What to know.

Eyelash extensions are synthetic lashes attached individually to your natural lashes to add length, curl, fullness and thickness. Using different styles of extensions, Olivia can create a look tailored to you.

Most of Olivia's clients come in for a fill every 2-3 weeks. After your first full set, plan your first fill at about two weeks; as you get used to your extensions and learn your natural lash cycle, fills can often stretch to three weeks.

Natural lashes shed as part of their normal growth cycle, and some people shed more than others, in different seasons, during or after pregnancy, or with hormone changes. Fills replace grown-out extensions and keep the set looking even. If it has been more than 4 weeks since your last fill, a full set is required.

• Arrive with clean lashes: no mascara or makeup residue. Lash wash is available at the studio if you need to cleanse on arrival.
• Skip caffeine on the day if you can, and do not come on an empty stomach. Both make it harder to relax with your eyes closed.
• Do not lift, perm or curl your lashes with a curler before or after your extension appointment.
• Skip contact lenses for the appointment and bring glasses if you need them.
• Bring headphones for your own music or a book, or connect to the studio sound system.
• Read over, and if you can print and fill out, the Client Intake & Consent Form and the Patch Test form.

• Keep your lashes dry for the first 24 hours: no steam, hot showers, facials, saunas, workouts or swimming pools.
• Do not tug, pull or play with your lashes.
• Skip mascara and eyelash curlers.
• Cleanse and brush your lashes daily with an oil-free cleanser, and avoid oil-based products around the eyes.
• Do not try to remove extensions yourself.
• Book your fill every 2-3 weeks.

If you notice anything unusual or have questions, contact Olivia right away or contact your physician.

Lash shed is a normal part of the natural lash cycle. When natural lashes fall out, the extension attached to them goes too. Fills every 2-3 weeks remove grown-out extensions and place new ones closer to the lash line.

Good hygiene is the most important part of keeping your extensions. A few habits that make the biggest difference:

• Wash your lashes daily with an eyelash-safe cleanser. Olivia sells her favorite at the studio.
• After cleansing, washing your face or showering, dab your lashes dry with a tissue or towel, then brush through them. Brush daily.
• Avoid cotton pads, cotton rounds and Q-tips around your eyes, because the cotton can snag and the fibers can wrap around and stick to your lashes.
• Do not rub, pick or pull at your lashes, and do not use an eyelash curler.
• Keep everything around your eyes oil-free. Oil-based concealer, foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, eye cream, medication, ointment or salve will break down the adhesive and hurt retention.
• Apply creams and moisturizers around the eyes 1-2 hours before bedtime so your skin can absorb them before you close your eyes for bed.
• Skip mascara and waterproof eye makeup. Mascara is very hard to remove, breaks down the adhesive and interferes with your next fill, and waterproof makeup makes cleansing difficult and can cause extra shedding.
• Sleep on your back if you can. If you sleep on your side, lie on the edge or corner of your pillow.

I know this is a lot and may take a few small lifestyle changes, but it is worth it. Please ask me if you have questions.

Yes. Keep your lashes away from high heat, such as flames from BBQs or bonfires, lighters, smoking and ovens. The tips of lash extensions can burn and melt because they are made from synthetic fibers. When you open the oven, look away and let the heat and steam escape for a few seconds before you lean in.

Lying still for 2-4 hours is a long time, so make sure you can lie very still for an extended stretch without any issue. Set aside enough time for the whole appointment, and arrive on time. If you have your own music or a book, bring headphones and be ready to relax.