DIY lash extensions have gained immense popularity as a versatile alternative to traditional strip or magnetic lashes, offering wearers the ability to enjoy beautiful, full lashes for several days rather than just for one evening. While strip and magnetic lashes are ideal for short-term wear, DIY lash extensions provide a longer-lasting solution without the need for professional salon visits. But a common question asked is: Are DIY lash extensions safe? In this post, we’ll explore what DIY lashes are, how they work, and most importantly, why they are safe when applied and worn correctly.
The Appeal of DIY Eyelash Extensions
DIY lash extensions are an amazing, and affordable, alternative to professional lash extensions. There is something about waking up with lashes that makes you just ready to take on the day. In the last few years, DIY lashes have gotten even more popular simply because as a user, you have more control over your lash style, wear time, and overall appearance.
Are DIY Lash Extensions Safe? Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Many in the beauty industry are aware of badly applied cluster lashes. Which simplified, is DIY lash segments applied with professional grade lash extension adhesive. This is a no-no. Professional lash extensions are applied in a one-to-one application, allowing your natural lashes to grow with a single extension applied to it. DIY lashes have a flexible adhesive that, even when touching multiple lashes during application, will still be flexible enough to grow during the natural growth cycle.
One of the biggest concerns for DIY lash users is whether DIY will damage their natural lashes. With TAD lashes, the answer is no! Let’s dive into why.
Adhesive Sensitivities and Reactions
Those that are allergic to professional lash extensions are more commonly allergic to the ingredient cyanoacrylate, the ingredient that makes lash extension glue sticky. TAD's adhesive formula is cyanoacrylate free, the compound used in many professional lash extension adhesives. Cyanoacrylate is known for being strong and long-lasting. Instead, TAD uses a flexible, stretchy adhesive that allows for natural lash movement and growth without causing harm.
Risk of Damaging Natural Lashes
Unlike professional extensions, which are designed to stay on for up to four weeks, TAD lashes are intended for 7-day wear. By removing them weekly, you prevent unnecessary stress on your natural lashes.
Clean lashes are healthy lashes! Unlike other DIY lashes, TAD 3D lashes can be washed while you wear them. Washing your lashes daily removes buildup from makeup, oils, and dirt, reducing the risk of eye irritation or infection. This also helps protect your natural lashes, as clean lashes are less likely to weaken or break.
Stay Safe By Avoiding Cheap At-Home Lash Extensions
There are many at-home lash extensions on the market, available inexpensive options on mass online retailers. Our issue with these lashes is that many are made from cheap materials that may come from an unsafe manufacturer. Before applying anything around your eyes, you need to know where it is made and what it is made from to ensure that the DIY lash extensions are safe.
TAD is proud to make our 3D printed lashes in the USA, and our supporting products such as our Prep Pads, Brilliant Bond adhesive, Pristine Seal, and Pure Cleanser are also made in the USA.
You Can Protect Yourself Through Proper Application, Too
TAD 3D printed lashes are designed with our advanced microstructure technology that allows them to wrap more naturally around your lashes. Traditional strip lashes can cause damage by lifting which can be uncomfortable and cause you to rub your lashes, but TAD’s unique design ensures a comfortable, snug fit, eliminating that risk.
Length Consideration: In professional lash extension applications, lash length plays a crucial role in the health of the natural lashes. Long, heavy extensions can weaken and break natural lashes over time. TAD lashes are designed to be lightweight and are available in lengths up to 16mm, ensuring they won’t compromise the integrity of your lashes.
What are the Safest Eyelash Extensions for a DIY Approach?
Now that you know that TAD diy lashes extensions are safe, let’s dive into some big differentiators between all lash brands that you can choose from.
Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic Adhesives
Lash adhesive allergies are more common than you might think, but it’s important to note that most people aren’t allergic to the lashes themselves, but to the adhesive used. Traditional lash adhesives are cyanoacrylate-based, which is what gives them their strong bonding power. Unfortunately, cyanoacrylate can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation.
If you’ve experienced an allergic reaction to lash adhesives in the past, TAD DIY lashes may be the perfect solution for you. Our CEO, Michelle Nguyen, who is a lash artist with over 18 years of experience, personally developed a cyanoacrylate allergy after years of working with traditional adhesives. This led her to create TAD’s cyanoacrylate-free adhesive formula, which is safe, gentle, and effective for those with sensitive eyes.
Lashes Made from High-Quality, Safe Materials
TAD lashes are made from our unique, 3D Flex Technology, a compound that is the first to work with your body temperature. Our compound has been tested to be safe around your eyes. It is also extremely lightweight, avoiding any unnecessary damage to your lashes.
Look No Further Than TAD Beauty!
Michelle’s main mission when she sat out with TAD Beauty is to take an innovative approach with DIY lashes and ensure that you have access to top of the line products that won’t risk your natural lash health. If you ask her “are DIY lash extensions safe” she will tell you – 100% yes!
Quick Application Tips to Protect Your Lash Health
Clean and Dry Your Lashes Before Application
You always want to start with a clean surface – including your eyes! Before applying your DIY lashes, always clean your lashes with an oil-free cleanser. Pat dry or allow your natural lashes to air dry. Follow up by using TAD Prep Pads to prime your lashes before application.
Use the Right Amount of Adhesive
Our duo Brilliant Bond adhesive is designed to work together. Apply "For YOU" white TAD adhesive to the base of your natural lashes; remember less is more! Do not apply from base to tip as you would mascara. Only apply from the base to about half way up your natural lash. Be sure to apply For YOU adhesive first, to allow the adhesive to get slightly tacky.
Then, apply "For TAD" black adhesive right above the base of TAD lash segments. You can do this while the lashes are still lying on the sticky strip of your TAD box, or you can pick up the lash segment with your DIY tweezer. You do not want to place adhesive on the Microstructure, but apply above the baseline of the segment. Ensure that you have applied enough adhesive that you cannot see through the segment.
Safe Application
Apply each lash segment from under your natural lashes, just beyond the waterline. It’s important to not touch your waterline, but place each DIY segment close to ensure your lashes look flushed and natural. Do not overlap the segments. We recommend starting from the outer corner and working your way in!
Clean Your DIY Lashes
Eye health and hygiene are essential when it comes to wearing lash extensions, whether professional or DIY. Lashes serve an important function in protecting your eyes from dirt and bacteria, so keeping them clean is vital. Your diy lash extensions are most safe when they’re clean!
While wearing TAD lashes, you should wash them daily using a gentle cleanser like TAD’s Pure Cleanser and a fluffy brush. Gently wash around the lash segments, being careful not to tug or pull. Let them air dry completely before touching them. Avoid rubbing your lashes when they’re wet, as the flexible adhesive can become stretched if handled incorrectly.
Removing DIY Lashes Safely
When you’re ready to remove your TAD Lashes, we recommend using our ‘Til Next Time Remover. Our remover is designed to break down the adhesive allowing you to safely pull on the segments without risking the removal of your natural lashes!
Step 1: Shake before use.
Step 2: Apply using a Q-Tip or cotton pad. Allow the remover to sit on lashes for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Slide segments off lashes with Q-Tip or cotton pad.
Step 4: Cleanse natural lashes after with TAD Pure Cleanser.
Friendly reminder – all of TAD’s products for at-home lash applications are available in our DIY lash kits, with everything you need to get started on your TAD lash journey!
Parting Thoughts on DIY Lash Extension Safety
In conclusion, DIY at-home lash extensions are completely safe when used correctly, especially TAD’s innovative lash system. Now that you know diy lash extensions are safe with the right adhesive, proper application, and good hygiene practices, you can enjoy the beauty of long-lasting, comfortable lashes without compromising the health of your natural ones. So, if you're ready to try DIY lashes, rest assured that TAD has you covered! Happy lashing!