As part of our #NLHaveItAll quest to educate the masses in lash and eye health, we have enrolled masters in their fields so we can bring you expert advice. With trusted experience and incredible knowledge these ladies will help us all to take great care of our eyes.
The next panel member in the hot seat is Trisha Buller, a highly regarded Trichologist and hair expert with over 40 years of experience as a hairdresser, educator, assessor and colour specialist. She is a member of the Institute of Trichologists and is dedicated to helping those with problematic hair at her clinic.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE EYELASH GROWTH CYCLE AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EYELASH GROWTH AND SCALP HAIR GROWTH?
Each individual eyelash is programmed to reach a certain length (approximately 3/8 of an inch on average), fall out, and then re-grow. An eyelash undergoes a three-part growth cycle, and scalp hair also has a 3-phase cycle, however the length of each cycle is different from the eyelash, otherwise we would need to cut our eyelashes as we do hair.
WHAT IS LIFE EXPECTANCY OF AN EYELASH?
From 30 and 45 days.
HOW MANY EYELASHES DO WE USUALLY LOSE IN A DAY?
On average we lose between 1 and 4 eyelashes a day, however this differs and is dependent on lifestyle and other factors.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN NATURAL CAUSES OF LASH DAMAGE AND THINNING?
Ill health, nutritional deficiency and anxiety can all play a role in lash damage and thinning. Rubbing your eyes, harsh mascaras, not carefully removing eye make-up, using eyelash curlers can also damage natural lashes.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR EYELASHES TO GROW?
It can take weeks and even months, for eyelashes to grow, so it’s important to take great care of your lashes.
CAN DAMAGED LASHES BE REPAIRED?
Yes, they can. It takes time and using the right products to encourage healthy lash growth.
CAN ETHNICITY, AGE AND GENDER AFFECT EYE AND LASH HEALTH?
It can affect the lash growth as certain essential amino acids and vitamins are required for healthy lash growth, certain diets that omit these ingredients can influence lash growth.
AT THEIR HEALTHIEST ARE LASHES LONGER AND FULLER?
Lashes that are longer and fuller will generally be down to a healthy individual with a good balanced diet and good family histology.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE GOOD LASH CARE AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY LASHES?
Gently removing eye make-up every night, applying a lash conditioner to keep the lashes hydrated and avoiding harsh mascaras and eyelash curlers are key. Always take care when using false lashes and ensure that the adhesive or glue is not going to exacerbate lash loss. Avoid rubbing your eyes and eat a healthy protein diet to assist in the healthy growth of hair, eyelashes, skin and nails.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR LASHES?
Biotin is an essential amino acid important for lash growth, B12 and Amino mar C which is an essential fatty acid all contribute to healthy lash growth.
HOW CAN LASH TREATMENTS SUCH AS EXTENSIONS AFFECT LASH HEALTH?
Extensions can have an adverse effect on lash growth and condition, if the lash artist overloads the eyelashes with too much weight, ensure you see a professional who understands lash care.
CAN WEARING TOO MUCH MAKE-UP DAMAGE YOUR LASHES?
Depending how strong your lashes are to start with, it can if the makeup is not gently removed every night.
CAN WEARING OR REMOVING STRIP LASHES DAMAGE YOUR EYELASHES?
Depending on the length of time worn and how they’re removed, you could accidentally pull out natural lashes. Try to keep the strips slightly away from your lash line so you’re not pulling the lash on removal of the strips, then apply a conditioning serum after to re-hydrate and moisturise the natural lashes.
DO YOUR LASHES CHANGE AT CERTAIN TIMES OF YOUR LIFE?
With age, eyelashes do become weaker and density changes occur, which can sometimes be a result of medication or long-term health issues too. During pregnancy, your oestrogen levels are high so generally your lashes are healthy and grow long, the problem of lash loss could occur 3-6 months after birth when the hormone levels change, and your diet is compromised due to no time to eat and sleep deprivation.
RECENT RESEARCH SHOWS LASH TREATMENT CUSTOMERS ARE DRIVEN MORE BY THE PRICE OF THE TREATMENT THAN THE HEALTHIEST OR SAFEST TREATMENT – WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND PEOPLE LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING A TREATMENT?
Sometimes the cheaper options can end up costing you more in the long run, as the damage can take weeks even months to repair. At the same time, you don’t want to be ripped off with the latest trends that don’t work, so make sure you do your research and look for recommendations on products that actually show a success rate.
RECENT RESEARCH SHOWS CUSTOMERS ARE DRIVEN MORE BY THE FINISHED LOOK ACHIEVED BY THE TREATMENT THAN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS OF THE SALON – WHAT DANGERS COULD PEOPLE FACE IF THEY IGNORE SALON HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS?
Always have a consultation with your lash technician; ask for their qualifications and pictures of the work they have carried out. They should have a catalogue of success from previous clients, and you could always ask to speak to an existing client. Look at the salon, you will know if it looks professional and clean, and whether they follow sterilisation methods. Contracting an eye infection or disease is a real risk so don’t be backwards in protecting your vision.
RESEARCH SHOWS 29% OF LASH EXTENSION TREATMENT CUSTOMERS WERE NOT TOLD HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE THEIR LASHES WITH 21% PULLING LASH EXTENSIONS OFF THEMSELVES – HOW CAN PULLING LASH EXTENSIONS OFF CAUSE LASH DAMAGE?
By pulling your lash extensions you will most certainly remove your own lashes, and it can take weeks to several months for lashes to regrow. The lashes have a growth cycle, and a resting phase so by pulling out the lashes by force you will damage the follicles and possibly cause permanent lash loss.
MORE THAN 50% OF LASH TREATMENT CUSTOMERS DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN DETERMINING THE BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A LASH TREATMENT – WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE TO LOOK FOR?
Up-to-date training on all products and services, professional image, brand reputation, client testimonials, qualified therapists and technicians that have an underpinning knowledge of lash health, offering follow up and after care advice.
OVER A THIRD OF THE PEOPLE WE SURVEYED FELT THAT EYE AREA IS IMPORTANT TO WOMEN BECAUSE THE EYES ARE THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE – WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR CARING FOR THIS AREA?
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASH HAIR AND BROW HAIR?
The growth cycle is similar to both and can be affected by nutrition, health and hormones.
Looking for amazing lashes that put your lash health first? Search your postcode on our Salon Finder and discover a Nouveau Lashes certified lash artist near you!
Stay tuned for more interviews with our Expert Panel….
