What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash Extensions are a popular service that lengthens and thickens your own natural eyelashes. Lash Extensions are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. They are applied to each individual natural eyelash one by one and your layout can be designed to be as natural or as bold as you desire.

How long will my lash extensions last?

When applied by a professional, eyelash extensions will last the length of the natural growth cycle of your eyelashes, usually between 4 and 8 weeks. Depending on your activity and day-to-day routine, refills should only be required every 2 to 4 weeks.

How do I care for my lash extensions?

• Do not get your eyelashes wet for the first 24 hours.

• Do not use a spa, sauna or pool for the first 24 hours. The extensions need that amount of time to properly bond.

• Avoid pulling or rubbing your eyes.

• Do not use eyelash curlers with your extensions. With proper application you will not need them.

• ONLY use oil-free makeup remover. I carry several brands in my spa. You may also use baby shampoo. If your eyelashes are tangled or crossed over, use the lash wand given to you during your appointment to gently brush them straight and put them in place. You can purchase a longer life coating to extend the wear of your lash extensions in between fills.

• Proper hygiene is very important. Please keep lashes clean by regular washing. 

• Use only mascaras that are safe for eyelash extensions, no oil-based or waterproof mascaras. I have an extension safe mascara available for purchase at your appointment. Only apply the mascara to the tips of your lashes.

• After showering avoid rubbing lashes, it best to blot them with a towel and let them air dry.

• You can also dry the lashes by using a hair dryer on the cool setting and blowing them dry from the bottom up.

• Use care when applying facial and eye creams to avoid the lash line. Too many oil-based products can break down the adhesive.

• Touch-up appointments are recommended every two to four weeks to maintain your new eyelash extensions.

How often should I get touch-ups?

Fills are recommended every two to three weeks.  People with more lashes are usually able to go longer between fills since the shedding of their natural lashes will be less noticeable. Fills scheduled up to three weeks apart are scheduled for one hour, 4 week fills are 1 1/2 hours and anything after 4 weeks is considered a full set once again.  Please also note that if you arrive with minimal to no lashes (regardless the amount of time between fills) you may be subject to a full set price after evaluation of the possible cause.

How do I choose the look I want?

Your technician will consult with you to understand what type of style you are interested in and what look will work best with your natural lashes. The overall look of the lashes can range from natural to very voluminous!

How long will it take to get a full set of lash extensions?

Appointments for a full set of lash extensions are scheduled for two hours.  The time will vary based on your number of natural lashes and the length of the consultation.

How will my lash extensions look and feel?

When applied by a skilled technician they will look completely natural, only much longer and fuller. They will feel like your own eyelashes.  I do not count lashes, I will add as many as needed to create the right look for you.

Can I use eyelash growth products with my extensions?

Lash growth products that contain steroids change the composition of your lashes and accelerate your eyelash shedding cycle, therefore we cannot guarantee the outcome. Natural lash growth products containing peptides are wonderful and will have no adverse effect on the longevity of your extensions.

Do I have to do anything to prepare for the service?

You should thoroughly clean your lashes with a mild cleanser. Do not use oily makeup remover to clean your lashes prior to the application. Lashes should not be curled (unless directed otherwise by your technician) and all mascara should be removed.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! All lashes are applied by appointment only.  You may call or text me any time or use my online booking system.

Are allergic reactions common?

No, they are not common.  Usually, the process of getting lash extensions is a relaxing one. If you believe you are experiencing the signs of an allergic reaction continue reading and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an oversensitivity of the immune system to something that many people have normal interactions with daily.  Symptoms of an allergy to the adhesive may include red puffy eyes as well as itchiness.  These symptoms will last until the adhesive is removed and can worsen with time and exposure.  Think of somebody you know with a peanut allergy – each time they are exposed to peanuts their reaction gets worse and worse.  This is because our bodies’ immune system is constantly adapting and building up antibodies to fight off the allergen.  The more your body is exposed to the allergen the stronger and more dramatic the allergic reaction.  For this reason, you should not put lashes on clients with prior allergic reactions to the adhesive.   

What is an irritation?

An irritation can mirror many of the same symptoms of an allergy, so it can be very hard to decipher what is happening.  Irritations usually stem from the fumes given off by the adhesive as it solidifies or dries.  Individual gas molecules of cyanoacrylate leave the adhesive and can cause red puffy eyes and make the sclera (the white part of your eye) red and itchy.  The difference is that irritations usually don’t last longer than 24 hours and should get significantly better as time passes.  One exception to this is if your client has seasonal allergies.  Lash extensions can contribute to the symptoms of the seasonal allergies when you already have very sensitive, irritated eyes.  

Will lash extensions damage my own lashes?

Yes and no. Yes, your lashes can be damaged if you go to someone who was not properly trained and uses cheap products not intended for long wear. No, extensions properly applied by a certified, trained technician who uses quality products should not. 

How soon can I wash my face after the extensions are applied?

It is recommended that you do not wash your eye area for about 24 hours after the eyelash application. After the first day you may continue to wash your face and eye area but be sure any products you use on your eyes are oil free.

Can I swim, shower, exercise, or visit a spa while wearing Eyelash Extensions?

Yes. The bonding agent used to apply your eyelash extensions is waterproof and allows you to shower, swim, exercise etc.

What happens if I choose to remove my eyelash extensions?

I do offer a service to have the extensions removed involving a short thirty-minute appointment in which I apply a gel remover. Once the adhesive is dissolved the extensions are gently wiped away with lint free applicators exposing the natural lashes.  Please do NOT attempt to pull off lash extensions yourself as you may unintentionally pull out your own lashes.

I wear contacts. Can I still get lash extensions?

Yes! Since lash extensions do not touch your skin, they do not conflict or interfere with your contacts or normal daily activities.

Is the product FDA approved? Is it safe?

Currently, the FDA is not regulating eyelash extensions because the eyelash extensions are applied to the natural eyelash hairs and do not touch the skin. The application process is pain-free. Some clients consider the process relaxing and even sleep through the appointment.

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Avalon Lash and Spa only uses pharmaceutical grade adhesive which never comes in contact with your skin. Synthetic eyelashes are adhered about 1mm away from your skin.

Can I apply mascara to my lash extensions?

Mascara is not really required since the extensions actually give the illusion of wearing mascara. In fact, one of the many benefits of eyelash extensions is that you do not need to use mascara. If you must apply mascara, however, only use water-based mascara. DO NOT USE OIL-BASED OR WATER-PROOF MASCARA as they can dissolve the bonding agent used and they can shorten the life of your eyelash extensions. Use care when washing off the water-based mascara and only use a water based eye makeup remover.