Frequently asked questions

Here are the answers to our most frequently asked client questions. Have a question that isn't listed here? Feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

What are eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions are made of synthetic material and mirror our own eyelashes. They are bonded directly to an individual eyelash.

What is the difference between eyelash extensions and false eyelashes? You can create customised looks with eyelash extensions to suit your preferred style. False eyelashes (or strip lashes) are worn for several hours at a time, whereas eyelash extensions, once applied, last for weeks. You can also get them wet, so you can go swimming, and they won’t run in the rain (unlike mascara!).

What is the difference between classic and volume lashes? For classic extensions we apply one single extension to an individual natural eyelash, usually for a darker, longer lash look. Volume extensions are where we create a fan-shape from multiple extensions and apply a fan of lashes to an individual natural eyelash. This creates a fuller and darker look to your natural lashes, hence ‘volume lashes’. Think volume mascara!

What should I consider when thinking about getting eyelash extensions? You should think about why quality is generally more expensive. Consider that this person is dealing with your eyes which are a prominent, and very important, part of your face. You get what you pay for, so cheap is not necessarily something to wholly base your decision on when getting lash extensions. Do you research and go with a specialist who is qualified, safe and understands the importance of your natural eyelash health.

What is a patch test and why do I need one? During your consultation you will have a patch test. This is a very important part of the consultation. We will apply a small number of extensions to one eye so that we can test for any reaction to the adhesive. As we are only applying a small number of extensions, any reaction you experience (i.e. itching or swelling) will be minimal, but it may indicate that you have a sensitivity to the adhesive, and applying a full set of extensions may not be right for you. Allergies can develop over time with continued exposure to a substance, so a patch test will not rule out a potential reaction in the future, but is a good indication before your first appointment whether you are likely to have a reaction before we apply a full set of extensions. Patch tests must be done at least 48 hours before your first appointment and you must tell your specialist about any reaction you have after your patch test.

What happens if I didn’t have a reaction to the patch test, but I have a reaction a few days after my extensions have been applied? This is unlikely, but if do you develop a reaction you should firstly seek medical advice from your doctor. They are trained to provide advice / medication if required, and will also tell you when it is safe for you to come in and have your extensions removed. It is likely you are not going to be able to have extensions again in the future, as allergies to the adhesive do not go away once they have developed. We know this will be difficult to hear for some people, especially those who have been wearing extensions for a long time, however you should discuss this with your lash specialist as they will be able to talk to you about your options.

How do I know what style of extensions to get? Your lash specialist will work with you to decide on the best style for you, based on your desired look, individual natural lash health and eye shape.

Will they hurt? If the eyelash extensions have been applied correctly, you shouldn't be able to feel anything. Eyelash extensions should not hurt. If the eyelash extension does hurt, one or more extensions may have been attached to your skin during application, or a baby eyelash may have been glued to another lash (this may hurt as the baby lash grows). Eyelash extensions should always be applied by a trained lash specialist who can isolate your natural lashes correctly and ensure you have painless, long-lasting lashes.

How often do I come for a touch up? The normal touch up time is 2/3 weeks, however, how long your extensions last will depend on a number of things:

Your natural lash growth cycle (how quickly your own eyelashes grow and fall out)
How well you look after your extensions – following the after-care advice is very important for looking after your natural lashes and also ensuring your extensions last as long as possible! You must clean your lashes regularly to avoid dirt and oil build-up on your lashes.
Seasonal shed – sometimes lashes will fall out more quickly or more slowly depending on the time of year.
Excess exposure to heat / moisture immediately after application. This can affect the curing process of the adhesive and can cause your extensions to fall out prematurely.
Wearing makeup. You can wear makeup with extensions; however it is advised that you wear makeup that does not contain oil and that you regularly remove your makeup (with oil free makeup remover) and cleanse your lashes to remove any dirt or oil build up on your extensions.
Pulling or picking your lashes. This is one of the worst things you can do to your extensions as pulling or picking your lashes will cause them to fall out prematurely and can also damage or pull out your natural eyelashes. Over time this can also cause you to have gaps in your natural lashes. Please do not pick or pull your extensions. If you are having issues such as itchiness or discomfort please contact your lash specialist who can discuss this with you and may suggest removal or discuss your cleansing routine.

What happens if you cry with eyelash extensions? Lash extensions can be exposed to moisture after 48 hours of application and this will not harm them, as by this point the adhesive will have cured and they will be water resistant. This is one of the great things about lash extensions! However, it is important not to cry or have very watery eyes during the application process as moisture can spread the adhesive vapours causing irritation. Exposure to moisture during the application process will also cause issues with the adhesive, affecting the bond of the extension to your lashes.

How long do they last? If you care for them properly with regular cleansing to remove dirt and oil build up, lash extensions should last through a full growth cycle of your natural eyelashes. This is usually six to eight weeks. However, everyone’s lash growth is different and you should attend touch up appointments every few weeks depending on how many natural lashes fall out as part of your own eyelash growth cycle. Typically, each eye sheds between 2-5 natural eyelashes per day. A touch up appointment replaces the extensions that fall out with these lashes, to maintain a full look with your extensions.

Do eyelash extensions ruin your natural lashes? No! With proper application by a trained lash specialist, and proper after care, lash extensions are safe and will not ruin your own lashes. A trained lash specialist will know how to properly isolate your natural eyelashes so that only one extension (or fan with volume lashes) is applied to your individual natural eyelash. They will know how to apply the lash so that it does not hurt, or twist and cause premature fall out of your own eyelashes. They will also provide you with appropriate aftercare advice so that you understand how to care for your eyelashes and your extensions. They should also discuss with you the correct length, weight and style of lash extensions for you personally, after examining your natural lash health, as everyone’s natural lashes are different and some weights, lengths and styles will not be appropriate for you.

Can you wear mascara with lash extensions? We recommend that you do not wear mascara with extensions. During your consultation you can discuss this with your lash specialist, however they will likely show you a picture of extensions that have had mascara applied, versus those which have not – there is a big difference. Waterproof or oil-based mascara applied to classic extensions will reduce their longevity and you will need to come in for more regular touch up appointments. With volume lashes, mascara will cause them to clump and fall out prematurely. If you wish to go for a darker look with your extensions, discuss this with your lash specialist as they can discuss the different options available to you, depending on your natural lash health.

Is it normal for eyelash extensions to fall out after a few days? Extensions are attached to natural lashes that are at either in the middle or last stage of their growth cycle. These lashes will shed (fall out) naturally and be replaced with new baby lashes. This is why you need to come in for a touch up appointment every few weeks to replace the lashes that have ended their growth cycle and fallen out. You will lose roughly between 2-5 natural eyelashes per eye every day, so it is not uncommon to find a few lash extensions have fallen out in the days after your appointment.

Can you swim / go to the beach with eyelash extensions? We recommend that you wait 48 hours before exposing your lashes to moisture or heat, i.e. going swimming or going to the beach in summer, especially if you want to swim in the sea.... If you're are planning on going into the water, try to avoid submerging your head to protect your lashes from salt water and other debris.

Can I go on a sunbed with lash extensions? We recommend that you wait 48 hours before exposing your lashes to moisture or heat.

Can I wear eyeliner with lash extensions? Similar to mascara, we recommend that you do not wear eyeliner with extensions. During your consultation you can discuss this with your lash specialist, as they can help you achieve an eyeliner-style effect if this is what you are looking to achieve from your extensions. Waterproof or oil-based eyeliner will reduce the longevity of your extensions and you will need to come in for more regular touch up appointments. Caution should also be used when removing eye makeup to ensure the eye makeup remover doesn't come into contact with the adhesive on the extensions as most makeup removers are oil based and this can cause the bond between the extension and your lashes to weaken and may mean they fall out prematurely. Also, when removing makeup make sure you don’t pull, tug or catch the lash extensions.

I am concerned about COVID19. What should I expect when I come for my appointment? For the safety of our clients and ourselves we introduced a number for safety precautions in 2020. These are outlined below:

Please do not arrive early for your appointment as you will not be allowed inside until your appointment time to ensure the previous client has left so that there is no crossover. There will only be one client allowed in the salon at any time.
Please do not bring anyone with you to your appointment. They will not be admitted.
You will be asked to pay electronically; we are not accepting cash until further notice.
We have a HEPA filter running all day and this will be running for the duration of your appointment to filter the air.
There is a 30-minute gap between appointments to allow us to sanitise in between clients.
Please bring a mask with you as you will be asked to wear this when entering the salon. If you do not have one you can purchase one when you arrive. You will not be admitted without a mask and it should be worn correctly (covering nose and mouth).
Talking during the application will be kept to a minimum for both client and specialist to minimise breath/moisture whilst working in close proximity to your face.

What can I expect during the treatment?

You will be asked about your patch test and any reactions and then sign your consultation form before we can proceed with the treatment. It is recommended you contact your lash specialist before your appointment if you do experience a reaction to the patch test.
You will lie on a comfortable lash bed and your specialist will be sat at your head. If lying flat is uncomfortable we have support pillows for your knees/legs.
We will cleanse your lashes before we apply extensions but please do come to your appointment completely free of makeup. If we need to remove any makeup, this time will be deducted from your appointment time (i.e. we will not extend your appointment to make up for any time spent removing make up). We cannot apply extensions to unclean lashes as this affects their retention (how long they will last) so it is in your best interest to come with clean, makeup free lashes!
You will have your eyes closed for the duration of the treatment and for your first treatment this could take several hours. This is quality time for you so relax and feel free to drift off and have a nap!

I think I have an eye infection and I have an appointment scheduled for extensions, what should I do? You should speak to your lash specialist as soon as you can as you may not be able to attend your appointment. Any infection or contagion around the eye area or face can be spread to the tools we use during your appointment so we cannot risk spreading this to other clients. Once the eye/skin disorder or infection has cleared we can schedule you for an appointment for your lashes. If you attend your appointment and we suspect you have a contraindication, we will not be able to apply extensions and you will need to return once you are healthy.

Why am I being asked to pay a deposit at my consultation? To reduce the number of no-shows, we require a £10 deposit which will be taken at your consultation. This will then be deducted from the price of your treatment at the end of your appointment.

How do you sleep after eyelash extensions? We suggest that you sleep on your back where possible after you have had eyelash extensions. This is because sleeping on your side or on your front can cause your extensions to fall out more quickly as they rub on the pillow when you move. If you are experiencing more lashes falling out on one eye, it is likely because you are sleeping on this side. Instead, try to sleep on your back, or if this is not possible you can try a silk pillowcase (which is also good for your hair) to help reduce the friction between your lashes and the pillow.