DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
What to expect when getting lash extensions
Browco Brow & Lash Bar has 10 salons throughout New South Wales and Queensland, so it’s a slick operation run by experts who know exactly what they’re doing. I experienced my lash application at the Chermside salon, which features a very ‘gram-friendly flower wall, complete with floral-festooned swing (the ideal location for a quick pic featuring your newly glammed-up brows or lashes), and fuschia neon lights declaring ‘let the brow magic begin’. Colour me excited! My appointment lasted about two hours, and began with a detailed consult about my natural lashes, any eye or skin sensitivities, and what look I would like to achieve. It’s worth noting that if 90 minutes spent solely on your lashes sounds like torture to you, appointments can take as long as three hours for sets involving fans, which was one of the reasons I didn’t want to go any fuller than a classic set. While lash extensions aren’t generally considered dangerous, any beauty procedure undertaken so close to the eye area should only be performed by a technician who you are confident is extremely experienced. As an example of the possible, if fairly unlikely, dangers, I was asked to sign a waiver releasing the salon from liability if the process blinds you, so when Deb advises to choose an experienced technician and a reputable, insured salon, don’t take this lightly. Browco’s professional approach and expertise in all things lashes made me feel comfortable signing away and getting ready to be beautified.
What does it feel like to have lash extensions applied?
After the consult, my chair was reclined to a completely horizontal position so the lash application process could begin, beginning with a thorough cleanse. Deb explained to us that this is usually a two step process, where firstly lashes are cleansed of makeup, oil, and debris, and then a protein remover is applied which will help the glue to bond to the lashes. After this cleansing, my Browco technician applied soft, pre-soaked pads underneath my lower lashes to protect them, which she said some clients can find irritating to the delicate under-eye skin, although it didn’t bother me. Then, one by one, she began applying individual extension to my lashes, working thoroughly and carefully as she went to check they were evenly spaced and creating the shape we had discussed. The only part of the process my own fairly sensitive peepers didn’t love was after the extensions had been applied, when I opened my eyes and was first exposed to the fumes from the glue, but I was warned to expect that and it dissipated quickly.
What to do while you’re having lash extensions applied (you’ll have your eyes closed for an hour, so no phone for you)
I took the hour in the chair as an opportunity to ask my technician all the questions I had for this piece, but presuming you’re not planning to write about your own experience, unless you’re a raging extrovert I’d strongly recommend taking headphones and zoning out with a podcast. Deb notes that many of her Love Those Lashes clients fall asleep during the process, which may have something to do with the beds (complete with electric blankets and faux fur throws, if you don’t mind) her treatments take place on. Overall there is zero pain or discomfort during the application process itself, it just takes time, so accepting that you’ll be there for a long time and just relaxing is the best way to get through it.