Let’s talk lash extensions…
If you didn’t know, I do eyelash extensions!! I’ve been lashing for almost 5 years and it’s one my absolute favorite services to do in the salon, besides highlights! Each lash technician has their own way of doing lashes and every single person applies lashes differently…..kinda like how each hairstylist has a certain way of cutting/foiling hair. Our techniques are what set us apart from one another and allows us to have that special clientele that we do! Anyway, I’m here to tell you allllllll about eyelash extensions(you can skip down to the All About Lashes section if you don’t want to get straight to it). I want to break every stereotype you’ve heard and I want to set things straight. People are very quick to judge the process of extensions without ever even having them. My motto: unless you’ve done it, you can’t talk about it 🙂
Lash extensions are not for everyone. I’m going to say this again… LASH EXTENSIONS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE.
There are so many different scenarios that I could talk about where they aren’t for everyone. Personally, I don’t have the time to set aside where I can get extensions. Between Kyler’s work schedule, Laken’s activities, and my work schedule I can’t do it. I would love to have them but for now I only ever get them right before big events: our wedding, our honeymoon, and Laken’s birth. I’m on the fence of even getting them for this little babe’s birth.
However, I can tell you who they are for! If you are someone that hates wearing makeup but wants to draw attention to your eyes, these are for you. If you are someone that has straight eyelashes and lash curlers aren’t working for you, this is for you. If you are someone that has smaller eyes and you want to make your eyes appear more open, these are for you. If you are someone that has naturally short or blonde or thin lashes, these are for you! OR, if you’re someone that has a sensitivity to mascara, these are for you.
If you are someone that has thought about getting eyelash extensions it’s important to really sit yourself down and ask yourself “Is this something I want to dedicate my time and put my money into?” That sound so silly, right?! But I am being serious! Lashes are expensive and very time consuming.
I’m not fully aware of how much lashes cost across the states but I can tell you my prices and why I charge what I do before getting into everything else about eyelashes! I want to touch base on the price because it is so important that if you wanting them that you know how much of an investment it is. As a lash technician I value my work. I have spent years working on my technique. I customize each set of lashes to what the client wants and my work is worthy of a high price!
Full set: $200+
One week lash refill: $40+
Two week lash refill: $66+
Three week lash refill: $90+
There are technicians out there that charge significantly less than what I do. I’m not going to say the less you pay the less quality of work you’ll get, but it is something to be cautious of. I used to also do lashes out of my home and I live in a college town so I got a lot of sorority girls. Because they are working and going to school I wanted to make things a little more affordable and I charged $120 for a full set. I personally still think that’s a pretty acceptable price for lash extensions. I would really start to worry about the quality of the work if a full set cost anywhere between $30-$60.
What you see above is a women who went to get a full set and was charged $60. Not to sound at all snobby but this is why I always say, “There’s a reason lash extensions are so expensive!” Anyway, this women (bless her freaking heart) got these done for her birthday and went to a random salon and was told by the person doing them they were certified. This women said she was in and out in less than 40 minutes and immediately started feeling discomfort with her eyes. She said she researched a little bit about what should be used during the process of extension application and then went back to the salon for: 1. demanding they be taken off ASAP 2. to be told exactly what was used on her eyes. You all better be ready for this…..THE WOMEN USED WIG ADHESIVE TO APPLY THE LASHES!!!!!! She also used store bought lashes and cut them up to use. It took us almost 1.5 hours to gently remove all the “lashes”.
Now to talk about timing. Again, I’m telling you what my times are for each refill and for a full set. Each technician is different with timing and I would never judge someones quality of work based on how long it takes them to apply lashes. Lashes are very tedious. Times also vary from person to person due to the amount of their natural lashes and what they’re wanting.
Full set : 1.5-2.5 hours
One week refill: 45 minutes
Two: 1 hour
Three: 1-1.5 hours
All about lashes!
Finally, I’m talking all about the most asked questions and covering everything you need to know about lashes. I’m going to do this part in the form of a Q&A style. This is the best way I can really put everything together without rambling too much haha.
Are there different types of lashes?
There’s a few different answers to this, and yes. Lash extensions are primarily made up of plastic. However, they used to be made up of actual mink fur. Mink fur lashes are still available and about 5x more expensive than normal lashes. A ton of companies have stopped using the mink because the fur resembles a cat’s fur and that has caused a lot of reactions to them. Mink fur also isn’t consistent in size so the outcome varies.
There are also different shapes and sizes of lash extensions and depending on what you want/your natural lashes look like will determine what kind you get! The most common shape of eyelash is a C curl. There are also L curl and D curl lashes.
Are there different types of lash services?
The two most common types of lash services are volume and classic. I’m going to be training in volume soon and have my own reasons why I’ve put it off so long. I do the classic and I love the classic look and think they look the most natural.
Volume lashes are multiple lash extensions grouped together and placed on an eyelash. This gives the illusion your lashes are fuller.
Classic lashes are a single lash extension placed on each eyelash. This can alter the shape of the eye and can lengthen each lash.
How many lashes are put on each eye?
I always love answering this because people are shocked by the answer. There is an average of 100 eyelashes per eye and every single eyelash gets its own extension!
Why do I have to get refills?
Just like the rest of the hair on our bodies, our lashes are always growing. Eyelashes grow in three phases and each phase lasts around 28 days(about a month). I like to compare the lash grow out process to getting your nails done. If you wait two weeks before getting your nails redone you have quite a bit of growth. This is the same for lashes. The longer you go between fills the bigger the grow out is and more likely you are to have them fall off.
How do the lashes stick?
With a medical grade adhesive! The stuff that we use on lashes is also the same glue that can be used during surgery. There are different strengths of the adhesive and there are also different types depending on if you are more sensitive.
Can I wear makeup with eyelashes?
Duhhhhhh! Do everything you normally did before extensions.
Can I wear mascara with lash extensions?
This is exactly what I tell my clients… “I’m going to tell you no because I can’t guarantee that the extensions will hold up, but what you do when I’m not there is none of my business. If you had to wear mascara I would make sure it wasn’t waterproof.”
What happens if you get a reaction to them?
This varies from person to person. You can get an immediate reaction or one can be developed months later. Regardless, there should be an in-depth consultation taken place before the service. During that time you can discuss doing a patch test with your technician and that is 2-5 lashes placed on the corner of each eye if you are super worried about developing a reaction. Most times if a reaction occurs it will happen within the first 24-28 hours and the eyelids can swell shut. I have seen some super serious reactions so just know there’s always that little chance. During the consultation is also the time notify your lash technician if you have any allergies. The lash glue that I use has latex in it. The last thing I want is for one of my clients to have an allergic reaction.
Do they hurt?
They should never hurt. If the lashes do hurt I would honestly say that it has everything to do with the application of the lash made by the lash technician. It’s super important that the lash technician does the application by isolation. Meaning that each lash should be properly separated from the rest and let to dry before another lash is applied. This prevents the lashes from sticking together. I have fixed many eyes from technician that do the grouping technique which is a big no-no and leads into the next question.
Will extensions damage my natural lashes?
Lashes should NEVER damage your natural lashes…..for everyone that is scared of lashes or hears how bad they are…as long as they are done properly you should NEVER have any damage. Again, this has everything to do with the lash technician knowing what is healthy for your lashes. It also helps if you, the client, take good care of the lashes.
When the grouping technique is done, normally 2-3 of your lashes are pinched together and one lash extension is applied. Doing the grouping pulls the two outer lashes against their natural growth pattern and can over time damage the lashes to the point where they will no longer grow. Even during single isolation there can sometimes be two lashes stuck together and won’t be caught until later, but that happening once isn’t going to do much harm and as long as the lashes are separated everything is okay.
Our eyelashes are also only so strong. They do have a weight limit and if that limit is exceeded they can become weak and break. The lash technician should never push the limit of what your lashes can hold.
Is there a certain brand I should use?
No, not particularly. There are so many different brands out there. I would just make sure that the brand of lash that is used is legit and just not some random lashes from Amazon. I use Lash Savvy lashes and they are out of Colorado.
Do I need to avoid anything when having lashes?
Anything with oil in it! Oil will break down the adhesive and will cause a lot of them to fall off. It’s super important to double check all the ingredients in any makeup, skincare, or sunscreen used. I had a girl come to me once and then had to get a full set done within a few days because she was using a makeup setting spray and didn’t know it had oil in it.
Can I get lashes wet?
Treat them like your normal lashes:) The only time you have to really give them a special treatment is the first 24 hours after getting the lashes. To ensure that the glue is fully dried it’s best to avoid any type of wetness within the first 24 hours. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid that so when you take a shower leave doors open for circulation and to avoid steam. When washing your face try to avoid them but it won’t hurt them if they do get wet.
As far as swimming in them you should be totally fine. I have a client that does competitive swim and has had no issues. I always recommend lashes if you’re going on vacation and plan on being in water.
Can you get lashes on your lower lashes?
You can but I really don’t think it’s necessary
What’s the process of getting lash extensions?
Once everything in the prep work is done the process of getting lashes is pretty dang easy and requires you to lay there..maybe take a nap haha. It’s super chill.
The prep work is what takes the most times. First step is making sure the lashes are clean and we can either clean them for you or will ask you to clean them. Anything on your lashes could become a barrier between the glue and the lashes can’t be guaranteed. From there we will use an under eye gel pad that is hydrating and also allows the tape to stick. Tape is used to hold down the lower lashes for the application so the top and bottom lashes don’t get stuck together. After that we use primer on the lashes. The primer basically dehydrates the lashes and removes any natural oils/dirt. From there choose the lash sized and get to work!! 🙂
before and after
I lost a lot of my photos when I got a new phone (I forgot to set my iCloud up) but I do have some I can share! I do anywhere from 3-10 lash clients a week. I do quite a few of the NFL cheerleaders lashes and even have had someone fly into get lashes done. I love doing lashes.
Like I mentioned above, each lash technician is different. Some may not have the same opinions on things like I do and that is okay. I flew to Colorado for a two day training course to get certified through Lash Savvy and everything I know is what I’ve been taught from my trainers.
XX-Kendra
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