What To Expect From Your First Lash Appointment
New to getting your lashes done? Getting a new treatment done for the first time can be nerve-racking, or may raise a few questions about what to do and what to expect, as well as being an exciting experience. Whatever it is, don't worry - we've got you! Find all you need to know about your firstlash extension appointment here, in this blog.
What to consider before booking a lash appointment
Thinking of getting a lash treatment for the first time? Lash treatments can transform the face, enhancing the eyes and giving an overall put-together look. There's just a few things to consider before booking that appointment, including lifestyle factors, your natural lashes, expectations from the appointment and more. Whilst lashes are a 'must have' for some clients they may not be for everyone, so it is important to consider a variation of aspects before deciding to book.
Firstly, it's important to consider why you could want to book a lash appointment. Lash treatments can transform the face, enhancing the eyes to achieve anything from a subtle, natural look, to a bold, voluminous overall effect. Lash treatments range from lash lifts and tints, to extensions, available in a range of different styles from subtle to thick and full. If you are looking to enhance your natural lashes, lash lifts are ideal, lifting the lashes from the root and tinting them for a more noticeable look. If you are looking to add length, volume or depth to your lashes, then lash extensions may be the perfect treatment to assist you in achieving this, with extensions available in both black and a range of brown shades, as well as in colours, glitters and more! Lash extensions offer greater variation, where as lash lifts offer less flexibility, so consider what it is that you want from your lash appointment prior to booking!
Whilst we wishlash extensions andlifts were for life, this isn't the case (unfortunately). Lash treatments require proper aftercare and regular appointments to maintain the desired look. For example,lash extensions require an infill appointment every 2-3 weeks approximately. Whilstlash lifts last longer than extensions, you would typically need an appointment every 6-8 weeks to maintain the lifted look. So, what do we mean by the correct aftercare? Aftercare for lash extensions includes regularlywashing your lashextensions (ideally every day/every other day),avoiding prolonged/intense heat exposure, picking the lashes and more. However, if you're a busy person who may not have time to keep up theaftercare or infills, lash extensions may not be the best option if you're looking for long-lasting results with minimal aftercare.
Another factor to consider before booking your first lash appointment is your lifestyle, including your hobbies and career. Deciding on the most fitting treatment can be based on or around these factors for a number of reasons, and it's important to choose the right one for you.Some careers, such as nursing & culinary/food-based jobs, often restrict staff from having eyelash extensions, due to the health, safety and hygiene risks surrounding this; for instance, if a false eyelash fell into a customers food. It may be advisable to check with your employer for certain professions that may ban lash extensions. In this instance, you may instead want to opt for alash lift - enhancing the natural lashes with no risk of losing extensions on shift. However, for other careers, both lash extensions and lash lifts can make those early mornings easier, with stunning lashes that are ready to go! Other lifestyles may further alter your preferences of lash treatment. For example, if you tend to travel often, lash extensions may not be the most practical option;lash extensions, as previously mentioned, require regular infills. Additionally, if you often travel abroad to hot, sunny countries, this may affect the retention of yourlash extensions. Constant exposure to heat, oils and sweat can lead to breakdown of lash adhesive. For long-haul holidays, a lash lift may have longer-lasting results. However, if you are thinking of booking a lash appointment for a special occasion or holiday, then, providing the correct aftercare is followed, lash extensions will have you covered! They are the perfect alternative to messy mascara's and getting that no-makeup, ready-to-go glow on holiday.
Understanding The Basics of Lash Extensions
When booking your first lash appointment, you may be hit with terminology you're unfamiliar with. Fear not - here's a summary of the main things you may be asked by your lash tech, and what they mean!
What curl do you want? - The most common lash extension curls are C & D curls. C gives a softer, flatter curl, whilst D is more of a rounded, dramatic curl. So, if you are looking for a more natural look, opt for a C or CC curl, and for a more dramatic look, opt for a D or U curl - these options may also be beneficial if you wear glasses, as they are less likely to touch the lens.
(Different variations of curl available at Pinkfishes)
What length would you like? -Here at Pinkfishes our Lash extensions come in a variety of lengths from 5mm-20mm! Lash techs won't expect you to know the exact length especially at your first appointment but even knowing if you wanted them shorter, in the middle or longer will help. The length of your natural lashes will also determine what lengths you can have, as you can't have lash extensions dramatically longer than your natural lashes to avoid damage or breakage.
Which style would you like? - It is ideal to have a rough idea of the style of lashes you wanted to go for, to assist your lash tech in providing you with results you will be happy with and to ensure they allot your the correct treatment time for the lashes you want.
The basics you'll need to know are:
Classic Lashes - one lash extension is applied to each natural lash, this style creates a more natural subtle enhancement that looks similar to a mascara effect.
(Classic Lashes)
Hybrid Lashes - are a combination of Classic lash extensions and Russian/Volume Fans. Hybrid lash sets can be tailored to add more volume to your lashes or be more subtle as a lash technician is using two different techniques.
(Hybrid Lashes by @thehouseofkb)
Russian Lashes - are created using lighter lash extensions and forming a fan before applying to each natural lash. Russian lash extensions help to add more volume and this can be tailored using different dimension fans.
(Russian 0.05 Volume Lashes by @lashesbygeorgx)
Mega Volume Lashes - are similar to Russian lash extensions where lash extensions are made into fans before being applied to the natural lash, however mega volume involves using the lightest weighted lash extensions in 0.03 thickness to create larger dimension fans to create high volume lash sets. These lashes typically create darker lash lines and fluffy more dramatic sets.
(Mega Volume Lashes by @beautybygeorgialeigh)
Depending on the lash tech, they may offer other options of lash extensions such as;YY, W, Clover, Fairy,Wet or Angel lashes. The various options can be discussed prior to your appointment, such as in yourPre-Appointment Client Consultation. Lash extensions are extremely versatile and and be tailored for individuals so they are a great option if you are wanting something specific, whereasLash lifts have much less variation.
Finding the right lash tech for you
When booking a lash appointment for the first time finding the right lash tech may seem confusing, or even slightly daunting! It is important to assess what it is that you want from your appointment in order to find the lash tech that is best suited to you. Not all lash techs offer the full spectrum of lash styles; you can't assume that everyone will already stock brown lashes, or every curl etc. For example, if you are looking for natural, subtlelash extensions, it would not be advisable to go to a lash tech who only offers Russian Lashes, or specialises in fuller Mega Volume sets. We would definitely recommend checking our a lash techs social media, website, service list and reviews to get a better understanding of what they offer and their typical style and if you are wanting something specific contact them before booking in.
Something to also bare in mind when choosing the best lash tech for the job, is that cheaper is NOT always better. Whilst a £15 set may seem appealing, lashing requires time and skill, hence why most lash technicians charge significantly more than this so their may be a reason for the low prices. It is so important to do your research first! Cheaper prices may mean you are getting an express set made from clusters not lash extensions that won't last as long, they may be a beginner lash tech and various other reasons.
Whilst the following points may not be an immediate cause for concern, red flags to look out for may be:
No priorconsultation
30-minute full sets
Lack of social media posts/client reviews
Significantly cheaper than other lash techs in the area
Pre-Appointment Prep
So, you've found your lash tech, booked your appointment, the big day has arrived...now the pre-appointment prep! There's just a few things you should know/consider, prior to arriving at your lash appointment.
Avoid Caffeine.Sounds strange, right? There are a few reasons why you should avoid caffeine before a lash appointment:
Increased Heart Rate
Anxiety Movement
Heightened Sensitivity Levels
Each of these effects of caffeine consumption in close time proximity to the appointment can cause increased movement, particularly in the eyelids, which can make the treatment difficult to carry out for the lash technician. Flickering eyelids can also lead to glue/fume exposure to the eyes, where the eyelids are slightly open causing irritation and make your experience uncomfortable.
No eye makeup/minimal face makeup.Whilst it may seem obvious, it can be quite common for clients to arrive to their lash appointment with mascara or other makeup on or around the eye area. Lash treatments must be carried out on clean, dry lashes for best results, so it's imperative to arrive to your lash appointment with no eye makeup on. If you do, this will require removing before the treatment, which could eat into your appointment time, meaning you could leave unsatisfied with the final result. Additionally, face makeup, particularly under the eye, can affect the stickiness and durability of the tape and eye-pads used to protect the skin and keep the lower lashes in place and out of the way, making the treatment not only more fiddly for your lash tech, but also more uncomfortable for you!
It is also common for clients to arrive with a full face of makeup, ready to go out after their appointment. Please be aware, your lash tech may be lightly touching your face throughout the appointment, thegel eye-pads/tape are placed directly on the skin, and your tech may also need to give your lashes a bath - all factors which could affect (and potentially remove) your makeup. So, top tip, if you have plans to go out and want your makeup as perfect as when you first finished it, we would recommend against booking a lash appointment just before!
Comfortable clothes and hairstyle.During a lash appointment, particularly lash extensions, you're going to be laying down for prolonged amounts of time, so it's important to make yourself as comfortable as possible for a more enjoyable overall experience! One way of ensuring this is through choice of hairstyle. We would advise against wearing a claw clip, tight ponytails, a mid/low bun, or any hairstyle that could cause you discomfort. Equally, choose clothing that you are comfortable in when laying down for long amounts of time - a lash extension appointment could last up to 3 hours depending on the style and lash tech!
Commonly, your lash tech will offer a pre-appointment client consultation, where you will run through the basics, discuss treatment options, and often this is where a patch test takes place. It is important in this time to make your lash tech aware of any medical conditions you may have, any medication that you're taking, if you are pregnant etc. as this could effect the treatment.For example, we advise against performing lash lifts and brow laminations on clients who are pregnant due to a fluctuation of hormones and the potential for reactions to the products. In some cases, a doctors note may be required, so making your lash tech aware of this in advance will allow for enough time to gather the relevant documents.
We would also recommend making yourself familiar with your chosen lash tech's policies prior to the appointment. For example, they may prefer, or only take, card, and therefore this is something you'd need to ensure you have upon arrival. Typically, you can find a lash technicians' policies on their social media platforms in things such as highlights on Instagram or website but if not it may be worth asking them.
The Appointment
The time has come...appointment day! Here are a few things you can do to make sure your lash appointment runs smoothly!
Arrive on Time
Make sure to turn up on time. Lash techs commonly work back-to-back with clients, so running over by even just 5 or 10 minutes can not only affect your appointment, but the schedule of the whole day. Therefore, those 5 minutes could eat into your treatment time, meaning your lash tech has less time to complete the set which could result in unfinished results. Additionally, lash technicians may charge a late fee to compensate for the time lost and the disruption caused to clients following your appointment. We strongly recommend checking your travel and parking prior to the appointment, and aim to arrive 5/10 minutes early to avoid any disappointment or disruption to both yours, or others', appointments. This will also allow time to use the bathroom and get comfy; you'll be laying down for a while and toilet breaks can be a hassle with lash treatments!
Expectations from the appointment
Lash appointments can be time-consuming, so be aware that you could be laying down for quite some time...you can't rush perfection! Depending on your choice of treatment, your lash appointment can vary anywhere from approximately 30/50 minutes forlash lifts, up to 2-3 hours for lash extensions. Consider this when making plans after your appointment and you don't want to rush your lash tech!
You may go into your appointment with an idea, or image even, of what you'd like your lashes to look like. Whilst this can be useful to your lash technician in terms of style, it is important to be aware that each individual will have a different outcome, due to factors such as eye shape, natural lash health and quantity, and therefore your lashes may not be identical to that of the reference image.
Lash appointments involve spending a significant amount of time with your tech, and can feel quite personal, so it is common for beauticians to get talking! Typically, eyelash appointments become catch-up, gossip or therapy sessions alongside, so feel free to chat away to pass time if you feel comfortable to do so. However, don't feel pressured - some people prefer to take this time to rest, or maybe even nap! This too is absolutely normal, so feel free to make your lash tech aware of this by just letting them know - they will completely understand. Trust us, you won't be the first person to have fallen asleep in their appointment!
At the end of the appointment, you may experience mild stinging of the eyes - this is common when the eyes open after the treatment process due to the adhesive fumes. Whilst this is a common effect of exposure to the glue fumes or lifting products, it is important to try and keep your eyes closed throughout the treatment to avoid any discomfort. If the stinging becomes excessive, however, make your lash tech aware of this as soon as possible.
Post-Treatment Aftercare
Your lash treatment doesn't end at leaving your appointment - maintaining your new lashes all comes down to proper aftercare. Your eyelash technician should explain to you abouthow to clean your eyelashes, how long not to get them wet for, and when to book your next appointment. They may also offeraftercare kits to assist you, includingshampoo, cleanser sachets, foam pump bottles and brushes. It is important to follow the aftercare steps given by your lash tech; these will assist in maintaining the appearance and retention of your treatment. You can also purchaseaftercare kits at pinkfishes.com, designed for use on lash extensions.
(Pinkfishes Aftercare Kits)
Lost a lash extension or two after your appointment? Don't panic...losing lash extensions after your appointment is normal, and no fault of your own or your lash tech's. On a typical day, we lose approximately 1-5 natural lashes, and as the extension is attached to the lash, this too will come out and may just be more noticeable than losing lashes without eyelash extensions. Additionally, you may find one or two loose fans when brushing your lashes following your appointment; this too can be common. If you notice a huge loss of extensions right after your lash appointment even when following the correctaftercare advice, it may be advisable to contact your technician and they can assist you further. Avoid picking or rubbing your lashes following the treatment, and if possible, try not to lay or sleep on your face as this can further cause loss of lash extensions, or for lash lifts, distort the appearance of the lashes.
(Using Pinkfishes Aftercare Kits)
Now you know exactly what to expect from your lash appointment, you should be all set to go! Reading this blog and following all the advice given will assist in you getting the most out of your treatment, and make you the perfect client from your lash tech. So, if you're thinking of booking your first lash appointment, what are you waiting for?! For additional information and more, visit our other blogs, head over to our FAQ's page or contact us at 01245475912 / info@pinkfishes.com.
