Key Takeaways
- The biggest trend in individual lash extensions is a shift towards more natural-looking looks using classics lashes rather than bold volume sets.
- Lash extensions are attractive because they eliminate the need for mascara and save time.
- The false eyelash market has experienced steady growth over the years
So, you’ve seen girls rocking their lash extensions, and you’re probably wondering why eyelash extensions are so popular.
You might even wonder if eyelash extensions are a simple fad or a trend.
In this post, I’ll share the 7 most important reasons why lash extensions are so attractive, actual market data, and how they are reshaping the beauty industry by making their own product category.
Why Are Eyelash Extensions So Popular
1- Mind-Blowing Transformation
Eyelash extensions completely change your appearance.
They can make you look younger because lush and curly lashes are often associated with youthfulness.
They can open up your eyes without wearing any other makeup product.
You can rock any style since the customizations are endless.
2- Aren’t Permanent
Lash extensions are semi-permanent.
Just like you can change the color of your lipstick whenever you want, you can your lash style in a whim.
Your natural lashes go thought what’s called the “growth cycle”. This means, they’ll naturally shed over time and be replaced by new eyelashes.
Since your extensions are attached to your natural lashes, as this cycle repeats, it’s normal to lose a few extensions every day.
So, the best way to change your style is to simply wait for your refill appointment.
But, if you wish to change it faster, we can safely remove your extensions and start a new set.
Pro tip: I have a detailed guide on how to choose the best style of eyelash extensions for different eye shapes here!
3- Personalized For You
Your lash tech can customize your look based on your eye shape, facial structure, distance between your eyes, etc.
We do this by using extensions of various lengths, curls and diameters.
This all comes together into what’s called a “lash map”.
Lash extensions reshape your eyes and can even resolve hooded eyes, mono eyelids, small eyes, and more.
4- Save Your Time
According to Brandon Gaille statistic,1 the best reason why eyelash extensions are a big hit among millennials aged 18 to 35 is because they save huge amounts of time on an otherwise lengthy daily makeup regimen.
You don’t need to apply a million coats of your mascara or fight with your eyeliner for that winged look.
It’s an amazing felling to waking up with gorgeous lashes without lifting a finger.
5- Short Sessions
Most refill sessions are 1 hour or less.
Assuming you get your lashes done every 2 or 3 weeks, that’s 2 hours a month maximum.
So, when you think about it this way, it’s quite a short time investment for a nice return.
Pro Tip: I have a complete guide on how long it takes to apply lash extensions and why right here!
6- Not Just For Special Occasions
While strip lashes last less than a day, lash extensions last for weeks.
Imagine this.
You can wear them for weeks before and/or after important events like weddings, graduations, proms, homecomings, birthdays, anniversaries, vacations, and the like.
7- Affordable In The Long Run
While it may look like $200 to $300 for an initial set is expensive, when you do the math, they are not that costly to maintain.
Most salons will charge a very reasonable fee for refills, typically between 50$ to 100$. For those who’re committed to proper lash aftercare, extensions can still look gorgeous for 4 weeks.
So that would cost you around 100$ a month if you have good aftercare habits.
Pro tip: I have conducted a case survey to know how much eyelash extensions cost on average for classic, hybrid, and volume sets!
Eyelash Extensions Market Research
According to a report from Grand View Research, Inc. published in September 2019, the false eyelashes market will register a 5.4% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the 2019 – 2025 period.2
Key takeaways from the report:
- Individual false eyelashes are expected to have the highest CAGR of 6.0% from 2019 to 2025. This product category is expected to grow at a faster rate when compared to the other product categories (strips, clusters, others).
These findings come as no surprise to me, given how damaging some of these products can be for your natural lashes. If you want to know more about cluster lashes and why you should avoid them, check out our full article on them here. - Synthetic lashes already account for 60% of the market when compared to natural lashes. Moreover, their market share is expected to grow at a faster rate than their natural lashes’ counterpart.
This interesting statistic confirms what we have been advocating for years. At Divine Lashes, we only use synthetic lashes.
If you want to know more about the differences between synthetic and natural eyelash extensions, check out our full article on the different types of eyelash extensions here. - Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market through 2025 with an impressive 6.6% CAGR. The U.S. enjoys a strong number of manufacturers, creating a strong foothold for the product in years to come.
Redefining The Beauty Industry With Complementary Products
Because lash extensions are used by millions today, women need products that are compatible with them.
Users need water-based cosmetics and makeup removers that won’t negatively affect the adhesive used to attach extensions to natural eyelashes. Popular cosmetic brands are already manufacturing products that cater exclusively to lash extension wearers.
The creation of this entire ecosystem of complementary products is proof in-itself that dominant brands see eyelash extensions as a trend that’s there to last.
When lipstick became popular, lip liners, lip brushes, and lip primers gained mainstream attention too.
In the same way, the advent of eyelash extensions has paved the way for many products like lash cleansers, lash wands, lint-free applicators, lash fans, and even silk pillowcases (for preventing damage to lash extensions while sleeping) today.
Eyelash Extension Trends
According to Google Trends, the eyelash extensions topic has enjoyed continuous growth in search queries since 2004.3 The number of searches experienced a steep decline in April 2020 which was almost immediately recovered.
The COVID-19 pandemic explains this decrease, which was experienced by several other topics in the beauty field.
Final Thoughts
Lash extensions are not going out of style – they are evolving.
In recent years, I’ve seen a gradual shift to more natural-looking looks.
I get a lot more requests for natural classic sets compared to bold volume sets.
In my opinion, this is a positive change in the industry.
— Asako
Want to visit our salons? Book an appointment with our Montreal or Toronto locations or e-mail us: contact@divinelashes.ca.
Ready to master lash artistry? Take a look at our online or in-person courses here.
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Additional readings:
References
- Brandon Gaille (2019). 33 Eyelash Extension Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis. Retrieved from https://brandongaille.com/33-eyelash-extension-industry-statistics-trends-analysis/ (Accessed on 19-3-2021)
- Grand View Research, Inc. (2019). False Eyelashes Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Strips, Cluster /Accent, Individual), By Constituent (Natural, Synthetic), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 – 2025. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/false-eyelashes-market (Accessed on 19-3-2021)
- Google Trends. Eyelash Extensions Topic. Retrieved from https://trends.google.com/trends/. (Accessed on 19-3-2021)