Eye Lash Lengthening: New Techniques Replace Dangerous Practices
The beauty industry is putting eyelashes front and center, advertising products that promise to volumize, lengthen and give you the perfect pair of eyes.
They say your eyes are the window to your soul, so it’s no wonder women try all kinds of beauty products to make their eyes stand out.
Can these beauty routines pose a health risk?
Dr. Clifford Brown is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and he has noticed how much women are focusing on their lashes.
“A lot of people are asking about the fake lashes or eyelash extensions,” he said “Everybody wants to be like Lady Gaga now, you know. It’s true.”
False eyelashes have been a beauty standby for years. They’re cheap and easy to find in a variety of styles and colors at the local drug store.
But applying them can be a messy and complicated process.
Dr. Brown says if used the wrong way, they can be dangerous.
“What they don’t realize is this is a prosthetic device, and when they set it out, the bacteria count on this thing it’s still ticking,” he said.
This can cause inflammation, and you can lose your natural lashes — something you want to avoid, since our lashes are a natural defense against dust, dirt and sunlight.
So, some women are turning to semi-permanent eyelash extensions in order to minimize the risk of lash loss and simplify their routine.
Crete has been applying extensions on her clients for the last 10 years, and hears three common complaints about the traditional extensions. The price, the time involved and they weren’t full enough.”
She recently started using a new technique she calls, Rapid Lash, using the crown or v-lash — the newest extension on the market.
“It’s made of a synthetic fiber and has a tapered edge to make them look similar to a natural eyelash.”
Crown lashes only take 30 to 45 minutes to apply, unlike individual eyelash extensions, which can take between 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Crete tells us, “these are a little lighter than the traditional eyelash extensions, so they can sit right on top, compared to the traditional way of putting them on where you can put on one eyelash and then attach it to the natural lash.”
She first heard about crown lashes from Jeannie Owens, the owner of Lash Out!, in La Jolla.
She’s one of the first to distribute them and tells us the crown lash extension is a popular subject on her beauty blog.
“Hey, this is a new thing, try it out,” she said. “I am using it and it’s working, and I’m getting great feedback.
“If i was getting bad feedback from my clients, i wouldn’t be promoting it, but they actually come into me and say can you put those crown lashes on me,” she said.
Debbie Lloyd is a local nurse looking for a no-fuss way to frame her eyes and is one of those ladies stepping up to bat a new set of lashes.
“I like the natural everyday look,” she said.
Within 45 minutes, Debbie’s lashes double in length and volume and she says it really does completely change the look of my face.
If you think an eyelash make-over is for you, it’s important to do your homework.
Look for on-line testimonials from a certified eyelash extension specialist, who uses formaldehyde-free glue and performs an allergy test before applying any lashes.
And remember, you get what you pay for: cheaper isn’t always better.
Lloyd says, “other than that, it makes life a lot easier you don’t have to apply mascara or use an eyelash curler just get up put on your lipstick and go!”
Dr. Brown agrees, saying it’s taken a messy process and streamlined it for women.
“In our society, hair is especially among females, a form of expression and tell as much about you as what you say,” he said. “And if eyelashes do that for you, then I’m all for it.”
Rapid Lash typically runs between $75 and $95.
Like individual eyelash extensions, you should have them filled in every 2 to 3 weeks and that runs around $30.
At the same time, you can throw out your mascara and eyelash curler.
Spa 10 at Jake Turner Salon www.thespa10.com
Lash Out Pro www.lashoutpro.com
Dr. Clifford Brown 760-200-9909
