We had a chat with Kim Mlangeni, a Johannesburg based salon business owner who shared some insightful tips on the home maintenance of extension lashes and nails. As well as when to go for refills for longer lasting installs.
I: Why exactly do clients install lashes, instead of regular stick on’s or mascara?
K: Well, as a salon owner and beautician myself. I can confidently say that my clients install lashes to avoid having to put on mascara every morning or having to apply stick on lashes every morning. It’s all about convenience.
I: Typically, how long would lashes last and what about washing the face. Doesn’t the water or soap affect the lashes longevity?
K: I get asked this question quite a number of times. Mostly by clients who are trying out extension lashes for the first time. In fact, the idea of cleansing is the main worry that leads to people who have never tried them, to avoid extension lashes all together. The truth is that lashes last up to 14 days with a few fall offs. The main reason for lashes not lasting is using soap, water and oily products too closely to the eye. These products weaken the glue which leads to the fall off of lashes. Another issue is that clients hold -off refills until its unfortunately a little too late. Other times when they come in for the refills we have to opt for a complete removal and re-installing due to poor at home maintenance.
I: For someone who has never tried extension lashes. What types of lashes are there to try?
K: Cluster lashes; Come in different lengths. They are ideal for girls who are trying out lashes. Cluster are more like strip lashes, without the strip. They typically maintain their shape for 2 to 3 weeks. Then they need renewal. Individual lashes; The queen of lashes. They take more time to install then cluster lashes but are more natural looking and are more flattering. They also vary in length. They can be refilled from 14 days. technology has advanced to now even offering hybrid lashes which are a softer texture lash but give a much fuller and less natural effect.
I: Very insightful, please share some tips for at home mainenance?
K: For the first 24 hrs avoid water around your eye area at all cost. The glue still needs to dry and settle properly. Avoid rubbing and touching your eyes as much as possible. And also avoid eye wear that sits too close to your eyes as they may rub against the lashes and losses them over time.
Avoid sleeping facing down as the pillow will come into contact with your lashes and also losen them over time.
When washing your lashes and eyes. Make sure you air dry the lashes completely and use a spooly or mascara brush daily to remove dirt and plump up/fix your lashes.
Minimal fall out will always happen because these are held on by glue and aren’t meant to be a permanent feature but the way you wash treat and handle your lashes also contributes to the amount of fall out you experience.
Refills
It is possible to do cluster lash refil, but this isn’t recommended because of how cluster lashes are applied. Here we recommend a complete removal and a new set at least once every 3 to 4 weeks.
Individual lashes are much easier to refill also every 3 to 4 weeks.
Within the first 2 weeks if you go to the right salon with the right staff you should experience little to no fall out but after that a little fall out is okay as this is the lead up to refill time.
I: Since my varsity day. Acrylic nails nails have always been a thing. It was around 2008 or 2009, when I started wearing nails. Can you tell us a little more about nails?
K: Gel/poly gel/ rubber base gel nails: these nails are the easiest, most uncomplicated and quickest nails to get. Very little use of product and usually applied directly onto your own nails – there’s no need for a tip. I recommend the rubber base and poly gel nails for clients who are trying to repair their nail bed or trying to strengthen their natural nail.
These nails typically require minimal maintenance and new application around 3 to 4 weeks depending on how fast a clients natural nails grows.
I: After wearing acrylic nails for many years, I too have become more accustomed to wearing gel nails. This is whenever I want to spoil myself. Tell us a little more about acrylic nails?
K: Acrylic tips, the most common nail request. These nails require for a tip to be added onto your natural nails for extra length. Followed by acrylic powder to be used to stabilize the tips so the nails last long. What’s lovely about acrylic is that clients can wear them in various lengths, shapes and with stunning designs. If a client is a girly girl or a really glamorous lady, they can try out acrylics. Growing out nails with acrylics is not as easy as growing them out with gel application.
I: How long do acrylic nails last and how can a client maintain them?
K: Acrylic tips last anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks but growth will be visible when a client is due for a new set. A refill is also possible and usually cheaper than a fresh set of Acrylic tips.
I: I’ve seen nail techs apply acrylic directly onto their clients natural nail. Without the tip. What is this technique called?
K: Sculpture tips, these are usually applied on the clients natural nail. I recommend the sculpture tips on clients who don’t like Acrylic tips or wanting a different shape that the salon or nail technician may not offer. Sculpture tips are similar to Acrylic nails; a set can last 3 to 6 weeks with visible regrowth over time.