Who Wants Lashes? Lash Lifts vs. Lash Extensions

There are two types of eyelash treatments that are blazing HOT right now in today's beauty market - Lash Lifts (with or without tint) and Lash Extensions (Classic and Volume). Many people have heard these terms, but many people have no idea what's involved with each process, what the results look like, and aftercare rules that should be considered before deciding which one is the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Let's take a look at both:

Why consider a Lash Lift?

Great alternative to lash extensions if you're not a good candidate to have them done (example: adhesive allergy)
Curls your natural eyelashes with a dramatic curl
Results last 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair shedding cycle
Never never use an eyelash curler again!
Get ready in the morning faster
Wear in the pool, shower, and spa
Sleep on your face and sweat like crazy at the gym

Just the basics of how it's done:

Just like old-school perms from the '80s (which are actually making a come back!), lash lifts set the shape of your natural lashes using a rod and eye-safe chemical solution.

Time involved for Procedure: 1-1.5 hours
Price Point: $50-$100

Lash Lift Aftercare:

Essentially NO after care involved! What the what?!? Yes, you read that correctly!

Do NOT wash eyes or shower for 24 hours
Avoid steam and sweat for 24 hours
Do not wear eye makeup or mascara for 24 hours

Why consider Lash Extensions?

Gives the appearance of length and curl to your natural eyelashes
Results last 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair shedding cycle
Never never use an eyelash curler again!
Get ready in the morning faster

Just the basics of how it's done:

Tedious and time consuming (but sooo worth it) lash extensions are applied by hand, one lash at a time, by gluing individual extensions on top of your natural lashes.

Time involved for Procedure: 2-2.5 hours
Price Point: $75-$250, depending on your location. # of lashes, type of lashes applied, technician experience

Lash Extension Aftercare:

Aftercare is essential for healthy lashes and eyelash extensions. With proper care, the life of eyelash extensions can be prolonged, hygiene is maintained, and natural lashes stay healthy and beautiful. No one wants their lashes falling out due to improper care, right?!? Here are some basic Do's and DON'Ts:

Do NOT wash eyes or shower for 24 hours
Avoid steam and sweat for 24 hours
Avoid strong heat such as ovens or bbq's
Do NOT rub or pull on your extensions
Avoid all oil-based and waterproof mascaras / makeup removers
ONLY use extension-safe mascaras (no silicone-based products)
Do NOT use an eyelash curler on your extensions
Avoid using cotton products like cotton rounds or q-tips near your extensions
Clean your extensions with an oil-free cleanser every day
Book your fill appointment every 2-3 weeks

There's plenty of research to do and SO many things to think about before having either of these procedures done. Most importantly: Does your choice reflect your current lifestyle for maintenance and upkeep of your investment? Also, I feel like this goes without saying, but... please be sure to find a technician you trust, especially one that practices the highest standards in sanitary protocols. You shouldn't walk into their work space and feel even the slightest hint of bad vibes or wonky juju. You know what I'm talking about. You should enter into a clean and tidy work space, where everything is neatly laid out where you can clearly see what's about to be used on you. RED FLAG ALERT: They should NEVER be using special "secret" glue that they carry around, hidden in their pocket! I can't even tell you the number of horror stories I've read about of clients having hair glue, nail glue, or yes, even superglue, used on them! Absolutely shocking, but 100% true. There are people out there performing services in a very unsafe manner.

Sanitation and safety are both things that I personally strive to maintain in all instances, with every single client. This is even more important dealing with lashes because technicians can't wear gloves to work on you (they get caught on everything and everything sticks to them!) and we're all up in your business, touching your eyes with bare hands. Please make sure that your technician washes their hands between clients, uses hand sanitizer before they start working on you, wears a mask, uses sanitary pillow covers, sterilizes their tweezers, and uses disposable eyelash brushes.

True, you may be able to find the service you seek for half the price elsewhere, but you may be paying for it later with the expense of medical bills and/or your eye health. That's something that no one should have to worry about, but it's a very real reality. So, do your homework! Research your salon / technician, ask about their training, ask for specifics on what services they offer and what products they use, and get all the answers to your questions (and maybe even some you didn't even think to ask!) when you have a REAL client consultation before your appointment.

Now, who wants a lash enhancement?!? I know I sure do! And great news - I'm excitedly now offering BOTH services: Lash Lifts (w/ or w/o Tint) and Lash Extensions, so hop of over to my website to view my pricing and call me to book your session today!