Love, Life & Lash Extensions

To Lash Extension or Not To Lash Extension…that is the question.

Imagine waking up, rolling out of bed, and not having to put on a stitch of makeup except for some lipgloss, and still looking amazing.

Sound too good to be true?

Well, maybe that’s because you’ve never had lash extensions.

I absolutely love my lashes because I can get up and GO without having to do much more than put on some bronzer or tinted sunscreen and lipstick, which is a luxury especially in the summer! This is even more amazing when I’m at the beach or on vacation and I don’t feel like taking the time to fix my face but I still want to look forty and fabulous!

Lash extensions are a huge time saver for me, and since time is money, they are worth every penny of the investment!

So, if you’ve considered lash extensions, but aren’t sure how to take care of them, what type of lash set is best for you, or even if they are worth the investment, you’ve come to the right place.

Lash Extensions 101

I spent some time during my last lash appointment talking to “Dr. Lashes” herself, the stunningly gorgeous and incredibly talented Ashley Hamilton, professional lash artist at La Carezza De Cielo Hair Studios in Wheeling, WV, about tips for first time lash extension clients. She had some great tips to help you have a great first experience should you take the leap into lashes!

Q. Who is a good candidate for lash extensions?

Ashley: I think anyone can be a good candidate for lash extensions. Especially people who have medium to longer length natural lashes. More mature clients can benefit from lash extensions because they aren’t putting so much mascara and eye makeup around their eye, so it isn’t so much wear and tear on their natural lashes which gives them a chance to grow.

Q. What tips do you have for first time lash extension clients?

Ashley: Photos are crucial for a first time client appointment. My idea of “natural” lash extensions might be completely different than their vision of natural lashes. I had a client before who said she wanted natural looking lash extensions, but when she showed me the picture of what she wanted they were really a full volume set. So pictures are a game changer. A lot of people find photos of lash extensions they like on Pinterest or Instagram and that is really helpful especially for a first time client appointment.

Q. Can you explain the different types or styles of lash extensions?

Ashley: So the most natural are the “Classic Lashes.” They are one lash to one lash, so they are super natural. Just think of having lashes with mascara, that’s pretty much what they look like except you don’t have to put it on in the morning That would be the first step for people who don’t really want anyone to know they have lash extensions but still want length. Classic lash extensions would be a good starting point for new clients because they are a pretty, natural mascara look. I also offer hybrid lash extensions which are two volume fans to one classic lash. The hyrbrid lashes give you a soft, whispy look that is a little bit more than a natural mascara looking lash. The next step would be the volume lashes. These are strictly volume fans and we can put 4 to 6 to 8 even 10 lashes in a fan, just depending on your lash diameter and what might impact the overall health of the natural lash.

Q. What Type of Lash Extensions are you Doing on Me Today?

Ashley: I am doing volume/mega volume lash extensions because you like that super thick dark lash line and you don’t have to wear eyeliner. It gives you a super big, fake look, which we all love! I am a very big fan of them!

Q. How do you clean Lash Extensions, and approximately how long can I expect them to last?

Ashley: I use LashBox LA foam cleanser. I usually give one cleanser free with every full set that a new client purchases, and it will last a couple of months. You should watch them every night, especially girls who wear makeup or go to the gym because bacteria and oil and dead skin can get trapped. That is a big struggle for a lot of people because they are afraid that cleansing their lashes will pull them off, but if you don’t take off the oil and makeup it can build up and cause your lashes to come off sooner than expected. So it is better to cleanse them and they will shed as they would normally. Typically my clients get fills every two weeks to maintain their lash extensions, but sometimes they can go as long as three weeks depending on their lash grown and how they take care of them.

Q. Do You have any Tips on How to Make Lash Extensions Last Longer?

Ashley: Definitely wash them and just be careful with oil based skin care products. You can still use all of your retinols or moisturizers but just be careful of you eye area. Also, make sure you are scheduling your fills regularly -usually two weeks is perfect.

Thanks to Ashely Hamilton, a.k.a. “Dr. Lashes” certified Lash Artist at La Carezza De Ceilo Hair Studio in Wheeling, WV for all your helpful tips!

A few other tips that I have learned along the way that have helped extend the life of my lash extensions:

Use a Silk Pillowcase: Silk pillowcases are very helpful in extending the life of both your lash extensions and hair extensions because they decrease friction and help avoid tangles. My favorite brand of silk pillowcases that I am obsessed with is Blissy.com silk pillow cases! They come in the cutest patterns and are heavenly to lay your head on at night.

Time Your Appointment Carefully: Try to time your lash appointment after you have already gone to the gym, showered and washed your hair. It isn’t advisable to get your lashes wet, or sweaty, within the first twenty-four hours of having them done. Allow time for the lash adhesive to set.

Do Your Research. I can’t stress this point enough! Make sure your lash artist is certified and trained in doling professional lash extensions before you make an appointment.

Avoid Saunas, Hot Tubs, and Steamy Showers– I know these are three of the best things ever, but the humidity of saunas, hot tubs and steamy showers can compromise some lash adhesives and shorten the life span of your extensions. Trust me from personal experience on this one!

Finally, have fun with extensions! Not only do they make you feel flirty and beautiful, they are also a huge time saver!

If you have more questions about lash extensions or would like to schedule an appointment or consult, contact Ashley Hamilton at La Carezza De Cielo Hair Studio at 304-243-5500.

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