FAQ

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

You can either let them shed naturally or have a removal done.  If you don’t want to go in for a removal, you can try an at home remedy using coconut/olive oil.  Lie down and gently massage the oil into the lashes (please use sparingly you don’t want oil in your eyes).  Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and you should notice the lashes starting to come off your natural lashes when you massage them.  PLEASE, if you can’t get them all off do not pull at them…. you will be pulling your own natural lashes out.  If this does not work then call your lash technician for further assistance.

It is hard to say exactly why; you will notice that they do not last the same duration every time.  This can be due to exposure to water, oil, or sweat within the first 24 hours.  Or you may have been more active/touching the lashes more (remember your hands have oil on them and oil breaks down the adhesive).  You may want to try a lash sealant to use at home to protect the lashes.  Many find that it helps them go longer between their fill times.

Yes, but it is best to wait 24 hours to get them wet/sweat to ensure the adhesive has completely cured.  Prolonged and excessive exposure to heat and water may reduce the life of your lashes, but will not make them fall off.

Please Note: If you have an active lifestyle you may require touch ups more often than others.

This will vary person to person, the general answer is no. However, people with very fine natural lashes may need a break because their lashes are weaker than someone with thicker or coarser lashes. This is why the length/thickness chosen is so important to make sure the false lash is not too heavy for the natural lash.

Reactions don’t happen often but if you happen to have one let us know as soon as possible. Benadryl or hydrocortisone cream can help. There are steps we can take to reduce irritation including a sensitive adhesive option and an alternate (lint-free) eye gel pads/tape.  Unfortunately, if the reaction persists, eyelash extensions may not be recommended for that person.  **We can also perform a “test-patch” prior to your appointment using different adhesives to check first if you show signs of any irritation before doing a full set or fill.

Yes, however it must be oil free/formulated for eyelash extensions. Mascara made for natural lashes has ingredients that will break down the bond of the adhesive. Waterproof mascara is extremely difficult to remove and will be harmful to both the extensions and the natural lash. If the mascara is meant for eyelash extensions it’s ok to wear sparingly, but apply it mainly at the tips. The removal and application process of any mascara will cause extra wear on the extensions.

Warning: Be careful using regular mascara even on your bottoms lashes.  When you blink it can still get on your top lashes causing the bond to weaken.

With proper care we recommend every 2-4 weeks.  Once you go over 3 weeks the fills are more expensive due to excessive loss and regrowth.

The eyelash extensions are applied one by one; isolating each individual natural lash and attaching one extension near the base of your natural lash (not touching).  This process is repeated until your desired fullness is reached.  Your eyes are closed during this process and it does not hurt; most people actually fall asleep!

Full sets can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours depending on how many natural lashes you have, what type of lashes you’re getting (Classic, Hybrid, Volume, Mega Volume) and who is doing your lashes (regular artists vs apprentices). Apprentices take a little longer to do the service because they don't have as much experience as our regular artists do.

No, as long as they are applied properly and you care for them your natural lashes will not be harmed. It is crucial that the lashes are separated and applied one to one (one extension to one natural lash). This requires extensive training, attention to detail and dedication. Your natural lashes follow a natural growth cycle and it is imperative that every individual lash is able to grow, live and shed on its own. If extensions are not properly applied they can clump and pull at your natural lashes causing damage, discomfort and premature shedding.

When applied properly, eyelash extensions can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. The growth and shedding cycle of your natural lashes will cause the extensions to fall out gradually. Since your natural lashes are constantly shedding (each lash on its own individual cycle) you will constantly be shedding extensions. If you want to keep the lashes up we recommend coming on average about 2-3 weeks to maintain fullness.

Please Note: Not every person is the same; some people have faster hair growth cycles than others.

LASH LIFTS

A lash lift is a cosmetic treatment that gives your natural lashes a long-lasting curl without using eyelash extensions. The process involves applying a lifting solution to the base of the lashes, which sets the lashes into the desired shape. A lash tint is an optional addition to the treatment, which involves applying a semi-permanent dye to the lashes to enhance their color and definition.

  • Do not get them wet for 12 hours after the treatment.
  • Do not wash with soap or facial cleanser for 24 hours.
  • Avoid steam, swimming and sweating for 24 hours.

A lash lift and tint usually takes around 60-90 minutes to complete, depending on the technician's experience and skill level.

A lash lift can last for up to 8 weeks, while a lash tint typically lasts for 4-6 weeks. However, the duration of the results can vary depending on individual factors like hair growth rate, hair thickness, and lifestyle factors such as exposure to water and products.

Yes, a lash lift and tint are generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced technician. However, it is important to disclose any allergies or sensitivities you may have to the products used during the treatment.

Before your appointment, it is recommended to remove all eye makeup and avoid using any oil-based products around the eye area. It is also advised to avoid curling your lashes for at least 24 hours before the treatment.

Yes, you can wear mascara after a lash lift and tint!

BROW LAMINATIONS

Brow lamination is a semi-permanent treatment that involves lifting and setting the brow hairs in place to create a more defined, fuller look.

  • Do not get them wet for 12 hours after the treatment.
  • Do not wash with soap or facial cleanser for 24 hours.
  • Avoid steam, swimming and sweating for 24 hours.

The results typically last around 6-8 weeks, depending on individual hair growth and maintenance.

It's recommended to avoid wearing any makeup or getting the brows wet for at least 12 hours after the treatment.

Brow tinting is a semi-permanent treatment that involves depositing color onto the brow hairs to enhance their appearance.

The results typically last around 3-4 weeks, depending on individual hair growth and maintenance.

Yes, it's possible to get both treatments done at the same time for a more dramatic effect. In fact that's what we recommend!

PERMANENT MAKEUP

Cosmetic tattooing, also referred to as semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation, is the process of implanting colour pigment beneath the surface of the skin by means of tiny, sterile, disposable needles to produce the appearance of hair strokes, makeup, or to enhance the natural features of the face.

The purpose of cosmetic tattooing is to enhance the natural features of a client. Cosmetic tattooing is softer and more subtle – it is meant to be a natural-looking enhancement. Body tattoos use ink while cosmetic tattoo procedures involve pigments. These pigments are designed to gently fade over time. Fading is desired as it allows the artist to make changes to colour and shape over the years as the client’s natural colouration and facial changes occur.

A highly-effective, topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Pain threshold levels vary from person to person and every effort is made to ensure you remain comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. Having this service performed during your menstrual cycle may increase discomfort during your procedure. If you are a frequent smoker, the topical anesthetics used during the treatment will not last as long. If you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, be aware that this may affect your sensitivity tolerance to the procedure.

You must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo service at San Diego Lashes.

As a precaution, we do not perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing women.

Cosmetic tattoo treatments will not wash off, however, they will fade over time and may need to be refreshed every 1-2 years. Frequency of sessions depends on a number of factors including: the pigment colour used (lighter colours fade faster), lifestyle (sun exposure), and if any chemical peels come into contact with treated areas. Please note that final results CANNOT be guaranteed as each unique skin type will hold pigments differently and break down at different rates. We will re-evaluate how your skin has received the pigment at your second session and make any changes necessary. Multiple sessions are normal for cosmetic tattoo procedures, with each new procedure requiring a minimum of 2 visits. Your second session can be booked no sooner than 2 months after the initial appointment. Additional sessions will be charged according to our current pricing.

For most clients, a minimum of two treatments are usually needed, at least 8 weeks apart. With most procedures, the colour looks dramatically lighter after the first week. Some clients prefer this, while others opt for a bolder look. At the second session, we will assess the colour retention and make adjustments as necessary. Everyone heals differently and at different rates. If your cosmetic tattoo does not heal perfectly after the first session, do not worry! We can always go darker and add more density at your next appointment.

Chemical exfoliants and anti-aging products such as retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, etc. can lighten the cosmetic tattoo over time with continued use. This is due to the enhanced skin cell turnover and rapid exfoliating of the area. We recommend discontinuing use of these products at lesat 3-4 weeks before receiving a cosmetic tattoo. It is also best to avoid using these products directly on the tattooed area after your cosmetic tattoo is healed for better long term results.

If you have an ideal shape and colour in mind, bring a few reference photos with you to your appointment. You may fill in your eyebrows as you normally would so we can take into consideration the shape you desire. If you regularly get your eyebrows shaped, waxed, threaded or tinted, please do so at least 3 days before your appointment. If there are any stray hairs that fall outside of our final shape, we can remove them. If you plan to go on a vacation, it is recommended to plan your trip a minimum of 14 days after the procedure. We require our clients to avoid any blood thinning medication for a minimum of 72 hours prior to their appointment. This includes Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil supplements, and Ibuprofen. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and day of your appointment and limit the amount of caffeine you consume. If you have been on prescription Accutane in the past, you MUST wait at least one year before considering this procedure. It is highly recommended that you avoid SUN and TANNING BED exposure for 30 days BEFORE and AFTER your procedure. If you show up for your appointment with a new tan or a sunburn, you will need to reschedule and will forfeit your deposit. As your skin exfoliates from a sunburn, it will take the pigment with it.

Your semi-permanent makeup will appear darker and more intense than expected for the first few days. This will gradually lighten during the complete healing process. Redness and swelling is minimal.

During your appointment, we will analyze your skin's undertone to anticipate how pigment colours will fade in the future. We will also mix pigments to ensure colour blends well with your existing eyebrow and hair colour. The majority of our clients' cosmetic tattoos stay true to color and lighten naturally over time. There are some cases, however, where colours may fade to different tones according to the individual’s response to the pigments (like lifestyle and iron deficiencies). Many factors affect these changes. At your next appointment, we will re-analyze how your body has responded to the initial colour. Special formula alteration to correct the colour and to prevent further colour change is made at this time. Your eyebrow tattoo will eventually look softer and have more of a "powdered" look. This happens with all clients as the skin ages. To keep your hair strokes looking good, a refresher appointment is suggested every 1 to 2 years. Results vary with each client.

A good sunscreen should be applied daily AFTER healing and is required to help keep colour true. As with any tattoo, sun exposure will make the colour soften faster.

Fading speed depends on your skin type, lifestyle, sun exposure, pigment colour used, broken capillaries, and if any chemical peels were done after your procedure.

If you are planning a chemical peel, laser treatment or other medical procedure, please inform the technician that you have had a cosmetic tattoo. Careful application must be taken to avoid affecting the tattooed area.

If you have extremely oily skin, the hair stroke eyebrow technique will NOT work well for you. The constant production of oil will cause the hairstrokes to heal with a diffused, softer look. Your end result will look more powdered than you would expect.

If you have little to no existing hair, your tattoo will appear more 2-dimensional than those clients who have more hair naturally.

If you are a frequent smoker, your pigment may fade sooner.

If you are iron deficient or Anemic, your pigment may fade sooner and bleeding/bruising may occur during and after the procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had your eyebrows previously tattooed we cannot guarantee results for cases such as these. In some instances where the previous work is too dark, dense, discoloured, or large, tattoo removal will be highly recommended before our services will be considered. Previously tattooed areas will almost always require additional sessions and will be charged accordingly. Some special cases may be considered. Please send us photos PRIOR to booking so that we can ensure that your brows are workable at this time. 

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