at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique in New York. All eyelashes are in a different phase at any given time, which means that some of them are preparing to fall out, while others are experiencing a period of growth (this is true whether you have eyelash extensions or not).

Marlene Manwaring
Marlene Manwaring

Infuriatingly humble twitter geek. Freelance internet practitioner. Hipster-friendly food maven. Subtly charming beer buff. Award-winning zombie geek.