WHAT ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS? 
eyelash extensions are essentially synthetic eyelashes that are individually adhered to a person's natural lash using an ISO/FDA approved medical grade adhesive. they are available in an array of textures (finishes), lengths, curls and widths.  these babies are by and large, one of the simplest and most innovative ways to enhance ones' natural lash line meanwhile catching up on some well needed zZzz's!

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
you may hear about this quite often--mink, synthetic, silk, cashmere, errr...white siberian snowball tiger fur?!?  what does all of this mean??
well first things first--STOP THINKING and allow us to bear it all out now... there is NO such difference that exists--at least not without having to rob the pot of gold from the end of the rainbow from the lucky charms leprechaun in addition to selling your first born to fund your lash frenzy.  
though 100% mink lash extensions DO exist, they are most certainly NOT hypoallergenic, or cost effective for how often they'd need a refreshing and thus, NOT a popular option in the lash industry. therefore, for the rest of us normal and fabulously mindful people, please note that "all" and we repeat "ALL" lash extensions are the same.  
all the above mentioned are made from a synthetic fiber otherwise known as Polybutylene Terephthalate or PBT as they not only maintain their curl and shape, but they are also manufactured to come in various lengths, widths, sizes and finishes (satin, matte etc.) to truly cater to all types of people and personal preferences. 

CLASSIC LASH EXTENSIONS VS RUSSIAN VOLUME LASH EXTENSIONS
most commonly offered in the beauty industry today are the CLASSIC lash extensions method which is, simply put, lash extensions adhered to a natural lash on a 1:1 ratio.  these extensions are typically thicker in width ranging in sizes from 0.15mm to 0.25mm!  however, industry stands will point out that the thickest lash a technician should use is 0.20mm, as anything beyond this risks severe lash damage over time.  this is by far the most naturally flattering way to visibly lengthen your lash line without looking like a walking arachnology museum! toss that clumpy mascara tube away!

 

RUSSIAN VOLUME lashes, on the other hand, are several much finer and softer lash extensions hand crafted by a licensed technician into "fans" (we call these "fans" because of the way the extensions are positioned to fan out) that are adhered to each natural lash--so, trust us when we say that the amount of volume and depth one can achieve truly is endless!

 

pending on your desired fullness and the condition of your natural lash and the weight it can hold (2D=2 lash extension fan, 3D=3 lash extension fan, 4D=4 lash extension fan, 5, 6, 7, 8...you get the picture!!), your lash artist will customize each fan for you accordingly.  these extensions range in widths from 0.10mm, 0.07mm, 0.05mm, to the latest and finest on the market to date, cashmere mink at a very fine width of 0.03mm! 

WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?
if it's your first time getting lash extensions, we recommend booking a consultation with us first so we have the time to get to know you and your needs and wants a bit more clearly.  once you are ready, please be advised that you will be lying down for anywhere from 1 to 3.5 hours pending on the service booked, where most of our clients choose to fall asleep.  
we always value time, so we are happy to kill two birds with one stone and provide you with a mini eye treatment while we're at it by applying collagen gel pads just beneath your eyes for a little firming and hydrating session--because, why not?! 
your eyes will remain closed after this step until the extensions have all been applied and the procedure is finished.  the application of lash extensions is completely PAINLESS and you'll wake up with beautiful, boldly lush lashes!
 

DO LASH EXTENSIONS CAUSE YOUR NATURAL LASHES TO FALL OUT?
the application of lash extensions, when applied properly by a trained professional, will not cause hair loss, nor will it cause eyelashes to fall out.  it is important to remember that your natural lashes have their own life cycle of shedding and growing – like the hair found elsewhere on your body.  did you know that on average we shed anywhere between 2 to 5 lashes per day?!  it’s hard to notice small lashes falling out, but when attached to a black thicker, longer lash they become much more noticeable and hence the fear of balding!  naturally, if and/or when you suddenly decide to have your extensions removed, you may realize that your own eyes appear smaller, your natural lashes, shorter and more sparse because you’ve been accustomed to a full set of longer, thicker lashes.

 

ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LASH EXTENSIONS? 
as with any product on the market, there is a very small chance of an allergic reaction (approximately 1%, actually). With a true allergic reaction, swelling of the eyes will occur within the first 48 hours and will worsen if not removed, wherein a normal eye irritation of redness due to adhesive fumes and gel pad exposure will eventually subside within 24 to 72 hours  (tip: the use of hydration eye drops help speed up the subsiding process).  
so, if you are one of the seldom few that actually is or has become aware that you are in fact having an allergic reaction, we kindly encourage that you please contact The Ritz & Glam Studio immediately and we will remove the extensions free of charge.  in this instance, once these are removed, the swelling will dissipate within a few days, and your eyes will be back to normal without any damage to either your eyes or lashes.

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IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT? 
yes--it is best to arrive without any eye makeup.  do not curl your lashes or wear mascara the day before and the day of your appointment as mascara and other eye makeup often leave microscopic trails of residue which will in turn impact the bonding of the adhesive during the lashing process.  so arriving fresh faced will minimize the ‘cleanup’ time and allow more time to apply your lash extensions accordingly.

HOW LONG DO THEY LAST? 
our natural growth cycle really depends how fast our individual hair grows and replenishes itself! generally speaking though, classic lashes last between 3 to 4 weeks with noticeable shedding within the first 2 weeks.  volume lashes last anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks with noticeable shedding in first 3 weeks.
volume lashes typically last longer as they are much lighter in weight and the base of the extension is much finer in size making it harder to fall or be pick off.  of course, these are simply intended averages only, and some people may experience much better retention while others do not; factors include the strength and texture of your natural lash, your lifestyle and of course the way in which you care for your lash extensions.

 

HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR THEM?

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS, although we do finish each of our lash appointments with a nano mister to completely cure the lash adhesive, we still recommend, if possible for you, that you do not get your lashes wet.  you just got them done, so why not be more careful if you can be in ensuring your lash retention, right?
therefore, we advise that you avoid the shower (take a warm bath instead or shower before your appointment), steam rooms, massages, facials, tanning, and sweaty workouts regimes till at least the next day.  you are more than welcome to wash your face; however, use a face cloth to rinse around the eye area to keep it dry.

 

AFTER 24 HOURS, we recommend that you refrain from eye make-up as much as you can (your new lashes will make your eyes really stand out already!) since the oils from eyeshadows and liners will break down the bond of your extensions more quickly.  when you do wear eye makeup, use a lint free applicator and oil-free makeup remover to keep the skin around your eyes clean.  liquid liner is preferred over pencil and powder as it is not as greasy and thus, easier to clean.  stay clear of gel liners--they are not extension friendly.
for all you wing lovers out there that simply can't part ways with your liner, we do sell and recommend the use of best seller "Geisha Ink" which are oil free, streak free, and cleans off easily with simple water based removers.

 

The NO-NO’s: no curling your lash extensions, no waterproof mascara, try your best to avoid using your regular sleep/eye masks, and the smooshing of your face into the pillow at night unless you have one of our Bucky Sleep Masks made especially for lash extensions.  ask your technician for details, if interested.
use a face cloth and cotton swabs to wash your face and eyelids (instead of splashing water everywhere) – also great for a gentle daily exfoliation to prevent your lids from flaking.  avoid the direct spray in the shower, because as much as your lash extensions ARE waterproof, they are in no way jet-spray-in-your-face-proof.  if you're an active gym goer, use a headband when working up a sweat, as this prevents sweat from dripping into your eyes.  we're not telling you that choosing to do your lashes means to swear yourself into the 'couch-fused butt club' going forward, we're merely advising that you take better care in understanding that the bond of the extensions weaken with excessive sweat and oil build up, therefore ,those who engage in high cardio workouts, as well as hot yoga, will notice a compromise in the lifespan of their extensions versus someone who does not.  

 

WHO SHOULD NOT WEAR EYELASH EXTENSIONS?
lash extensions may not be suitable for those who:
 

• have a pre-existing eyelid or eye condition; such as blepharitis or ocular rosacea

• are very rough with themselves and do not want to follow aftercare instructions

• want a very heavy mascara look without resorting to russian volume, and do not have the natural lashes to support it with the classic application

• have a condition called Trichotillomania, which is hair loss resulting from compulsive pulling or twisting of the hair, brows or in this case, eyelashes

• are in chlorinated water many times a week

• cannot control rubbing their eyes excessively

• have had recent eye or eyelid surgery within the past 4 weeks

• have had any type of invasive treatment around the eye or face area; including but not limited to dermal filler injections or major rhinoplasty 

• have never had extensions before (or not for a while), and you are pregnant or nursing and thus unable to lay still for an extended period of time (at your own discretion)

• have allergies to or have had a reaction to acrylate products; including acrylic nails (as all variations of adhesives contain varying concentrations of cyanoacrylate)

 

**PLEASE DO NOT HAVE THEM APPLIED IF THERE IS ANY EXISTING TYPE OF IRRITATION TO YOUR EYES OR THE SKIN SURROUNDING IT**

 

DO YOU RECOMMEND EYELASH EXTENSIONS FOR MY WEDDING DAY OR WHEN I TRAVEL? 
yes--we most certainly do!  lash extensions will allow you the freedom of looking beautiful without the fuss!  no more worrying about runny mascara or the persistent lifting of falsie edges ever again!  #WOKEUPLIKEDIS 
however, if you’ve never tried extensions before, we recommend having them applied at least 4-5 days before you leave for travel, just in case you happen to fall into the small percentage of those who may have an allergic reaction.  
for brides, we recommend you come in and try our Classic NATURAL set (if you're new to the world of lashes), at least 1 month before your big day to decide on the look you want and to rule out any possible irritation, if applicable.  this way you'll  become a pro at caring for your extensions and can book a FULL set a few days prior to your big day with confidence!
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:  WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP AND/ OR MICROBLADING SERVICE? 

• do no pick/ tweeze/ wax/ or perform any electrolysis treatment at least one week before your procedural appointment

• do not tan (whether naturally or with a tanning bed) at least two weeks prior to your procedural appointment **YOU MUST under no circumstance, be sunburned!**

• do not undergo any kind of facial at least two weeks prior to your procedural appointment

• do not workout the day of your procedural appointment

• you must not have any BOTOX treatments performed at least three weeks prior to your procedural appointment

• do not take any Fish Oil, Vitamin E or any kind of Blood Thinning supplements at least one week prior to your procedural appointment

• do not wax or tint your eyebrows at least 3 days before your procedural appointment
  
  To avoid any possibility of excessive bleeding and poor color deposit, please:

• do not drink alcohol 24 to 48 hours before your procedural appointment

• do not consume coffee before your procedural appointment

• do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for pain relief (as these are blood thinners) before your procedural appointment

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