Who would have ever thought that we could one day achieve a pair of fluffy and luscious lashes with the help of magnets?
Well, the concept is now made possible with magnetic lashes, which has made a huge splash in the beauty tech market ever since it first blew up on Google Search in 2018.
During the lock-down period where all beauty salons had to stop operating, we see our customers turning to Magnetic eyelashes as a lash-saver alternative. ‘Oh no!’ I thought, will this new lash fad take away the customers based we built over the years?
Magnetic eyelashes may be a great alternative to traditional falsies – but how do they fare against eyelash extensions? Find out why extensions are still the best!
Despite the allure of being able to snap the lashes into place, it seems that the reviews are still mixed on the innovation and if you are thinking your potential clients might want to give magnetic lashes a serious shot, here is how they match up next to classic eyelash extensions!
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How Magnetic Lashes Work
Source: @glamnetic
Just as its name suggests, magnetic lashes work with the help of tiny magnets that are attached to the lash band to secure the falsies along your natural lash line.
Depending on which brand, your clients either put them on by sandwiching two lash strips between their natural lashes or apply a magnetic liner along their lash line that secures the falsies in place.
The magnetic liner contains FDA-approved iron oxide, which acts as a powerful base for the lashes to stick in place.
The number of magnets also differs amongst different brands and can go up to eight magnets for a more impressive hold.
So, are magnetic lashes worth the hype? Or eyelash extensions remain the most popular choice? Let’s find out!
1. Convenience
One of the biggest reasons why so many ladies love false lashes is because of the convenience it brings to a busy schedule. They can be easily bought online and are reusable.
In terms of getting the lashes on and taking them off, magnetic lashes have a learning curve that everyone will have to first overcome to enjoy the convenience of snapping them into place anytime.
There’s quite a bit of trial and error to go through before finding a way to line the magnets precisely to the lash line, and even then, trimming the lashes might be required to contour it to fit the eye shape.
Otherwise, the lashes will just end up looking awkward and unnatural.
In contrast, eyelash extensions will take anywhere from 1 and a half hours to 2 hours to complete including consultation.
The extensions will last for about 3 to 4 weeks before having to go for a touch up session or opt for removal. Regardless, a lash specialist is always there to assist from start to finish that is hands down much more convenient than magnetic lashes!
Verdict: Eyelash extensions.
2. Safety
One of the biggest reasons why people love magnetic lashes is that it is safer than glue-on strip lashes as no harmful chemicals or ingredients are being used on the lash line.
While traditional falsies are supported by the natural lashes, magnetic lashes count on the eyelids for support which makes it relatively safer in terms of the potential to cause traction alopecia – a condition that causes real lashes to shed prematurely due to prolonged strain and weight being put on it.
However, you should consult your clients to avoid magnetic lashes if they are allergic to iron or nickel and follow these safety tips when dealing with them.
On the other hand, eyelash extensions do not come with the risk of iron or nickel allergies since no magnets are used, but they still require various chemicals that may cause allergic reactions and other side effects.
Remember: both magnetic lashes and eyelash extensions can end up causing the same problems such as the loss of lashes and conjunctivitis if your clients don’t take good care of them. By understanding the risks, you can minimize any potential complications!
Verdict: Draw.
3. Maintenance & Upkeep
Magnetic lashes are relatively easy to maintain. Simply pop them on and store them back in their storage box once done using them.
They typically last all day as long as the users make sure that their lashes are secure before leaving the house.
Compared to magnetic lashes, eyelash extensions do not require much maintenance once your clients have them on, although they will have to go to you for refills after 3 – 4 weeks if they want to avoid patchy lashes.
However, you will have to let your clients know it is important to brush the lashes daily and avoid any oil-based products to maintain its beauty until their next session.
Clearly, both magnetic lashes and eyelash extensions will require your clients to take additional steps to care for it to ensure that the lashes are kept in the best shape possible.
Verdict: Draw.
4. Price
Magnetic lashes may be more budget-friendly. A set of top-selling Ardell magnetic lashes will cost you as low as $15 and last anywhere from 50 to 100 uses, depending on how well the users take care of them.
On the other hand, lash extensions range anywhere from $90 to $200, depending on the design and style of the eyelash extensions your clients pick.
The recurring costs of going for touch up sessions adds additional cost to getting eyelash extensions. Provided that your clients go for a refill every 4 weeks, this could easily rack up to hundreds of dollars while they are still left with several uses for the magnetic lashes.
Verdict: Magnetic lashes.
5. Customization
Magnetic lashes come in a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from to cater to personal desired looks.
However, buyers will have to work with the designs available and might not always find a pair that suits their natural eye shape.
In contrast, eyelash extensions are completely customizable. As a lash technician, we work with our clients to create a lash design based on their preference and do all the heavy work for them.
Since eyelash extensions are handled by a professional from start to finish, it is obviously the better choice for those looking to save both time and effort for beautiful results!
Verdict: Eyelash extensions.
Doing Eyelash Extensions is still the ideal choice!
Given it’s comfort and it’s ability to be customized, we strongly agree that Magnetic Eyelashes will not be a replacement for Eyelash Extensions. Lashes used in Eyelash Extensions are softer to touch and resemble more towards our natural eyelashes.
Customers who opt for magnetic lashes are usually wearing it for a day’s event, or simply due to budget.
However, if someone wishes to enhance the facial features and get a pair of attractive and alluring peepers for the moment they wake up, getting customized eyelash extensions is a no-brainer!
Not to mention, eyelash extensions open up many possibilities for you as a lash artist to play around with different lash designs and for your clients to enhance their look that could express their personality in their own unique style. It’s a win-win for both sides.
The Lash Academy
There is no doubt that having eyelash extensions is still a more favorable option, thus, lash salons are taking this opportunity and rapidly expanding in Singapore’s market. However, how could you prove that their lash technicians are legitimate and the products used are safe?
In The Lash Academy’s eyelash courses, students are taught the tips and tricks to perform high-quality eyelash extensions, where to get reliable eyelash products, and also learn the marketing techniques to build your customer base with our years of experience in the lash making industry.
Drop us a message if you have any questions regarding eyelash extensions courses. We’ll be happy to answer!
The Lash Academy