Do Eyelash Extensions Hurt?

If eyes are the window to the soul, our lashes are the curtains and like any decor. Metaphors aside, wanting your lashes to look lovely is a pretty common thing — some opt for mascaras, others for falsies, and others still for eyelash extensions. But what do you need to know about eyelash extensions before investing in the procedure? How long to lash extensions last, and most importantly, do eyelash extensions hurt?

For those unfamiliar, the procedure consists of individual fibers being glued to your individual lashes to give a more natural, longer lash look. A well cared for set of lashes should last three to four weeks. The process is pretty simple, but the fear of pain is enough to make anyone hesitate. The eyes are an extremely sensitive area — not just because of your eyeballs, but because of the delicate skin around them.

Falacia Fracassi of Fracassi Lashes, a licensed aesthetician and owner of five premium lash bars in New York City says that in most circumstances, pain is not normal.

"Eyelash extensions do not hurt, if safely applied, Fracassi explains. "Each individual lash is intricately placed one at a time on top of your natural lashes, so essentially the application is flawless. Many people actually fall asleep when receiving eyelash extensions because the eyes are closed during the service."

But sometimes, clients can have some unexpected pain when their lashes are complete.

"If your eyelash extensions hurt, it could mean that you're getting the extensions too long. Natural eyelashes are very light so it is very important to choose the right lash, so there is little or no stress on the natural hair follicle," Fracassi says. "Another source of pain could be if you are rubbing your lashes too intensely or picking at your eyelashes. Remember never try to remove eyelashes extensions by yourself. Eyelash technicians use a medical grade adhesive to easily remove extensions."

"If your eyelash extensions are hurting, immediately contact your technician to explain the discomfort." Fracassi advises. "Most likely, they will review the area of irritation and remove if needed."

It's good to know that pain while wearing the extensions isn't normal and can be fixed if it happens, but what about during the appointment? Julia Ice of Salon Gregories in Newport Beach, CA, explained the process in an email to Bustle.

"There are two reasons why extensions may hurt. The most common reason is that they were not applied properly," Ice writes. "The second reason would be a sensitivity or allergy to the lash adhesive. This doesn't occur very often but everybody is different. For people that have this sensitivity you can try a latex free glue or one made for sensitive eyes. If you are allergic, usually you will feel very itchy, your eyelids will be red and irritated and you may have redness in your eyes. Lash extensions should not be painful so if they are hurting, have them removed by a professional."

Ultimately, last extensions shouldn't hurt, and if they do something isn't right. And if there isn't any pain, there's still a way to make them more comfortable and ultimately get them to last longer.

"My best advice is always to follow the aftercare instructions: Try your best not to get the eyelash extensions wet immediately after application," Fracassi says. "We advise all our clients to wait 12 to 24 hours before getting the eyelashes wet in the shower. Cleanse around the eye in a circular motion. You can also brush and separate out the eyelash extensions with a mascara wand to position them properly after sleeping overnight."

Ultimately, this service is pretty cool — and something that many people think can change the look of your entire face. If you're down to try it, don't hesitate — but if there's any pain, stop and reconsider your options.

Images: blue sky in my pocket/Photodisc/Getty Images; Fracassi Lashes, Salon Gregories