Everything You Need to Know About Eyelash Extensions

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Lash out!

Mascara works wonders for making you look more awake and bright, but can your favorite formula give you a 16-18mm wispy cat eye? Exactly. Whether you’re tired of swiping mascara through your lashes every day or haven’t quite mastered the art of applying falsies, chances are you’ve toyed with the idea of booking an appointment for lash extensions.

Lash extensions best serve those who love a subtle, dolled-up look for a longer period of time sans any actual effort. While mascaras and false lash strips offer temporary enhancements that can easily be washed off at the end of the day, lash extensions stick around a little longer. They are a lot less time-consuming, especially when you’re in a time crunch. Still, they do require some attention and care. Before you put your delicate eyes in the hands of a stranger, we asked lash expert and founder of Pro Lash, Haley Chipman, all the important questions to cover all bases.

Lash extensions are tiny, thin semi-permanent synthetic fibers that are adhered to each of your natural lashes using glue. “There are two main categories of lashes: professional extensions and daily-wear strip lashes. Professional lash extensions take hours to apply and last about two to three weeks. They are beautiful, professionally styled, and look amazing,” Chipman says. “On the other end of the lash spectrum is the daily-wear strip lashes. These take about 10-15 minutes to apply and come off each day. They will work in a pinch but don’t offer the most fun experience for consumers.”

The fibers used for lash extensions come in varying lengths that are as small as 5mm and can go beyond 18mm for those who desire a more dramatic, voluminous flutter.

Pro Lash offers a collection of DIY lash kits for those looking for an at-home option that “have brought the best parts of the professional lash world and brought it home to beauty lovers everywhere” and can last up to 10 days. “Unlike typical lash extensions, Pro Lash kits use our Pro Lock™ Adhesive system to achieve that 10-plus day wear without any of the negative side effects,” she notes,

The best part of getting lash extensions is waking up looking and feeling like a million bucks. “The best part is that you wake up each morning feeling put together and ready to go. I feel like I look 5 years younger when I wear them and just look overall better,” Chipman adds. Plus, having lash extensions means you have more time to focus on other areas of your beauty routine.

You’ll notice a menu of different lengths and lash styles when booking your appointment. If you’re a beginner, you should opt for a more natural style to get used to the extensions before upgrading to more dramatic styles. “There are different densities that you can choose from ranging from natural (classic) to dramatic (mega volume). Volume lashes are in the middle of the road and are usually the most popular,” Chipman explains. Natural, mascara-style lash lengths typically go up to 12mm, while volume or dramatic lengths can go as high as 18 or 20mm for a falsie look.

“If you’ve never experienced eyelash extensions, there’s a slight learning curve in getting used to something on your eyes all the time. When they are applied properly, you shouldn’t feel them at all, as many products on the market today provide flexibility and comfort,” Chipman adds.

Professional lashes can last up to four to six weeks before it’s time for a fill-in. Since your lash extensions will shed as your natural lashes do, refills help to extend the life of the lash extensions.

Since lash extensions adhere with stronger glue than strips, aftercare isn’t too tedious. “When you get them wet make sure that you dry them thoroughly after. Keep oils away from them,” Chipman shares. If you get them wet or want to fluff them out, purchase disposable spoolies to keep your investment as fresh as possible until the next appointment.

The price for lash extensions depends on the professional, the lengths chosen, and any other special add-ons.

Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.

15 Best Patchouli Perfumes to Spice Up Your Life

EXCLUSIVE: MERIT Launches Solo Shadow in 8 Shades

Get Rid of That Blind Pimple, Fast

Renaissance Tour Makeup on ELLE Editors

27 Skincare Bundles That Are Actually Worth It

11 Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations to Buy Now

Tiny Beauty Fanatics

Sofia Richie Grainge on Her Clean Girl Aesthetic

The Best Beauty Products Launching August 2023

Just Dew It: Hydrating Skincare Products You Need

Best Perfume Gift Sets

13 Green Concealers That Eliminate Redness