Highlight your makeup-free look with eyelash extensions

One of the most common purposes of makeup is to draw attention to the eyes. Lashes are a big part of this process: the longer, curved and voluminous, the more highlighted the look.

To help in this mission, a series of products were developed that make all the difference – mascaras for all kinds of eyelashes, eyelash curlers, false eyelashes. However, we don’t always have the time (or the patience) needed to make the lashes fuller. And if your dream is to wake up every day with long, voluminous lashes without the need for mascara, eyelash extensions can be a great way to achieve what you want.

Eyelash stretching is a procedure that promises to make the lashes longer and with more volume. The difference is that the technique has a more natural result, without leaving that “makeup look”, and is more permanent than any other product: the stretching effect lasts for weeks.

“The biggest advantage is that with stretching, it is no longer necessary to use mascara or false eyelashes. In addition, the look is much more valued”, points out Claudia Fonseca, a professional at Walter’s Coiffeur Grande Rio. The professional recommends stretching for those who have very short eyelashes “but she likes to enhance the look from the eyelashes”.

The procedure is detailed and meticulous, but it is not a seven-headed bug and is increasingly popular, which makes it not difficult to find an establishment that offers this service in any region.

In this article, you will find tips and clarify the main doubts about eyelash extensions, as well as check out images of the results and tutorials to make your eyelashes more prominent at home.

Types of eyelash extensions

If you have decided to do eyelash extensions, the first step is to choose which effect you are looking for, which will influence the choice of the type of extension: the final effect is the main difference between the application methods.

As for the materials used, there are no differences. The extension is done with synthetic threads that mimic natural lashes, usually made of lightweight materials such as silk or mink. These wires are fixed next to the natural eyelashes with a specific glue for this procedure – which is not the same used to apply false eyelashes – and the help of tweezers.

For everything to work out, it is essential to have qualified and reliable professionals. “It’s a very delicate job, in a sensitive region, you have to be careful and responsible for a good result”, highlights Fonseca.

In addition to ensuring that the professional is trained, Claudia Aguiar, eyebrow designer at Corsica Studio, draws attention to another detail that should not be forgotten: “it is essential to use quality products”. Remember to make sure the location you choose uses good products – and not only should the synthetic lashes be checked, but also the glue!

Check out the main types of eyelash extensions found in Brazil.

Stretching thread by thread

Thread by thread stretching is the best known type of eyelash extension. In this technique, one synthetic thread is applied at a time, next to each of the natural lashes. It is possible to choose either the application of synthetic eyelashes along the entire length of the eyelid or the application only from the middle to the end, depending on the desired effect and the size of the natural lashes.

Russian volume stretching

The Russian volume stretching technique is especially suitable for those who want a more marked and dramatic effect on the lashes. Here, unlike applying one synthetic eyelash to each natural eyelash, several synthetics are applied to each natural eyelash. Depending on the desired effect, you can apply two to six strands at a time. Therefore, this type of extension is also called 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D or 6D – each corresponding to the amount of synthetic threads applied to each natural eyelash.

Sessions of both types last, on average, 1h30min. Prices vary greatly depending on the establishment, ranging from R$150.00 to R$250.00. Some professionals make a package with the cost of maintenance, ask if this is the case.

How to lengthen eyelashes at home

Those who don’t want to go through the professional stretching session can also take advantage of some tricks to make their lashes longer and highlighted at home, going beyond the way of applying the mascara and the use of false eyelashes and an eyelash curler. Check out some video tutorials of stretching techniques.

How to lengthen eyelashes with plush nail

Lorena Mansano teaches in the video how to lengthen eyelashes using nail plush and eyelash mask. The process is quite simple and leaves the strands longer and fuller. It is worth remembering that it is important to be careful when applying and anyone who has problems with allergies should do a test beforehand.

How to lengthen eyelashes with cotton

Tábata Rodrigues teaches a trick that is very easy to reproduce and that you only need an eyelash mask and cotton wool. The result is longer eyelashes and, according to the blogger, more separate strands.

How to lengthen eyelashes with compact powder

Sharon Morais teaches a technique to make eyelashes longer and voluminous. In the tutorial, the youtuber uses mascara, eyelash curler and compact powder. The process is very practical and the result is a very prominent look.

Eyelash extension step by step

In this video, Pracy shows you how to do the extension thread by thread yourself, using an eyelash kit that you can buy online or at cosmetic stores. The procedure is practically the same as that of the salon, gluing one thread at a time with the help of tweezers. However, the blogger herself points out that stretching at home takes less time than when done by a professional.

Before and after

The result of stretching promises to be longer, voluminous and curved lashes with a natural look. Check out some before and after images of eyelash extensions below and get inspired!

frequently asked questions

Before deciding and investing in eyelash extensions, it is very important to clarify all doubts. Be sure to talk to the chosen professional and ask everything you want to know, without fear. The following are the main questions answered by professionals.

1. How long does eyelash extensions last?

On average, stretching lasts between 30 and 45 days. For a better result, it is necessary to take some care and maintenance to reapply the lashes that fall out. “It is recommended to carry out maintenance after 15 or 20 days, but it will depend a lot on the care of each client. It is important to talk and follow the analysis of the professional who is applying the procedure”, points out Fonseca.

2. What are the basic precautions?

It is inevitable that some eyelashes will start to fall out after a few days. But to keep the result of the perfect stretch for longer, taking basic care is essential.

“The ideal is not to get wet in the first 12 hours, avoid saunas and very hot and long baths”, recommends Aguiar. Another important point, remembered by Fonseca, is to be careful when washing and drying your face: no rubbing your eyes.

As for the use of make-up, both professionals indicate not to use mascara after stretching, especially waterproof products. The mascara will make the extension last less and the promise is that you won’t feel the need to use the product with already elongated and voluminous lashes.

The use of other eye products – eyeshadow, pencil, eyeliner – is normally allowed. You just have to be extra careful when removing it, as the make-up remover can also harm the stretching: “the make-up remover can be used very carefully and, preferably, with the help of a cotton swab”, points out Fonseca.

3. Are there any contraindications?

According to professionals, eyelash extensions rarely cause allergic reactions. But, if you have a lot of problem with allergies, don’t do the procedure without first undergoing a test.

In addition, on the day of application it is essential to have completely healthy eyes. “It is not advisable to do the procedure if there is any irritation in the eyes on the day of application”, says Fonseca.

4. Is there any danger to eyesight?

Both Aguiar and Fonseca guarantee that eyelash stretching does not pose any risk to vision. If you have any kind of vision problem, the best thing to do is consult your ophthalmologist before the process.

5. Is the procedure painful?

Not. Stretching is done by gluing the synthetic threads together with the natural threads, in a process similar to the placement of false eyelashes and that does not cause pain in the application.

6. Does stretching damage natural eyelashes?

“It doesn’t hurt, but it’s important to take a break after three consecutive placements”, says Fonseca.

7. After lengthening, do the eyelashes bother you?

According to Fonseca, in general, stretching does not cause any kind of discomfort, since synthetic eyelashes are very light. It may take a while to get used to the effect on a day to day basis, especially if you have very short lashes, but no big deal.

It is worth emphasizing that eyelash stretching should be done with a qualified and reliable professional. After all, although it does not pose major health risks, the procedure is performed on a very sensitive part of the body and deserves special attention. Now, how about getting to know the Brazilian volume eyelash technique?