Before you rush a salon appointment, take a minute to go over some eyelash extension pros and cons. It can feel like a downer when you’re craving the instant gratification of sensational lashes but it’ll do you – and your lashes – good in the long run.
Instantly longer, thicker eyelashes are tempting as hell. No curling, no mascara – just a full set of head-turning lashes? No wonder lash extensions are so popular.
Add to that the fact that there are a bevy of options these days, in various colors, styles, lengths, thicknesses, and materials so you can get whatever look you want, and lash extensions make a whole lot of sense.
But, as much as eyelash extensions can be an amazing addition to anyone’s lash repertoire, there are just as many reasons to stick with your natural lashes as there are to go for extensions.
It all depends on what you’re going for, and what you’re personally most comfortable with. So, to help you wade through the sea of conflicting information and too many choices, here’s a handy list of some of the most important eyelash extension pros and cons to consider before getting that set you’ve been eyeballing (pun intended!).
Eyelash Extensions PRO: Glamor for Special Occasions
One advantage of false lashes is that they can deliver a glamorous “pop” unlike anything you could ever get with your real lashes and makeup alone. If playing it safe and looking super natural isn’t a concern for you, you can get false lashes with incredible thickness, voluptuous curl, unbelievable lengths, and even a bit of shine.
When it comes to adding a dramatic oomph to your facial features – nothing will do that for you quite like a full luscious set of extensions, making them perfect for special occasions.
Eyelash Extensions CON: Messing with Glue
Let’s face it, glue is messy, and the kind that comes with false lashes is no exception. Not only might you get it stuck to your fingers if doing it at home, but even technicians aren’t perfect, and might have an accident and get glue somewhere you don’t want it.
Further, if the glue touches this skin – which it’s not supposed to as it’s meant to only adhere to the lashes themselves, there is a chance for irritation and nasty reactions.
This is why it’s super important to not spring for the cheapest lash extension deal but instead shop around for a skilled, qualified lash technician ’cause mistakes can happen and you don’t want them to occur so close to your eyes!
In case you already ended up going to a horrible lash extension technician, here’s a guide to remove eyelash extensions at home.
Eyelash Extensions PRO: Convenience
Sick of having to apply mascara every single day? Well, lash extensions definitely make that a thing of the past. You simply lie back while a lash technician goes to work transforming your lashes into a thick, full, luscious fringe – you can even nap while they’re at it.
Afterwards, you experience the luxury of waking up each morning to fabulous lashes that require pretty much no work. No curlers, no mascara – you probably won’t even need an eyeliner.
Eyelash Extensions CON: Your Mileage may Vary
How good your falsies look, and how badly they mess with your real eyelashes, depends to a large degree on skill and luck. Even professional eyelash technicians vary in skill and attention to detail so read reviews, make sure the salon or technician checks out and again, don’t just choose based on price!
Eyelash Extensions PRO: Choices Galore
Eyelash extensions now come in all kinds of styles, colors, and materials, each uniquely suited for a particular look, meaning there’s something for just about everyone and any occasion.
If you want magnificent volume and brilliance, synthetic/acrylic lashes have got your back. If you’d rather a more subtle glamor, faux mink or silk might suit you better. If you want lashes that look like they’re natural yours – but oh, so much better – mink and sable are the way to go.
Whatever look you’re trying to achieve, there’s a set of false lashes just for it waiting for you to discover them.
Eyelash Extensions CON: Potential Damage
False eyelashes can look amazing, but they come with the risk of potentially hurting your real lashes. The weight they put on your natural lashes can increase lash fallout, and the glue can make lashes brittle, leading to breakage.
If you use false lashes, you may find you become dependent on them, because when you remove them, your real lashes will be worse for wear, uneven, and sparse.
Eyelash Extensions CON: Cost and Maintenance
If you want falsies, be prepared that it’s a commitment in more ways than one. First off, they can be expensive, especially when you go for the high end types of eyelash extensions – the real mink and sable options can cost more than $500 per set!
Granted, there are cheap options, like the do-it-yourself falsie boxes you can pick up in drug stores. Those can be okay for a single night out, but if you want gorgeous, securely-applied lashes with staying power, you’ll need to go to a salon, and that isn’t cheap, not by a long shot.
Not to mention, the price you pay upfront isn’t the only expenditure you’ve got to consider; false lashes, like your real lashes, eventually get damaged, break, or just fall out. Unlike your real lashes, however, falsies don’t grow back, meaning if you’re really committed to false lashes, you have to keep paying for them to be repaired and replaced.
Not to mention, they’re glued to your real lashes, so they’ll gradually “migrate” as your lashes grow out, and need to be adjusted. In short: if you’re not prepared for a good deal of maintenance and expense, they can be a royal pain in the butt.
Eyelash Extension Pros and Cons: Are They Worth It?
Okay, now that you know all the eyelash extension pros and cons, you just want to know: are they worth it? Sure, lash extension can make your lashes look amazing without the need for daily eye makeup…but are they worth the trouble of going to the salon and forking over your hard-earned money for?
Well, you just got the roundup of eyelash extension pros and cons so you’re probably leaning one way or another.
Whether or not to spring for false eyelashes is a very personal choice and it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing decision. You may decide to try it out for a special occasion, like a wedding or a vacation, and see if you like it. Or you may decide you like the idea of longer, thicker lashes but would prefer them to be naturally yours, in which case, eyelash growth serums are your best bet.
Whatever you go with, make sure you’re comfortable with it, you know what to expect and choose the best place within your budget to do it at!
