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Eyelash Extensions Guide: Can You Trim Eyelash Extensions?
So you have got your extensions done with a new lash artist and you love them! But after a few days, you start to notice that they are too long for comfort and you want to trim them. But, can this be done without damaging your natural lashes or ruining the look of your extensions?
If you feel your extensions are too long, I’ll share other ways to make them work without losing your luscious lashes.
Ready? Let’s cut right in!
Can You Trim Eyelash Extensions?
You shouldn’t trim eyelash extensions as you can accidentally cut your own natural eyelashes or worse, cut your skin or eyes if you’re not careful. If your extensions are too long, it’s best to go back to a professional technician who can safely fix your lashes.
Most people visit a salon to receive the length of eyelash extensions they want. Thus, there is no need to cut them at home.
Here are the 3 major risks you can face during the cutting of eyelashes at home.
1. Loss Of Your Natural Lashes
This one is obvious, but when you trim eyelash extensions, you might accidentally cut your natural lashes. That’s because extensions are affixed to real lashes.
A good lash artist will extend your natural eyelashes by approximately 2 mm, sometimes 3 mm. Moreover, depending on the design (dolly-eye, cat-eye, natural, etc) the natural lashes are not extended evenly across the lash line.
Therefore, you would need to be a wizard to only cut the extensions without touching the natural eyelashes. You won’t realize you’re cutting into your own eyelashes until the deed is done.
2. Lousy Appearance
Another major disappointment with trimming extensions is their odd appearance. This happens because cut lashes have a blunt end instead of a tapered one. This makes their soft and fluffy look completely disappear.
Additionally, it’s virtually impossible to make a nice even cut that will complement the natural curve of your lashes. That’s because you’re trying to cut them while they are already applied!
3. Accidental Eye Damage
This one is the most serious concern. Using sharp objects like scissors by yourself near the eye is a big no-no. You risk accidentally poking your eye or cutting your eyelids.
Yes, lash techs use very sharp tweezers. But they have been trained and certified to do so. They also have a perfect view of your lashes from above with bring lights and sometimes magnifying glasses.
Why Do People Trim Eyelash Extensions?
Most eyelash extension customers do not think about cutting the fibers of the eyelash extensions when doing their lashes.
Otherwise, it’s always easier to inform the lash technician of their concerns and allow them to make corrections when they’re in the salon. Most people find out after they return home. Therefore, they try to shorten the length on their own. As an eyelash artist, it is your duty to explain the reasons why shortening your lashes on your own is a bad idea.
Additionally, eyelash extension manufacturers will make eyelash extension products in different sizes. The goal is to make sure it’s suitable for everyone. If your client is a person with small eyes, it’s up to her to decide if she wants to reduce the length. But make sure they do it in the saloon and not individually at home.
1. Eyelash extensions do not match the eye
Most people trim their lash extensions when they lash extension does not match the shape and size of the eyes.
For example, getting extremely curly extension fibers can make smaller eye sizes appear even smaller.
2. New to long eyelash extensions
If your client is getting longer lash extensions for the first time, it may take her some time to get to grips with them. It is not wrong to feel too different as if it doesn’t fit in.
3. Eyelash extensions that push against the glasses
If you wear glasses, long lashes can often push against the glasses and make your eyes feel weird after a while.
As a result, they may want to trim their lashes within a day or two of receiving them.
4. Long eyelash extension irritates the eyes
Even if you don’t wear glasses, you may feel like your eyelash extensions are too long if they irritate your eyes. This is especially true if they are significantly larger in size than your lashes.
How do you trim lash extensions that are too long?
The lash strip may be too wide for your client’s eyes, or the lashes may be a little longer than they would like. This can result in an unnatural and irritating appearance to the skin. Therefore, before applying new lashes, trim each strip and strand of lashes for a better look and fit.
While trimming your lash extensions isn’t a good idea, we wanted to highlight the general steps these guides will give you so you can weigh the risks involved in each step.
Step #1 The material you will need
To trim the lash extensions, all you need is a pair of tweezers (with sharp tips) and a small pair of scissors. In addition, you will also use a mascara wand for precise trimming, a mirror and eyelash adhesives.
You should clean and disinfect your tools to make it easier to trim the eyelash extensions. You may be wondering, can eyelash extensions be trimmed with scissors?
Yes, you can trim eyelashes with small eyelash scissors or manicure scissors. But this is only possible if your hands are perfectly still. Keep in mind that you risk permanent damage to your eyes or skin every time you twitch
Step #2 Choose the style and shape of your lashes.
Think about the shape and size of your client’s eyes, and what they want from the lash extension. I mean, imagine how they want it to be.
If they are new to lash extensions, let them start with natural ones and gradually move on to thicker or longer lashes to see which one they prefer.
Step #3 Remove lashes from the tray
Using mirrors for this step is essential. Make sure the mirror is level with your face.
Gently separate lashes from the tray and hold them close to your lashes.
Looking in the mirror, you will be able to tell if the lashes are comfortably resting on your lashes or if the lashes look a bit long.
Step #4 Use scissors to cut the tabs.
If your lashes seem too long, use small eyelash scissors to cut a few strands from the outer edge.
It’s best to only cut small amounts at a time, as it can be easy to misjudge and end up cutting too much, making your lashes too short for your clients’ eyes.
After you have trimmed a few lashes, hold it over the lashes again to measure. (I mean cut and keep trying)
Keep pruning as needed and if it looks good, go ahead and glue the tabs.
Repeat this step for the other eye and the lash strip.
Step #5 Apply the lashes
After you cut your client’s lashes to fit, you can apply the eyelash glue on the lashes, remember to wait for the glue to adhere to the lashes before application (it takes about 30-60 seconds). Using a curling iron, make sure you get as close to your natural lashes as possible. Press the lash into place and adjust the outer edges to fit. Then you can use mascara to brush your lashes evenly.
Note: It is recommended to cut the strip from the outside so that it is approximately the same length as the lashes. And to shorten the lashes yourself, cut them carefully, do not use scissors to cut the same length, but inwards towards the lash strip, so that they look more natural.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to the question can you trim lash extensions, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. While it might be tempting to take matters into your own hands, the risk of damaging your lashes far outweighs the reward. Instead, schedule regular appointments with a skilled lash technician who can expertly trim and maintain your extensions, leaving you with gorgeous lashes that are sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Remember, when it comes to lash care, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So here’s to embracing your fluttery fringe and letting the pros work their magic!
