Lash extensions: everything to know before your first appointment

Lash extensions are one of the easiest ways to wake up looking polished. No mascara, no lash curler and no smudges by mid-afternoon. If you’ve never had them before, it’s natural to have a few questions first.

Here’s everything to know before your first appointment.

What are lash extensions?

Lash extensions are individual lashes that are carefully applied to your own natural lashes, one at a time. They add length, curl and fullness, and because they’re attached to your natural lashes rather than your eyelid, they fall out naturally as your own lashes go through their normal growth cycle.

That’s why extensions aren’t a one-off treatment. As your natural lashes shed and regrow, small gaps start to appear, which is where refills come in.

Who are they for? Anyone who’d love fuller lashes without the daily makeup routine. They’re popular for busy mornings, holidays, weddings and special events, and with anyone whose natural lashes are short, fine or straight.

Classic, hybrid or volume: finding your style

There’s no single “look” for lash extensions. Your lash artist will tailor your set to your natural lashes, your eye shape and the result you’re after. You’ll often hear these three terms:

• Classic lashes place one extension on each natural lash. The result is defined and natural, a lot like your own lashes with a good coat of mascara.
• Volume lashes use several very fine extensions fanned together on each natural lash, for a fuller, fluffier and more dramatic look.
• Hybrid lashes blend the two techniques. You get the definition of classic with extra fullness and texture, which makes it a nice middle ground if you can’t decide.

A good set also works with your eye shape. Your lash artist will map the lengths and curls across your lash line to flatter your eyes. As a general guide:

• Almond eyes suit most styles, so you can choose based on how natural or dramatic you’d like to go.
• Round eyes can look more elongated with slightly longer lashes towards the outer corners.
• Hooded eyes often look best with a curlier lash, so the extensions lift up and out rather than disappearing under the lid.
• Downturned eyes can look more lifted with a little extra length and curl at the outer corners.
• Monolid eyes often suit a stronger curl to help open up the eye.

You don’t need to have it all worked out before you arrive. Bring a photo or two of lashes you love, and your lash artist will talk you through what will suit you while keeping your natural lashes healthy.

How to prepare for your first appointment

A little preparation helps your lashes look better and last longer.

• Arrive with clean, makeup-free eyes. Skip mascara and eyeliner on the day and make sure any eye makeup is completely removed. Clean, oil-free lashes give the extensions the best start.
• Ask about Lash V pre-care. Lash V pre-care products are available to buy in clinic, and your lash artist can recommend what suits your lashes.
• Mention any eye sensitivity. If your eyes are sensitive or you have any concerns, let your lash artist know when you arrive so they can check extensions are right for you.
• Get comfortable. You’ll be lying down with your eyes closed for the appointment, so wear something you can relax in.

What happens during your appointment

Your lash artist will start with a quick chat about the look you’d like and take a close look at your natural lashes. Then you’ll lie back and relax with your eyes gently closed while your lower lashes are protected and kept out of the way.

Each extension is applied to a single natural lash, or in fine fans if you’re having volume or hybrid lashes. It’s painless, and plenty of clients find it so relaxing that they doze off.

When your set is finished, you’ll see the result straight away. The before and after difference is usually striking: lashes look longer, darker and more defined, without a scrap of mascara. Before you leave, your lash artist will run through how to look after them.

Keeping them full: aftercare and refills

How long your lashes keep looking their best depends a lot on aftercare, especially in the first 24 hours. The key habits are:

• Keep your lashes dry for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid steam and saunas for the first 24 hours.
• Keep everything you use near your lashes oil-free. Ask about Lash V lash aftercare in clinic.
• Brush your lashes daily with a clean spoolie.

For the full routine, including the do’s and don’ts, read our lash extension aftercare guide. Lash V aftercare products are also available in clinic.

Because your natural lashes are always shedding and regrowing, we recommend a refill every 2 to 3 weeks. Your lash artist will remove grown-out extensions and fill in any gaps, so your lashes stay full rather than patchy.

If you ever want to take a break, please don’t pull or pick them off, as this can damage your natural lashes. Book an Eyelash Extension Removal ($60) and we’ll take them off safely.

Three ways to bold up your lashes

Extensions aren’t the only option. Depending on your lifestyle and how much maintenance you’d like, there are three easy ways to give your lashes more impact:

• Lash extensions give the most length and fullness, with refills every 2 to 3 weeks to keep them looking full.
• Lash Lift & Tint ($155) curls and darkens your own natural lashes, with no extensions to maintain. It lasts around 6 to 8 weeks, and a lash tint about 4 weeks after your lift and tint makes your lashes pop again.
• Eyelash Tint ($55) darkens your natural lashes for definition without mascara, which is ideal if your lashes are fair at the tips.

Explore all of our lash and brow treatments on our lashes and brows page.

Lash extension prices and ways to save

• Full set: $199
• Refill (up to 2 weeks): $125
• Refill (up to 3 weeks): $149
• Eyelash Extension Removal: $60

New clients receive 20% off their first lash or brow treatment, so your first full set is $159.20. See all our current offers.

Once you’re hooked, a Beauty Pass is the easiest way to keep your refills on track. You pay a set amount each month and receive extra credit to spend on lashes and brows, waxing, IPL, spray tanning or massage. For example, the Maintenance pass is $99 a month for $125 credit, which fully covers a refill booked within 2 weeks ($125). Or choose the Complete pass at $149 a month for $200 credit, which covers a 3-week refill ($149) plus a Brow Sculpt ($35) with credit to spare. There’s a 6-month minimum commitment.

Prefer to prepay? With Buy 4 or 6 and save, you save 15% when you buy 4 of the same service, or 20% when you buy 6, valid for 6 months. Four 3-week refills would normally be $596, or $506.60 with your 15% saving.

Ready to book? Your lash artist will design a set that suits your eyes and your lifestyle. Book online or visit one of our six Brisbane clinics.