What Are Eyebrow Extensions?

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What Are Eyebrow Extensions?
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Eyebrows protect our eyes from debris and sweat, and they also play a role in nonverbal communication. They contribute significantly to the overall contours of our faces. Just as bodies differ in shape, shade, and size, eyebrows too show wide variation.

Many elements can influence how your brows look. For instance, eyebrow hair thinning or loss may result from certain health issues or prescription drugs.

Preferences for ideal brows vary, but a widely sought-after style is full, well-defined arches. One method to enhance brow appearance is through eyebrow extensions.

Continue reading to find out what eyebrow extensions are, how they’re applied, and other essential details.

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What are eyebrow extensions?

Eyebrow extensions are individual strands made from mink or synthetic fibers that are adhered directly to your brow hairs or the skin around the eyebrow using surgical-grade glue.

As more people opt to augment their brows with this technique, beauty writers and salons have been discussing the treatment more frequently. An increasing number of beauty studios now provide eyebrow extension services.

Eyebrow extensions procedure

Typically, a trained technician at a salon applies eyebrow extensions. Salon descriptions state that extensions are attached strand by strand. There are also home kits available for those who prefer to do it themselves.

Because the process can be intricate and time-consuming — and tricky to perform on yourself without practice — here’s how it’s generally done in a professional setting.

Step by step

  1. Your technician will help you choose the type of extension: natural mink fibers or synthetic strands.
  2. The color of your natural brows will be matched to the chosen extensions.
  3. Your face will be gently cleansed and dried. The brows are then tweezed into the desired shape and lightly sketched with an eyebrow pencil.
  4. Each extension strand is applied individually with tweezers. The end of the strand is dipped in adhesive before being placed onto the skin or, in some cases, onto existing hairs.
Technician applying individual brow/lash extensions with tweezers; close-up of eye area
(img by Avail Aesthetics)

Depending on the quantity of extensions applied, the full appointment can range from about 30 minutes to an hour or longer.

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Eyebrow extensions cost

Price varies with the number of extensions used. Basic applications often start around $50 for subtle enhancement, while more extensive work can reach several hundred dollars.

How long do eyebrow extensions last?

If extensions are bonded to the skin, you can expect them to shed naturally within 5 to 14 days. When attached to natural brow hairs, they can last several weeks.

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Eyebrow extensions benefits

Compared with other brow-enhancing options like microblading, eyebrow extensions are noninvasive. It’s worth noting, however, that the procedure lacks extensive cosmetic research.

Anecdotal accounts list several advantages of eyebrow extensions

Eyebrows protect our eyes from debris and sweat, and they also play a role in nonverbal communication. They contribute significantly to the overall contours of our faces. Just as bodies differ in shape, shade, and size, eyebrows too show wide variation.

Many elements can influence how your brows look. For instance, eyebrow hair thinning or loss may result from certain health issues or prescription drugs.

Preferences for ideal brows vary, but a widely sought-after style is full, well-defined arches. One method to enhance brow appearance is through eyebrow extensions.

Continue reading to find out what eyebrow extensions are, how they’re applied, and other essential details.

What are eyebrow extensions?

Eyebrow extensions are individual strands made from mink or synthetic fibers that are adhered directly to your brow hairs or the skin around the eyebrow using surgical-grade glue.

As more people opt to augment their brows with this technique, beauty writers and salons have been discussing the treatment more frequently. An increasing number of beauty studios now provide eyebrow extension services.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyebrow extensions procedure

Typically, a trained technician at a salon applies eyebrow extensions. Salon descriptions state that extensions are attached strand by strand. There are also home kits available for those who prefer to do it themselves.

Because the process can be intricate and time-consuming — and tricky to perform on yourself without practice — here’s how it’s generally done in a professional setting.

Step by step

  1. Your technician will help you choose the type of extension: natural mink fibers or synthetic strands.
  2. The color of your natural brows will be matched to the chosen extensions.
  3. Your face will be gently cleansed and dried. The brows are then tweezed into the desired shape and lightly sketched with an eyebrow pencil.
  4. Each extension strand is applied individually with tweezers. The end of the strand is dipped in adhesive before being placed onto the skin or, in some cases, onto existing hairs.
Professional applying eyebrow and lash extensions with tweezers
(img by Avail Aesthetics)

Depending on the quantity of extensions applied, the full appointment can range from about 30 minutes to an hour or longer.

Eyebrow extensions cost

Price varies with the number of extensions used. Basic applications often start around $50 for subtle enhancement, while more extensive work can reach several hundred dollars.

ADVERTISEMENT

How long do eyebrow extensions last?

If extensions are bonded to the skin, you can expect them to shed naturally within 5 to 14 days. When attached to natural brow hairs, they can last several weeks.

Eyebrow extensions benefits

Compared with other brow-enhancing options like microblading, eyebrow extensions are noninvasive. It’s worth noting, however, that the procedure lacks extensive cosmetic research.

Anecdotal accounts list several advantages of eyebrow extensions over other techniques:

  • minimal chance of adverse reactions
  • little to no pain during application
  • generally less expensive than some alternatives (aside from, in some cases, everyday makeup)
  • relatively fast to apply
  • no downtime required
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Precautions for eyebrow extensions

Overall, eyebrow extensions are a straightforward, noninvasive cosmetic option. Still, there are a few precautions to remember:

  • Keep extensions dry for the first 24 hours after application.
  • Try not to touch or rub your extensions, as handling can make them fall out sooner.
  • Extensions are temporary.

To preserve the look they create, you’ll need to have them replaced every one to two weeks — which can add up in both time and expense.

Eyebrow extensions: before and after

For people with absent, uneven, or sparse brows, extensions can create a fuller, healthier appearance. Below are some before-and-after images showing how extensions can transform brow appearance.

Cosmetologist shaping eyebrows with tweezers during an eyebrow grooming treatment
(img by EZ Skin Care and Wellness Center)
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Eyebrow extensions vs. microblading or nanoblading

Microblading and nanoblading are related methods that deposit semi-permanent pigment into the skin beneath the brows. They’re popular choices for those wishing to alter their brow shape or density.

Like eyebrow extensions, these techniques can add both shade and perceived thickness to your brows.

During microblading, a handheld tool with tiny needles is dragged across the skin in fine strokes. These shallow incisions in the outer layer mimic individual hairs and are filled with pigment matching your brow color.

Nanoblading is closer to a traditional tattoo technique, where a needle makes rapid insertions into the upper skin layer rather than being dragged.

Microblading and nanoblading are not deep tattoos; they typically last between 1 and 3 years before requiring a touch-up. That duration far exceeds how long extensions remain in place.

While eyebrow extensions cost less per session than microblading or nanoblading, they may be more expensive over time due to frequent maintenance.

You can expect initial microblading or nanoblading sessions to range from about $400 to $800, with smaller fees for follow-up touch-ups at 12 to 18 months.

On the other hand, because microblading and nanoblading produce semi-permanent results, it can be difficult to quickly alter your look if you’re unhappy.

Although potentially pricier long-term, eyebrow extensions offer several advantages versus microblading and nanoblading, such as being noninvasive.

There’s no recovery period, lowered infection risk, or the level of discomfort and aftercare that microblading and nanoblading typically require.

Other coverup treatments for the eyebrows

There are additional ways to make eyebrows appear thicker and fuller. Besides extensions and blade-based techniques, consider these options:

  • eyebrow tinting
  • serums that promote eyebrow growth
  • eyebrow lamination (sometimes called an “eyebrow perm”)
  • using an eyebrow pencil to fill in sparse areas

For information on topical products that can complement these approaches, see related posts on beauty skin care rosehip oil for face and beauty skin care vitamin c serums, or treatments that soothe and hydrate the brow area like beauty skin care aloe vera for face.

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Takeaway

Eyebrow extensions are one of several methods to enhance brow appearance. Although they require upkeep and aren’t long-lasting, many users report the process is fast and causes little discomfort or side effects.

If you’re tired of daily brow makeup but aren’t ready to commit to microblading or nanoblading, eyebrow extensions could be a suitable choice. Speak with a beauty professional to explore your options further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are eyebrow extensions made of?

How long do eyebrow extensions last?

Is the eyebrow extensions procedure painful?

What precautions should I take after getting eyebrow extensions?

How do eyebrow extensions compare to microblading?

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

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