Many women are opting for DIY lash extensions, instead of the typical lash extension appointments that can end up being very expensive to upkeep. It’s exciting to see women empowering themselves and partnering with quality at-home lash extension kits to carry out their favorite beauty habits without the added price of relying on a lash tech. DIY lash extension kits are not to be confused with temporary lash strips from the drug store made from cheap materials. Instead, DIY lash extensions seek to provide the same quality material, semi-permanent experience, and look that is normally achieved in salon settings. The application process may appear intimidating at first, but with practice and precision, natural lash extension application can be achieved at home. Not to worry though, we’ve consulted the experts and compiled a comprehensive list on how to apply amazing lashes in the comfort of your own home.
Application
Practice, practice, practice with your application tool!
Get familiar with the tool before stakes are high and timing is crucial. Practice maneuvering it with the bonding, applying, and fusing motions. Know all the different angles to hold the tool and practice before you begin. All instruction manuals or websites with videos will cover this information.
Prep your lashes
Start by prepping your lashes by using a cleansing solution in order to remove the oils, makeup, and dirt from your lashes. Oils can prevent your lash extensions from bonding correctly, so this step is really important. Take a clean spoolie brush and dip it in the cleanser, and then coat your lashes with it like you would with mascara. Prepping helps with longevity, application, and making things easier for you. Make sure your eyelashes are completely dry before beginning the next step.
Apply the Bonding Solution
When applying the tube of bonding solution that comes in your DIY lash kit, it’s important to note that if you have shorter lashes you should build more bond at the base of your lash since there will be less lash to work with and adhere to. The absolute key to a successful home lash experience is not to over-bond in this step! To start, make sure to apply one thin layer of the first bonding solution which is usually black like mascara. It’s important that it goes on non-clumpy, so you might want to keep a clean spindle to brush through just in case. Once you’ve applied this coat, it is crucial that you let your lashes dry to the point of being tacky. You can check if it’s tacky enough by seeing if your fingernail sticks to the lash. If it does, you’re good to go!
In the next step of the bonding, you apply a small applicator one to two millimeters above your natural waterline. Some kits make this bonding agent turn white when it’s applied so it’s easier to see against the black to create an even line. As it dries, it will turn clear.
Apply the Gossamers
Once the bonding solutions are dry, it’s time to apply the gossamers. Using your fingers take out each of the lash fibers, or gossamers as some lash brands call them, by hand from the cartridge they come in. Take the application tool that you practiced with in step one, and grab the top of the gossamer at the tip, as far away from the base of it as possible, so that when you hold it against your real lash there is plenty there to work with. A lot of people start in the inner corner of the eye, but you can start in the outer corner or middle depending on what feels most natural to you!
Looking down at a mirror so you can see the underside of your lash, begin by following your normal lash line and angle, and applying the lash fiber right onto the clear bond line that you created in the previous step. It should delicately stick with a scooping and pull-back motion. If it doesn’t, make sure your bonding solution is dry and tacky enough. Repeat this step with all the gossamers along your lash line without overlapping or leaving gaps. If the angle is wrong, you can use your tool to detach it and try again. This stage is very forgiving!
Fuse your lashes
After the bond is officially dry, take your fuse control wand and angle it by resting against your cheekbone and clamping down for 3-5 seconds on your water line to seal all your hard work. If it gets stuck, blink your lash away, don’t pull your tool away. You may want to also try a reverse fuse in which you hold the wand up and down and use just the tip on your outer corners you may have missed and clamp down. From there, wait thirty minutes, and then use the sealing formula over your lash line for two-three swoops.
