Let’s talk Lashes
Its no secret Lash extensions are our most popular service. They make a huge difference in your daily life, and they are instant gratification. They are also a nice way to snag some quiet time every couple of weeks.
Some Basics
Like what to expect before, during, and after your appointment to styles of extensions.
Before your appointment, you should book! I know that sounds silly, but lash extensions take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours, depending on style and artist, and what you’re starting with. That amount of time isn’t usually available as a walk in. You should avoid caffeine, and any other medicines or supplements that may make it difficult to relax or make you jittery. You can also save photos or Inspo pics for your lash artist, to help give them an idea of what you like and the goals you’d like to acheive. That’s helpful during the consultation, because what they may take as natural or full may not be what you mean by the same terms.
During your appointment- its time to chill! Your lash artist will get you in a comfy set up, we even have blankets to tuck you in! We will place eyepads or tape on your lower lashes to hold them and keep us from sticking you together and protect you from our sharp tweezers. We may map out our lengths, layers, and curls on the eye pads. Once we have finished set up and its time to actually lash, it is easier if you’re quiet, and you can either sleep, or listen to a podcast in your earphones, or just enjoy the music that we have playing (you can always specify if you want it changed to something else!) When you talk, it moves your whole face, Especially your eyes! Chewing gum is also a culprit for moving your face and eyes, so please leave that for before or after your appointment.
After your appointment- We send you home with an aftercare sheet with tips and tricks to get the most out of your extensions and to take care of them and the health of your eye. Cleaning your extensions is NECESSARY for the health of your eye, and can determine if you can continue to wear them long term. It WILL NOT make them shed faster. It actually helps retention by removing oils dirt and debris that can break down the adhesive. You’ll need to rebook your fills for every 2-3 weeks to maintain to look and fullness of your lashes.
The different styles of extensions
Classic extensions- this is 1 extension applied to 1 natural lash. This is the thickest diameter extension.
Hybrid- This is a mix of classic and volume extensions
Volume- This is anywhere from 2-7 medium diameter extensions per Natural Lash
Mega volume- This is up to 15 of the thinnest diameter extensions per natural Lash
What do I pick? Can I change my mind after I have the extensions?
You can change! And you may have to. If you book a classic extension full set, but bring in pictures, when compared to natural lashes may mean you need a volume set, you lash artist will talk with you about the switch. If time allows the switch can be done at that appointment, but also can be done over a period of 2-4 fills. Lots of times people are afraid of how dramatic extensions will be altogether, ask for something natural, book a classic, and come back for their fill and want more! Always let your lash artist know your feedback, because lash extensions are totally customizable.
Do lash extensions damage your lashes?
The short answer is no. The long answer is not if they are applied AND maintained correctly. Correctly means that the weight of the extensions is not too much for your natural lashes. It means they are isolated properly and not stuck together. It means you follow aftercare instructions and protect your investment. No picking and pulling, and you keep them clean.
What do I do if my naturals are already damaged, or they can’t hold the extensions that I want?
If your naturals are damaged, you’re gonna want to get on a lash growth serum ASAP. Keep in mind that a lash growth serum will speed up your growth cycle so you may need to have longer or more frequent fills. If you are always asking for more, bigger, fuller, longer when it comes to your extensions, you may either want to get on a growth serum to keep your naturals long and strong, or you may want to advance to the next lash extension service. classic to hybrid or volume, if you already have volume, get mega volume.
Some words of wisdom
Life happens! if you’ve been harder on your lashes, whether swimming, sleeping, crying, sweating, and they are looking bare, you may be in need of a new full set to get you back to optimum fullness and coverage. If there’s not time for you to have a full set at your next fill, it needs to happen at the following. The more times you do inadequate fills, the more and more bare you get, as we are always trying to play catch up, and the more frequently you find yourself unhappy with how they are lasting. For example if you are expected to lose half your extension in between fills- and just to keep it simple lets say you have a full set of 100 lashes. You come for your first fill you should have 50 lashes, and we fill in the remaining 50. But you’ve had a great vacation and spent the last week swimming in the ocean and pools, spraying your face with sunscreen, and tanning oil, you’ve been rubbing from swimming and sweating, and you come in for the fill and only have 25 lashes. Now I still only have time to add in 50 lashes during the fill, so you leave at 75 lashes. And this cycle continues, never getting you full, and you looking more and more bare at each return. You’re not happy and your artist isn’t happy, and that not what anyone wants! We want you to love your lashes, so help us achieve that by booking properly.
If you wear makeup, you will have to be even more diligent about cleaning your lash extensions and lash line. Makeup can really build up into between the lashes and add to retention issues, overgrowth of bacteria You will also have to be aware of which makeup products you use, as creamy type makeups will cause retention issues. This includes pencil and pot eyeliners, cream eyeshadows and bases.
You will also need to be aware of what skincare products you use around your eyes and allow that product time to absorb before you close your eyes with the extensions on.
Avoid spray sunscreens directly on your face- spray into hand and then apply.
Wash your extensions LAST. After you have shampooed, conditioned, washed your face, then wash your lashes. This ensures any residue from previous products can be removed. This is especially important if you use an oil or balm cleanser as your first step in cleansing your face.
Lash extensions are a partnership, and we have more success when we work together. Happy Lashing!
