FAQ’s + Aftercare
Lash FAQ’s + Aftercare
WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
All eyelash extensions are made of PBT or PET fiber, often labeled synthetic silk or mink. Real mink lash extensions do exist but we do not use them here at VLL. Eyelash extensions come in different curls, lengths and thicknesses. Anywhere from 1 extension for classic, or 20 extensions for mega volume are applied to a single natural lash with a semi permanent adhesive, the active ingredient being cyanoacrylate.
HOW LONG DO THEY USUALLY LAST?
Lash extensions last as long as your natural lash cycle. There are 3 cycles of growth (anagen, catagen and telogen) so we always have growing, resting, and about to shed lashes. We typically have 80-120 eyelashes per eye and shed 2-5 a day, so by 2-3 weeks you could have lost 40% of your set, which is why regular fills are necessary. It really depends on the individual, but your set can look really nice for several weeks before needing a fill.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO APPLY THEM?
This depends on your natural lashes and the set you desire. A full set can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, and fills are typically 60-90 minutes, again depending on the style you choose.
CAN I WEAR MAKEUP WITH MY LASHES?
Yes you can, but know that those who do wear full coverage makeup typically lose extensions prematurely. Mascara is not recommended on eyelash extensions, as it will shorten the life of your lash extensions as it cannot be removed effectively without rubbing or using removal agents that contain glycol which can affect retention.
WILL LASH EXTENSIONS DAMAGE MY NATURAL LASHES?
No! When applied properly, meaning perfect isolation, proper weight and length of eyelash extensions, and the correct amount of adhesive they will not harm your natural lashes. Problems occur when multiple lashes are glued together, or super heavy extensions are placed. This can cause permanent damage to the lash follicle, and sometimes regrowth does not occur, causing a permanent bald spot.
How do I take care of my lashes?
Other artist work:
As much as I’d like to, I no longer fill other artists' work. I’ve done it in the past and more often than not, I was unable to do a service I felt good about due to what I had to work with. I found it difficult due to multiple natural lashes adhered together and excess adhesive causing a serious mess to work with. This isn’t always the case, but to save both of us time, it’s best to schedule a removal and full set.
LASH AFTERCARE
-Clean your lashes daily! This is the most important step for long lasting extensions and healthy eyes. First of all, our eyelashes are there to protect debris from getting in our eyes. Dirt and other environmental debris can build up in our lashes. Second, we all have a small amount of lash mites that clean our hair follicles, if your not cleaning properly, you leave icky bacteria for lash mites to thrive on and multiply. Third, you can develop blepharitis. Blepharitis Is inflammation of the eyelid that affects the eyelashes or tear production. Most of the time, blepharitis happens because you have too much bacteria on your eyelids at the base of your eyelashes. Having bacteria on your skin is normal, but too much bacteria can cause problems. You can also get blepharitis if the oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or irritated. Medical treatment is needed to care for this condition.
CLEAN YOUR LASHES!
-Avoid picking, pulling and sleeping on your face. Doing so will result in losing lash extensions and possibly your natural lashes as well, which means less extensions the next time you come for a fill.
-Avoid eyelash curlers. Using one will break the bond of the lash extensions resulting in losing them, and again the possibility of losing or breaking your natural lashes.
-Avoid direct heat. Getting to close to a bonfire, having your face in front of the oven upon opening, or drying with a blow dryer can sizzle/melt the lash extensions. Most commonly used extensions are made from a PBT fiber that can easily melt.
-Avoid waterproof makeup around the eyes. It’s is extremely difficult to remove, and using eye makeup remover typically has a form of glycol which can affect the bond of the lash extension to the natural lash, causing you to lose extensions.
-Avoid water, saunas, swimming and facials for 4-6 hours after your appointment.
-Avoid cotton swabs and rounds, the fuzzies can get stuck in the lashes.
-Avoid mascara on eyelash extensions, I don’t care what you read online about “safe mascara”, it’s a pain in the rear end to clean properly.
-Do use Viva Lash Pro foaming cleanser to cleanse the lashes and remove makeup on and around the eyes.
-Do brush daily to keep them looking fluffy and fresh.
-Do schedule regular fills to keep those lashes looking fabulous.
Wax FAQ’s + Aftercare
WHAT IS WAXING?
Waxing is a form of hair removal that removes the entire hair from the follicle. In contrast, shaving, clippers and chemical removal agents blunt the hair at the surface. Wax is applied to the skin and “shrink wraps” around the hair follicle allowing the hair to be pulled from the root. Because the entire hair is removed, skin is left smooth and outlasts any other form of hair removal.
DO WAXING TREATMENTS HURT?
Well it doesn't feel good, but everyone responds a little differently! We’re removing a lot of coarse hair during the first visit (especially for brazilian waxing) so it's typically the worst. With consistent 3-5 week visits, discomfort from waxing is greatly diminished.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS FROM WAXING LAST?
Most people get waxed every 4 weeks with great success. Best results come after your 3rd wax, since by this time we should have waxed all 3 stages of hair growth. With each wax your hair will get softer and softer.
WILL MY SKIN EXPERIENCE A REACTION?
Possibly. If you have a tendency towards ingrown hairs and irritation from shaving, you are more likely to have the same reactions waxing, although dramatically decreased. To minimize skin reactions, you must follow home care instructions including exfoliating and moisturizing, and get waxed on a regular schedule.
I AM ON MEDICATION, WILL THIS AFFECT MY WAX?
Users of Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane are advised not to use if waxing the face, as these medications tend to weaken the skin. Because of this, tearing of the skin may occur when the wax is removed.
WILL MY HAIR GROW BACK THICKER?
No! Only hormonal changes, either natural or artificial, can alter hair growth.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM WAXING?
Your best results will come after wax number 3, resulting in no hair left behind, ultimate smoothness, slow hair regrowth and little skin irritation. This is because by this time we’ve gotten all 3 hair growth cycles.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME IN?
Come in for a wax every 4 weeks. We do experience different growth rates but on average, the 4-week mark is the best time. This timing is based on the 3 stages of hair growth.
CAN I GET A WAX WHILE I’M MENSTRUATING?
Yes! Please do not cancel your appointment if you have your menstrual cycle. Just insert a tampon and you’re good to go. FYI there are differing opinions as to whether or not waxing hurts more on your cycle. Some do believe the pain is worse while others experience no changes in discomfort at all.
HOW LONG DOES MY HAIR NEED TO BE?
Your hair should be ¼ to ½ inch long, or 3-4 weeks of outgrowth after your last shave or wax.
WHAT DO I WEAR TO MY WAXING APPOINTMENT?
We suggest wearing loose clothing. The skin is usually sensitive post waxing service and you won’t want to wear anything that is skin tight or rubs.
What can I do before and after waxing for best results?
BEFORE YOUR WAXING TREATMENT
Stop tweezing and/or shaving 2.5 to 3 weeks prior to your first treatment. Although your hair needs to be at least a quarter inch to be waxed, hair that’s too long can make waxing more difficult and painful.
Regularly exfoliate and moisturize the area to be waxed. Exfoliating helps loosen existing ingrown hairs and improves your waxing results. Just make sure to be gentle — if you scrub too hard you could irritate your skin, which isn’t ideal before waxing.
Always start your waxing session with freshly washed skin, free of sweat, oil, makeup, dirt, or other residue.
Grime increases your chance of incurring infected bumps, and oily skin and hair can prevent wax from sticking.
24-48 HOURS after waxing
No saunas, hot tubs, massage or steam treatments.
No tanning (sunbathing, sun beds or fake tans).
No sport, gym work or other exercise.
Avoid scratching or touching the treated area with unwashed hands.
Wear clean, loose fitting clothes.
Avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.
Do not apply deodorants, body sprays, powders or lotions.
VLL Policies
ARRIVAL TIME
Please aim to arrive ON TIME to your scheduled appointment with clean/makeup free eyes and lashes. Extra time spent cleaning your lashes will mean less time applying new extensions. If you arrive after your scheduled appointment time, it may not be possible to extend the time available for your booked service; if your service is shortened due to your late arrival, you will still be charged the full cost of the service.
CHANGING YOUR APPOINTMENT + CANCELLATION + NO SHOW
As a courtesy, appointment reminders are sent out 1 week via email and 1 day via text.
A minimum of 48 hours notice is required to reschedule or cancel a booked appointment without penalty.
If an appointment is canceled/rescheduled within 24 hours of your appointment time, you will be charged 50% of your scheduled service.
If your appointment is canceled the day of or you are a no show, you will be charged 100% of your scheduled service.
You are allowed 2 "no charge” short notice cancellations (24hr and day of) and after that NO EXCEPTIONS will be made.
LATE ARRIVAL
Late arrivals will not be discounted. For example, if you arrive late to an Extended Fill and now only have time for a Regular Fill, you will still be responsible for the Extended Fill cost as this time was reserved for you.
FIRST TIME APPOINTMENT and APPOINTMENTS OVER $100.
A non-refundable retainer of 50% of service is required for all new clients OR appointments over $100. This fee will be applied to the cost of your visit. This is to protect the time set aside especially for you, and to protect our time which books up quickly. This deposit is due upon booking.
OTHER ARTISTS' WORK
As much as I’d like to, I no longer fill other artists' work. I’ve done it in the past and more often than not, I was unable to do a service I felt good about due to what I had to work with. I found it difficult due to multiple natural lashes adhered together and excess adhesive causing a serious mess to work with. This isn’t always the case, but to save both of us time, it’s best to schedule a removal and full set.
REFUND POLICY
You are paying for the artist's time, product and other expenses used to provide you with a service, therefore no refunds will be given on services or products.