They are one of today's most popular trends. Dr. Langis Michaud from Quebec's Order of Optometrists says people are taking advantage of their popularity by offering the procedure at cheaper prices outside of recognized salons.
Certified estheticians follow safety procedures and work in a sterilized environment, so opting for the less pricey option may cost you elsewhere in the future.
Whether the procedure is done correctly or not, there are associated risks.
Michaud says there are two things he sees regularly at his office - people with allergic reactions and people with infections. Allergic reactions are usually because of the glue used to stick the fake lashes to the real ones, while infections are a result of poorly done procedures by people other than licensed professionals.
In the case of an allergic reaction, the solution is usually to remove the fake lashes, but the real ones come off with them.
"They take 2-3 months to grow again. You're out of lashes for that period of time... they're there for one reason: to act as a natural filter for the eye to alleviate foreign bodies, particles and dust coming into contact with the ocular surface. Our lashes are really important,'' Michaud says.
In cases of infection, the bacteria can develop and make its way under the skin and then invade the globe — giving it direct access to the brain. Michaud says though it's rare, this can lead to Meningitis. For a normal infection on the surface of the eyelid, antibiotics are the solution.
Esthetician Tamsen Rae says lash lift procedures — which perk up your own lashes as opposed to extending them with false ones — are much safer and an all around better alternative to extensions.
While the procedure still requires glue, it's water soluble and is only left on for a few minutes.
— Katelyn Thomas