Getting lash extensions often seem nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. However, there’s no need to worry as long as you have a professional aesthetician to do the work.
Eyelash extensions are different from eyelash strips. When applying eye strips, you just need some cosmetic glue that washes off easily with water. On the contrary, when getting lash extensions, individual strands are attached to your natural eyelashes using medical-grade glue. The process takes roughly one and a half or two hours. But although it’s more time-consuming, these extensions look more natural and can serve you for up to two months with proper maintenance.
If you’re getting lash extensions for the first time, there are several things you need to know to get the best first-time experience. Here are some tips we recommend:
1. Arrange For A Patch Test Early In Advance
If you have sensitive eyes or skin, or your eyes react to eye products or cosmetics, you should visit the lash salon you have in mind for a patch test. Do this before you set up your actual appointment. If there are no adverse reactions, then you can proceed to book your appointment.
The patch test aims to subject your skin to a small amount of the adhesive to see how it reacts. The lash technician typically applies a few short lashes on the outer corners of both eyes, which aren’t noticeable. You’d want to go for the patch test with the exact lash extensions you intend to use. You may also ask what materials they use and if they’re sourced from reliable suppliers, like joylynnlashes.com, and other similar suppliers that offer high-quality lash extensions.
If your skin gets irritated or you’re allergic to the product, you’ll notice some itchiness or redness around the eyes. If that happens, you’re not advised to proceed with the lash extension appointment. Remember, prevention is better than cure.
2. Wash Your Hair Before The Appointment
You aren’t supposed to get your lash extensions wet for at least 24 hours after they’re applied. Therefore, it would be best if you wash your hair before going to the appointment to avoid getting your extensions wet afterward while washing your hair.
Once you get used to wearing the lash extensions, you may be able to wash your hair without the water getting into the extensions. But as a beginner, it’s a good idea to just avoid the risk altogether.
3. Avoid Putting Makeup On
Since you shouldn’t wet your lash extension for the first 24 hours, it would be best to avoid makeup. This is especially true if you have a makeup removal routine involving water around the lashes, like washing your face.
Therefore, don’t wear eyeliner or mascara before your lash appointment. This is because it may take time for your lash technician to remove the makeup, which will unnecessarily prolong the application process.
4. Consult The Technician
Before your lash extension appointment, you’ll have to give the professional technician some information about how you’d like your lashes to look. There’s no need for you to know the smaller details such as the exact length and size of the lashes at this time. The professional will first try to figure out the look you’re going for. They may ask whether you want them for an event or to help you save the time you usually spend on doing makeup every day.
Moreover, they may ask whether you prefer a natural or out-of-the-ordinary look. Also, you need to state if you want your eyes to look smaller, bigger, attractive, deep-set, serious, and so on.
From your responses, your technician will determine the best size, length, and curls of the eyelash extensions they’ll use on you. They’ll also recommend suitable styles that will look best on you since this is something they’re also trained to do.
5. Get Them Done Professionally
After you’ve agreed with the professional technician on the lashes you want, you can begin your lash extension session. The technician will apply anti-aging gel underneath your eyes to separate your bottom and top lashes. This helps prevent your lashes from sticking together.
The technician will use two pairs of tweezers; one to isolate the lashes, and the other one to pick up the strand of the lash extension that will be attached to the isolated natural lash.
If you want your lashes to serve you a long time, say, two months, you need to go for infills every two weeks. The lash tech may need to replace strands that have fallen off, and fix other issues so your extensions look like they’re freshly applied again.
They’ll also advise you on the aftercare process at the end of your appointment and give you important aftercare instructions. Make sure to follow them, especially considering that it’s your first time.
Conclusion
Apart from eyelash extensions making you look beautiful, they go a long way in saving your time doing your usual morning routine. When getting your lash extensions for the first time, you need to arrange for a patch test early in advance, wash your hair before the appointment, go to the washroom beforehand, avoid putting makeup on, consult the technician and get the eyelashes done professionally. Doing this will make your first-time experience smoother, with more satisfactory results.
