While lash extensions are a new trend, falsies have been around for a long time. But what sets one apart from the other? Who is the winner when it comes to lash extensions vs falsies?
Both eyelash extensions and strip lashes have their own merits based on what you look for.
Lash extensions are more expensive, look great, last a month and take two hours to apply. They need regular maintenance and a lash tech for application. On the other hand, falsies look cheap, don’t last long, and take a few minutes to apply without a lash expert.
Read on to find out more about the ten main differences between eyelash extensions and falsies to know which one to pick.
What Are The 10 Key Differences Between Eyelash Extensions And Falsies?
Falsies are also called strip lashes because they’re a strip of pre-set lashes applied on the natural lash line with an adhesive. They are also sometimes referred to as simply “false lashes”.
On the other hand, eyelash extensions (also called individual eyelash extensions) are individual lash fibers applied with a medical-grade lash glue on top of your natural lashes one by one.
Let’s look at how eyelash extensions vs false lashes compare based on the following criterion:
- Price
- Application
- Time to apply
- Durability
- Quality
- Appearance
- Maintenance
- Reusability
- Celebrations
- Risks
In a hurry? Check out our summary table below.
| Lash Extensions vs Falsies | Eyelash Extensions | Falsies (strip lashes) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164 to $227 for a full classic set | $15 to $50 |
| Application | Lash tech | Your own/ Aesthetician |
| Time to apply | 30 to 60 minutes | Few minutes |
| Durability | Lasts up to 6 weeks | Single-day use |
| Quality | Premium | Mixed Quality |
| Appearance | Natural and customizable | Unnatural or Dramatic |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Reusability | No | 2 to 25 times |
| Celebrations | Perfect | Fine |
| Risks | Allergies, reactions, chemical burn | Allergies, loss of natural lashes |
1. Price
False lashes are cheaper than lash extensions because they’re premade with varying quality lash fibers. Hence, you can get a pair of strip eyelashes for $15 to $50.
When it comes to lash extensions, you’ll pay $164 to $227 for a full classic set depending on the lashes and where you get them.
Plus, refill sessions of eyelash extensions cost $71 to $95, while you can take off strip lashes at the end of the day.
Read more on our case study on the cost of lash extensions where we surveyed 100+ lash salons.
2. Application
Each eye has 90 to 150 eyelashes. Hence, with lash extensions, your lash artist applies one lash fiber to several dozen natural lashes one by one to create a personalized style of your choice. Needless to say, it requires specialized tools and meticulous training to do a good job.
On the flip side, you can apply false lashes by yourself (which is completely different than applying lash extensions on your own).
You’ll need a pair of tweezers, cotton swabs, glue, and a steady hand to do a good job. First, you apply a thin line of glue on the band of your strip lashes, wait for a few seconds, and line it up against the lash line. That’s it!
Alternatively, get fake strip eyelashes appropriately done with the help of any aesthetician at any salon.
3. Time to Apply
Applying lash extensions is a complicated process. So, the treatment requires an experienced lash technician. Hence, the entire application process takes 90 to 120 minutes to do a full set and 30 to 60 minutes for a refill session.
Conversely, applying strip lashes is very simple, and that’s why falsies can be applied in a few minutes.
Read more about the total time to apply eyelash extensions.
4. Durability
With lash extensions, each extension is attached to a natural lash with a strong adhesive.
For that reason, lash extensions will only fall off with your natural eyelashes with proper aftercare. For instance, our natural lashes take between 3 to 6 weeks to fall out based on the lash growth cycle.
As different lashes grow at different times, lash extensions tend to fall out at different times. On average, people go in for a refill session every 3 to 4 weeks.
Learn more on my post on how long eyelash extensions last.
However, strip false lashes don’t last more than 12 to 24 hours. They’re more like the foundation, lipstick, mascara, or perfume you wear. That’s why you have to take them off at the end of the evening and wake up with your real lashes.
5. Quality
Eyelash extensions are available in varying qualities, from natural hair fibers such as mink hair to human hair and synthetic options.
Although falsies are also available in various options, they’re premade. Because they are made for short-term use, they aren’t as premium as the individual fibers of lash extensions.
6. Appearance
In general, strip eyelashes will look more artificial or dramatic than individual eyelash extensions. That’s because their corners pop up and they are less customizable.
So, wearing them to daily events may not be too appealing to some of you.
On top of it, falsies may not work for everyone, unlike fake lash extensions that are personalized for your face shape, eye size, and traits of your real lashes.
Eyelash extensions can be personalized to the lash fiber, length, size, and curl to look natural from every angle. Moreover, they’re also available in more voluminous and glamourous styles as well.
7. Maintenance
When it comes to eyelash extensions, high maintenance is mandatory for keeping them intact for a long time.
Typically, good aftercare for lashes means absolutely avoiding water for four hours after the treatment. Moreover, you need to avoid salts, alcohols, glycerin, and oil cleansers to prevent extensions from falling off prematurely.
Rubbing eyes and smashing them down while sleeping is also a big no-no.
Falsies require less maintenance as they are only kept on natural eyelashes for a short while. As they don’t stay on for a month, you can remove them in a minute or two at the end of the day.
But if you wash your face and are hygienic, eyelash extension can feel easy as a breeze!
8. Reusability
You can’t reuse lash extensions because false hairs attached to your individual eyelashes are applied one by one. Moreover, they eventually simply fall off with your natural lashes.
In contrast, you can remove false strip eyelashes while taking off your makeup in a minute or two. Falsies can be reused 2 to 25 times based on quality and use. That said, their quality falls a little every time you reuse them.
9. Celebrations
If you’re getting married, lash extensions are an excellent way to keep up your appearance, thanks to professional application and the quality of fibers.
For a big occasion, you should definitely favor individual lash extensions over falsies. They will look a lot better for that perfect photo shoot.
What about makeup?
You’ll look naturally pretty without makeup throughout your wedding ceremonies, whether you do a volume set or a more natural look. Besides, the no-makeup wedding look is trending nowadays for weddings!
10. Risks Of Wearing Falsies Vs. Extensions
Both share similar risks, but it’s lesser with extensions as they’re controlled by a professional lash artist.
In both cases, you can get lash allergic reactions like itching, burning, stinging, swelling, headaches, pink eye, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, or lash adhesives irritations.
Truth be told, you can even end up with chemical burns, corneal damage, or other ocular disorders from improper glue application by poorly trained technicians.[2]
That’s why you should always get your lashes done by a certified lash tech.
With most states in the U.S requiring a license for performing lash treatments[1], the technician’s training protects you from botched jobs and allergies.
Another cause for concern is for those who use natural hair fibers like mink hair or human hair for extensions, as they cause allergies in some people. In such cases, it’s best to opt for synthetic lash fibers. They also have the advantage of being cruelty-free.
On the other hand, falsies can even damage your eye if your DIY technique is not perfect. Natural lashes may also be harmed due to the extra weight of strip lashes poorly applied.
Eyelash Extensions vs False Strip Eyelashes: Who’s the Winner?
I always found that both have merits and the choice is a personal one. For me, lash extensions outweigh strip lashes because I value the natural and fully customizable look eyelash extensions give me.
I really don’t mind the daily maintenance and the refills every month.
What about you?
If you value a cheaper option and are more into the DIY style, then strip lashes are probably better for you.
But if you want to wake up with long, gorgeous lashes – no matter what – and are willing to put in the time and money, then lash extensions are your best bet.
Lash Extensions vs Falsies FAQ
Both eyelash extensions and falsies are poles apart even though they do the same thing. No matter what you wear, it’s good to know everything before settling for one.
Are Eyelash Extensions The Same As Fake Eyelashes?
Lash extensions and fake lashes are used interchangeably in everyday language, but they don’t refer to the same thing.
Eyelash extensions are individual extensions applied to your own lashes one-to-one. Fake lashes are temporary strips that are applied to the lash line and last only for a few hours or until they are removed.
Are Falsies Or Eyelash Extensions Better?
Both falsies and extensions have their own merits, it depends on what you value more.
Let’s see why.
To a person who prefers a quick short-term solution for longer lashes, falsies may be better.
But if you’re willing to spend a little time in the salon, you won’t have to go back to the salon for a few weeks.
Moreover, eyelash extensions stay up for almost a month without any more salon visits. That’s why you should wear false eyelashes or extensions based on YOUR OWN time, budget, and preferences.
Which Strip Lashes Look Like Eyelash Extensions?
If you ask me, Ardell fake eyelashes have the closest resemblance to lash extensions.
However, Most falsies look fake at a second glance. Although, you can add eye makeup like mascara or eyeliner to make it pop better.
Can I Wear Falsies Over Eyelash Extensions?
As I described in the recent article, you should never wear falsies over lash extensions.
Moreover, if you wear them over lash extensions, your real lashes will weigh down, fall, or break. Learn more about the effects of wearing falsies on top of extensions in this detailed post.
Is It Okay To Wear Falsies Every Day?
It’s not ideal to wear falsies every day. But you can do so if you aren’t worried about the health of your natural lashes.
They weigh down more unevenly than lash extensions.
On the other hand, properly applied lash extensions can be worn every day without worrying about them weighing down on your lashes.
Some of my clients have been rocking them for years continuously!
Final Thoughts
With eyelash extensions, you have to go to the salon once a month while falsies can be applied at home rather easily.
Strip lashes are also heavier than extensions and pricier in the long run.
Falsies stress your natural eyelashes even more than extensions. Moreover, lash extensions give you maximum control over length and fullness. That’s why they’re great for personalized styles. But falsies are premade and hence, limited to a great extent.
Even though false lashes seem cheaper in the first go, they turn out to be pricier if you do it every day, like in the case of extensions. The greatest thing is your salon visits are cut to once a month. At the same time, false extensions take under five minutes to apply.
I hope this article helped you understand the key differences between strip lashes and individual eyelash extensions. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be gorgeous!
– Asako
References
- Connecticut’s Official State Website (2020). Scope of Practice for Eyelash Extension Technicians. Retrieved from https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/practitioner_licensing_and_investigations/Scope-of-Practice-2020/Scope-of-Practice-for-Eyelash-Extension-Technicians.pdf (Accessed on 19 May 2022).
- Yuki Amano, Yuka Sugimoto, Minoru Sugita (2012). Ocular disorders due to eyelash extensions. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22134404/ (Accessed on 19 May 2022).
