Eyelash Extension Q&A

What are eyelash extensions?
Not to be confused with the self-stick strip falsies of yesteryear or individual clusters of lashes knotted together that are a single-event accessory, these semi-permanent, synthetic extensions are glued one by one onto the natural lash (not the skin) by using a specially formulated glue that lasts 2-4 weeks. Single synthetic eyelashes are applied to your own natural eyelash to achieve a beautiful full luscious and long set of lashes that are natural and you won't even know they are there.

Should I be careful who applies the eyelash extensions and should they be trained?
Absolutely, I cannot stress the importance of choosing an eyelash technician who has been taught by a qualified and experienced person. There are many eyelash extension operators who are claiming to have been professionally trained but have been self-taught via the internet and these operators are also using poor quality products bought on eBay. This is disastrous. Please do your research thoroughly and ask many questions.

Are the Eyelash Extension permanent?
There is still a lot of confusion about what eyelash extensions are. All eyelash extensions are semi-permanent. The only permanent eyelashes are eyelash transplants that are performed under anesthetic by a doctor and will cost approximately $5,000.

Who wears eyelash extensions?
You don't have to be a celebrity or model to wear eyelash extensions. Normal everyday ladies love eyelash extensions and can't bear to be without them. My clients include nurses, beauty therapists, surgeons, dentists, lawyers, financial advisors, moms, dancers, business owners, nail technicians, university students, hairdressers, policewomen, and many more wonderful people.

How are the eyelash extensions applied?
A single natural eyelash is isolated and a synthetic lash is glued to the top of your own natural eyelash approximately 1mm from the eyelid so neither the glue nor the lash has contact with the skin.

How long does the application take?
The procedure will take approximately 1 hour (to an hour and a half) for a classic full set or a fill. It might take an additional 20-30 mins if there is a lot of clean-up (fill) or you have a lot of lashes. It is a meticulous procedure that requires patience and concentration so therefore it should not be rushed so that clients can leave with a perfect set of lashes. You relax with your eyes closed and there is no pain as this is a non-invasive procedure. Often clients are so relaxed they fall asleep.

Can I do eyelash extensions myself?
No. Eyelash extensions can only be applied by a trained professional.

How are the lower lashes held down?
It is important that my clients are comfortable therefore, I use soft under-eye pads specifically designed for eyelash extensions.

Do eyelash extensions make my own lashes fall out?
No, definitely not this is a myth. It is important to have your lash extensions applied by a qualified eyelash technician who uses quality products. The eyelash has a cycle and is constantly being replaced like your hair. If you pull so hard on an extension lash and pull out your own natural lash there will be no new lash ready to grow to take its place and you will have to wait 6-8 weeks for that lash to grow.

Can I still wear eye makeup?
Yes, but you won’t need mascara and you may even find you won’t need eyeliner, but you can still use eyeliner and eye shadows as usual but remember to remove with a product that does not contain oil of any kind as this will affect the glue. I recommend removing eyeliner and eyeshadow using a disposable lip gloss wand and a small amount of oil-free eye makeup remover and gently running it along the eyeliner to remove it. To remove eyeshadow a cotton wipe and eye makeup remover but be careful to avoid the extensions as cotton can snag. A build-up of makeup on the lashes and may lessen the life of them. If you do wear a lot of make-up be sure to clean your lashes before you go to bed. If you let makeup build up on your lashes bacteria can form and can cause an infection.

Can I wear mascara?
You won’t have to. You can roll out of bed looking great and best of all it will make your lashes look like you’re wearing mascara 24/7 without the clumping, streaking, and smudging look that you get with mascara. No more running and streaking mascara which is fantastic for brides on their special day. If desired, you can wear it on the lower lashes but remember to use an eye makeup remover that contains no oil.

Can I curl or perm eyelash extensions?
No, do not perm your beautiful new eyelash extensions! Anyway, you won’t have to as the extension lashes hold their lovely shape. Using a clamp eyelash curler is not recommended and will lessen the life of your eyelash extensions and most likely damage them.

How long do they last?
Approximately 2-4 weeks if you respect your new lashes and take care of them. Remember this is a semi-permanent beauty procedure. Do not be duped by those who promise “permanent” extensions or attachments that last for 2+ months. A real lash’s life cycle is around 25-28 days, and as yours grow and fall out, so will the synthetic ones that are attached. If your hair and nails grow quickly then that may indicate that your lashes also are growing, shedding, and renewing themselves quickly so you may find that your lashes will not last as long as someone whose hair growth is slow. Your lifestyle and what work you do will also make a difference in how long they last. For ladies lashes working in the food industry where there is a lot of heat, steam and oil may not last as well as a lady who works in an air-conditioned office. Eyelash extensions will not last for three months, this is false advertising by salons and inexperienced people.

I had eyelash extensions applied a few days ago and a few lashes have fallen out - why?
As explained above the lash has a growth cycle and unfortunately, it is hard to determine which lash is ready to fall out naturally so it is unpredictable when applying the synthetic lashes. Each day we can lose 3-5 natural lashes, but often they fall out unnoticed unless they fall into your eye, but when eyelash extensions are applied we are more aware of when they shed as we know the extensions are there plus they are longer, darker and thicker. If you sleep on your stomach with your face squashed into the pillow or you favor sleeping on one side you may notice the lashes may not last as well as the other side.

What are Fills, why do I need them and how often do I need them?
Fills are when the natural eyelash has fallen out (due to the eyelash cycle) and there has been an extension lash applied to it. You will require in-fills every 2-4 weeks if you would like to achieve a consistently full fresh set of lashes. I take the time to remove any eyelash extensions that have either grown out too far or are not sitting correctly. Please note that I do not stack the lash extensions as other operators do. Please refer to Eyelash Pricing. Fill bookings allow approximately 1 hour to an hour and a half.

Can I open my eyes during the procedure?
Yes, but for your safety please advise me before you open your eyes as two sharp tweezers are used when applying the lashes. Also, fumes from the adhesive can cause your eyes to slightly sting if not dried right away. If you need to open your eyes during the procedure please ask me first for your safety.

Do the eyelashes come in different lengths and thicknesses?
Yes, I carry a large range of lashes. I carry sizes from 7 - 16 and C and D curls. I customize to what look you want. During the application a mixture of lengths and thicknesses are used - shorter lashes being used on the inner eye area and gradually increasing in length towards the middle and outer corners. Unlike other eyelash extension operators who only stock three lengths I understand that not one size fits all so I apply what my clients request and I tailor-make to suit each individual client. If you have a specific request or look please discuss this with me on the day of your appointment.

Are the eyelash extensions glued to my skin?
No, it adheres approximately 1mm from the eyelid.

Is the eyelash glue and glue remover safe?
Yes, in the right hands and having your extensions applied by someone who has been correctly trained it is safe. Beware of untrained people who claim they have been professionally trained with years of experience. Because I take great care to ensure that the adhesive and adhesive remover does not come in contact with the skin or eyes. The glue I use is a high-quality fast-drying glue which does not give a clumped look. As the glue is being used around the delicate eye area it is important to only have eyelash extensions applied by a trained and qualified eyelash extensionist.

Are eyelash extensions suitable for everyone?
Anyone of any age can have eyelash extensions applied as long as there is a natural lash to glue the extension onto. Ladies who have undergone chemotherapy and their lashes are starting to grow back also love eyelash extensions. Celebrities such as Britany Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Duff, Paris Hilton, Tyra Banks, Eva Longoria, and Victoria Beckham all wear eyelash extensions. Because the eyelash extensions are so natural anyone could be wearing them and you wouldn't know. They are also suitable for people who wear contact lenses and glasses. I have applied eyelash extensions to clients as young as 15 years old and as mature as 83 years old.

HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE AN EYE INFECTION OR HAVE RECENTLY UNDERGONE AN EYE OPERATION OR COSMETIC EYE SURGERY IT WOULD BE BEST TO WAIT UNTIL THE EYE AREA HAS COMPLETELY HEALED.

Why should I get eyelash extensions?

It will cut your beauty routine time down in the mornings
No running or streaking mascara
The good news is that eyelash extensions make you able to flutter your lashes beautifully without mascara
Lasts from 2-4 weeks with proper maintenance
No operation, no pain - a non-invasive procedure
Safe in showers, swimming pools, and saunas (but please dry ASAP)
Weightless and very natural looking
Eyelashes will appear longer, fuller, and darker
Your eyes will look bigger, more defined & gorgeous even with no makeup
Great for people who wear contact lenses
Perfect for brides, moms on the run, and busy people
Ladies who can't wear mascara

How do I look after my eyelash extensions?

For the first 12 hours avoid getting the lashes wet to allow the glue to completely dry
Do not use a steam room or sauna for the first 48 hours to allow the glue to cure
Be gentle and respect your new lashes. Avoid rubbing your eyes and do not pick and play with your lashes
Resist the temptation to touch or pull at your stunning new lashes as this will pull out your own natural lashes
Avoid getting them caught on clothes and towels
When drying your face do not rub instead blot your face and apply gentle pressure to your closed eyes then allow the extensions to dry naturally.
Do not use eye make-up remover that contains any type of oil products such as petroleum
Do keep the eye area clean. This is very important. Some ladies love their lashes so much they don't even want to get them wet at all. Avoiding proper hygiene can result in an eye infection whether wearing eyelash extensions or not.
Try and sleep on your back to avoid crushing your extensions in the pillow
The golden rule for wearing eyelash extensions is the less you touch them the longer they will last. However, it is important to keep the eye area clean.

Is there any reason why I can't have eyelash extensions applied - Contraindications?
It is suggested that if you are an "eye rubber" due to allergies such as hayfever or if rubbing your eyes is just a habit or in the past, you have experienced sensitivity around the eye area after using skincare or makeup or generally having sensitivity around that area the extensions may not suit you. If you use prescribed medicated eye drops or ointment this may coat the lashes and cause them to clump. Some clients say their eyes are sensitive but DO NOT experience any reaction or discomfort during or after having eyelash extensions applied. Eyelash extensions cannot be applied to very curly eyelashes as it will be difficult to glue an extension on. However, if you are unsure please contact me to discuss it.

My eyes tend to flutter and twitch a lot, can this be a problem?
Unfortunately yes. I can do what I can but if your eyes twitch or flutter too much I may be unable to perform the application. As you can understand, It's very difficult to apply extensions on a moving target. If you are fully aware your eyes twitch of flutter please let me know upon booking your appointment, we may need to schedule you for a longer session than just an hour. Also, please avoid highly caffeinated drinks prior to your appointment to help avoid twitching.

Can the eyelash extensions be removed?
Yes, at any time for any reason they can be removed however, there will be a removal charge. Refer to prices. The extension are easily removed by using a glue remover and is safe and will cause no harm to your natural lashes.

I had my lashes applied somewhere else and they are a disaster with excessive amounts of glue clumping my lashes together. Can I have the lashes removed and not get new eyelash extensions?
Sadly eyelash extensions are being applied by people who have had no training or have not been trained correctly and using cheap products. I'm always happy to remove lashes that have been applied elsewhere without applying new lashes, however, there will be a removal charge. Please refer to Pricing.

I had eyelash extensions applied somewhere else and I am unhappy with them can they be fixed up?
I prefer not to mix their work with other people's work so it is advised that you either allow your extensions to naturally come off or contact me to discuss the options of having the extensions removed before your appointment to have a new set applied. If your eyes are red and sore from the incorrectly applied eyelash extensions that were applied elsewhere, I would advise resting your eyes from extensions for approximately 3-4 weeks before having a professional set reapplied by me.

Before your Appointment
Please arrive with no mascara. I don't want to spend time cleaning your lashes, I'd rather spend time working on perfecting your lashes. Do not use oil-based products on your natural lashes prior to the application. do not perm or curl your eyelashes before your eyelash extension appointment. Your lashes need to be at their most natural state in order for there to be a better bond.

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY HAD YOUR EYELASHES PERMED EYELASH EXTENSIONS CANNOT BE APPLIED UNTIL 3 MONTHS AFTER THE PERMING PROCEDURE.

I'm not brave to leave the house without makeup can I wear foundation, eyeliner, and eye shadow to my appointment?
Yes, it is fine to wear foundation, eyeliner, and eye shadow, however, please be aware your lower eyeliner maybe a little smudged from wearing the under-eye anti-wrinkle eye pads. But please try to arrive with no mascara. Again, in order for a better bond and better results, I ask that you please arrive with clean lashes.
Plan to set aside 1 to 1.5 hours for your appointment.

Is there an age limit to get eyelash extensions?
Depending on where you go, I personally do not feel comfortable applying extensions to girls under the age of 16. If you are between the ages of 16 - 18 and wish to get extensions I require a guardian to be present during the process.

Can I curl my lashes before my appointment?
No. By curling your lashes it will make them misshapen and almost impossible for me to apply extensions correctly. I need your eyelashes to be in the most natural and healthy state they can prior to your lash extension application. please do not curl your eyelashes, or use any other manipulation on them the day of your appointment.

If you have any additional questions don't hesitate to contact me anytime!

-Ashleigh Whitt, LME