Glowing skin, bomb brows and fuller lashes have become the new beauty statement as women get more invested in a simplified morning routine. Lash extensions, also known as Fusion Lashes, has grown to become one of the most popular beauty treatments because it provides instant glamour to the face, whilst shaving off 5-10 minutes of dressing time.
In this article we will go over the essentials of fusion lashes, providing all the need-to-know details for any newbie to the lash life.
What are Fusion Lashes?
Semi-permanent eyelash extensions – the title of this product as well as the technique of its application – is a cosmetic treatment used to enhance the natural eyelash length, curl and density, by bonding synthetic extensions to each individual natural eyelashes using a special adhesive.
Eyelash Extensions are also known as:
Fusion Lashes, Singles, Single Lashes, Infused Lashes
The Process
The fusing of lash extensions to eyelashes involves the repetitive process of separating or isolating individual eyelashes – strand by strand! – using tweezers and the adhering of each extension to the isolated lash according to a predefined lash design, up to the required coverage.
In a fullset application, 80-100% of lashes are extended, a process which takes 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on a number of factors.
| Factors | Examples |
| Structure of the Natural Eyelash | Fine Lashes, Curly/Wild Lashes. |
| Density of the Lashline | Number of lashes – can range from 80 to 300 per eye. |
| # of Extensions to be applied | Services include Fullsets; HalfSets; Refills or Quick Touchups. |
| Client Specific Issues | Fluttery, Open or Watery Eyes, Excessive movement, Anxiety/Tension |
| Skill of Technician | Shakey hands, vision issues, body pains |
| Lash Technique/Design | Volume/Megavolume; Intricate designs |
After a few weeks of wear, routine refill sessions are done as lash coverage gradually falls down to 50% due to natural shedding of the eyelashes along with their attached extensions. A fusion lash refill takes 45 mins to 2 hours. With the recommended aftercare, expect your fusion lashes to last 3 to 6 weeks. To maintain the fullness of the lash set you must schedule refill appointments as recommended by your therapist – usually every 2-3 weeks.
The Adhesive
The special adhesive used in this technique is not a standard, latex-based glue. Instead it is a medical-grade, cyanoacrylate-based adhesive which is strong and durable, yet flexible, maintaining bonds for up to 8 weeks. The extension applied to the natural eyelash usually holds tight as the eyelash grows and matures, until the removal of extensions or the natural shedding of the eyelash.
The Extensions
Synthetic extensions are hypoallergenic and come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, curls, textures, lustres and colours so that they may be arranged to create intricate designs – from natural to dramatic to avant-garde. Though they are not made of animal hair, synthetic lashes are still called “mink” due to their finely tapered ends which replicate real eyelashes in look and feel, instead of the blunt, stiff, hard plastic lashes of old… actually these are still used in some places today.
Fusion Lashes, Cluster Lashes… What’s the difference?
There’s a huge difference!
Cluster lashes, sometimes called individual lashes and not truly individual and they are definitely NOT fusion lashes though mislabeling has been popular in recent years. I have heard of clients paying top dollars for fusion lash services, but receiving cluster lashes.
But how can you tell the difference?
| Cluster Lashes | Fusion Lashes |
| Applied in about 30 mins | Applied in 1.5 to 3.5 hours |
| Clusters glued to groups and bunches of eyelashes | Extensions applied strand by strand |
| Can be performed by general beautician | Performed by a certified specialist |
| Natural eyelashes stuck in clumps, cannot shed, causing discomfort after a few days | Natural eyelashes grow and shed freely |
| Cluster quality often low, made of thick, hard, blunt bristles | Fine, soft fibre with Mink Effect |
| Usually applied with latex based glue | Applied with special adhesive |
| Thick Bulb or Long Band Base | No bands or bases, seamless strands |
| Little to no preparation before procedure | Cleaning and Preparation before procedure – Lash priming, cleansing, etc |
| Removed by Client | Professionally removed by Technician |
Cluster lashes are applied indiscriminately to a bunches of eyelashes using clumps of glue. Long term wear of clusters prevent the natural eyelashes from growing and shedding properly, which results in discomfort and inflammation of lash follicles.
Additional stress to the lash line occurs with cluster lashes if they are forcibly removed, or torn off, without the use of softeners or removal products. Repetitive forced removal ultimately causes long term damage to lash follicles and even traction alopecia, which is commonly seen in routine clients of this technique.
Fusion lash extensions in contrast, are applied strand by strand allowing for comfortable growth and natural shedding of eyelashes according to the body’s hair growth and shedding cycle. Professional removal of extensions by a lash technician also ensures that natural eyelashes are not torn out from the follicle.
Conclusion
False lashes have become a new staple in so many Jamaican women’s beauty routines because accentuating the eye with the lashes adds instant glamour to the face. Fusion lashes are currently the best solution for long term lash wear due to its health and safety profile, low maintenance requirement, and ease of customization.
Although they are commonly confused with cluster lashes, fusion lashes can be easily differentiated by its unique feature – strand by strand application – which ensures the healthy of natural lashes during long wear.
New to the Lash Life? What are your most pressing questions and concerns about this beauty treatment? Ask Auracle in the comments below.
One Response