Semi-Permanent Eyelashes: The Secret To Waking Up Looking Instagram-Ready!

If you wonder how on earth those celebrities always have those mesmerizing lashes that seem to defy gravity. Well, most of these celebrities have lash extensions also known as semi-permanent eyelashes, which give them a fabulous appearance all the time.  Back in the days in the times of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor achieving those iconic fluttering lashes was a bit of a challenge.

Actresses used layers upon layers of mascara and painstakingly curled their lashes with heated spoons (yes, spoons!) to create the look. They were undoubtedly gorgeous, but the process was far from glamorous. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got a game-changer in the beauty industry – semi-permanent eyelashes. These extensions are the modern-day magic wands that give anyone, whether you’re a Hollywood A-lister or not, the chance to flaunt stunning lashes and always make you look picture-perfect.

What Are Semi-Permanent Eyelashes?

Semi-permanent eyelashes are meticulously attached to your individual lashes by a trained technician. These extensions can vary in length, thickness, and curl. The adhesive used is specially formulated to be long-lasting but gentle on your natural lashes.

The result? Your lashes go from “meh” to “wow” in no time. 

What Is The Difference Between Semi Permanent And Permanent Lashes?

The main difference between semi-permanent and permanent eyelash extensions lies in their duration and the application process:

Semi-Permanent Lashes

✔️ Hair Type: 

Semi-permanent lashes use synthetic or mink hair extensions. These extensions are typically made of materials like polyester or silk for synthetic lashes, and natural mink fur for mink lashes. Synthetic lashes are more common.

✔️ Duration: 

Semi-permanent lashes are designed to last for several weeks, typically between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on factors like the adhesive used and your natural lash growth cycle. They gradually shed along with your natural lashes.

✔️ Application: 

Semi-permanent lashes are applied by a trained technician who attaches individual synthetic or mink lash extensions to your natural lashes using a special adhesive. This process requires precision and typically takes 1 to 2 hours.

✔️ Maintenance: 

To maintain the look, you may need occasional touch-up appointments every few weeks to replace lost extensions and keep your lashes looking full.

Permanent Eyelashes (Eyelash Implants):

✔️ Hair Type: 

Permanent lashes, also known as eyelash implants, use your own hair follicles. Typically, hair is used from other parts of your body, such as the back of your scalp, and then implanted into your eyelids.

✔️ Duration:

Permanent lashes, involve a surgical procedure where you would be administered local anesthesia. The surgical process usually involves 2-4 hours. 

✔️ Application:

Permanent lashes require a surgical procedure performed by a trained surgeon. It’s a more invasive and costly process compared to semi-permanent lashes.

✔️ Maintenance:

Although permanent lashes don’t shed like natural lashes or semi-permanent extensions, they do keep growing, much like the rest of your body hair. This implies that you’ll have to regularly trim them to ensure they don’t become excessively long.

Procedure For Semi-Permanent Eyelashes?

The procedure for getting semi-permanent eyelashes, also known as eyelash extensions, is performed by a trained and certified lash technician. 

Step 1: Consultation

The procedure usually begins with a consultation where you discuss your desired lash look with the technician. During this conversation, you can specify the length, thickness, and curl of the extensions you want. The technician will also assess the condition of your natural lashes to determine the most suitable extensions for you.

2: Preparation

You’ll be asked to lie down on a comfortable treatment bed. Your technician will ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable before starting the procedure. They will also clean your natural lashes thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, or residue.

3: Isolation

To prevent your natural lashes from sticking together during the application, your technician will use specialized tools to isolate and secure your bottom lashes. This isolation process is crucial for achieving a clean and precise result.

4: Application

Now comes the main part of the procedure. Using tweezers or specialized lash extension applicators, your technician will dip individual synthetic or mink lash extensions into a small amount of specially formulated adhesive. This adhesive is designed to bond the extensions to your natural lashes without causing any harm.

With great care and precision, your technician will attach each extension to your natural lashes, working their way across your lash line. Each lash extension is carefully applied one by one, ensuring proper spacing between the lashes. This process can take some time, typically around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the desired fullness and style.

5: Setting And Drying

After applying the extensions, your technician may use a fan or a specialized lash dryer to help the adhesive set and dry more quickly. This step ensures that the extensions bond securely to your natural lashes.

6: Final Touches

Once the extensions are in place, your technician may use a lash comb or brush to separate and shape the lashes, ensuring they look natural and free from clumps. They will also perform a final inspection to make sure all the extensions are secure and even.

7: Aftercare And Maintenance

Your technician will provide you with aftercare instructions, which typically include:

✔️ Using oil-free makeup removers and cleansers to preserve the adhesive bond.

✔️ Scheduling regular touch-up appointments every 2-4 weeks to maintain the fullness of your lashes. At these appointments, the technician will replace any extensions that have naturally been shed.

🚫 Avoid getting your lashes wet for the first 24-48 hours.

🚫 Refrain from using oil-based makeup products and waterproof mascara, as these can weaken the adhesive.

How Long Do Semi-Permanent Eyelashes Take To Apply?

The time it takes to apply semi-permanent lashes can vary depending on several factors, including the skill and experience of the lash technician, the desired look, and the density of your natural lashes. As a general guideline:

• Full Set: A full set of semi-permanent lashes typically takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete. This includes the time for preparation, application, and any necessary adjustments.
• Partial Set or Refill: If you’re getting a partial set or a refill (touch-up) to maintain the lashes, the procedure can take less time, often around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Do The Semi Permanent Lashes Damage Your Natural Lashes?

When applied and maintained correctly by a trained and experienced lash technician or a cosmetologist, semi-permanent eyelash extensions should not cause damage to your natural lashes. However, what often happens is that you become accustomed to the look of thicker and fuller eyelashes from the extensions. So, when you eventually see yourself with your natural lashes again after a few months, it’s common to perceive them as appearing thinner and sparser by comparison.

To reduce the possibility of harming your natural lashes, it’s crucial to do your homework and pick the best professional eyelash extensions brand manufacturers that offer premium materials and adhesives.

How Do You Remove Semi Permanent Lashes? 

Did you know that proper removal of eyelash extensions is equally important? The best person to remove semi permanent lashes is a cosmetologist or a lash technician. 

👉 Lie down on the treatment bed or reclining chair with your eyes closed.

👉 Your technician will apply lint-free under-eye patches or gel pads to shield your lower lashes and the sensitive skin beneath your eyes. These patches will be secured in a way that ensures that none of the adhesives and removers go into the eyes. 

👉 Your technician will squeeze a small amount of eyelash extension adhesive remover onto a clean, disposable surface or dish. This remover is specially formulated for eyelash extensions and is safe for your eyes.

👉 Using fine-tipped tweezers, your technician will gently isolate one of your natural lashes that has an extension attached to it. They will take care not to pinch your skin or other lashes.

👉 A microfiber applicator or micro brush will be dipped into the adhesive remover, ensuring it’s saturated but not dripping. Your technician will carefully apply the remover to the base of the isolated lash where the extension is attached. They will be cautious not to get any remover in your eyes.

👉 The adhesive remover needs some time to work, usually 1-2 minutes. During this time, it will dissolve the adhesive bond between the extension and your natural lash.

👉 After the adhesive has had time to dissolve, your technician will use a clean, lint-free cloth or cotton pad to gently slide off the extension from the natural lash. The extension should come off easily without any pulling or tugging.

👉 This process is repeated for all your lash extensions on both eyes.

👉 Some technicians prefer to cleanse your lashes with an eyelash extension cleanser to remove any remaining adhesive residue or remover.

👉 Your lashes will be rinsed with cool water to remove any remaining product. Your technician will then gently pat your lashes dry with a clean towel or tissue.

👉 Before you leave, your technician will provide you with aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding mascara for a period and using a lash conditioner to nurture your natural lashes.

Tips For Making Semi Permanent Lashes Last Longer

Semi-permanent lashes typically have a lifespan of approximately 6 to 8 weeks, but by following proper care and maintenance, you can extend their longevity and prevent them from shedding prematurely.

✔️ Choose High-Quality Extensions:

It all starts with quality. Opt for premium lash extensions, whether synthetic or mink. 

✔️ Sleep on Your Back

Sleeping on your back is an effective way to minimize friction and prevent your lashes from rubbing against the pillow. This reduces the risk of lash damage or extension loss while you snooze.

🚫 Avoid Water and Steam for the First 48 Hours

During the first 48 hours after getting your lash extensions, it’s crucial to avoid water and steam (1). The adhesive used for extensions needs time to fully settle. Contact with water or steam can disrupt this process, potentially causing the extensions to come off prematurely.

✔️ Comb Them Regularly

Using a clean and disposable mascara wand or a specialized lash comb, gently comb through your lashes daily. This helps in two ways: it prevents lashes from tangling or clumping together, and it ensures your extensions maintain their desired shape and arrangement.

🚫 Don’t Play with Them

Tempting as it may be, refrain from touching or playing with your lash extensions. Constantly touching or tugging on them can weaken the adhesive bond and lead to faster shedding. Keeping your hands off your lashes will preserve their longevity.

✔️ Protect Them While Swimming

Chlorine in pools and saltwater in the ocean can have adverse effects on lash extensions. Chlorine can break down the adhesive, while saltwater can dry it out. To avoid these issues, wear swim goggles if you plan to swim. Alternatively, keep your face above water as much as possible, especially during the first 48 hours after getting your extensions.

✔️ Use Oil-Free Makeup Removers

Oil-based makeup removers can weaken the lash adhesive (2), causing extensions to fall off prematurely. Opt for oil-free, gentle makeup removers to keep your lashes intact.

🚫 Skip Waterproof Mascara

While you won’t need mascara with extensions if you must use it, choose a non-waterproof formula. Waterproof mascara can be tough to remove and may cause the extensions to shed prematurely.

🚫 Avoid Eyelash Curlers

There’s no need for eyelash curlers with extensions. Using them can damage both your natural and extension lashes. Let your extensions maintain their beautiful curl.

✔️ Maintain Regular Touch-Ups

Lash extensions have a natural shedding cycle. To keep your lashes looking full, schedule touch-up appointments every 2-4 weeks. During these sessions, your technician will replace any extensions that have naturally fallen out.

🚫 Stay Away from Saunas and Steam Rooms

Excessive heat and steam can weaken the lash adhesive. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga classes, especially in the first 48 hours after application.

With these tips and a little TLC, you can enjoy the beauty of semi-permanent lashes for an extended period, making your fluttery, glamorous look last longer than ever.

To Sum Up

Semi-permanent eyelashes are a beauty game-changer in the beauty industry. Who should get them? Well, anyone who wants effortlessly stunning lashes. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just want to wake up looking fabulous every day, these lashes are for you. Make sure that the technician uses the best professional eyelash extension brands of medical-grade formaldehyde-free, non-irritating glue.

Why should you get semi permanent eyelashes? Simple – they save you time and make your eyes pop. No more struggling with mascara or dealing with the fuss of false lashes. They’re a confidence boost and a shortcut to irresistible eyes. So, have you considered trying them out for yourself? Let us know in the comments.

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