Understanding Alopecia and Its Effects
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden patchy hair loss that can occur anywhere on the body. It often first appears as bald spots on the scalp, but can also cause eyebrow or eyelash hair to fall out which deeply impacts one's self-image and confidence.
Coping With Loss of Eyebrows and Eyelashes
Losing one's eyebrows and eyelashes can be emotionally devastating for men and women alike. Without framing brows and fluttery lashes, the face appears bare, uneven, and perpetually surprised. Daily activities like exercising, being outdoors, applying makeup, and even blinking suddenly become challenging.
While alopecia universalis causes total scalp and body hair loss, those with patchier alopecia areata still have options when it comes to cosmetically enhancing sparse brows and lashes. Modern techniques like microblading, eyebrow embroidery, lash extensions, and lash lifts can beautifully balance facial features impacted by localized hair loss.
Microblading and Embroidery for Realistic Eyebrows
Microblading and embroidery are semi-permanent makeup procedures that allow alopecia sufferers to regain symmetrically shaped, natural-looking eyebrows. Using ultra-fine blades and needles, pigments are skillfully implanted into the upper layers of skin to imitate real hairs.
What to Expect
The artist first maps out the desired brow shape and size in proportion to your facial features. After applying a topical anesthetic to maximize comfort, they precisely deposit hair-like strokes of medical-grade pigment into the brow area. Some pinpoint bleeding is normal. Once healed in 4-6 weeks, the results look beautifully realistic and last 12-18 months before needing a color refresh.
Choosing an Artist
As this is essentially a tattoo on the delicate face, it's imperative to thoroughly research technicians and inspect their portfolio before booking. Ensure they have extensive experience specifically helping alopecia clients regain confidence through their work. Ask how they will determine the most flattering brows for your unique bone structure.
Aftercare
Immediately after your embroidery session, brows will appear slightly bolder and sharply defined. Within a week, about 50 percent of the intensity will fade. It's vital to follow all aftercare instructions to prevent infections and pigment loss including keeping the area clean, dry, and covered until fully healed.
Eyelash Extensions and Enhancement
For those missing some or all of their natural lashes due to alopecia or related conditions like trichotillomania, semi-permanent eyelash extensions can add fullness and length for a beautifully framed eye area. From subtle and natural-looking to bombshell volume, different techniques suit various needs.
Classic Lash Extensions
In a professional salon, a licensed esthetician will isolate a single natural eyelash and carefully bond an ultra-fine synthetic lash extension to it using durable medical-grade adhesive. Each synthetic lash is applied on its own to follow your unique growth pattern for a seamless enhancement. With infills every 2-4 weeks, results can last indefinitely.
Volume Fan Lashes
Volume fan lashes involve bundling multiple wispy lightweight extensions and fanning them out along the lashline for an ultra-glam look. If properly isolated and bonded, fan lashes can beautifully boost eyelashes without compromise. This technique works exceptionally well for alopecia clients lacking lashes across larger portions of their lashlines for a balanced aesthetic.
Lash Lifts and Tinting
If you still have some remaining eyelashes, lash lifts and semi-permanent tinting are lower maintenance options. Lash lifts use perms to boost your natural lashes upward for opening up the eyes. Tinting coats lashes in long-lasting pigment for enhanced definition without extensions. Both services help lashes stand out better whether sparse due to alopecia or completely intact.
Caring for Sensitive Skin
Due to being immunocompromised, those with alopecia are generally more prone to skin sensitivities and reactions. It's vital that lash artists properly clean and disinfect contact areas to prevent trauma and irritation. Seek out tranquil, ethical salons using gentle, non-toxic products sourced responsibly with alopecia clients in mind.
Soothing Botanical Care
Chemical-laden adhesives, tints, and perms can trigger allergic responses, even in those not considered unusually sensitive. Seek out lash extensions and lifts using plant-based, nourishing formulas rich in soothing aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and other healing botanicals. Always alert your technician about any allergies or past reactions.
Non-Damaging Bonding Agents
Traditional lash glue contains cyanoacrylate which can be drying and damaging to the skin and lashes. Newer, safer alternatives use flexible latex-free bonding agents which are gentler on the eyes and surrounding tissue while still keeping extensions firmly in place. Ask about latex-free, non-damaging options.
Touch-Up Frequency
To keep any potential irritation to a minimum, be diligent about proper touch up frequency every 2-4 weeks for bond repairs and infills. Avoid overgrowing extensions which can breed bacteria in gaps leading to infection and styes. Schedule regular maintenance appointments to sustain lush, balanced enhancement with minimal adhesion.
Enjoying Your New Look
Cosmetic enhancements like microblading, lash extensions and eyelash perms enable those with patchy alopecia areata to reclaim control when it comes to framing their features on their own terms. Boosting definition and symmetry supports self-confidence for embracing life's experiences, both special occasions and everyday errands alike.
Regular Touch-Ups
To keep brows and lashes looking lush while preventing damage or reactions, consistency about follow-up appointments is key. Expect to get color refreshes for microbladed eyebrows every 12-18 months. For lashes, infills typically need to be done every 2-4 weeks along with proper daily cleaning.
Skilled Maintenance
Only return to the original technician or another equally experienced professional for follow-up work rather than trying touch-ups yourself. This ensures proper technique in adding new extensions in the right angles and patterns to avoid irritation or falling out from inadequate isolation and adhesion.
With proper upkeep through the skilful work of seasoned technicians combined with daily diligent hygiene habits, alopecia patients can enjoy consistently defined arches and framing despite ongoing patchy hair loss for empowered self-confidence and beauty.
FAQs
Do I still need eyelash extensions if I have no natural lashes left?
Yes, lash extensions can still be professionally applied even if you have complete eyelash hair loss from conditions like alopecia areata. The technician will isolate and adhere synthetic lashes to the skin along the lash line for seamless enhancement.
How long does microbladed eyebrows last for alopecia?
For alopecia clients who may continue losing brow hair unpredictably, microblading results can last around 12 months before needing a color refresh. Some fading occurs in the first month during healing then pigment holds well if properly cared for.
What if I have an allergic reaction to lash glue?
Notify your lash artist immediately about any burning, stinging, or itching which may indicate irritation or allergy. They should safely remove extensions immediately and suggest alternative hypoallergenic bonding agents that are latex-free to prevent further reactions.
Can I go swimming or take showers after microblading?
Avoid submerging the microbladed area underwater until fully healed, about 4-6 weeks. When washing your face or showering, keep your brows dry by applying Vaseline around the perimeter as a protective barrier against moisture, bacteria and makeup residue.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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