Myths About Eyelash Extensions You Should Stop Believing

Eyelash extensions are one of the greatest inventions of the beauty world. What's not to love about them? You get gorgeous Bambi lashes that stay put for weeks and you can forgo mascara while rocking semi-permanent falsies. What we love about eyelash extensions is that they're not one-size-fits-all so you can custom tailor yours to look however you want. They can also change the appearance of your eyes. For example, if you want an elongated cat-eye look, longer lashes can be placed on the outer corners, while extending the lashes toward the middle will make your eyes appear wider.

If you're a newbie to lash extensions, you may be hesitant to try them out of fear that they'll damage your natural eyelashes or appear too fake. Fear not — lash tech and founder of D'Lashes Lash & Wellness Spa, Dionne Phillips, exclusively shared with Glam several myths about eyelash extensions you shouldn't believe. As an expert who has worked on the faces of celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Lindsay Lohan, Phillips knows the ins and outs of the false lash world, and she's here to dispel any hesitation you have in getting your next set.

One of the biggest fears surrounding eyelash extensions is that they'll harm your real lashes, making them eventually fall out. Although lash extensions have risks, lash expert Dionne Phillips exclusively told us, "No, they don't ruin your natural lashes. Especially if you're not tugging, pulling, or rubbing your lashes. With the right technique from the lash tech and the correct aftercare, your natural lashes stay healthy."

The key is to go to an experienced artist who ensures proper application. They should take the time to assess your natural lashes and tailor the eyelash extensions to your needs. Remember, always do your research and find a tech who knows what they're doing. And, as Phillips advised, it's up to you to follow the expert's instructions on aftercare. That means keeping your eye area free from anything that'll pull on your extensions. Don't forget that they are an investment so you'll want to keep them as pristine as possible until your next touch-up.

Those who regularly get eyelash extensions know they require work and upkeep. Just like your hair and nails, they need touch-ups — but not as often as you may think. Dionne Phillips shared with us, "They can last a lot longer with the right lash extension width to match the client's natural lash hair." As mentioned, aftercare plays a big part in your extensions lasting longer before your next appointment. "When clients follow the right routine and I customize the glue and materials for your natural lash type, you can enjoy them for three to four weeks before a touch-up," Phillips stated.

To make your extensions last longer, gently clean and brush them every day. You'll want to keep natural oils from your face away from them, as well as heavy moisturizers and products containing alcohol. Don't worry if you experience a bit of fallout. That's normal as your natural lashes shed, taking the individual extensions along with them. However, you shouldn't be losing more than five a day.

Many beauty mavens love to go all out with lash extensions and have them as thick and long as possible. While there's certainly nothing wrong with luxe lashes, not all extensions have to look like that. According to spa owner Dionne Phillips, it's all about the technique. "I tailor each set to your unique eye shape, lash texture, and lifestyle, ensuring your lashes look natural and feel light as a feather," she exclusively told Glam.

Aside from length and thickness, your lash tech will also ask you how much of a curl you want. A "J curl" will give you a subtle lift but if you want sky-high lashes, a "U curl" is the way to go. And if you want full-on drama, you can always ask for Russian volume lash extensions. With so many options, you definitely don't have to worry about walking out of your lash appointment looking like everyone else.

Eyelash extensions have come a long way since they were first popularized in the early 2000s, and there are now more options than just using fake-looking sets. Premium lash techs will only use the best materials and give you several options. For example, our lash expert, Dionne Phillips, only uses custom-made silk fiber extensions on her clients, as they look and feel like natural lashes. According to her, faux mink and silk lashes are top tier, and she never uses cheap plastic ones. "Each material is chosen based on your lash health to give you a comfortable and beautiful finish," she promised us.

That's not to say that synthetic eyelash extensions are undesirable, as long as they're not made of heavy acrylics, which look harsh. Dramatic lash lovers will want them, as they give extra oomph to the eyes, while silk and mink give the most feathery look that mimics your real lashes.

When researching lash techs, you may be tempted to go with the cheapest price. After all, weren't they all trained the same way? Lash expert Dionne Phillips exclusively told us that this is absolutely untrue. "Experience makes all the difference! I've lashed thousands of clients over two decades now, and I know it's not just about applying lashes." She continued, "It's about technique, glue selection, and understanding how to make those extensions with shape to ensure that they will last longer on your natural lashes."

With lash extensions, you don't want to make the mistake of going to a rookie. Sure, everyone needs to start somewhere. However, if the extensions are not applied correctly, you're out of a few hundred dollars, and your natural lashes will be at risk. If you're still on the fence about lash extensions, you can grow your lashes to new heights with our tips. But, with all these myths debunked by Phillips, there's no reason not to get a fab set — as long as it's with a pro.