Lash Extensions: What to Expect

Lash extensions are individual synthetic lashes attached to your own natural lashes, one at a time, with an adhesive made for the purpose. They are not strip lashes and they are not glued to your eyelid. Done properly, each extension sits on a single natural lash and grows out with it.

What Happens at the Appointment

You lie back with your eyes closed for the whole thing. Your lower lashes are taped or padded away from the upper ones, and your lash artist works through your upper lashes individually, isolating one natural lash at a time and attaching an extension to it. It is quiet, careful work, and a full set takes a while — plenty of people fall asleep.

Nothing should sting, pull or feel hot. If anything does, say so at the time rather than waiting until the end. Afterwards you avoid getting them wet for the first day or so, which gives the adhesive time to cure fully.

Choosing a Look

• Length — longer is not automatically better. Extensions much longer than your own lashes can look heavy and are harder on the natural lash.
• Curl — how much lift you get, and what suits the shape of your eye.
• Thickness — from barely-there to a much fuller, more obvious line.
• How many — a natural set adds definition; a fuller set replaces eye makeup altogether.

The right answer depends on what your own lashes can comfortably carry, which is something your lash artist will assess before starting. Bring a photo of what you like if you have one — it is much easier to discuss than adjectives.

Looking After Them

Most of the aftercare is about not disturbing the bond. Keep them dry for the first day. After that, cleanse them gently with a lash-safe cleanser rather than avoiding washing your face — clean lashes last better than neglected ones.

Avoid oil-based cleansers and makeup removers around the eyes, since oil breaks down the adhesive. Skip waterproof mascara entirely; the removal needed to get it off is exactly what takes the extensions with it. Do not pick, pull or rub, and try not to sleep face-down on them.

Why They Need Filling

Your natural lashes shed and regrow on their own cycle, and each extension leaves with the lash it is attached to. That is normal, not a fault in the work. A fill appointment tops up the lashes that have gone, and regular fills are what keep a set looking full rather than gappy. How often you need one depends on your own lash cycle and how kind you are to them.

Are They Right for You?

Lash extensions suit people who want to wake up ready and stop bothering with mascara, and people who want more definition than their own lashes give. They suit you less well if you are not going to keep up with fills, if you rub your eyes constantly, or if you have an eye condition or irritation going on — in which case get that sorted first.

If you are sensitive or unsure, say so at your appointment. Individual results and how long a set lasts vary from person to person.

Booking Lash Services

Lash services at Desert Rose are by Amy's Bare Beauty Lashes. You can see what is offered on our Lash Services page, and the rest of what we do on Anti Aging, Red Light Therapy and Teeth Whitening.

We are at 6979 E Broadway Blvd Ste 125 in Tucson. For your lash services by Amy's Bare Beauty Lashes, call or text (520) 979-4375 or 520-355-3055.