At time of writing, our classic sets range from $120 – $175, Hybrids are from $190/$210, and Volume lashes are $240 +. It really all depends on the look you are hoping to achieve. For a complete/up-to-date list of our prices, please see our pricing page. From time to time we also run specials in specified treatments, please see special offersÂ
Infill are less – generally around 60-75% of the cost of the original set, depending on how much work is needed. Infills are where we replace the lashes that have grown out to maintain the extensions. We will normally infill lashes as long as around 40-50% of the lashes remain. After this time (and normally past 4 weeks) a new set is usually required as any remaining lashes will be grown out.
At time of writing, pricing between our Sydney salons and our Gosford salon differs slightly.
Our infills bookings are based on time. All of our stylists work fairly quickly, but how many lashes we can apply/how full we can get the lashes depends on how much time you book and what you have left when you come in.
Here’s a guide – based on average cumulative lash loss (approx 10% end first week > 25-30 % by end second week > 35-50% by end 3rd week) we’d recommend. Infills are usually needed at 2-4 weeks, depending on your lash cycle and lifestyle/habits.
| end week 1* | end week 2 | end week 3 | end week 4 | Outliers 4-5 weeks | |
| Lite set | 30 | 45 | 45-60 | n/a | n/a |
| Natural set | 30 | 45-60 | 60-75 | usually new set, maybe 75 min | n/a |
| Glam Set | 30-45 | 45-60 | 75 | 90 | n/a |
| Hybrid | 45 | 45-60 | 75 | 90 | 90 |
| Wet Look | n/a | 60-75 | 90 | 90-105 | n/a |
| Natural Volume | 45 | 60 | 75 | 90-105 | 105 |
| Medium Volume | 45 | 60-75 | 90 | 105 | 105-120 |
| Mega Volume | 45 | 75 | 90 | 105-120 | 120 |
| *infills are usually not needed |
If you are wanting to upgrade to a thicker look, your lashes are shedding faster than this or you’ve used mascara on the lashes, you may need to book more time, so please contact us if you’re unsure!Â
Lashes take time. Our stylists are all experienced specialists, however if you book an exceedingly short amount of time but require a big infill, results will be compromised. The best way to save on infills/require them less frequently and need less time is to look after your lashes really well – wash them gently frequently, avoid oily products, avoid touching them, and request shorter lengths. If you are still unsure what to book based on the look you want to achieve, just get in touch on 0420 634 904 and we’ll assist!
Yes – but if you always wear a lot of makeup on your lashes (not advisable with lash extensions) we recommend taking them all off and starting afresh every 6-9 weeks (every 3rd infill approx) as it’s really hard to clean off makeup that’s stuck in between lashes/on the lash line and left for a long time, which can cause lid hygiene problems. If you keep them clean, you can keep infilling them. We recommend taking them off a couple of times a year so we can check your lashes underneath and give the whole lash line a very thorough clean before a new application, but it’s not strictly necessary. Some of our clients have had ongoing infills with us for years with no issues at all.
Another thing to note is the type of lash applied, and the quality of application. If you plan to be a life-long lash-wearer (I am approaching my 15th anniversary of lash addiction!) then a high quality application is absolutely essential. We pride ourselves on meticulous and clean work, so that our clients can wear lashes for a really long time without any problems. This means that special care is taken to isolate each lash properly, use minimal and high quality adhesive, and use extensions that are not too heavy for the natural lash to support.
In Australia, it is standard practice to offer infills, and most reputable salons and stylists do. I would be a little wary of any salon or operator who said they cannot/do not do them (particularly on their own work). Lashes can be generally infilled as long as they’ve been applied well, using correct techniques. If your current lash stylist does not offer infills, it may be because they can’t actually do them. If your lashes have been applied with excessive amount of glue and are impossible to take off (grown out ones etc) if they feel crunchy and hard or you can’t get a brush through them, infilling is going to be very difficult. If you come in with lashes from elsewhere that can’t be infilled, we will let you know and give you some options.
If you would prefer to start afresh each time, and have existing lashes removed before a new set is applied, this is absolutely fine. Please do let us know so we have time to remove them though. We know that in some European countries, it is standard practice to remove/refresh a set completely around 5-6 weeks, and we are more than happy to do this if it’s your preference.
What are Classic lashes? What are Volume lashes? And what are Hybrid lashes!?
Classic lashes are where we attach one single fibre (that can be anywhere from 0.10 to 0.18 in diameter, depending on your natural lash strength) to one of your natural lashes. Depending on the set chosen, we’ll apply anywhere from around 50-100 lashes per eye, resulting in light to full coverage. They give a more natural, polished look and are ideal if you don’t want it to be that obvious that you’re wearing extensions. They add length, curl and darkness, but not as much density as our hybrid and volume sets. Here’s some examples: https://www.
Volume lashes are where numerous, thinner fibres are applied per natural lash, for a fluffier look. Depending on the set you’ve chosen and your natural lash strength/look you’re wanting, we will use lashes in diameters of anywhere from 0.03 to 0.085mm, (but most commonly in 0.05 and 0.07) in fans of anywhere from 3-14D. For our mega volume sets, we use larger fans. Here’s some examples:Â https://www.
If you have finer/weaker natural lashes or gaps in your lash line, volume is a better choice to create a more even, fuller look. The reason for this is that they are lighter weight, even though they look thicker when applied. One would think that 3 x 0.07mm lashes would weigh the same as as 0.21 (very heavy!) lash, but they don’t (as 0.07 refers only to the diameter, not the weight). 4 x 0.07 lashes is the same as 1 x 0.15 (regular weight) lash. That’s why we can create thicker looks with volume, whilst keeping the natural lashes healthy.
Hybrid lashes are simply a mix of classic and volume lashes – we apply them in an approximate 50:50 ratio. They create a beautiful textured look. If you like really neat/perfectly smooth-line lashes, they’re not the best choice – as they’re a little messier/more textured. They were the most popular set in 2022 though – people love them!. See some examples here:Â https://www.
For all sets, you don’t need to decide on the shape beforehand (cat eye, doll/wide eye, wispy etc) – we discuss that on the day! But in terms of density (how many lashes) – that does need to be booked ahead as thicker sets require much more time than more natural ones. If you decide on a larger set on the day, we’ll do our very best to accomodate it if time permits.
You can upgrade/downgrade between sets at different appointments depending on the look that you’re wanting – we frequently have classic clients infill with volume for a special event like a wedding or party, or those who love thick and dramatic mega volume looks downgrade to less-obvious hybrids or classic sets for job interviews or beach holidays.
Castor oil contains fatty acids that have been reported to help with lash growth – the oil nourishes your natural lashes and hydrates the skin around your eyes. As you may have guessed, however, castor oil is one of those unfortunate oil products that attacks the glue bonding your eyelash extensions and causes lifted lashes to drop. If you’re planning to use castor oil on your lashes, its best to try it when you’re having a break from all other lash treatments. If you’re not loving your natural lashes, there are plenty of other solutions out there – and many of them can be worn with lash extensions and lash lifts! Our favourite is Lash Game Lash Safe Growth Serum, one of the most effective lash serums on the market. Our lash stylists swear by this for maximising the strength of your natural lashes and recommend it for all long-term lash lovers.
The short answer: absolutely, in both cases!
Yes – the eyelash extension adhesives we use are almost completely fume-free, approved for cosmetic use and safe for your eyes. The adhesives and other liquids used are purchased from an Australian company who are registered with NICNAS, to ensure that the ingredients are safe and legal for cosmetic use – we know exactly what’s in them! The eyelash extensions we use at Lady Lash are the highest quality available, with the lengths and thicknesses specially customized to suit you! All equipment is thoroughly disinfected before each use, and single-use items used where to ensure hygiene. We use masks for hygiene, and practice thorough hand-washing and sanitiser between clients. Our salons are all council registered and inspected regularly. To date, we have never received less than 100% for a routine hygiene inspection in any of our premises.
Russian volume lashes are currently the most popular technique amongst master lash artists – hailing from Russia, the phenomenon has spread worldwide! This technique involves 3-14 lightweight extensions, which are applied in a fan shape to each natural lash. This technique creates an intensely voluminous lash set with a soft, fluffy look. Because the fibres used are so incredibly fine, they tend to last a little longer than classic eyelash extensions.
Volume lashes are really wonderful for those with naturally fine or sparse lashes because you can have a much thicker look without the extra weight. For example, you can use 4 or 5 very lightweight lashes in a fan, and although they will look more dramatic than a single thicker classic extension, they will weigh less altogether. This is because the thickness of a lash (usually something like 0.15, 0.12, 0.07. 0.05) does not refer to it’s weight, it refers to its diameter.
Please be careful of unqualified operators that use flare/cluster lashes advertised as ‘volume lashes’. Flare lashes are not individual eyelash extensions or volume lashes and are not meant to be applied using permanent glue. The results are usually disastrous.
One of the questions we’re asked regularly about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk and mink eyelash extensions. Having used these materials for years, we’re very familiar with the features of each material and why you might choose one over the other. You don’t have to worry about choosing which material at your appointment – your lash stylist will be more than happy to assess your lashes and recommend a material for you. All of our lashes are vegan and cruelty-free!
Here’s a little rundown on each type:
Silk eyelash extensions: A man-made fibre with a matte/natural black finish. We use silk lashes in all of our volume sets because due to their texture as they fan out better than faux-mink.
Faux-mink lash extensions: At Lady Lash, we’re against animal cruelty, which is why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions. Not only this, real mink will not hold it’s curl once wet. We use faux-mink man-made fibres designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very glossy and black in colour and slightly finer.
Flat eyelash extensions: These are a relatively new innovation in lashes – with flat lashes, the cross section of the extension is flatter or more oval in shape than traditional eyelash extensions. This means they provide a thicker, more made-up look without any extra weight (each fibre appears wider, but doesn’t weigh more than a regular extension). Flat lashes are better for those who like a glamourous, darker look. Flat just refers to the cross section of the lash fibre, not the curl. They come in all the same curl types as other lashes.
Yes. This is one of our favourite things about eyelash extensions – you can have pretty eyes when you wake up, straight out of the shower, and even out of the pool! If you’re swimming in water that is chlorinated or salty, splash your extensions with fresh water afterwards or cleanse them with our LashGame Foaming Cleanser. Avoid detergents, oily soaps and eye-rubbing and your lashes should last well. Try to pat them dry gently.
In most cases, yes – but if you have had particularly bad extensions done somewhere else (cheap overseas salons are a big offender – the glue will look shiny and like concrete…) we cannot guarantee that we will be able to remove the lashes or apply new ones immediately. It depends on what state your natural lashes are in under the extensions. If there is an awful lot of glue and lashes fused together, it can take our stylists some time to remove the extensions gently and safely. If the removal process takes a long time and the natural lashes are in a damaged condition, we recommend that you allow some weeks for your natural lashes to recover before booking in for more eyelash extensions. If the bad extensions have irritated or infected your eyes/eyelids Lady Lash reserves the right not to perform the procedure, and may refer you to initially seek medical advice. Your health and safety is the most important thing to us.
Absolutely. We actually have many male as well non-binary clients – you’d probably be surprised! Some are wanting a completely undetectable look that just brightens up their eyes a bit whilst others wear them loud and proud. Everyone can enjoy eyelash extensions for refreshed and beautiful-looking eyes. We customise the eyelash extensions to suit your face and personality, and can do a very subtle set for any gentlemen wishing to try out eyelash extensions in a discrete way – though you may find you want them more dramatic once you get used to them.
Lash extensions aren’t always used to extend lashes in terms of length, sometimes just fullness. And they don’t need to look overly feminine. We have many male clients who actually get them (or lash lifts/tints) so they look more refreshed and have brighter looking eyes. As we age, our lashes thin our and shorten, and a very subtle use of lash extensions can turn the years back for anyone, appearance wise.
The vast majority of our lash and brow stylists have over 5 years experience – and many 10-15. All of our lash and brow stylists are tested rigorously before they join the Lady Lash team, and have ongoing training with our most senior stylists and salon managers – many of whom are international award-winners in lashes. This is to ensure that we continually uphold a very high standard in lashes and brows and are using the best and most up-to-date techniques and skills. At time of writing, we do not have any ‘beginner’ or ’emerging’ stylists.
We definitely recommend trialling them a few weeks before the big day, then infilling closer to the event. This is because a) you don’t want to develop a surprise allergic reaction/red eye reaction the day before your wedding – testing it out first is a good idea – and b) this allows you to trial a certain look and then adjust it before the wedding. Give us a call if you need assistance scheduling wedding bookings – if we know it’s your wedding, we will normally try to extend the appointment time a little bit (at no extra cost) as we know how important it is!
It’s best that you wait 6-8 weeks so that the lashes are smooth enough to allow for correct bonding. On very lifted/kinked lashes, it can be difficult to get them to bond well/last properly.
If your lash lift is a very gentle curl or has dropped significantly, then it should be fine to proceed.
Please have a look at our complete aftercare here for tips on what might be the cause. If you are experiencing any issues in the first 3 days after your appointment (if there is a bonding issue, it will become apparent during this timeframe) please contact us and we will do whatever we can to assist you.
We generally find the most common cause of lash shedding is oily product use (particularly before infills) and being rough with cleansing – so try to cleanse gently but thoroughly.
Please don’t use oily eyeliners (crayon/pencil type liners or gel-pot liners) or waterproof mascara on either top or bottom lids at any point whilst wearing extensions or in the 3-4 days prior to a new set. It’s impossible to fully remove it, and if you come to an infill appointment and have been using this product, most of the appointment wlll be spent cleaning it off the bases of your lashes. The oil/wax in the product will soak into your lash follicle, and getting extensions to bond well will be exceedingly difficult. Also – it kills our souls :)
How long lashes will last varies individually – someone with dryer skin, wearing less makeup but a fuller set of lashes/more extensions will usually get a lot longer out of the extensions than someone with oily skin, using lots of eye makeup, and only wearing a lite set. Hormonal changes, particularly peri-menopause and the onset of menopause, certain medications (thyroid, roaccutane/accutane) can sometimes cause lashes to not last as well as normal.
Please don’t think that it is normal/good for lashes to last 8 weeks without fall out. It really isn’t – if you’ve had lashes elsewhere, and haven’t lost many/any lashes by this point, it’s not a good sign – it means that your lashes are probably all fused together and therefore unable to keep growing and fall out/replace themselves. They need to fall out gradually in order to continue to grow and remain healthy. Normal is 2-3 weeks between infills, outliers with good retention/usually drier skin will get 4-5 weeks, and some people need them every 2 weeks. You may find that you have a few infills that last very well, and then one where they shed a little more quickly. This is due to normal fluctuations of lash growth and cyclic shedding.
Some people don’t actually realise this, but every day, we lose anywhere from 1-5 natural lashes – much like the hairs on our head, they replace themselves as new ones grow! Usually twice a year (chance of seasons, particularly end of Summer and beginning of Spring you will notice that you lose more natural lashes than normal – this is called seasonal shedding, and you will normally find that your lashes seem to be falling out more quickly than normal – and that a lot of new baby lashes have come through at your next appointment. Don’t be too concerned – it happens to everyone a couple of times a year, and if you are worried, get in touch or talk to your lash stylist who can assess the health of your lashes at any point.
Whilst we welcome clients wearing extensions from elsewhere and are happy to work in with other good quality lashes, we often are unable to infill lashes done elsewhere, due to issues of quality – primarily extensions being stuck together, excess glue and cluster lashes or heavy pre-made fans being advertised as volume, which sadly many places still do. However, if you are wearing good quality extensions (all properly separated from one another, no clumps or long twisted lashes) that you would like infilled, feel free to pop in and we can check your lashes to see if this is possible, or send us a clear, aerial view shot and we’ll see if we’re able to. Often we can!
Yes – best to do it AFTER the extension application, not before, and only a light spray on the face.
It depends greatly on the type of set, and the time you have booked (this will be dictated by how much you have lost).
Classic infills are between $75 – $125
Hybrid infills – $95 – $165
Volume infills – $95 – $195
($195 is a very large, 2 hr infill on our biggest set possible)
Please note that infills are for where a minimum of 40% of the lash extensions remain. If you have just a few left/many grown out lashes, please book for a new set so we have enough time to make them nice and full again! Or if you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch and we can assist.
Around 2 to 3 weeks after your initial lash appointment, some of your natural lashes will have reached the end of their life cycles and shed. You will start seeing little gaps where the old ones have fallen, with new baby lashes coming through – at this point it’s a good time to get infills, so your lashes always look nice and full. Once a baby lash is mature and strong enough to hold an extension, we can apply a lash there. Any lashes that have grown out more than about 3mm, we remove gently by peeling the extension off (this is needed as otherwise they will start to twist/droop). Your lashes are not cut during the process. Some people can go 4 weeks between infills, but this is unusual unless your lashes grow very slowly. We will infill as long as around 40% of the lashes are left. If you’re unsure if it’s an infill or a new set, feel free to get in touch and we can assist!
In this case, we’d recommend infilling them with just volume lashes – choose medium volume and we can go from there! If you’re unsure how much time to book, feel free to get in touch!
This involves applying silk or faux-mink eyelash extensions using a slightly different application method, where between 3-14 extremely light-weight extensions are applied in a fanned-out way, to each natural lash, creating intense volume with a soft, fluffy feeling.
Volume lashes are really wonderful for those with naturally fine or sparse lashes – because you can have a much thicker look without the extra weight. More advanced styling options are available with these sets, including wispy/strip lash looks which are very popular.
Please be careful of unqualified operators using flare/cluster lashes and offering this service as ‘volume lashes/express volume. i.e. usually a whole set done in an hour or less. We remove these from time to time – flare/cluster lashes are not individual eyelash extensions/volume lashes, and are not meant to be applied using permanent lash glue (they are supposed to be used with temporary false lash glue and removed the same day). When applied with eyelash extension glue, the results are disastrous
One of the questions we’re asked here regularly at Lady Lash about eyelash extensions is about the difference between silk, synthetic (also known as ‘acrylic’) and mink eyelash extensions. Having used all three of these materials for years, we’re very familiar with the difference, pros and cons of different kinds, and why you might choose one over the others. Please note, we no longer use the thicker, older style ‘acrylic’ lashes – they are not the best quality to we have phased them out.
Here’s a little rundown on each type, the pros and cons, and who they are most suitable for, to help you choose your next set of lash extensions:
Silk eyelash extensions: All of the lashes we use are man-made fibres (real silk would disintegrate within days) and not hold it’s curl. Silk lashes have a slightly more matte/natural black finish, and the ends are not quite so tapered as faux-mink. We use silk lashes in all of our volume sets because due to their texture, they fan out more than faux-mink.
Faux-mink lash extensions: At Lady Lash, we’re against animal cruelty, which we why we do not and never will use real mink fur for lash extensions. We use faux-mink lashes, which are man-made fibres, designed to imitate real mink fur. They are very glossy and black in colour and slightly more tapered on the ends. Some say they feel softer than silk but with new developments, we feel you can’t tell the different.
Flat Lash/Ellipse eyelash extensions: These are a relatively new development, whereby the cross section of the extension is flatter or more oval in shape than traditional eyelash extensions. The benefit is that they provide a thicker, more made up look without any extra weight (each fibre appears wider, though does not actually weigh more than a regular extension). They also last quite well due to their shape. They are not really suited to very natural looks, and are better for those who like a glamourous, darker look. Flat just refers to the cross section of the lash fibre, not the curl. They come in all the same curl types as other lashes.
Synthetic/Acrylic eyelash extensions: These are made from a polished synthetic material and are the firmest/sturdiest of all. In appearance, they are more obvious looking and harder than the mink or silk, and when applied quite thickly, very dramatic. They hold their curl extremely well due to their firmness, but due to this, don’t last as well on the natural lash. Some people don’t find them as ‘soft’ or ‘natural’ looking than silk or mink eyelash extensions, and the thickest type (normally 0.20mm in width) don’t have quite as good staying power as the silk and definitely not the faux mink or flat lashes. These lashes are often the type used party or weekend lashes, as they are cheap. Due to improvements in lash technology, we phased out this type of extension in 2015.
They can be removed using a professional solution if you decide that they are not for you. But we’re sure this won’t be the case! Take a look at our Before and After gallery to see how fabulous they look on our clients.
for more information visit: www.ladylash.com.au
Of course! You may find it more comfortable, however, to remove contacts before your appointment, or bring your contacts case so you can remove them immediately prior. You need to remove hard contact lenses before your appointment, as they can often prevent you from closing your eyes comfortably.
Almost everybody can use eyelash extensions to increase the appeal and look of their eyes. The difference will be instant – your eyes will look sparkly and refreshed immediately! As the glue is applied directly to the eyelash and does not touch the skin, there is very rarely any issue with allergic reactions.
We have a whole separate page dedicated to this topic here.
There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you get the most out of your eyelash extensions. At your appointment, we give you an after-care card outlining how to take care of them, the main things to remember are:
Do not wet or dampen your lashes for 24 hours MINIMUM after your lash appointment – in that 24-hour period, the lash glue is still in its crucial curing period. Try to avoid: steamy hot showers, baths or the spa, heavy gym sessions, rain, facials and swimming. After 24 hours, you’re totally fine to go ahead! Some salons say you can wet them straight away. We disagree and think that it’s better to wait as steam and product exposure is not good for them immediately.
Use only oil-free products, especially makeup remover – check in with our receptionists or your lash stylist if you need any advice on removers!
Let your facialist know if you have eyelash extensions applied – lashes don’t mix well with steam, so they can usually find another way to give you your favourite facial. If you are getting a facial, please don’t do it immediately after you’ve had extensions applied.
Do not rub or pull at your lashes – the more you touch them with your fingers, the more oil and dirt you introduce to the area. They like to be left alone!
Avoid using mechanical eyelash curlers – these can rip out your extensions!
Gently brush lashes with your lash wand to put them back into place each morning – this will detangle and fluff them out!
Please avoid using mascara on your extensions!
Cleanse your lashes 3-4 times per week using a lash-safe cleanser – see here (LINK HERE) for instructions!
To make your lashes last as long as you can, its best to avoid steam rooms, saunas and bikram (hot) yoga. If you do these things, you might need to come in a little more frequently for infills.
Yes, appointments are highly recommended – particularly for longer appointments like eyelash extensions and lash lifts. Our weekend and evening appointments (between 4:30 – 8pm) are the most popular and can sometimes book out weeks ahead, and some of our stylists are fully booked 2-3 weeks ahead.
Same-day/walk-in appointments are very occasionally available, but we’d still recommend checking/booking.
We honour appointment times. If you’ve ever made an appointment somewhere, and arrived to find that you don’t really have an appointment as such and other clients are being taken in before you/that the ‘appointment-making’ was merely for show – we can assure you that you will not find that here at all. We value your time and when you make an appointment, in the same way that we appreciate that our clients are reliable and don’t cancel at the last minute –Â it’s a 2-way commitment. If we are ever running slightly late (unusual) we’ll contact you to let you know. If it’s for your wedding or for some other important event, you can be extremely confident that your appointment will go ahead as planned – we won’t let you down or ever cause added stress!
If for any reason your chosen stylist cannot do your appointment, we will go above and beyond to make sure that another stylist can, and that we do not disappointment you.
The best way to book is online here, or contact us on 0420 634 904 and we’ll assist!
The short version: Yes, you can be allergic. It’s fairly uncommon, but over the 15 years we have been doing eyelash extensions, we have found that on average 1 in around 1,000 of our clients have developed a reaction of some kind. It is most commonly characterised by swollen, itchy eyelids that occur usually within 6-24 hours after the treatment. It can occur the first time (very unusual), or develop after many years/applications. It can be treated by a Dr/pharmacist, and usually subsides quickly with treatment and/or removal. You can be sensitive to eyelash extension adhesive, but not allergic. But you cannot be allergic without being sensitive (which is why it can sometimes build up over time to eventually produce a visible reaction).
The long version: (if you want to learn more about this!) Like all cosmetic products, there are some individuals who may be allergic, or sensitive to eyelash extensions adhesives/glues. It is possible to develop an allergy over time – sometimes this can occur the second or third time, but sometimes many years down the track. This is due to sensitisation/repeat exposure to an ingredient that you were always sensitive to, and your body has developed an immune response that has resulted in an allergy. Once you develop an allergy, you will always be allergic to the ingredient. Your body will (unfortunately!) remember.
How common are reactions/allergies, and can they be treated? Full blown allergic reactions are quite rare (particularly if you have never worn extensions before) and usually subside quickly once the extensions are removed. If you have had an allergic reaction to any eyelash extensions (usually characterised by swollen, red, puffy/itchy eyelids) we cannot ethically apply any lashes in the future – as it means it would be highly likely you will be allergic again and subsequent reactions can be worse due to ongoing sensitisation. The body remembers, and the immune response will always occur once you are allergic. If you are unsure, we can do a patch test (though a patch test won’t always show up an allergy, as it’s non-scientific, and of course only a very small amount of adhesive is used.) We aren’t able to diagnose an allergic reaction though, and if we suspect you think you are experiencing one, we will recommend that you seek the advice of a Dr. or pharmacist first – as only a medical professional can make this diagnosis.
What is it eyelash extension glue that causes allergies? All eyelash extension adhesives contain some form of acrylate (which is what makes them set hard/have waterproof properties) and it is thought that it is this ingredient that causes most reactions. This is why we find that even using a lower strength/sensitive glue (all of our glues are low-fume), a reaction will still occur. One day we hope that an effective adhesive will be developed that does not contain any acrylate, but so far any that we have tested have not worked at all, or have still caused reactions. Please be way of salons offering ‘sensitive’ glues for those with allergies – as any proper eyelash extension glue will still contain the base ingredient of acrylate, it just may contain less fumes. We offer sensitive glues, but they are not suitable for those with allergies to adhesives. The only way to know for sure, is to undergo extensive personal allergy testing for all kinds of acrylates, as well as carbon. We do not think that carbon pigment causes many reactions at all, as whenever we have trialed clear adhesives on clients that have known allergies to adhesives at their request, the reaction has been the same.
Are red eyes after eyelash extensions signs of an allergy? Again, we can’t diagnose anyone individually (and allergic reactions can present in different ways) but from experience we have generally found that unless accompanied by swelling/itchy eyelids, red eyes on their own are usually a sign of a fume sensitivity/exposure, or sensitivity to an ingredient in the under eye pads, and don’t develop into a reaction. If your eyes don’t close properly in an appointment, or if you have extremely dry eyes naturally, some redness can occur. The reason is not that the glue has gotten into your eye (it’s virtually impossible – we’ve never had a single case of this) – it’s because the way the glue cures is to draw moisture from the air. If you eye is not closed properly, it will dry your eye out a little and can cause some redness/stinging. Our stylists are trained in many clever ways to minimise this, and we usually find that even those clients who have had redness and stinging elsewhere, do not have this experience here. Please always tell us if you are finding anything uncomfortable, so we can make adjustments! One reason we will advise against a lot of talking in appointments (particularly if you animated/move your eyes around a lot!) is so that they can remain still/properly closed.
Can I have eyelash extensions again if I’ve had an allergic reaction? No, and we are really sorry about this. One day (if science progresses) maybe, but for now, you’re best avoiding them as it will be a waste of your time and money, and may be painful. You may however be able to have a lash lift, as the ingredients used are completely different. We would recommend a patch test for this first, in case. To date, we have only every had ONE recorded instance of a client being allergic to both extensions and lash lifts, so hopefully it is something that can work for you!
What if I had a bad application somewhere where lashes were stuck my eyelids – will this cause a reaction? Lash adhesives are not meant to be applied onto the skin – they are very different from the soft, rubbery glues use for false (1-day) lash application. So whilst a bad application alone is not the cause of reaction, having a very bad application is much more likely to trigger an allergic reaction, just due to the amount of glue exposure. So please choose wisely and ensure that your stylist is experienced. And…don’t try this at home! It probably goes without saying, but eyelash extensions are not a DIY-friendly!
What do I do if I am having an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions? If you do have an allergic reaction, you must seek medical advice prior to us removing the extensions. Please get in touch as we want to help as soon as possible. We cannot give out individual medical advice though, and from our experience some doctors will actually recommend not removing the extensions immediately/other treatment may be recommended first – as this can cause further irritation due to the solvents used.
(If you have had an allergic reaction from another salon and wish to have your lashes removed, we can only attempt this if we have a doctor’s certificate recommending immediate removal)
Yes. In fact this is one of the best things about eyelash extensions – you will have pretty eyes ALL the time – when you wake up, straight out of the shower, out of the pool. Just don’t rub them or use detergents or oily soaps and they will last a long time. Try to pat/dab them dry gently – don’t rub them when wet.
We recommend waiting 24 hours after a fresh lash application before wetting them. They are, however, technically waterproof once applied – but – we still recommend and follow this 24 hour rule where possible. It’s more to do with not using products on them immediately/not touching them or exposing them to heat/steam – and generally getting into the mind-frame of them being a little delicate.
You must use an oil-free, glycol-free, lash-safe makeup remover – oil-based removers will damage the lash adhesive and can make eyelash extensions fall off prematurely. Lady Lash has sourced some high-quality makeup removers specifically formulated for eyelash extensions and we’ve even made our own lash-safe cleanser, LashGame Foaming Shampoo. Please DON’T use micellar water, makeup wipes, baby oil or baby shampoo to remove your makeup – these contain oils, with makeup wipes usually snagging and pulling on your extensions. Once you’ve removed using makeup remover, cleanse with a lash-safe foaming lash cleanser. Please be gentle – they are fragile when wet – don’t rub them firmly, they need gentle cleansing to last well!
Yes, you can – as long as it oil-free and very low in glycol/glycerin. These ingredients attack the glue, eventually loosening the lash bond and causing extensions to fall. The worse thing about oily products though, is that the oils soak into the follicle, and make the lashes more repellant towards adhesives, which can cause issues at infills.
We’d recommend:
Eyeliner: Liquid/pen style eyeliner (oil-free/not waterproof, of course) is fine. Gel liner/crayon type eyeliner (usually containing carnuba wax) tends to stick in the roots of the lashes and is tough to remove – even if used on the just bottom lid. We stock a suitable eyeliner, but most non-waterproof liquid liners are also fine
Eyeshadow: Powder-type eyeshadows are fine. These can also be used with water to create an eyeliner effect.
Primers: It’s best not to use these on the lids if you can avoid, unless they are oil-free and you are taking special care to remove them daily
Mascara: This product causes the extensions to clump together, and often contains oils to weaken the glue bond on your lashes. Especially waterproof mascara! If you are intent on wearing mascara, Lash Lady stocks Max2 Volume Up mascara made specifically for use on eyelash extensions (which is quite easy to remove). To get the best out of your extensions and mascara, just apply the product to the very tips of your lashes and avoid the roots. Mascara on the bottom lashes is fine, as long as not waterproof
Please don’t use mascara on volume lashes – regardless of which brand you use, mascara makes volume fans snap shut/stick together – and sort of pointless getting volume lashes! . We will not usually be able to infill volume lashes that have had mascara applied to them as cleaning them takes up most of the time.
Lash Serums: Whilst not makeup, we do often get asked if these are ok. Most are, but please check with the retailer that they are lash-safe (and not actually banned in Australia – some are as they contain questionable ingredients). We recommend and stock LashGame Growth Serum which is safe for use with lash extensions, contains safe/approved ingredients, and is effective.
- The main thing is to have clean eyes and eyelashes, free of makeup – especially mascara. Some mascaras contain oils that can prevent eyelash extensions bonding correctly. So please try to avoid using waterproof mascara or eyeliner in the days prior as it can be quite a challenge to fully remove on the day. If you need to come wearing eye makeup, please arrive 10-15 min ahead of time.
- Be sure to use an oil-free makeup remover if removing makeup, and don’t use any oil or petroleum based products on or around the eye area for 48 hours prior (such as Vaseline or moisturisers) or foundation/primer on the eyelids
- Don’t have your eyelashes permed – it is very difficult for us to apply extensions on lashes which have been permed within the last 2 months (especially if a tight curl) as often the extensions will not bond very well. If you have had a more gentle lash lift which has dropped, that should be fine.
- We would also recommend arriving 5-10 min early for your first appointment to complete a consultation form
- Bring earphones/a podcast or music if you’d like to listen to something of your own, particularly for longer appointments
- Try to avoid too much caffeine or other stimulants on the day, as it can make it harder to lay still
- If you have any other questions or special requests, feel free to get in touch prior on 0420 634 904Â or info@ladylash.com.au
Generally speaking, eyelash extensions are a safe and non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Lady Lash uses a high-quality, low-fume adhesive that is manufactured specifically for cosmetic use near the eye, and the adhesive is applied to your lash hairs rather than your skin. Allergic reactions to the adhesive are very rare and can be easily treated if they manifest. In saying this, if you are pregnant and have never had eyelash extensions before or have never been to Lady Lash and used our glue products, we strongly recommend a patch test out before your treatment. This patch test must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the booking.
Why do we need to patch test before proceeding? Firstly, the lash extension procedure requires you to lay flat on your back for over one hour; a position that is not recommended for women in the advanced stages of pregnancy. It also requires that you lie quite still – which can be hard if you’re heavily pregnant! The patch test gives you a chance to see what it’s like lying in that position for a short time, so that you can gauge how well your body will respond to a prolonged appointment. Secondly, if you are unlucky enough to have an allergic reaction your doctor may not be able to give you the required treatment/medication to resolve the reaction due to your pregnancy. So we highly recommend a patch test first before proceeding. A patch test does not rule out a reaction occurring entirely, but it is the best test we can do to avoid it.
Please note: if we have been doing your lashes here at Lady Lash and you become pregnant, there’s no problem continuing with the extensions – just let us know so that we can make sure you are comfortable at all times!
In most cases, yes – but if you have had particularly bad extensions done somewhere else we cannot absolutely guarantee that we will be able to remove them or apply new ones immediately. It depends on how bad a state your lashes are in. If there is an awful lot of glue and many lashes fused together, it can take some time to remove the extensions gently without causing damage to the natural lashes.
If you own lashes are damaged or weakened underneath/there are gaps in your lash line, a lash-break may be best, but we understand that some people really don’t want to do this, particularly when they’ve been wearing lashes for a long time and are not ready to be lashless! Our stylists are highly skilled in applying lighter weight ‘rehab’ type lashes, so that you’ve got a subtle lash enhancement on whilst your natural lashes gain strength and fullness underneath. As they recover, we can usually thicken up the extensions over time at infill appointments.
If the bad extensions have irritated or infected your eyes or eyelids, we may refer you to initially seek medical advice – as where there is the possibility of an infection, allergic reaction or inflamed skin, we cannot apply extensions until it is resolved.
You are more than welcome to make an appointment for a quick consultation where we can assess your lashes in person and devise a treatment plan, before you proceed with anything.
No. We are often asked ‘do eyelash extensions hurt?’ and the answer is not at all – if applied properly! Eyelash extensions are applied directly to the eyelash itself, so there is zero contact with the skin. The lash appointment may feel a little unusual the first time, but once you get used to the process you should be so comfortable that you even want to nap! Lady Lash uses high-quality, low-fume glue, which (unlike cheaper products) does not burn or sting. People with extremely sensitive eyes or sinus problems may get some watering and slight stinging at the end, but this normally subsides within seconds.Please alert us if you are experiencing any stinging during the treatment – some individuals with very dry eyes/eyes that don’t close properly may do, and we will adjust our procedure to keep you comfortable. Some eye shapes require more adjustments to the under eye pad placement – so if it feels weird or remotely uncomfortable, tell us and we will ensure it doesn’t!
There are certain things you can do prior to your appointment to make it less likely for you to experience any sensitivity. Try to come to your appointment relaxed and not rushed/stressed if possible. Try to avoid large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants prior to the appointment and this can make your eyes twitchy. Feel free to bring a podcast/headphones etc to listen to something – we don’t need to chat unless you want to! If you get dry eyes regularly, you can use eyedrops prior. Don’t bring your kids if they require supervision – this is the least relaxing thing I can possibly imagine, as you need to be able to lay still with your eyes closed. Make the appointment all about some time for you, where not only can you emerge looking fabulous – you’ll feel fabulous too after some relaxing down-time!
Once your eyelash extensions are applied, you don’t really feel them at all. The eyelash extension is bonded to the actual lash (not your eyelid) so it feels just like your normal lashes (but longer!). The only way that lashes can become uncomfortable is if you repeatedly rub your eyes or are rough with your extensions – this can damage or twist the extensions, which could make them feel awkward on your eye. If you don’t clean them/remove makeup well, they can become itchy, so please ensure that you do!
Absolutely not – as long as they are applied properly! At Lady Lash, we take special care to ensure that our lash extensions are all applied individually and correctly to maintain your eyelash health. To ensure the long-term health of your lashes, we highly recommend that you take the advice of your lash stylist regarding the maximum thickness and length that your lashes can safely hold. As long as an extension of the appropriate/safe length and thickness has been applied, your natural lashes will continue to grow through a normal lash cycle. Please listen to your lash stylist’s advice about how long/heavy you should go, especially if you have naturally thin or sparse lashes. Don’t try to remove the eyelash extensions yourself – this could easily damage your natural lashes, as the adhesive bond is extremely strong.
Sometimes clients choose not to take our advice regarding the lashes and do request extra long and thick lashes be applied to their thin or fine natural lashes. We strongly advise against this, as we cannot guarantee that they will last well if they are too long or heavy for your natural lash to support. At Lady Lash, we will apply the lashes that you request within reason and always advise you if there are any issues. Usually, as a one-off or special occasion wear, extra long or thick lashes will cause no problems at all, but long-term it can weaken your lashes.
I would recommend generally avoiding non-specialist salons that do not do a lot of lash extensions (it’s a treatment that requires a LOT of practice to become skilled at) or offer extremely fast volume sets that are done in 60 minutes or so (often called ‘Express Volume”) – this incorrect technique usually involves applying flair/cluster lashes that are not intended to be semi permanent, and often results in damaged lashes. Our aim at Lady Lash is to give you beautiful lashes all the time, with no damage to your natural lashes. We customise your lash extensions so they are the right weight and thickness for you, and apply them carefully with excellent isolation- so your natural lashes will remain as healthy as ever!
If you are still concerned, and are a little lash-obsessed (don’t worry, we are too!), we’d recommend using a growth formula that helps strengthen and condition your natural lashes. We stock Lash Game Lash Safe Growth Serum which is a terrific, highly effective lash growth serum that is salon-exclusive and totally compatible with lash extensions.
The short answer: Roughly 5-6 weeks before every lash sheds, you’ll need iniflls at 2-4 weeks.
The long (and better!) answer: There are many factors at play here, including your individual lash cycle and your aftercare. You might be surprised to learn that everyone’s lashes have a life cycle and shed, just like the hair on your head! Once a natural lash’s life cycle is complete, the lash falls out naturally, taking the extension with it. Everyone’s lash cycle is a little different, but on average you should be experiencing a turnover of your natural lashes every six weeks or so.
If you want to maintain your lash extensions, we recommend infilling your lash set approximately every 2 – 4 weeks. By this stage, some lashes would have fallen out as new lashes have grown through. In an infill appointment, we carefully replace these fallen extensions with brand new ones! If you care properly for your lashes, your extensions will last longer (i.e. remove makeup correctly, don’t wear mascara, avoid oily products on your face, and avoid tugging/pulling at your eyelash extensions). Some clients who take extra good care of their lashes get 4 weeks before they need infills! If you happen to have very oily skin, you will normally need infills more regularly.