LASH OUT

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“I believe in Simplistic, Rich Beauty”

— Shalonda A

In our continuing beauty series, Makeup & Beauty expert Shalonda A. gives Haute Is Online the eye-opening news on lash extensions, from start to finish!

Visiting Shalonda A. in her functional workspace at the beautifully quaint Salon Izzi in Farmington Hills MI. Where we get an up-close and very personal insight into the world of eyelashes and lash extensions. Beginning the process Shalonda meticulously inspects each patron to determine if their natural lashes are healthy enough to handle lash extensions because the lashes have adhered to the persons natural lash it is vital that they can take the weight. When I consult with a client I look for the following: Thickness or diameter, length, and curl of their natural lash and the shape of the eye itself. This will determine the final outcome of the extensions, the types of lashes I add and the way I add them to create the desired effect. Once a client decides to do the extensions we determine the overall look they desire. Do they want a natural thicker appearance or a pop-to the eye by having a winged look or just a more open wide-eye effect where I add longer hairs to the middle of the eye? Once the look is determined we move toward the process of creating the eyelash shape. I prefer tranquil zen-like quiet to my studio surroundings where the client can almost fall asleep during the process it helps me to focus if the client is relaxed and the mood is light and easy.

SALON IZZI | 23023 Orchard Lake Rd # B, Farmington, MI 48336 | (248) 987-2940

Step 1. ASSESSMENT

I first clean and prime the natural lashes to make sure that they are free of oils, dirt and old makeup. I then begin to map-out the lash placement and what sizes lashes will be used.

Step 2. APPLICATION

Once the shape and look of the lashes has been decided, I then place gel pads around the eye or I lightly tape the bottom lashes so that they don’t touch, this makes it easier for adhering the new lash extensions on top of the natural lash. Now I start placing each lash, filling in the natural lashes with the extensions to create the final look. The whole process can take up to 2 hours because it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to about an hour per eye depending on the client's needs. It can take anywhere from 75 to 100 lash extensions to create a look and I must duplicate the look for each eye so that they are balanced.

Lash fact: The top eyelid usually accommodates approximately 150 to 200 individual hairs, while the bottom eyelid may have somewhere between 75 and 100 hairs.

Step 3. MAINTENANCE & CARE

Good maintenance is a MUST!

Once the lash extensions are completed I always stress great maintenance care to all of my clients, it is so important for the overall eye health to keep the lashes clean and healthy by gently washing and brushing them thoroughly, maintaining the extensions carefully with a nightly routine. I stress to avoid using makeup and mascaras with extensions. We offer an After Care kit that clients can purchase to assist in the process. These tips can help prevent: lash loss, sanitary issues such as eye infections or mites.

(Demodex is a genus of tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. Around 65 species of Demodex are known. Two species live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both frequently referred to as eyelash mites).