Eyelash Extensions 101

Whether you have been pondering getting eyelash extensions or you already have them and need to know more on how to care for them – this article is a one stop shop for all the information you will need. For some of us, eyelash extensions are a way of life and possibly an addiction.

Catch me tonight on MTV’s TRUE LIFE: I AM ADDICTED TO EYELASH EXTENSIONS!

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My clients tell me it is a staple in their beauty routine that makes them feel more confident with a low amount of maintenance every morning. I hear some people say its too much maintenance.. but if you think about it, its probably less maintenance than your current routine.

For me, it is an hour of my time every 2 weeks to save 15+ minutes every morning of curling and applying mascara/applying falsies. Thats 2.5 hours of my life I am saving (every 2 weeks) getting ready in the mornings. That is 65 hours a year I save of getting ready in the morning by having my lashes done. Not to mention, in those 65 hours I could never achieve the same drop dead gorgeous look with mascara and falsies that I get from the lash extensions. What can you achieve in those 65 hours of free time?

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There are a lot of variations of lashes but at Timeless Aesthetics Beauty Lounge we offer Classic, Hybrid, and Volume.


Classic is a 1:1 ratio, so there is one extension on each natural lash.

Classic is the most natural look you can achieve with lash extensions:

Hybrid is a mix of Classic and Volume. It is the perfect blend of natural and glam:

Volume is a more glamorous look with 2-8 lashes per natural lash:
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Talk to your lash artist about which look you think is right for you. They can always start with one look and adjust it as needed to find the perfect fit for you.

Another variation your lash artist will consider for your look is which lash map will fit your lash goals and fit your eyes the best. At Timeless Aesthetics Beauty Lounge we usually use a natural lash map, babydoll lash map, or the cat eye lash map.

The natural lash map uses longer lashes in the middle to create the most natural look possible:
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The babydoll lash map is probably our most popular lash map. It is used to create a more full look across the whole lash line. The babydoll lash map can usually be used on any eye shape:
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The cat eye lash map uses longer lashes on the outer corners to create a more winged look:
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Maintenance

Lash extensions are similar to getting your nails done.. you get a full set the first time and then you maintain them by getting fills every two weeks.

Waiting more than 2 weeks can result in a gappy look and longer fill times on your next visit. We also want to keep your lashes clean and remove loose or grown out lashes regularly. Most lash artists will charge you for another full set if you ever come to a fill appointment with less than 20 lashes on each eye. You can avoid this with regular fills and proper post care. Speaking of post care..

Post Care

First 24 Hours
There will be absolutely NO crying, cleansing, or rinsing for the first 24 hours following your appointment. The glue needs time to cure. If your boyfriend is trying to be a meanie head within 24 hours of getting lashed.. tell him to put a sock in it, until tomorrow!

#1 Commandment Of The Lash Bible
Thou shall not use oil based products on or near your lashes. This will loosen the glue bonds and cause increased lash loss. Keep in mind, most products contain oil.

After 24 Hours
You want to clean your lashes daily! Using a lash shampoo recommended by your lash artist:

  1. Gently cleanse using soft cleansing brush
  2. Rinse
  3. Pat dry
  4. Brush with a spoolie

Anytime you get out of the shower.. spoolie!
Anytime you have an itch you can’t scratch.. spoolie!
Got a wonky lash hanging to the right.. spoolie!
Got a wooly lash hanging to the left.. spoolie!
Want to save the environment?.. carpoolie!

But seriously folks, not cleansing your lashes can result in infection. You can’t use just any shampoo/cleanser on your lashes. It has to be oil free otherwise it will break down the glue causing you to loose more lashes.

More lash loss = longer fills = more pricey fills! Be sure to purchase a lash cleanser from your lash artist before leaving your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to get lashes but I don’t want them to damage my natural lashes. How can I prevent this from happening?
Do your research before you get lashes on reputable lash artists near you. Read reviews, look at a lash artists work on their social media, maybe get a referral from a friend. The only way lashes are going to damage your lashes is if your lash artist is not attentive to the integrity of the lash when they are lashing you.

I want to get lashes but you hear of all the horror stories about people who get infections. What if this were to happen to me?
These things do happen! But this happens to people who are not taking care of their lashes and cleaning them regularly. If your lash artist is educating you on proper post care and you are following suit, your lashes will remain healthy.

What are lash mites and how can I prevent myself from getting these?
Lash mites are actually on you right now!! No seriously, every human has mites that live in their hair and lashes 365 days a year. They don’t get a holiday. No vacation. No paid time off. It’s part of being human! BUT, if you are not cleaning your lashes and creating a dirty environment for them, the mites will migrate to your lashes and multiply – creating mas problemas amiga! Lashes need baths like your body does!

How long does it take to get a full set? How long does it take to get a lash fill?
Full sets usually take 2-2.5 hours and fills usually take 1-1.5 hours.

Can I use Micellar Water on my lashes to clean them? It is oil free.
We do not recommend this product for cleansing the lashes. We have one client who uses this to cleanse and she has worse retention than our clients that use our recommended cleanser. Her fills are taking longer because of this. It is always best to use a product sold by your lash artist.

How much of an investment are lash extensions?
Lash extensions usually cost anywhere from $150-$300 for a full set. It depends on what type of look you are going for and what rates are in your area. Fills are usually anywhere from $60-$125 per fill.

Is it safe to rub and pull my lashes?
No. Do not do this. If you have an itch, use your finger to move your eyelid in a circular motion until the itch has been scratched. OR.. pull out your handy dandy spoolie!

I feel like every once in awhile I am losing more lashes than usual, what in tarnation is happening?
On average, every 90 days our lashes go through a period where you will loose more lashes because your body is going through a shed cycle. This is completely normal.

Why am I losing more lashes on my left eye than on my right eye?
This is probably because you are sleeping on your left side. Try to sleep on your back as much as possible. You can even sleep with your hand under your cheek to elevate your lashes while you sleep that we they are not rubbing on your pillow at night.

What if I am vacationing somewhere humid or I live somewhere humid? How can I protect my retention as much as possible?
Use a protective coating you can purchase from your lash artist.

Can I wear mascara with lash extensions?
You can! You probably will not need to or want to because the lash extensions will provide the look you are wanting without having to put on mascara BUT in the event that you do want to use mascara you will not want to use your regular mascara. You will need to purchase an oil free mascara!

I hope this cleared up some of your questions and you are ready to get the lashes you have been dreaming of! Life is too short, to have short lashes!

If you are in the Denver area, and thinking about getting lash extensions – please reach out to us. We can schedule a free consultation and/or appointment to talk about your lash goals!