First, does lash extensions damage natural lashes?
The answer is no, if the service is done by a skilled and trained professional. Natural lashes have a similar lifecycle to the hair on your head just much faster. Most natural lashes tend to only stay between 65-100 days leaving new growth behind. When applied by a professional the lash extension will only be adhered to one single natural lash (not to the skin/eyelid) and will shed along with the natural lash when ready. Lash shedding will vary from appointment to appointment and on average loss will be about 35%-45% of the natural lashes. There is no predicting how long your lashes will last, that is why it is important to come in for a re-lash/fill appointment every 2-3 weeks. When choosing to go back to just natural lashes, either by natural grow out or professional removal, your natural lashes may seem shorter and/or sparse because of familiarity of your lash extension set being longer and/or thicker.

Mindf​ul Looks Studio

What should I expect during a lash session?
First time appointments can range between 1.5-3 hours depending on what type of lash look you are going for. During a re-lash or fill appointment will range depending on your growth cycle and your pre/post care. Averaging between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. More lashes = longer time. Don't rush the process and enjoy your beauty rest! During every appointment you would lay down comfortably on your back with eyes closed. Most of my clients enjoy listening to their favorite music selection or podcasts and usually tend to fall asleep! When a lash extension service is performed by a professional all equipment and products are sterilized and are medical grade quality. Though I do personally use sensitive and hypoallergenic adhesives (having sensitive skin myself) some may still have hypersensitivity or reactions to adhesives and should always consult with your lash artist before your appointment.

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent make up technique where synthetic eyelashes are individually applied to a single natural lash with a medical-grade adhesive. When done by a trained professional, eyelash extensions should look and feel weightless. Ranging in different lengths, curls and thickness eyelash extensions can allow a customizable look that can be either natural or dramatic while suiting each individual's eye shape. As a trained Lash Artist since 2017, I have had clients in all age ranges. Each person is unique in their lifestyle and all the following tips can help add in lash extension retention.​

Pre-Care:
These following steps will ensure that you get the best bond between the extension to the natural lash and give you the look you want.

• Make sure to have a consult to make sure this is the right service for you and learn about the different types of curls and materials that will work within your life style.
• Avoid mascara 24 hours prior to the appointment. The more days you avoid wearing mascara prior to lash extension application the better your results will be. Avoid waterproof mascara or eyeliner for several days prior to appointment.
• Avoid any oil around your eyes 24-48hrs prior to lash application. This includes oil-based makeup remover, eye-creams and sunscreen.
• Arrive with clean makeup-free eyes. Mascara residue and oils need to be removed completely with a non-oil-based makeup remover and mild cleanser. Built up makeup or excess facial oils can cause slipping & lifting of the lash extension. It is recommended to cleanse several days prior not just before the appointment.
• Avoid any type of caffeine 24 hours before your appointment if your eyes tend to flutter. Shaking or fidgeting of the eyelids can occur and with extreme conditions it can cause for a re-scheduling. I'm obsessed with my morning coffee, but I always skip the day of my appointments!
• Get ready! It is recommended that you shower and wash your hair before your appointment. Your new lashes will not be able to get wet for at least 24 hours after application. This includes steam from the bathtub, rinsing off in the shower, working out and cooking with steam.

​​Post-Care:
These following steps will help you protect and avoid anything that weakens your extensions’ adhesive or tugs on your natural lashes.

• Avoid water and extreme moisture for the first 24 hours after your appointment. Showering before your appointment with clean hair and face will help! The medical-grade adhesives used need 24 hours to fully bond the extension to your natural lash. Think of it as your nail polish it's dry at the surface but if you were to hit it just right you could end up with a defect.
• Keep your face away from high heat, open flames, and steam the entire time you have your extensions. This can cause change in curl, lifting and I've even experienced singed lashes which require removal and a fresh lash extension set.
  
• Swap out your makeup and skin care products for oil-free and lash extension-safe alternatives. Avoid mascara and waterproof eye makeup. Bonus points if you also incorporate lash serum into your routine that adds in protection from facial oils and other solvents.
  
• Don’t curl your lashes. You can damage your lashes by attempting to curl or adjust them at home. Various curls can be achieved during application. See your lash tech if you want to enhance your curl or switch up your look.
  
• Don’t pick or pull at your lashes since this can damage both your extensions and your natural lashes. Rubbing, tugging, pulling, twisting or cutting/trimming can cause pre-mature fallout or damage to your natural lashes.
  
• Stick to light eye makeup to avoid unnecessary tugging at your lashes when applying and wiping it off. You shouldn’t need much eye makeup (if at all) since your lashes will look fuller and your lash line will look darker.
  
• Sleep on your side or back and use a satin or silk pillowcase to avoid tugging at your lashes in your sleep. Consider picking up a 3D eye mask to keep your extensions safe while you sleep.
  
• Adjust how you wash your face! Comb and clean your lashes with lash shampoo and a clean spoolie or lash brush. After 24 hours your lash extensions will be more resilient and should be cleaned and brush daily. Having lash extensions creates more of a surface area for bacteria which can lead to irritation or infection.
  
• Book refill appointments to fill in any sparse areas on your lash line.