How long do eyelash extensions last?
Eyelash extensions typically last 4-6 weeks, but with proper care, they can stay in great condition for longer. Aftercare plays a significant role in their longevity, and the better you take care of your lashes, the longer they will last. Most experts still recommend coming in for a refill every 2-3 weeks, especially if you want to maintain fullness.
How to Properly Look After Your Lashes:
Avoid getting them wet for the first 24-48 hours after your appointment. This gives the adhesive time to fully bond.
Clean your lashes regularly with a lash-friendly cleanser. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup residue that can weaken the adhesive.
Brush your lashes daily using a clean spoolie to keep them neat and prevent tangling.
Avoid oil-based products around the eyes, as oils can break down the adhesive and cause premature shedding of the extensions.
Be gentle when removing makeup—avoid rubbing or pulling on the extensions. Use a gentle, oil-free remover.
Habits That Can Shorten Lash Extension Lifespan:
Rubbing your eyes or pulling on your lashes can cause extensions to fall out prematurely and even damage your natural lashes.
Picking at the extensions or twisting them will lead to breakage and gaps.
Sleeping on your stomach can crush the lashes against the pillow, causing them to bend or fall out faster.
Other Factors That Affect Lash Longevity:
Oily skin or eyelids: If you have oily skin, the excess oil can weaken the adhesive, causing the lashes to shed sooner. If you're prone to waking up with "sleepy dust" (eye discharge), be sure to clean your lashes properly to avoid buildup that could affect the bond.
Lifestyle and activities: Certain hobbies and activities can reduce the lifespan of your lashes. Swimming, especially in chlorinated pools, saunas, and frequent exposure to steam, can all degrade the adhesive faster. Other factors include high-intensity workouts, where sweating heavily or wiping your face frequently can cause lashes to fall out more quickly.
By following these aftercare steps and avoiding damaging habits, you can extend the life of your lash extensions and maintain their appearance for longer.
Do eyelash extensions damage your natural lashes?
When applied correctly by a trained professional, eyelash extensions should not damage your natural lashes. It's crucial that the extensions used are the right length and weight for your natural lashes. Applying extensions that are too heavy can cause strain, leading to breakage and weakening of your natural lashes over time.
However, many lash technicians may apply full-volume lashes to clients, even if their natural lashes are weak or damaged. While this may give you the dramatic look you desire, it can be harmful in the long run. A lash technician who has your best interests at heart will recommend a more natural look to ensure less strain on your lashes. Opting for lighter, shorter extensions that match the strength of your natural lashes can help protect them from unnecessary damage.
To keep your lashes strong and healthy while wearing extensions, you can use oil-free lash serums that promote growth and maintain lash health. These serums are specially formulated to nourish and strengthen your natural lashes without compromising the adhesive bond of your extensions. Ingredients like peptides, vitamins, and biotin can help your lashes grow longer and stronger.
By maintaining a healthy lash care routine and listening to your lash tech’s advice on choosing the right extensions for your lash strength, you can enjoy the beauty of lash extensions without compromising your natural lashes.
What kind of lash extension is right for me?
Lash extensions come in a variety of curls, lengths, and thicknesses, which allows for a customized look tailored to your natural lashes and your desired style. During your appointment, I will assess the condition and density of your natural lashes, and together, we'll discuss whether you're looking for something more dramatic or natural.
Creating a Custom Lash Look:
Lashes can be applied in different lengths and styles depending on your goals:
To lift the eye, the longest extensions can be strategically placed to align with the arch of your brow, giving the eyes a lifted, more open appearance.
For an elongated eye look, the longest lashes can be placed on the outer corners to create a "cat-eye" effect, enhancing the width and length of your eyes.
Additionally, I offer brown and black lash extensions, which can help create a softer, more natural look. The brown lashes are less harsh than black, especially towards the ends, and are perfect if you want a subtle, natural enhancement without the drama that black extensions can provide.
Understanding Different Lash Types:
While you may see classic, hybrid, and volume sets listed on the website, it’s important to know that these terms can vary greatly depending on your natural lashes. For example, a volume set applied to someone with 200 thick, healthy natural lashes will look much fuller and more dramatic than the same set applied to someone with sparse or weak lashes. The result is always customized to your individual lash strength and health.
This is why it's helpful to bring in a photo of the look you're aiming for. Once I see your natural lashes in person, I can determine how to best achieve your desired style. Whether you're looking for something bold or subtle, the final outcome will always be influenced by the natural condition of your lashes, and I will guide you to the safest and most flattering option.
By carefully selecting the right combination of length, curl, and volume, we can create a beautiful lash look that enhances your features and fits your style!
How to Properly Look After Your Lashes:
Avoid getting them wet for the first 24-48 hours after your appointment. This gives the adhesive time to fully bond.
Clean your lashes regularly with a lash-friendly cleanser. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup residue that can weaken the adhesive. You can buy a lash cleansing kit from the salon for £12.
Brush your lashes daily using a clean spoolie to keep them neat and prevent tangling. It is easier to do this when wet and let them dry correctly positioned than trying to separate lashes that have stuck together when wet. (think how much easier it is to brush wet hair than dry)
Avoid oil-based products around the eyes, as oils can break down the adhesive and cause premature shedding of the extensions.
Be gentle when removing makeup—avoid rubbing or pulling on the extensions. Use a gentle, oil-free remover.
Habits That Can Shorten Lash Extension Lifespan:
Rubbing your eyes or pulling on your lashes can cause extensions to fall out prematurely and even damage your natural lashes.
Picking at the extensions or twisting them will lead to breakage and gaps.
Sleeping on your stomach can crush the lashes against the pillow, causing them to bend or fall out faster.
Other Factors That Affect Lash Longevity:
Oily skin or eyelids: If you have oily skin, the excess oil can weaken the adhesive, causing the lashes to shed sooner. If you're prone to waking up with "sleepy dust" (eye discharge), be sure to clean your lashes properly to avoid buildup that could affect the bond.
Lifestyle and activities: Certain hobbies and activities can reduce the lifespan of your lashes. Swimming, especially in chlorinated pools, saunas, and frequent exposure to steam, can all degrade the adhesive faster. Other factors include high-intensity workouts, where sweating heavily or wiping your face frequently can cause lashes to fall out more quickly. If either of these describe your lifestyle, definitely invest in a lash cleansing kit. (Or if you’re going on holiday and will be in and out of the pool)
By following these aftercare steps and avoiding damaging habits, you can extend the life of your lash extensions and maintain their appearance for longer.
How long should I wait to book in for infills?
As a general rule, I recommend booking your first infill appointment at the 3-week mark. However, it's important to remember that how long your lashes last can vary depending on how you care for them and your individual lash cycle. Since it’s your first time, we won’t know exactly how your lashes will hold up, so 3 weeks is a good starting point.
Some of my clients come in every 2 weeks for their infills, while others can go as long as 6 weeks and still have a good number of lashes left. Despite using the same glue, lashes, and application technique, factors like how oily your skin is, your aftercare routine, and even your lifestyle (e.g., frequent swimming or using oil-based products) will impact how long the extensions last. Once we've seen how your lashes hold up after the first set, we can better determine the ideal schedule for you going forward.
Your appointment can be changed up to 12 hours before your appointment using the online booking system by logging in using your phone number to view your upcoming appointments. I also offer ‘Mini-fills’ which are 30 minute appointments for emergencies if you have gaps but have a social or work occasion coming up and can’t afford to look ‘happy’ but don’t have the time or budget to book in for an infill. During a full infill session I will work through the lashes and remove any that are outgrown or stuck to other lashes to keep lash health at its peak but I will not do this in a mini-fill so it is more so for a gap filling appointment than a lash maintenance appointment so make sure you alternate between mini-fills and infills to get your money's worth and maintain lash health!
What happens if I book an infill, but by the time of my appointment, it turns into a full set?
First of all, don’t worry! I completely understand that life happens, and lash shedding can be unpredictable. Contrary to what some lash artists might say or how they might act, I am not angry at all if you show up needing more work than initially anticipated. These are your lashes—you’re the one wearing them, and I’m here to help.
If this happens, I’ll be happy to keep your appointment. If I have extra time in my schedule after your appointment, I can offer you a full set or a more extensive infill, provided you're okay with it in terms of time and budget. If that’s not possible, I will apply an even coverage across both eyes, so you leave looking like you have a full set. However, there will likely be some areas without lashes, so I would recommend booking another appointment—an infill or even a "mini-fill"—within the same week to fill those gaps.
If you come in with no lashes left at all, I can offer a half set, focusing on the outer corners for a winged look, or even switch from a hybrid to a classic set, which takes less time to apply. Either way, there's no need to worry or stress—I’m happy to work with whatever situation you're in! It's no drama at all.
