​Your First Eyelash Extension Appointment Guide

 

Part 1: How to Prepare (The Day Before & Day Of)

 

Proper preparation is the most important step for long-lasting lashes. The main goal is to ensure your lashes are completely clean so the adhesive can bond perfectly.

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• Come with clean lashes & no eye makeup

  • ​This is essential! Arrive with no mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or residual makeup on or around your eyes. Makeup and oils prevent the adhesive from bonding, leading to poor retention and lashes that fall off quickly. Your technician will appreciate the time saved from having to clean your lashes thoroughly.

• Avoid Oil-Based Products​

  • ​For at least 24-48 hours before your appointment, avoid using oil-based cleansers, moisturizers, or serums near your eye area. Oil is the enemy of lash glue and will cause the extensions to shed prematurely.

• Skip the Caffeine​

  • ​Try to avoid coffee, energy drinks, or other stimulants for at least 3-4 hours before your appointment. Caffeine can cause your eyelids to flutter or twitch, making the meticulous application process much harder for your artist.

• Remove Contact Lenses​

  • ​If you wear contacts, remove them before your appointment and wear glasses instead. Your eyes will be closed for a long time (1.5–3 hours), and contacts can become very uncomfortable or cause irritation.

• Do Any Gtooming/Washing​

  • ​Take a shower, wash your hair, and do any facial cleansing before you arrive. You will need to keep your new lashes completely dry for the first 24-48 hours after the application to let the adhesive fully cure.

• Visit the Restroom​

  • ​Go to the bathroom immediately before you lie down. Once the process starts, it will be difficult to take a break.

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Part 2: What to Expect During the Appointment

A full set of lash extensions typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. It should be a relaxing, painless, and gentle process. Many clients find it so relaxing they take a "lash nap"!

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• Consultation

  • ​Your lash artist will discuss your desired look (classic, hybrid, volume), your lifestyle, and your natural lash health. They will help you choose the best length, curl, and thickness that is safe and flattering for your eyes.

• Preparation​​

  • ​You will lie down comfortably on the lash bed. Your technician will gently apply under-eye pads or tape to cover your lower lashes, keeping them separated from your upper lashes during the application. Your natural lashes will be cleansed and primed (even if you arrived clean) to ensure a perfect bond.

• Application​

  • ​This is the bulk of your appointment. Your eyes must remain fully closed the entire time. The technician will use two tweezers to isolate one of your natural lashes, then use a tiny amount of professional-grade adhesive to bond one (or more) synthetic extension to a single natural lash. Extensions are never applied to your skin.

• Finishing​

  • ​Once all the extensions are applied, the technician will fan your lashes to ensure the adhesive is dry and remove the under-eye pads. They will instruct you to slowly sit up before you open your eyes to avoid feeling dizzy. Then comes the reveal—your new, beautiful set of lashes!

• Aftercare​

  • ​Discuss aftercare with your artist and follow the aftercare instructions on this page. https://lashgenieaustin.com/lashes#lash-care​

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Health & Safety Recommendations (Contraindications)​

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Eyelash extensions are not suitable for everyone. For your safety and to ensure the best results, it is crucial that you inform your Certified Lash Genie Eyelash Extensionist if you have or have recently experienced any of the following. Your technician will then assess if they can safely proceed or if they must refuse the service until the condition has cleared.

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Active Eye or Eyelid Conditions (Absolute Contraindications)

If you have any of the following, the procedure must be refused until symptoms have completely cleared and you are no longer contagious:

• Infections: Any active eye infection, such as Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Hordeolum (styes), or viral/bacterial infections.

• Inflammation: Any signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, itching, discharge, crustiness, or burning in or around the eyes.

• Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins. Applying extensions can worsen this condition.

• Demodex Mites: Overpopulation of Demodex mites (lash mites) leading to irritation or inflammation.

• Open Wounds/Skin Trauma: Cuts, abrasions, burns, or recent scar tissue in the eye area.

• No Natural Lashes: The service cannot be performed if you have no natural lashes for the extension to adhere to.

Allergies and Sensitivities

• Allergic Reaction: Previous adverse reaction to eyelash extensions or an allergy to the main adhesive ingredient, Cyanoacrylate. A patch test is highly recommended 24-48 hours before your appointment, especially for new clients.

Medical and Health Conditions

• Chemotherapy/Radiation: Clients currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It is generally recommended to wait until therapy is fully completed and to consult with your physician.

• Alopecia Areata: Hair loss conditions, as extensions can add stress to fragile natural lashes and may lead to further breakage.

• Trichotillomania: Compulsive hair pulling. Extensions may worsen the urge to pull out the lashes, causing permanent damage.

• Severe Skin Conditions: Active flare-ups of conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis around the eye area.

• Glaucoma or Severe Ocular Disease: Severe conditions like glaucoma, corneal disease, or diabetic retinopathy.

• Chronic Dry Eye or Excessive Watery Eyes: These conditions may be exacerbated by the procedure and can lead to poor adhesive retention.

Recent Procedures and Treatments

• Recent Eye Surgery: Including Lasik, cataract surgery, or eyelid surgery. Medical clearance from your doctor and a waiting period (often 4-6 weeks or more) is required.

• Recent Lash Lift/Tint: Must wait the recommended time (e.g., 8 weeks for a lash lift) to allow the natural lashes to recover and reset.

• Semi-Permanent Makeup: Such as eyeliner tattoo, must be completely healed (e.g., after 4 weeks).

• Cosmetic Procedures: Including Botox (wait 1 week) or Chemical Peels (wait 3 months), as recommended by some professionals.

Procedural & Comfort Concerns

• Contact Lenses: You must remove contact lenses before the procedure, as having eyes closed for a long period with contacts can cause dryness and irritation.

• Claustrophobia: The procedure requires lying still with eyes closed for an extended period.

• Excessive Involuntary Eye Twitching: This can make application difficult and increase the risk of glue coming into contact with the eye.

• Under the Influence: Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that may impair your ability to remain still.

• Pregnancy (Relative Contraindication): While not an absolute contraindication, sensitivity to fumes can increase, and lying flat for extended periods may be uncomfortable, especially for clients in the later stages of pregnancy. A patch test is strongly recommended.

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