Maybe you’ve got a big event coming up. Maybe you just want to give your everyday look a little oomph. There are plenty of reasons to want a semi-permanent boost to your lashes, and eyelash extensions are a great way to do it. But if it’s your first time or you’re trying out a new lash specialist, do you know which questions to ask?

At Whiplash, we’re a Cronulla-based team of brow and lash professionals, servicing clients from all over the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney areas. Our FAQs have answers to the questions we hear most often, but here’s what we think you should always ask a lash stylist before getting eyelash extensions, even if you’re not getting them from us for some weird reason.

1. What are your qualifications?

Ok, so asking someone this directly might sound a little aggro. Luckily, most lash specialists will advertise their qualifications or experience on their website or social media profiles. But if you don’t see any mentions about experience, you should try to find a nice way to ask:

• Have they been trained in lash application?
• How long did they train?
• How long have they been providing lash extensions? Have they worked at any other studios and, if so, which ones were they?

Lashes are delicate, so you’ll want a specialist who knows how to take care of them. Be sure to double check that you’re putting them in the hands of someone who’s qualified and experienced.

2. Do you have any pictures of your work?

After you’ve confirmed that a lash specialist is qualified, it’s ideal to see pictures of work they’ve done. If you’re after a specific look, before and after photos of lash extensions can give you a better idea of what to expect.

For example, do they normally provide a more subtle, natural look or a more dramatic, glam look? Can they do both? Checking out photos of their work can answer those sorts of questions pretty quickly! And if there are any celebrities whose lashes you covet, bring in some pics for the lash stylist to reference. They should give you an honest opinion about what’s achievable.

Oh, and by the way, you can find pictures of our work here and on Instagram or Facebook. Just saying.

3. Are eyelash extensions right for me?

We’re biased because we love lash extensions, but even we can admit that they aren’t necessarily right for everybody in every instance. Like, if you have an eye infection? Definitely hold off until you clear it up with a doctor!

There are other health-related situations that can affect whether extensions are right for you. Pregnancy can be a complicating factor, which we discuss in our FAQs.

Or, in some cases, you might already have incredibly thick long lashes (you lucky thing) and a lash tint or lash lift might be a better fit for your budget.

Lash stylists should be able to have an honest conversation with you about your circumstances, needs, budget, and what makes the most sense for your lashes. If you’re feeling unsure, ask them outright for a professional opinion.

4. What type of lash extensions do you recommend for me?

Did you know lash extensions come in different lengths, shapes, and materials? That’s why “Which type of lash extensions are best for me?” is a great question to ask early.

A lot of lash stylists will ask you what kind of lashes you like, or why you want lash extensions. These questions might even be part of the initial form you fill out during your first appointment. Even your natural lashes themselves can influence what sort of extensions you should consider.

Here’s an example: if you have sparse or brittle lashes, a lighter type of extension may be better for you. This is especially true if you want to wear them regularly and not just for a one-off special occasion. In that case, your lash stylist might recommend mink or faux-mink lash extensions, which can be a lighter option than other materials.

How the lashes are applied can make a difference, too. Some people prefer more volume toward the outer corners of their eye, or greater volume toward the centre for a more “doe-eyed” look. If you aren’t sure which type of look is right for you, a lash stylist can make recommendations based on your lashes, your eye shape, and overall face shape.

So if a lash stylist hasn’t asked you these kinds of questions and hasn’t discussed extension type or material, then make sure you’re starting the conversation yourself.

5. Should I get lash tinting, too?

If you have very fair lashes, which is the case for a lot of you lovely blondes and redheads out there, then tinting your lashes first can be a good way to enhance lash volume even more. While an eyelash extension usually covers up the entire lash, you may be able to see hints of the natural lash along the lashline if you look really closely.

Tinting the natural lashes before applying the extensions can give you a darker, fuller look. If you’re not sure, your lash specialist should be able to offer a little guidance on what’s best for you. A good stylist will give it you straight.

6. Do my extensions require any special care?

There are some mostly universal rules to caring for lash extensions:

• don’t get them wet in the first 24 hours
• brush them regularly
• don’t sleep on your stomach or otherwise allow the extensions to get crunched against hard surfaces
• try to be gentle with them, and
• avoid copious amounts of steam whenever possible.

Sometimes, different lash specialists use different types of glue or materials, so it’s best to double check if there’s anything else you should be doing to keep your extensions looking fresh or if you’ll need to come back more often for infills.

If your extensions require a little more upkeep than usual, you’ll probably want to know beforehand.

7. Which forms of payment do you accept?

This is another answer that you can usually find on their website, but be sure to ask them if you don’t see any information about it.

For instance, we offer Afterpay if you want to break up the cost of your lash extensions. Always know your options!

Get in touch

These are the questions we think you should ask beforehand, but we know clients have their own individual questions or concerns when it comes to eyelash extensions. We can help – we know plenty about brows and lashes, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Just call us or come by our studio in the Sutherland Shire. We’re less than a minute’s walk from the Cronulla train station, so we’re easy to find!