Eyelash extensions: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What eyelash extensions is

A lash technician glues individual synthetic lashes onto your natural lashes, one lash at a time or in small sets. The work changes how your eyes look and needs a careful eye area, a steady hand and a plan for fills.

Signs you need it

  • You want fuller or longer lashes without using mascara every day
  • You have a wedding, photo shoot or big event and want lashes that last
  • Your natural lashes are short, sparse or uneven in length
  • You want a specific look, such as a wispy, natural or dramatic set
  • You want a lash plan that fits how often you can book fills

What the pro does

  • Checks your natural lashes, eye area and any eye or skin sensitivities before starting
  • Asks about allergies and past reactions to adhesives or lash products
  • Maps the set by length, curl and thickness to match the look you want
  • Isolates each natural lash and glues one extension to it with a fast-drying adhesive
  • Checks the placement, the spacing and the comfort of the set before finishing
  • Gives you aftercare steps and a schedule for fills

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The look you want, such as a natural set, a volume set or a full dramatic set
  • How many lashes are needed to cover the eye, and how thick the set is
  • Whether the set is a full set or a fill
  • The length and curl of the extensions
  • How long the application takes, which depends on the look and your natural lashes
  • Whether a lash lift, tint or removal is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The look, the length and curl of the extensions
  • Whether the appointment is a full set or a fill, and the expected time
  • Whether a patch test, consultation or removal is included
  • The aftercare products and whether they are part of the service
  • The cancellation and late arrival terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are the adhesives you use safe for my eyes, and do you patch test new clients?
  • Can I see photos of your work on eyes like mine, from the side and the front?
  • How long will the set last, and how often do I need a fill?
  • How do you keep the glue off my skin and my natural lashes?
  • Do you have any experience with my eye shape and lash type?
  • What should I do if my eyes feel irritated after the appointment?
  • How do you remove the lashes safely if I want to stop?

Red flags

  • Skips a patch test or an allergy check for a new client
  • Will not show how the lashes look from the side or after a few weeks
  • Uses adhesives with no clear information about their ingredients or their safety
  • Lashes are placed too close to the lash line, or the set is heavy on weak lashes
  • Promises the set will last with no aftercare or fill schedule

What you can do yourself

You can keep your natural lashes clean and gently brushed, and avoid oil-based makeup removers near the lash line. Use a lash comb to keep the lashes separated, and remove any mascara gently. Hire a trained lash technician for the application, the removal and any fill, because the glue can cause eye irritation or damage natural lashes if it is placed wrong.

Licenses and permits

Lash extensions are commonly covered by state cosmetology or esthetics rules, and some states require a license for this work. Check with your state's cosmetology or esthetics licensing board before you book, and ask the technician how they are licensed.

Eyelash extensions questions

How long does a full set take?

A full set often takes a good part of a visit, depending on the look and how many lashes are needed. Ask the technician for an estimate before you book.

Can I wear mascara with extensions?

Most technicians advise against mascara on extensions, because it can loosen the glue and pull the lashes. Ask for a list of products that are safe for your set.

How often do I need a fill?

Fills are usually scheduled as your natural lashes shed and grow. Ask the technician for a timing plan based on your lash growth and the look you chose.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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