It’s true that having new lash extensions means renewal of beauty and confidence for a woman. Perfectly curled, voluminous lashes are the definition of attractive eyes nowadays. But, what if your lash extensions start to loosen their curl and become straight?
Lash curlers on lash extensions? Can you use them? The answer is Yes and No.
Yes – Depends on what kind of curler you are using.
No – If the only curler you have right there is the traditional, mechanical one.
Curious why yes and no? Keep scrolling to find out different kinds of eyelash extensions application, what they are made of, why they lose their curls, and things you can do about it.
You’ll also learn why you should not use a traditional curler when wearing extensions, their difference between heated curlers, and how safe the process is.
Different Kinds of Eyelash Extensions Application
1 Classic Eyelash Extensions
Technique done when a go-to natural looking curl of eyelashes is requested. Simple yet chic.
2 Hybrid Lash Extensions
Hybrid lashes are a mixed combination of classic lash application plus volume extensions. This technique is done when a more unique look is desired.
3 Volume Eyelash Extension
This involves the application of multiple extensions to each lash that creates volume, thickness and a dramatic look. Commonly creates multiple dimension appearances like 2D, 3D and 4D.
What are they made of?
Most lash extensions are made up of synthetic material. A thermoplastic fiber called Polybutylene terephthalate or PBT. Extensions are released to the market with preset curls already. These curls are perfected with specialized tools and equipment plus a calculated amount of heat to give the extensions that curve of fancy.
Another material that is used for making eyelash extensions are animal furs. There are furs that came from different species yet seem to look like natural human hair. A little more expensive than synthetic lashes and also requires curling. Yet, surely they are light and natural. Common animal furs used are from the Minks, Sables and Foxes.
Faux animal lashes look like animal lashes but are still made from synthetic PBT fiber.
Why lash extensions lose their curls — things you can do about it
Your lash extensions would look perfectly gorgeous and striking at the first day and probably at the first few weeks. But will start to lose their curls as time passes by. Is this the manufacturer’s fault? Or have you been adding to the reasons why they slump faster than you actually expected them to be?
#1 Material
As I said before we reached this topic, each kind of extension is made up of different kinds of materials – synthetic or animal fur, even faux animal fur. Oftentimes, extensions that are made from animal hairs tend to lose their preset curl and become straight when they get wet. If this is your extension type, then be sure to be careful around water.
#2 Overheating
Do you love cooking? Well, that may be one of the reasons why your lashes don’t last a long time. Especially when your extensions are made up of synthetic fiber. These fibers tend to lose the presetted curls when additional heat is directed to them, making them overheated. Avoid staying too close to what you’re cooking, may it be in the microwave, oven or stove.
Also, blow drying your hair in a high heat setting may indirectly put heat on your fake lashes and may add up to the deterioration process. Another thing is to avoid staying in saunas for too long as this may greatly affect the shape of your extensions.
#3 Bad Sleeping Habits
How you position yourself while sleeping can have a great impact in losing the curls. Do you sleep on your stomach? In a side position or your face tucked in the pillow? Well, that may be the problem. Avoid doing these things and start training yourself to sleep on your back. This will prevent your lashes from being smashed up and end up damaging it.
Also, sleeping on rough pillowcases and bedding (thick cotton, linen, polyester) makes it hard for your lashes to survive when it gets physically in contact with it. We recommend that you use pillowcases and bedding that are made from silk or satin. This will not only help you on your lashes but also on your skin. Thank me later!
#4 Not Cleaning Regularly
Never forget to clean your extensions frequently. Not cleaning your lashes would result in dirt clumping, as well as oil and grime accumulation. That’s disgusting. Who would ever want that?
Now what type of curler could you possibly use with your extensions?
2 Types of Curlers – Manual and Heated
Generally, there are two types of eyelash curlers. The non-electrical type which you see often is the manual eyelash curlers. This looks like a pair of scissors which has two big circle holes at one end and a clamp at the other. There are two versions: plastic and metal. Metal ones are more durable than plastic and last long from breakage.
In this type, you manually control how hard the pressure is to do a curl. Best for natural lashes, but is a no go for fake lashes. Pressure exerted in fake lashes by manual curlers is so strong that it would make the curl shaped ‘L’ rather than a nice letter ‘J’.
So, what can you use then?
Heated Eyelash Curlers. These heated curlers are mostly battery-operated and use the power of electricity to heat up and give a nice, soft curl to your lashes. The good thing is heated curlers do not have a clamp, so they do not need to clamp your lashes. If you are afraid of getting pinched by lash curlers, then here’s the real deal for you.
Why Use Heated Curlers on Lash Extensions?
Lash extensions are flimsy and easily damaged. Thus, manual curlers are a no go. But, maybe heated curlers can do the job. Just be careful, not all extensions could survive the heat.
Also remember that synthetic fibers cannot hold out another heat coming from the curler. So, synthetic eyelash extensions should not be used for heated lash curlers. It may damage your fake and natural lashes, so as a precaution do not use them. Take note, faux animal extensions should not be used for they are made from synthetic fibers also.
However, if you have 100% animal fur lashes that resemble natural hair. A curler can be a troubleshooter when curls start to go away. Just be careful, though, even if it is made from animal hair it could still be prone to damage. Well, how could we prevent this? By being gentle, not overdoing your lashes. Here are our tips on using an electric heated curler safely.
How to curl eyelash extensions without damage?
- Clean both of your natural and extension lashes properly. Use a lash wand to comb and see if there is no visible clumping.
Pro Tip: Be sure to clean your lashes gently to avoid damage.
- Allow the lashes to dry completely before curling.
- Begin heating the eyelash curler. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use their product. Each product is different from each other. Thus, reading is a virtue.
Pro Tip: If the heated eyelash curler is not hot or takes a long time to curl, please check whether the power is sufficient.
- Avoid placing the curler near the base of your extensions to prevent any damage to the lash bond. Instead, press your lashes to the curling pad and simultaneously brush them with your curling wand.
- While it’s still hot, hold and manipulate the lash curler to achieve your desired look.
- To lock the curl in place, keep holding in that position until they’re completely curled.
Pro tip: Make sure that you are not holding the curler on the lash line for too long or an extended period of time, otherwise, your lashes will get damaged, fall out or break off.
- Repeat the process as needed to create a flawless curl.
2022 Best Heated Eyelash Curlers for Eyelash Extensions
What We Like:
- Gives long lasting curl
- Has 3 temperature modes
- Clip Type Electric Head
- Double sided soft clamp
What We Don’t Like:
- Some people are allergic with the perm solution
What We Like:
- Quickly curls straight lashes
- Has 3 temperature modes
- Quickly warms up in 10 seconds
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the curler for small, Asian eyes
Dust2Oasis Electric Eyelash Curler
What We Like:
- Low-priced, economical
- Curls can last up to 12 hours
- Has anti-scalding protection
What We Don’t Like:
- Heats a lot, better be careful
What We Like:
- Lightweight, a lot easier for travels
- USB fast charging
- Double sided lash comb
- Has temperature indicator
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t come with a tail brush
Key Takeaways
If you have synthetic extensions, never attempt to curl it again using manual or heated curlers. It will only cause you damage.
For animal fur extensions, be sure to be gentle in heating those extensions. You can curl them by brushing with your curling wand. But do not overheat to speed up the process!
If you’re afraid of the possible damage it may do, you can opt for trying strip lashes, which come multiple in pack and can be used for 2 -3 times each lash.
See you in the next article!