Many beauty therapy clinics offer Eyelash Extensions; it’s just a matter of choosing the right one for you. It’s a good idea to shop around and do your research to not only look for the best price but also the most find a qualified salon with a track record or great results.
The cost of Eyelash Extensions can run anywhere from $100 to $500 in the United States, depending on the type and number of lashes applied, the qualification and skill of the aesthetician and the location of the salon. It usually takes 90 minutes to two hours to apply, depending on the number of false eyelashes and the speed of the aesthetician.
An average person might have anywhere from thirty to eighty lashes per eye. The variance in the number of lashes accounts for the difference in how long it takes to apply them. Many salons will give you different service options, which will vary in the number of lashes applied. The more lashes applied, the more dramatic the look. The more dramatic looks are great for special occasions and are often applied for weddings. These options are also more expensive.
Many eyelash extension salons offer repair options, where you can go in to get the fallen extensions replaced within a few weeks from the initial application. This will usually be offered at a lower cost.
Eyelash Extensions are temporary and can last up to 8 weeks depending on your lash cycle and after care. The average lash life cycle is around 25-28 days and as your lashes grow and fall out, so will the individual extensions. A good way to assess your lash cycle is to look at the growth speed of your hair and nails. If your hair and nails grow quickly, it is likely your eyelashes also shed quickly and your extensions will not last as long as someone with slow growth. This may be a good indication of how much you will want to spend on your extensions. If you have very fast growth and it is likely that the extensions will only last 3 weeks, you may want to consider a lower cost option such as individual false eyelashes.
Eyelash Extension Expertise Levels
The qualification or certification of the aesthetician applying your lashes is very important. Many salons claim to have the experience or have attended extension workshops but may not necessarily be industry certified. Certification is important because it verifies that the aesthetician is aware of industry standards and best practice when it comes to applying extensions, therefore minimising any associated risk or harm during and after lash application.
Master Lash Specialist
- 3+ years of expertise with several advanced techniques
- Shorter application time
- All necessary training completed with maximum state and industry requirements.
- Up to date with eyelash extension industry trends.
- An instructor of Eyelash Extensions a
- Member of the Lasholigist Association of America.
Senior Lash Specialist
- 1+ years of expertise
- Completed all state and industry requirements
- Up to date with continuing education.
- Mentored by a master lash specialist.
Lash Specialist
- 6+ months of expertise
- Completed minimum state and industry requirements
- Regular attendance at trade shows and conventions.
- Up to date with continuing education
- Mentored by a master lash specialist
Eyelash extension prices will vary according the expertise level above. A Master Lash Specialist will charge premium rates. Make sure you ask about the certification level of the aesthetician before dishing the cash!
Important questions to ask before making your appointment:
- How long have you been applying Eyelash Extensions?
- What company are you certified with?
- What level of certification do you have?
Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of certification. These are your eyes you’re dealing with…they are quite important!!!
Beware of the phonies!!
Be ware of the salons that offer extensions for ridiculously low prices. This can mean that they are not qualified or they are merely using cheaper false eyelashes with semi permanent glue.
Confusingly, some salons and spas are offer “cluster” or “flare” lashes under the name ‘‘lash extensions’’. ‘‘Cluster’’ or ‘‘flare’’ lashes can be done in less than half the time of true extensions, and often cost much less. However, these little groups of 4-6 hairs should never be applied with the semi-permanent glue used for true lash extensions. To do so often causes severe loss of natural lashes. This happens because these groups of hairs pull at the natural lashes from several different directions at the same time. Cluster lashes can be perfectly safe to use, provided they are attached with adhesives that are worn for one day only. As explained earlier under Temporary Individual False Eyelashes, cluster lashes are a great option when applying your own individual false eyelashes. However, it is very misleading for salons to refer these as ‘‘extensions’’.
If a salon or spa is advertising ‘‘Eyelash Extensions’’, the lashes applied should be single, individual hairs. If they are clusters, run the other way!… Or run home and do them yourself!
