Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

 

For Eyelash Extensions

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Helpful Link! 

"Ten things your lash artist wants you to know"

via SugarLash Pro Journal

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• What are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions are synthetic or natural hairs formed into natural hair-shaped extensions (tapered ends) that are attached to your natural eyelash, much like hair extensions.

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• How do you put them on?

Eyelash extensions are attached to each of your healthy natural eyelashes (1:1 method) using special adhesive specially made for attaching extensions to your natural lashes.

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• Is it safe?

Yes, when done correctly eyelash extensions are perfectly safe.  In the state of Pennsylvania, an eyelash extension technician is required to have a cosmetology or esthetics license to practice doing eyelash extensions.  However, it is not regulated by the FDA, so always make sure you are with a capable and clean technician.  Don't ever hesitate to ask a professional to see their certification(s)/license (myself included)!

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• What are they made of?

Eyelash extensions are made of either natural or synthetic hairs.  Most commonly you will hear of them being made from synthetic mink hair or silk.  These materials look great and are comfortable to wear near the eye area.  I use faux mink lashes, which are made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

 

 

Helpful Link!

Faux Mink Lashes Versus Real Mink Lashes

via Paris Lash Academy

 

• Are they available in different lengths or styles?  Do you have a style menu I can look at?

Yes, many styling options are possible with extensions.  Many of my clients will tell me what look they have in mind before I begin creating their set.  There are different shapes I can create (cat eye, etcetera), corrective styling (eye-opening effect), or trendy styling ("wet lash", etcetera).  Most often clients tell me they want them to look "full", but still natural.  I always recommend my clients look for photos of lashes they have seen to bring to their appointment as references.

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At this time I do not have a style menu to look at.  At the time of your appointment, I discuss with you what look you would like and I will do my best to make it happen for you.  Each set is custom-designed.  I do have examples of my work on my Portfolio page.

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• How long does it take to put them on?

Appointments vary in the amount of time, it could be anywhere between sixty minutes (the shortest amount of time for a fill) to three hours (full sets).  The time can also depend on different variables such as: what your eyelashes are like to work with, or how many coffees I've had before your appointment.

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• How many extensions do you put on each eye?

The amount of extensions on the eye is different for everybody.  There is not a specific amount that I attach for every single client.  Each client is different, although it is common for a person to have between 80 and 150 lashes on each upper eyelid.  I attach an eyelash extension to every one of the natural lashes that are healthy enough to support them.

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• Will the extensions make my own eyelashes fall out?

No, getting eyelash extensions will not make your natural eyelashes fall out when they are done correctly and taken care of afterward.  However, if you have been getting them regularly for a while (such as four months or more) it may be a good idea to take occasional breaks (at least one week) like you would with coloring your hair or getting acrylic nails put on.  During this time it is a good idea to rehydrate the lashes with oils such as castor oil or lash growth serums.

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• How long do they stay on?

Eyelash extensions, when applied correctly and to healthy eyelashes, can look great for weeks.  I typically tell my clients to come in for fills every two weeks to keep them looking their best.  Your retention will depend on various factors.

In regards to retention,(the ability for your extensions to last) there are several things pertaining to each individual client that can and will affect it. The ingredients in the skincare or makeup you use, your aftercare of them, your sleeping positions, any medications that affect the integrity of your hair, or biological factors could all affect your retention. I will do my best to work with you and whatever you have going on.

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• Can I swim with them?

Yes, you can do whatever you usually do with your eyelash extensions.  That includes swimming and exercising as you usually do.  However, saltwater (including sweat and tears) and chlorinated water are enemies of eyelash extensions.  In my experience, getting salt or pool water on your extensions will cause the adhesive to corrode, and most likely quickly cause your extensions to come off.  The best thing to do is clean (with a lash extension-safe cleanser) and brush through your extensions immediately after your water activity.

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• Can I wear mascara on my extensions?

I don't ever recommend that my clients apply mascara to their eyelash extensions.  Part of the fun of getting them is not having to fuss with putting on mascara every day.  Also, the ingredients in mascara are harmful to your extensions.  Most mascaras have oils or waxes in them, which corrode the adhesive, causing your extensions to fall out faster.  It is also hard to remove sticky mascara from your extensions without having the bond weaken, and that will cause you to lose more than you intended to when trying to clean them.

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• I have sensitive eyes.  Can I still get extensions?

Yes, you can still get eyelash extensions with sensitive eyes.  Please tell me before I begin working on you, though!  It is commonly recommended for clients to take antihistamine medication such as Benadryl before their appointments to help with any irritation.  The best thing to do is take the medication the day before your appointment, the day of your appointment, and the day after. Another thing that sometimes helps with irritation is wearing contacts during your appointments.

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• How do I take care of them so they last longer?

I want your extensions to look and feel as beautiful as they are when they are first applied, and I want you to get your money's worth.  The best way to do that is if you take care of them and follow my advice in doing so.  At your first appointment, I will go over the basics with you, as will your consent form before we begin your service. 

 

The first twelve hours do not saturate the extensions with liquid, as the bond is not completely solidified yet. Try not to sleep on your face, as doing so will push your extensions into undesirable positions, and the repeated pressure will cause them to stay that way.  Try not to rub your eyes or pull at your extensions, as that causes damage. I also advise you to keep mascara away from your extensions.  If you wear makeup on your eyes, I always recommend you make sure you clean your eyelids and your lash line well.  Try to stay away from makeup products and makeup removers that have oil-based ingredients in them. Many people are afraid to clean close to their lash line, for fear of losing lashes.  However, if you don't clean your eyes well enough you could end up with an infection.  I recommend my clients clean their eyelash extensions ideally every day with a product meant for extensions.  Use a clean, fluffy eye shadow blending brush to gently clean them.

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• I don't think these lash extensions are for me.  Can you take them off?

I would be happy to discuss with you why you aren't happy with your lash extensions.  Please contact me so we can find the best solution for you, together.

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• Are my eyelashes long enough for extensions?

Most clients' lashes are healthy enough for extensions.  For those with lash health issues, I recommend buying a lash/brow growing serum such as Babe Lash, Grande Lash, The Ordinary, or Miss A Pro.

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• I want them to be full. Can you make them full?

This, unfortunately, is where I have to upset some people.  I cannot control the pattern or density of your lash growth, and neither can you.  If your lashes grow far apart or grow very small and thin, your set may not be able to look as full as you'd like without compromising the integrity of your lashes.

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• Do I have to do anything before my appointment?

Yes, but nothing extreme.  I ask that any clients come in without any eye makeup.  Completely bare-faced would be better but I understand life does not always permit that comfort to women.  I ask that you keep any heavy moisturizers away from your eye area on the day of your service.  It is also very important that you clean your natural eyelashes very well before your service to remove any debris.  I always do some cleaning of the natural lashes before I begin applying the extensions. But, if you come in with a full face of makeup, that takes time out of your appointment because I need to make a better base for your extensions.  Therefore decreasing the amount of time I have to work on your set, and possibly decreasing the quality of your set.  I always want your extensions to look as good as you, so I'd love it if you helped me make that possible.

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For Makeup

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• Where did you learn to do makeup?

I am mostly self-taught when it comes to makeup artistry.  I have always loved learning new ways to create a look and am always delighted to see new product launches.  I love to both learn and educate when it comes to makeup.  I have a certificate for "Excellent Makeup Artistry" that I was presented with at my graduation from beauty school.

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• How long have you been doing makeup?

I've been doing makeup myself since I was thirteen years old, and I've been interested in doing it professionally since I was sixteen.  I started teaching myself how to be a makeup artist around the time I was seventeen, and have been making myself a better artist since then.  I've been putting makeup on other people since I was nineteen.

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• What kind of makeup do you use?

I don't really have a specific "type" or brand of makeup that I use.  I use whatever I think is good, whether it be a $0.99 eye shadow or a $50.00 foundation.  I use whatever I have found performs well and is readily available.

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For Waxing

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• Does it hurt?

Sometimes waxing can hurt, yes.  But, I've found it gets easier each time you do it.

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• What kind of wax do you use?

I use hard wax.

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• What's the difference between hard wax and soft wax?

Hard wax is typically a thicker wax than soft wax and doesn't require a strip to remove it.  It hardens on the skin, gripping the hair in the process, and removes the hair when the wax is removed.  The wax itself acts as the strip.  Soft wax is what most people imagine when you say "waxing".  It has a thinner consistency than hard wax and is removed using cloth strips.

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• Should I do anything before my appointment?

Yes.  Before your appointment, exfoliate the skin you plan on getting waxed with a body or face scrub.  The hair needs to be 1/4 of an inch long (a grain of rice) to be able to be waxed.  Also, wear loose clothing if you are getting a body part waxed.

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• Should I do anything after my appointment?

Yes.  For the first day after your appointment, wear loose clothing.  For days one and two, use a soothing product over the area waxed (such as aloe, Shaveworks "The Cool Fix", or fur brand products).  On the third day, go over the area that was waxed with a razor to remove any hairs that may have been too small to have been waxed.

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For Tanning

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• What do you use for spray tans?

I currently use Sjolie tanning solutions and a portable airbrush gun.  I also have a portable tanning tent to use in my space or my client's.

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• Should I do anything before getting my spray tan?

Yes. The day/night before your appointment, it's best to hop in the shower and do your full routine, as you won't be able to get your body wet for twenty-four hours after you're sprayed.  If you are going to need to wash your hair within the twenty-four hours you can't shower, do it before your appointment.  Exfoliate your entire body with a body scrub and shave over any areas you plan on wanting tanned.  When it's time to get your tan, bring a change of dark underclothes (so the tanning solution doesn't stain them) that you would be comfortable with having tan lines from (unless you want to be nude, doesn't matter to me).

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Helpful link!

 Perfectly Prepped

via Sjolie

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• Should I do anything after getting my spray tan?

Yes.  After your spray tan I will go over aftercare with you, but please feel free to refer to this page in case you forget anything.  For the first 8-10 hours (depending on the solution we decide you'd like), do not get your body wet unless you are told otherwise.  This includes showering, swimming, sweating, etc.  After the first twenty-four hours, you are free to do your usual water activities, and I recommend you begin a diligent skin moisturizing routine.  Even better if you use a tinted moisturizer such as St. Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion, or something similar.