What to expect at your first appointment

You're getting lashes!

You've scheduled your appointment! You may have been getting lashes for a while and this is just your first appointment with me. You may be completely new to lashes and have no idea what's going to happen. In either case, I like to outline what to expect. Some clients who have previously had lash extensions can be pretty surprised that I do things a little differently. If it's your first time getting lashes you may be wondering what exactly is going to happen. You're probably a little excited, and a little nervous. Here are some things you can do to prepare for your appointment and some answers to the questions you may have, but didn't ask.

How to prepare for your appointment

Three days prior to your appointment you'll need to stop using waterproof eye makeup. This is because waterproof makeup is very hard to thoroughly remove. It will take at least three deep cleanses to remove the residue. Trust me, you think it's gone, but when I get in there under lights and magnification, I see it. The residue will inhibit the ability of the extension to securely bond with the natural lash. This will decrease your retention and your lashes won't last long. We want the extensions to create a permanent bond so that it will shed with the natural lash and not just fall off. Arriving with a freshly washed face without eye moisturizer or makeup will ensure that we get the best adhesion possible. Avoid using oily makeup remover the evening before and morning of your appointment, and don't ever use it around your lash extensions (see aftercare link below). Use a foaming cleanser around your eye area that will sweep away any makeup residue and oils. 

Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. Sweatpants, comfy socks, and lounge clothes are encouraged. Most of my clients arrive in sweatshirts, yoga pants, and oversized sunglasses. I promise, no one will judge your attire. They'll just assume you're in for a lash appointment and a nap. If your hair is long, a bun on the top of your head is preferred to keep hair out of the way and out from under you. Avoid clips and low updo's because they can be uncomfortable when laying down.

Make sure you've gone to the restroom and try to avoid large amounts of any beverage that will increase your need to do so. Of course, drink water or whatever else you'd like, but avoid downing a gallon of it right before we start. Your appointment for the initial installation of your lash extensions should take no more than three and a half hours from start to finish. On average, most full sets of lashes take two and a half hours. If you need to get up in the middle of the appointment to use the bathroom, it takes about five minutes of drying, plus getting your eyes prepped again so we can continue. Please, plan accordingly to make the most of your time. If you have any medical conditions to consider, let me know before your appointment and I can block out a little extra time so we can take a break or two. It's absolutely not a problem. 

What to expect. Is it going to hurt? How uncomfortable is it? 

Let's get the biggest concern first-time lash clients have out of the way... When done correctly, you should be completely comfortable during your appointment and it is absolutely not painful. If there's discomfort please tell me right away. We'll tape your bottom lashes down before we begin. Do not hesitate to tell me if the tape feels uncomfortable. It should feel like tape on your lower lash line, but never irritating. Once the tape is placed and I begin to apply the lashes you should not feel stinging from the lash adhesive. When you're comfortably taped and your eyes are closed there's little to no chance of the adhesive itself making any contact with your eye. However, the fumes from it can be irritating. If you do start to feel any fumes from the adhesive, please tell me as soon as possible. I will immediately stop, dry the lashes, re-tape, and secure your eyelid. I use the smallest amount of glue possible to avoid any irritation, but sometimes if your eyes flutter or open even a little it can cause stinging. Let me know as soon as you feel discomfort. It will not bother me at all. It will bother me if you DON'T tell me, and your eyes begin to water. Lashes should not hurt! (This is a common theme we'll come back to often.)

Your lashes will be carefully applied one fan/lash per natural eyelash. Your lash extensions will be noticeable for the first few days, but they should not hurt or pinch or feel heavy. I have clients with sensory issues that can't even stand the feeling of mascara and they wear lash extensions comfortably. If they do feel uncomfortable let me know immediately and we'll troubleshoot the discomfort and if needed I'll have you come in for a quick fix. (Remember? Lashes should not hurt.)

Most of my clients are comfortable enough to take a nap during their lash appointments. We can even listen to music of your choice, or my choice, and if your face doesn't move when you talk we can have a nice conversation, or not. We can be silent and listen to white noise or whale sounds. I'm chill with whatever, as long as your eyes and face don't move

Let's figure out your mapping!

Please, please, send me pictures of lashes that you like. Volume or hybrid. Cat, kitten, fox, squirrel, or doll eye. I can find the common traits between all of your pictures and create the perfect mapping for you. Five to ten pictures by email or text message is preferred. Also, a picture of your face straight on and from the side taken with the front-facing camera on your phone. This way I can get a feel for what your mapping should look like. Eyes are all shaped differently and what looks like a cat eye on some will look like a doll eye on others. Pictures will also let me know what type of curl we should use. The picture from the side let's me see the depth of your eye, angle of the upper eyelid, and the curl of your natural lashes. Everyone gets unique mapping. I want you to love your lash extensions and we accomplish this by communication.

Siren Eye

Hybrid Siren Eye

Wispy Kitten

Kitten Eye

Doll/Open Eye

Cat Eye

Textured/Wispy Cat Eye

Wispy Hybrid

 
Anime Hybrid 

What to expect after your appointment.

After your appointment you'll be asked to not get your lashes wet or steamy for 24 hours. Please plan accordingly and if needed, wash your hair and get a good workout in before this so you're not tempted to do so immediately after. If you plan to get a facial, either do this the day before or 24 hours after. The adhesive cures/dries from the outside in and the interior will still be drying and creating a permanent bond for the first day, so it's crucial to let it set up properly to create the strongest bond possible. 

Your happiness matters. 

I want you to be completely satisfied with your lash extensions. If there's anything you don't like about your lashes call or text me within 72 hours of your appointment and we'll set up a free fix. You can absolutely reach out with any questions as well and I'll be more than happy to answer them. 

-Beauty Geek


 








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