Lashes speak louder than words

By Sanmari Swart

Editor: Marcelle Jordaan

We all have them, we all love them, but we all wish they could be fuller and longer.
Lash extensions have boomed within the South African Beauty Industry the past few years and has fast become just as popular as getting your nails done. Once you have it, you cannot stop applying it. It’s a #LashAddiction.

Firstly, it’s important to know how the lash procedure works.
To ensure that your lashes last, you need to come prepared to your appointment. By following the next steps, you are setting your lash extensions up for success.

• A step up from not wearing any mascara or eye make-up to your appointment is to not even wear eye make-up the day before. Mascara can be a b…….astard to wash off. Even if the Lash Extension therapist attempts to wash it off, there will still be some product residue left which will influence the longevity of your Lash Extensions.
• Use the restroom before you lay down to get lashed. We all know it’s not pleasant having to go to the restroom when you can’t. Once you lay down you cannot get up or open your eyes for the duration of the procedure.
• Come tired and ready to relax or to sleep. If you are a person that does not like to sleep during the day, bring some earphones and a killer playlist.
• During COVID time, most salons try to keep everything as hygienically clean as possible and thus avoid putting sheets on the bed. Bring your own blanket so that you are as comfy as possible during your appointment.
• A special word of advice to contact lens wearers: don’t wear contacts to your appointment. Some of the liquids used may be harmful to the lenses and as a bonus, this ensures that you don’t have to fiddle with a freshly applied set of lashes when you must remove your contacts later on..

Now that you know what to do before getting lashed, we move onto some aftercare tips. A lash artist doing a perfect job with your application really doesn’t mean much if you don’t look after your lashes. You can compare this with the post-op instructions you get from your surgeon. In the same manner, failing to comply to the post-lash instructions might earn you a trip to the hospital.. just kidding, BUT it is very important to look after your lashes so that you get as much bang for your buck as possible.

Here are a few guidelines on how to take care of your lashes after your lash procedure:

• Do not wet your lashes within the first hour after your procedure. This might weaken the glue and cause your lashes to fall out very early.
• Do not take a shower or go for a sauna the evening after your appointment or the next morning. The steam can weaken the glue. Ag and babe, we all know you do not need an excuse to take a long, relaxing bath.. no judgement!
• After 24 hours you should still avoid steam as much as possible to improve the longevity of your lashes.
• Have you ever noticed your one eye has more lashes than the other? Well, that’s because we all have a favourite side we sleep on.

If possible, try to sleep on your back the first night after your procedure, as it’s very important to avoid abrasion during the night.

• To help to avoid abrasion, it’s totally recommended to purchase a satin face mask or satin pillowcase. This will help the lashes not to hook on any rough surfaces and as a bonus, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a 5-star hotel! To purchase KiCoco satin pillowcases, click here.
• A very important tip is to avoid any oil-based cleansers, creams, and lotions on the lash area as any oily substance will dissolve the bonds. Use an oil free cleanser to remove eye make-up.
• Speaking of eye make-up, PLEASE do not use mascara over your lash extensions! You will only cause it to stick together and look messy, not even thinking about the hassle to remove the mascara.
• Last, but most definitely the most important point, you MUST clean your lashes at least 2 to 3 times a week. In saying this remember to make sure you clean it with a cleanser that has an ingredient in that will prevent mites living and breeding in your hair follicles. If your lash artist does not have a cleanser available for you to purchase, a good option is the Naviblef Daily Care which you can find at your local pharmacy.

Lash extensions will stay beautiful and last a decent amount of time, only if your care for them decently. Beautiful lashes only start with the lash extension artist, but how you care for your lashes is even more important than the skill and talent of the lash technician. So, do not take fuller, longer lashes for granted- take care of them and they will stay beautiful until your next 2–3-week fill.

About Sanmari Swart:

She is the owner of Twin Brow Hustle and an Intradermal Cosmetic Specialist. She has been practicing permanent make-up and lash extensions for almost 3 years. For more information contact her at 0822635948 or visit her Instagram page @the_twin_brow_hustle