askpixie.

What I know about eyelash extensions, eyelash glue, and the whole long eyelash craze in general:

First off, I am not answering any more questions about eyelash extensions. If you wish to forward me more information on the subject, I will be more than happy to add it to this page.

The actual function of askpixie is as an advice column for my website, www(dot)pixiemartin(dot)com, but a lot of people have made eyelash extension queries, and a lot of other people have answered them, so they all got an area of their own.

What I can tell you is that I am a licensed cosmetologist, but I have never actually performed this procedure.

I also don't do cosmetics or skincare services, but I do technically know some things about cosmetics and skincare, and could theoretically do them.

I live in Chicago, and I have no idea where you can get eyelash extensions done anywhere, nor do I know about where you can get trained to do them or buy supplies, beyond the places that I'm listing here.

And, everything I have personally learned about eyelash extensions online, beyond that which has been volunteered, has been gleaned from google searches, and shared with you here.

It takes some time, but that's where the majority of the answers to people's questions come from, which means you do have the power to find this information for yourself.

Basically, I don't know anything about this service at all. I'm only sharing what I've read or been told.

So, here's the poop, in chronological order:

07.05.03

Do you know of any schools where they teach this method that I can go in and have this done for a fraction being that it's students? in New York. also, in New York, where can I get permament eyelash extensions put on?-- Marcella

Regarding eyelash extensions, I haven't found anything about permanent ones. I can't imagine how they'd be permanent unless they were implants, and that's just unlikely. I've seen the process described as follows:

"For new lash-extension services, aestheticians apply a special long-lasting glue to adhere human hair directly to natural lashes...You won't have to bother layering on mascara, applying falsies, or wrangling with a lash curler for one to four weeks."

The general wear-time seems to be around two weeks.

What I have found, from http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/shopping/fashion/columns/gothamstyle/3511/:

"Lashing Out
J. Sisters, the salon most famous for removing hair, is getting into the business of putting it back on. At the recent American Fashion Awards, Naomi Campbell was overheard raving about her eyelash extensions to Liz Hurley, and Fatima Wadhy of J. Sisters counts Princess Firyal of Jordan as another client. Unlike faux lashes that are glued onto the eyelid, these individual extensions adhere to the roots of your natural lashes. The look can last anywhere from ten days to a month, but Wadhy warns: "No mascara." You don't want to look like a graduate of the Tammy Faye Bakker School of Cosmetology."

J. Sisters website is: http://www.jsisters.com/, and the procedure runs $60.

-- pixie

11.01.03

I'm considering getting eyelash extensions...but I heard that it makes your natural eyelashes weak and broken. Is this true? and can you still apply mascara to your eyelashes with the extensions on? Would you reccomend getting it?

Jean

Honestly, I don't know a whole lot about eyelash extensions. From what I understood having read about them, I was under the impression that they were essentially false lashes that you wore for a month at a time without reapplying glue.

As to how this effects your actually lashes, I wouldn't know, but I would imagine that you could still wear mascara either way. Personally, it sounds like an awful silly waste of money considering all of the very good mascaras out there now that fatten and lengthen lashes.

If you do give it a whirl, drop me a line and let me know more about how it works.

-- pixie

06.12.04

Hi, I'm a Hair/Makeup stylish. And I'm having a hard time finding a good permanent eyelash glue, or at least one that can hold up to 2 weeks. Can you help me find a Manufacturer that makes one. Thank you

Laurel

I recently asked my hair stylist about getting eyelash extensions. She was wondering in there were workshops that she could take to learn how to do them. There is no local salon around here that does them. We live in OH and I would hate to have to drive 2hrs to Columbus to get the extensions done.

Stacie :)

I have seen alot of information about eyelash extensions but nothing about who provides training for this procedure. Could you please help me with this?

Thank You
Heather Rogers

Hello Pixie!!!

I hope that you're able to help me with my problem since you are so informative.

I am very much interested in learning to apply eyelash extensions(professionally) but am unable to locate a school or beauty salon that teaches the course.

Please help! Your time and assistance is greatly appreciated!!!!

Rosalind W.

I am a Spa Director in Canada and one client mentioned the latest craze about lash extensions. Could you tell me where to get the materials to perform this service?

Nadia

Pixie, What is a real true lasting glue? I have tried Duo etc...how is the permanent lash glue different? What is the brand? Many of my students want to know...I have not found one to date. Pamela T.
Makeup Artsist New York City

Flash back time:

07.05.03

Do you know of any schools where they teach this method that I can go in and have this done for a fraction being that it's students? in New York. also, in New York, where can I get permament eyelash extensions put on?-- Marcella

Regarding eyelash extensions, I haven't found anything about permanent ones. I can't imagine how they'd be permanent unless they were implants, and that's just unlikely. I've seen the process described as follows:

"For new lash-extension services, aestheticians apply a special long-lasting glue to adhere human hair directly to natural lashes...You won't have to bother layering on mascara, applying falsies, or wrangling with a lash curler for one to four weeks."

The general wear-time seems to be around two weeks.

What I have found, from http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/shopping/fashion/columns/gothamstyle/3511/:

"Lashing Out
J. Sisters, the salon most famous for removing hair, is getting into the business of putting it back on. At the recent American Fashion Awards, Naomi Campbell was overheard raving about her eyelash extensions to Liz Hurley, and Fatima Wadhy of J. Sisters counts Princess Firyal of Jordan as another client. Unlike faux lashes that are glued onto the eyelid, these individual extensions adhere to the roots of your natural lashes. The look can last anywhere from ten days to a month, but Wadhy warns: "No mascara." You don't want to look like a graduate of the Tammy Faye Bakker School of Cosmetology."

J. Sisters website is: http://www.jsisters.com/, and the procedure runs $60.

-- pixie

And another flashback:

11.01.03

I'm considering getting eyelash extensions...but I heard that it makes your natural eyelashes weak and broken. Is this true? and can you still apply mascara to your eyelashes with the extensions on? Would you reccomend getting it?

Jean

Honestly, I don't know a whole lot about eyelash extensions. From what I understood having read about them, I was under the impression that they were essentially false lashes that you wore for a month at a time without reapplying glue.

As to how this effects your actually lashes, I wouldn't know, but I would imagine that you could still wear mascara either way. Personally, it sounds like an awful silly waste of money considering all of the very good mascaras out there now that fatten and lengthen lashes.

If you do give it a whirl, drop me a line and let me know more about how it works.

-- pixie

Fastforwarding to the present, since I last touched on this topic, here's what little new info I've found:

From In Style, by Molly Shannon, Superstar:

"Eyelash extensions
J. Sisters International, 35 West 57th street 212-750-2485
I love lashes. They make me feel like such a la-a-a-a-dy! I have very short ones, so when I get makeup done, I always ask for a few individual lashes for that extra forties glamour. I don't know how to apply them myself, so I am thrilled when I find out I can go to a place like J. Sisters and get them put on for $50. Fatima Waehy, my lash technician, tells me they will last for two weeks. I can go swimming, wash my face, and I won't need to wear eye makeup. (If I want to take them off, all I need is some oil free makeup remover.) Here's how the ½ hour procedure works: Fatima dyes each lash to match my own before picking it up with a tweezer and gluing it into my lashes (hanging from the tweezer they look like daddy longlegs- scary!) She adds one lash at a time, putting on a total of 12 lashes per eye- and she doesn't poke my eye out once. All I feel is a tiny bit of pressure. False eyelashes can sometimes feel horribly artificial, but these don't feel fake or heavy. In fact, it's hard to tell the fake ones from the real ones. I feel like Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard or Garbo in one of her cool black-and-white head shots. When I was little I used to get all dressed up and practice different poses, pretending to be a model. These sure would have helped back then!"

Also, according to the site, http://www.pizazz5thave.com/false_eyelashes.htm, Ardell makes "LashTite Adhesive, designed for use with DuraLash individual lashes. This adhesive is waterproof and ensures that Duralashes remain securely and comfortably attached, day after day for up to 6 weeks."

I am imagining that your personal mileage may vary. However, considering that this is the first brand I've seen anywhere online that says it can be worn for weeks on end, I don't know what else to say. Incidentally, I sent an email to a salon that offers the service in my general area, to see if they'd pony up a product name or distributor for me to share, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that one. (and, as predicted, they didn't.)

Good luck, kids.

-- pixie

06.18.05

(I know that I said that I wasn't going to answer anymore TR queries on here, and that wasn't a lie. However, if other people want to give tidbits of advice to my readership, I'm more than happy to facilitate the knowledge transference. And since I still know diddly about eyelash extension stuff beyond what I've been told, here's the rest of the info I've been sent. -- pixie)

<deleted stuff about TR. If you want to read it, read the entire entry.>

I noticed your site and just wanted to extend some information:
www.foxelashes.com - lash extensions last up to 60 days. I provide training and kits.

Regards,
Meme Rhee
www.foxelashes.com

Regarding Eyelash Extensions:

I would like to add one more bit of information. Many people complain
about the price of extensions and seek out the bargin. Make sure they
are using real asian glue and the strand by strand method or you aren't
getting the real deal. My glue is about $90 per bottle and lashes cost
about $35 to $80 per container. So be carefull, there are those who
offer eyelash extensions but they aren't using these unique supplies.
You pay less but you get only a couple weeks of wear and perhaps some
damaged eyelashes as well.

I sell the kits, instruct licensed beauty professionals and offer
eyelash extensions to my clients here in Nevada. This method is a strand
by strand bonding method. Each lash has its own extension. Now we don't
use the so called individual lashed with 3 or more lashes attached to a
tiny bulb. It is truely one hair at a time. As the client sheds their
own natural lashes they shed their extension. The glue is nothing like
anything you can buy at the store or any beauty supply. My glue bonds
for about 3 months. You naturally shed your natural lash before this
glue looses its bond. Your eyelashes do not become damaged from the
glue. Breakage is almost always due to the client pulling. Rubbing or
using harsh cleansers. This method is very simple to learn but it takes
a skilled hand with a good eye for detail. 1 to 2 hours it how long this
process takes. Never can you get this glue in the eyes and you just can
not make a mistake. A mistake can not be undone.

It you have any quesstions. Need trainning or kits let me know.

Theresa Garcia
Theresagarcia10@yahoo.com
775-513-6646
Tg

Eyelash Extension Information:

I have seen a lot of questions about eyelash extensions on here, go to lavishlashes.com and buy a kit that includes a DVD for applying lashes or inquire if they have a professional near you or if you want to be a professional. The glue is great and lasts for over a month!

Larra G.

07.02.05

Okay, I wasn't planning on this sort of response, but now more people are giving me eyelash extension information, and I feel it's my obligation to share it with all of the people that have asked for it, since I seem to be one of the only reliable sources of info about it on der interweb.

Seriously, this is all I know, and I can't answer anything else about it:

Re: Eyelash extensions.

I personally prefer Novalash lash extensions for my salon. I tryed other company, but Novalash lashes are much thicker and shinier. And glue lasts as long as you say if not longer. Besides they acually develop some things themselves, not just getting everything from Asia.

Forgot to add. The asian lashe extensions are of different quality too, dont opt for skinny ones. glue has to come with MSDS othervise it is against the law in USA.

Andrea

Dear Pixie,

I ran across your posts regarding eyelash extensions and wanted to pass on some info. I represent a company called StudioLash. Our eyelash extensions are made of silk protein and are individually bonded to the clients own eyelashes with our proprietary glue. When properly applied, the bond should last until the natural lash sheds - up to two months.

We are currently scheduling certification classes across the country.  In most cases, we can book a class in any city as long as we have at least 5 participants who purchase our professional kit and register for the class (class cost is $200.00). We are also looking for educators and sales representatives.

If anyone is interested in more information or would like me to email our product brochure and price list, please contact me at Trulyshel(at)cox.net. Our website should be online soon. I'll get in touch with you as soon as it is up and running!

Many thanks!
Emme W.

Hi Pixie-

I own a distribution company that sells kits and training. The glue that I sell definitely last for more than 2 weeks, and my kit does come with an American produced and Directed Training DVD-very easy to understand.

As far as in person training, I am in Southern California, and my company has not yet made it to other parts of the country. Sorry L

Best of Luck, and please feel free to visit my website, call me or e-mail me with any questions in regards to the procedure.

Best,
Barbara Barbara(at)eyelash-extensions.com
www.eyelash-extensions.com
(714) 235-1645

I'm starting to miss the days when I didn't know anything about lash extensions. Kind of like when I didn't know anything about TR.

Now I'm probably going to have to make a special link for all the eyelash extension information too, like I did with the TR.

Oh, hell. I might as well. I'm on vacation...

- pixie, 07.02.05

Okay, I'm sharing this because this is the answer you're going to get if you ask me anything else about this subject after this point:

Hi, I've been searching the intenet looking for a manufacturer of the human hair eyelash extension or fake eyelashes. You seem to have the  most information that I have found so far. I would appreciate it if you know where I can buy the lashes and glue. Most places want to sell you a kit for 250.00. I'ts a real rip off for what they are giving you.  If anybody out there has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks PJ

Also, according to the site, http://www.pizazz5thave.com/false_eyelashes.htm, Ardell makes "LashTite Adhesive, designed for use with DuraLash individual lashes. This adhesive is waterproof and ensures that Duralashes remain securely and comfortably attached, day after day for up to 6 weeks."

This information comes courtesy of www.pixiemartin.com/eepixie.htm.

-- pixie

Thanks for the information. I talked to a lady from california, she said no to use human hair lashes for extensions. She said the polyester ones hold up better and last longer. She said she has been doing this for 30 yrs. Do you know anything about that? (PJ)

As I don't do the service, have never been trained to do the service, and have never personally had the service done on me, I don't know anything about it beyond what little I've shared on www.pixiemartin.com/eepixie.htm.

I'm really happy for you that want to do this service, but I'm not the proper authority to be asking about it. Which is why I directed you to the page -- it clearly states on there that I'm not an expert in the service, I don't know very much about it, I'm not answering any more questions about eyelash extensions, and that there are better sources of info out there than me.

I write a tongue-in-cheek advice column, but people keep asking me questions cosmetology/aesthetics questions that I try to answer to the best of my ability.

Good luck,
pixie

Pixie,

I couldn't contact you through your website. 

Hope this makes it.   

I saw you've had numerous inquires about permanent lash extension, but didn't know much about it.  Here's some info for your readers:   Permanent lash extentions are percurled, synthetic lashes of varying lengths which are glued, one by one, to your individual lashes near their base with a colored cyanoacrylate adhesive (basically, Super Glue).  Unless you soften the adhesive with oils, break the lashes, strip them off, or pull them out with your own lashes, they should stay on as long as the lash remains.  Lashes cycle every 100 days or so.  Therefor, they must be touched up or replenished every 4-6 weeks.  Initially, about 40 lashes (20 /eye) will be applied.  Touch up visits are typically half as much.  

These lash extensions literally make your lashes twice as long and add volume to your lashes.  You can wear mascara over them, but only water soluble mascara is recommended, so that you don't strip the lash while removing the mascasa.  In many cases, however, wearing the lashes should lessen the need for mascasa.  

To get the ultimate effect, and get rid of your mascara altogether, you should also consider getting permanent makeup.  Permanent makeup is a cosmetic  tattooing procedure that simulates conventional cosmetics with tattoo materials and methodologies.  Permanent color at the base of your lashes will make them look thicker and fuller, as if you were wearing mascara.  But it won't make short lashes longer, or light lashes darker.  That's why the combination of the two is the absolute best way to go.  

I'm Chicagoland's top permanent cosmetic artist, as well as a Hollywood and Chicago theatrical makeup artist.  I have recently begun offering the lash extentions to my permanent cosmetic clients in my Oak Park and Wilmette offices.   For more information about me, visit my website at www.bestpermanentmakeup.com,  or email me at jlylesegal@aol.com.  

Best,  
Jeff

Thank you, Jeff.

I am making your offering HUGE on my site, so maybe people will stop asking me things I don't know about services I keep saying over and over that I know nothing about.

Now they can bug you silly.

pixie

Here are some words of warning. There are some adhesives out there that have been causing problems. I have been getting reports on the adhesives as not only causing the clients eyes to watter but also causing blurred vision, burning eyelids and eye infections. There are some companies importing cheap superglue type adhesives. Be carefull with the bargin kits and glue. Not all asian companies are bad. In fact the big 3 american based lash companies import all their product from the same company I import from. We can request special formulations but the basic formula stays the same. Its tried and true. We all charge around $75 too $120 for adhesive. This is the norm. When you see $99 full kits or $20 adhesive be carefull! If you take a wiff of the glue and it burns your nose and eyes start watering Don't put it on your eyes. Don't put it on a client.  Do a patch test first.

Tg

Thank you, Tg.

I'll totally pass that along to my peeps.

pixie

Hi Pixie!    I ran across your site doing a google search...I'm a licensed aesthetician in Chicago and I do lash extensions...I'd be more than happy to answer questions for anyone inquiring if you feel comfortable...directing those people to me.  

Best,

Rashida B. Owner/Talent, The B Spot
1471 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, Illinois 60622
www.thebspot-chicago.com - 866 275.9166  

"It's not because things are difficult that we dare not, it's because we dare not that things are difficult." Seneca

Rashida,

I will totally take you up on that offer. People ask me stuff all the time, and since I have my own naturally long, lush lashes, I don't know a whole lot about the technology of your service because I don't do it, and haven't had it done.

pixie

Pixie,

I am one of two people in the New York region that does the individual lash extensions.

The glue that I use doesn't fume. A lot of the business is having the common sense to know when not to load up a lash with a weight it can't take.

If you would like to tell your readers about my service they can reach me at the salon at the link below. The are some before and after photos of some of my clients. The one at the bottom was a woman with very damaged lashes from another salon.

The service runs $450 for an initial application. It comes with a complimentary touch-up 2-3 weeks thereafter in case there are any allergies, etc. Normally I advise the client to come back for maintenance at $100.00 every 4-6 weeks. Even though the lashes can usually last up to 60 days it doesn't look as fabulous since the growth of the new lash is exposed. It's like tinting your lashes.....no one wants to see the blonde grow in.
Hope that some of this helps.

Best regards,
Mary S.

http://www.maryschook.com/lashes/index.html

and

Hi, Pixie!  

I somehow came upon your information and questions regarding eyelash extensions.   

I am involved with a company called Eyelashes by E in the Los Angeles area.  We have the BEST in product quality and our glue is non-irritant and the final results and just beautiful!  

We train licensed professionals in the application of long-term lashes that last anywhere from 4-6 weeks, with an occasional need for a touch-up.  We can also recommend salons in various areas that use our product and have been adequately trained by us.  

If you would like further information to pass on to your readers, please contact me!   I look forward to hearing from you!  I can be contacted at (818) 620-8970.   

Denise C.
Director of Marketing
Eyelashes by E

Mary and Denise, done and done-ish.

I'm not contacting you for more info, but I'm making the info available to the public.

Prepare for an influx of queries.

pixie

Hi,     I have been trying to find single eyelashes and have not been able to find manufactuers and disturbutors that sell them. I am looking to buy them in bulk and was wondering if you know of anyone that could help me.                                                                 Michelle A.

Look kids, I'm not trying to be hostile, but enough is enough.

Honestly, I have no idea.  As I don't do the service, have never been trained to do the service, and have never personally had the service done on me, I don't know anything about it beyond what little I've shared on www.pixiemartin.com/eepixie.htm.   Which is why I direct you to the above link -- it clearly states on there that I'm not an expert in the service, I don't know very much about it, I'm not answering any more questions about eyelash extensions, and that there are better sources of info out there than me.

I write a tongue-in-cheek advice column, but people keep asking me questions cosmetology/aesthetics questions that I try to answer to the best of my ability.

You might try and ask one of the numerous people who have had volunteered information on the topic, most of them with an email address or site available to access from the above forementioned link.

Good luck,
pixie

P.S. Rashida says:

Hi
Try http://www.eyelashextensions.com   Janebeauty.com, I don't believe either of these require you to buy the entire kit...

Could you please tell me help me find a salon and/or spa or spas that use Novalash Eyelash extensions.  

Thank you.  

Stacy B.

<snip - contact info, etc.>

AND

I just had eyelash extensions done yesterday.  Paid a lot of money for them and am not happy.  At least 6 fell out today and they do nothing to enhance my appearance.  I also read that you should'nt apply mascara and not to get them wet for at least two days.  If I want to take them off myself what do I do.  Don't want to go back to the salon where I had them done.

See above response to Michelle A.'s query.

pixie

 

do you have a question for askpixie? tough. she's not answering any more queries.

(if you want to know about some form of thermal relaxing, click here. )
&
(if you want to know what I know about eyelash extensions, click here.)

If pixie can't help, you're screwed.™