Nothing brightens up your face quite like long, full and dark eyelashes. For most of us, however, our natural lashes require assistance to reach the desired height and volume.
Eyelash extensions have recently gained popularity for their look and perceived convenience. Read on to learn about eyelash extension types, their safety and your viable alternatives are for thicker, fuller lashes without extensions.
What are eyelash extensions?
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent, false eyelashes that are glued to natural lashes. They are individually glued on by hand by a salon professional, allowing customization. Eyelash extensions last longer, require less daily care and look more natural than store-bought false lashes used at home.1
What are popular types of eyelash extensions?
One of the benefits of eyelash extensions is their variety and customization. There is a selection of length, volume and curl type to choose from. Most eyelash extensions fall into three categories: classic, volume, and hybrid.2
Classic. One single extension is attached to one single natural lash.
Volume. A small cluster of lashes attached to one natural lash. Also called a fan lash.
Hybrid. A combination of classic and volume applications.
What are eyelash extensions made of?
Eyelash extensions are made from a variety of materials, which fall into three main categories: synthetic, silk, and mink.3
Synthetic. It is usually made of some kind of acrylic and is typically the least expensive option.
Silk. Lighter and more flexible than synthetic. Great for users with fine natural lashes.4
Mink. Soft with a texture that is closest to natural lashes. If you object to using animal products, there are lots of faux-mink options made with fine fibers.5
Are eyelash extensions safe?
Eyelash extensions are not inherently dangerous, but some risks should be considered.
Allergic reactions
There is potential for an allergic reaction to the glue, lash material, or other chemicals used during the application of eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions and glue are not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Infections
If the aesthetician or the salon doesn't follow proper sanitary procedures, there is a risk of an eye infection. Infections can also occur if the user doesn’t properly clean the extensions during wear.
Eyelash damage
Pulling, tugging, or chemical reactions can damage the underlying natural lashes. Sometimes, the lash loss is temporary, and other times, eyelash extensions can cause permanent damage to the hair follicle.6
How much do eyelash extensions cost?
The cost of eyelash extensions will vary based on location, but a new set costs approximately $100- $400, plus tip. To maintain the look, refills are required every six to eight weeks and can cost around $50 to $165, depending on the number of replacement lashes needed.7
What are common alternatives to eyelash extensions?
If the cost, risks, or maintenance of eyelash extensions do not appeal to you, there are a variety of alternatives to choose from.
Eyelash growth serums
Eyelash serums are applied to the eyelashes or the skin near the eyelashes to promote the growth of fuller, thicker, and darker lashes. These products are available in over-the-counter and prescription-strength versions.
Over-the-counter serums
Over-the-counter eyelash serums utilize ingredients like peptides, botanicals, amino acids and vitamins to support lash growth. In cosmetics, FDA approval is not required to sell directly to consumers. Research on the efficacy of nonprescription eyelash serums still lacks compelling evidence to support claims to grow longer, fuller or darker lashes.8
Popular brands of over-the-counter eyelash serums and their average cost include:
Nulastin® – $79 for a month’s supply9
RevitaLash® – $100 for a three-month supply10
GrandeLash-MD® – $68 for a three-month supply11
Rodan + FieldsLash Boost – $170 for a 10-week supply12
Prescription serums
Prescription serums with the active ingredient bimatoprost are the only FDA-approved options for eyelash growth. Bimatoprost serums are available by the name brand Latisse® or in the generic version.
Bimatoprost has also been thoroughly researched with positive results. In one clinical double-blind study, 78% of participants saw significant eyelash growth after 16 weeks of use.13 Participants in a different study reported a 106% increase in eyelash growth with bimatropost use.14
Generic bimatoprost is $114 for a 10-week supply with RedBox Rx, a price point lower than many leading over-the-counter eyelash serum brands.
FDA-approved prescription eyelash serum as low as $11.40 per week.
Let us help you get the lashes you’re looking for at a fraction of the price with affordable bimatoprost lash boosting serum.
Get Started for FreeFalse eyelashes
False eyelashes are an accessible and affordable alternative to professionally applied eyelash extensions. They come in strips, clusters or single lashes and are applied with glue to the lash line. These lashes are available in a variety of price points to fit nearly any budget.15
False eyelashes are temporary. However, with proper care and cleaning between wears, you can reuse the same strip of lashes three to five times.16
There are some risks involved in wearing false eyelashes, including:17
Allergic reactions to glue or lash materials.
Formation of a stye, a painful red bump on your eyelid.
Drooping eyelids.
Eye irritation or infection.
Loss of natural eyelashes.
Lash lift
A lash lift is a cosmetic procedure that uses chemicals to semi-permanently curl natural lashes. The procedure does not make lashes longer, but the curl can create the illusion of length.18 A lash lift can last eight to 12 weeks with proper care. The price of a professional lash lift ranges from $75 to $100 per session.19
There are some risks involved with a lash lift, including:20
Allergic reactions.
Overprocessing of lashes, leading to lash loss.
Eye infection or inflammation.
Eyelash Extension Alternatives Comparison Chart
How RedBox Rx can help
If you’re interested in prescription eyelash serum, RedBox Rx makes getting bimatoprost or genuine Latisse easy and affordable.
Benefits of RedBox Rx include:
Saving over $200 with generic options over brand name.
FREE consultations with a U.S. licensed medical professional.
No insurance required. FSA and HSA eligible.
FREE shipping directly to you. Monthly and quarterly subscriptions available.
Get started on your journey to thicker, fuller and longer lashes with our short online assessment.
