

The Great Debate: Should You Get Lash Lifts Or Lash Extensions?
Whether we're rocking a bare face or complete beat, lashes have the power to take our look to the next level. But these days, our lash options extend far beyond drugstore strip lashes. To amp up the look and volume of our natural lashes, we can opt to get a lash lift or lash extensions. If you haven't tried either lash service yet, you may have a few questions about just what each service entails and which one is right for you. That's why we spoke to lash extension expert and licensed esthetician Jazmin Walker to get the scoop on everything you need to know about lash lifts and lash extensions–from the cost to how long they last.
Lash Lifts vs. Lash Extensions
The Difference Between Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
You can think of lash lifts like a perm for your eyelashes. "The point of the perm is to give the client a more defined curl and length. No volume is added," Walker says. Lash lifts are ideal for people who cannot get lash extensions or have naturally long lashes.
If you're looking to add volume to your lashes, then lash extensions may be a better choice for you. "Lash extensions are single or multi-strand hairs placed in one individual natural lash to extend, enhance, define, and thicken the lashes," Walker explains.
Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions Cost
While rates will vary depending on your location and your lash technician's expertise, there is a typical price range associated with each service. Walker says a lash lift will cost you anywhere between $60 to $120. Lash extensions are a bit pricier, ringing in at anywhere between $100 to $300.
The Process: Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
Each lash service involves a multi-step process. If you book a lash lift appointment, your technician will use an eye-safe perming solution to achieve the lifted look. "The lashes are coated with the solution and rods are placed on the eyelashes. An eye-safe glue is used to secure the curliness of the lash. An oil-based solution is then applied to remove the solution and then the lashes are cleaned to finalize the process," Walker says.
When it comes to lash extensions, the process differs a bit. Your lash expert will instead use an eye-safe professional bonding agent to adhere the lashes to your existing lash hairs. "Each natural lash is isolated one by one using tweezers. Once isolated, the extension is placed on the lashes," Walker explains.
How Long Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions Can Last
Walker says that lash lifts will typically last four to 10 weeks with proper care. With lash extensions, you will need to get a fill every two to four weeks, depending on how well you care for them.
The Risks: Lash Lifts & Lash Extensions
There are a few things you should be cautious of before booking an appointment for a lash lift or lash extensions. With lash lifts, there is a possibility for an allergic reaction, infection, or damage to your natural lashes. "Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should also avoid lash lifts. The solution used may interfere with their hormones," Walker notes.
Walker says that lash extensions are safe for everyone, however allergic reactions to the glue may occur and eye infections are possible if the lashes are not thoroughly cleansed daily.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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Olivia Hancock is a writer who can constantly be found putting pen to paper or typing away at her keyboard. The transplant ATLien is currently working on her undergraduate degree in Journalism and roots for all things #BlackGirlMagic. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram at @oliviahancock_.
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Simone Biles Is Making A Major Comeback After A Much-Needed Mental Health Break
Simone Biles made a comeback to the world of gymnastics at the 2023 Core Hydration Classic, and it’s clear that she hasn’t missed a beat.
In a post-competition interview, Biles opened up about her focus on mental health during her time away from the sport, which in turn has allowed her to be in a better mental space overall.
“I feel really good about where I am right now, mentally and physically,” Biles shared with reporters after completing her event. While she expressed that she was “really nervous to compete” after her two-year hiatus, she notes that taking a mental break has had a positive impact on her recovery. “You kind of have to take that mental break because if not, obviously, your body will decide for you, and that’s kind of what mine did in Tokyo.”
During the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Biles expressed mental health concerns known as the "twisties," a phenomenon where gymnasts experience a disconnect between their mind and body — or spinal awareness — while performing complex aerial maneuvers, which can result in serious injuries.
“It was the worst timing, but obviously, I’m really happy with what happened because I got to go and work on myself,” the four-time gold medallist adds. “I’m still continuing to work on myself and go to therapy and make sure that everything is all in line so at that in the gym, we can focus on gym.”
Biles' decision to prioritize her well-being and safety over competition was met with both support and criticism online. A reality that caused her to preserve her peace and take a step back from online discourse. “I think I feel a lot better because I’ve found ways to manage that — like deleting Twitter, not trying to look at it,” she told reporters. “There are really nice comments — you have your supporters, you have your fans, like your day-ones. And then you have those really nasty ones that can get to you.”
Her withdrawal from the Olympics sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental health in sports and the immense pressure that elite athletes face. Biles' openness about her struggles encouraged a number of other athletes to share their own experiences and highlighted the need for better support systems for athletes' mental well-being.
“I feel grateful that I get this opportunity to come back out here and to compete in front of a crowd because I truly didn’t believe that I’d be back here competing at all,” she adds.
During her time off, Biles has kept herself busy by getting back on the mat, “trying to get fit again,” and focusing on her newlywed status with her NFL husband, Jonathan Owens.
While Biles says she’s not aiming to look too far ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics, her current focus is on “living in the moment” and trusting herself in the sport again. “Right now, I think I should just embrace what happened today, be happy,” she says. “I think we’re just trying to take it one step at a time.”
“Kind of taking a fresh start in everything. Still going out there and talking about mental health and talking to all of the other athletes and supporting them on their journeys as well.”
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