The first time I had seen or heard about lash extensions was in 2013. I was working in an office and was totally bored, so of course, I was just wasting time browsing the internet and stumbled upon them. I spent most of that work day looking at pictures of lashes and learning as much as I could (which wasn't much). All I knew was that my natural lashes sucked, and every mascara I'd ever worn also sucked. I had tried most lash serums, and allllll the "best" mascaras, and nothing seemed to make my little lashes pop. I was obsessed and I wanted them. I literally Googled "Lash extensions near me" and found a salon that offered them. Without hesitation I booked my appointment. At the time, I was 23 and making good money for the first time in my life. I knew I could afford to treat myself and this was IT!
At my very first appointment I showed up at the salon after work, not really knowing what to expect. I hadn't worn any makeup that day as preparation for the appointment. The esthetician that greeted me was so nice and I felt very comfortable with her. But that's where the comfort ended... I laid down and she taped down my bottom lashes. I'm not sure if this was before the time of eye pads or what, but tape directly on your undereye area is just not great. The tape was poking my eye and was super painful, but I thought, "Beauty is pain" and I can handle it to look like a freaking supermodel later. During the appointment, my eyes watered, because of the tape, and also because of the lash adhesive fumes. The smell was almost over powering. Again, thinking this must be normal (and IT A WAS NORMAL FOR THE TIME). While my lash artist was applying the lashes, it felt like some of them were attached to my skin, and some of them felt like they had been stabbed into my eyelid. It felt like the extensions were being slid down my natural lashes right INTO my skin and then the extension was poking me. After about 2 hours of eye torture, the appointment was over. She tried to gently remove the tape, and it was still pretty painful. My eyes were completely bloodshot (from the fumes) but luckily no bruising on my eyeballs.
She handed me a mirror and WOW these lashes were INTENSE. They were thicker and longer than I had ever seen lashes on my face. And I loved them!! I was immediately hooked and I knew I needed these on my face forever. They looked a little "full glam" for the fact that I was barefaced. I remember on the way home, I stopped to get food, and the person behind the counter looking at me like I was crazy (I'm sure it was a good look with red AF eyes and super long spider leg lashes). The next day, I remember putting my makeup on in the morning, and just being amazed at how gorgeous I looked with minimal effort. I've never been a makeup girl, so they were definitely a little overpowering, but hey, that was the style. I walked into work and one of my coworkers immediately noticed and commented about how they looked super long. She said I could start a tsunami in Asia with the wind coming from my blinking lol!
Over the next two weeks of wear, they did shed a lot, and were very itchy. Back then, aftercare for lash extensions was to NEVER get them wet (vomit). Even when showering, you were supposed to avoid water on them at all costs. At the end of my first two weeks, I went in for my first fill appointment. Again, my lovely esthetician taped down my bottom lashes with just tape, and went to town filling them. I did ask her to go a little shorter, since they were too glam for my minimal makeup look. At the end of the appointment, they looked exactly the same as they had before, super long and full, eyes bloodshot and itchy. This went on for a few months before I just had to take a break because my eyes were in such pain. I didn't want to stop, but I had to.
I thought, this was just how they were supposed to be! Looking back now, I cringe. The lashes must have been a 0.25 diameter in lengths 12-15 MM. For a little perspective, the THICKEST classic lashes I carry now are 0.15 diameter and the longest lengths I currently wear are 10 MM.
After letting all the extensions fall off AKA picking them off because they hurt and I didn't know any better (please dear god don't pick your lashes) my natural lashes were looking worse than ever. Back in that day, lashes were new to the US and training was not widely available. The few people who did lashes, were keeping their secrets to themselves and it was a very dog eat dog lash world.
Fast forward almost 10 years and SOOOO much has changed! Lashes have become almost standard in the beauty industry, trainings and information is widely available to artists and clients.
A few takeaways:
Lashes shouldn't hurt, itch or feel uncomfortable in anyway - if you're feeling discomfort, let your artist know!
Styling of your lashes should be an ongoing conversation with your artist. If you're not happy with the way they look, your artist should be able to remedy that with different styling (this could mean paying more for Hybrid, Volume or Mega).
WASH YOUR LASHES DAILY WITH A LASH WASH!!!! There are plenty of cleansers that are specifically formulated for your eyes and lash extensions. My favorite is Borboleta Beauty Foaming Cleanser. I sell both foaming and gel lash cleansers.
DON'T PICK YOUR LASHES! If you're going to take a break from having lashes, please schedule a removal. If I did your lashes, removals are complimentary.
Thanks for reading my first blog! I hope you learned a little something about lashes and about me! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! Have a fantastic day and I'll catch you next time :)
And here's a bonus picture from back in 2014 with my long AF classic lashes and baby Brody <3
Great first blog! Can't wait to read more 😁