Lash Extensions: How to Prepare, What to Expect & Aftercare
This guide covers everything you need to know about lash extensions: how to prepare for your appointment, what to expect during your service, and how to care for your lashes afterward to maintain healthy retention.*
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How to: Prepare for Your Lash Extension Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way in achieving beautiful, long-lasting lash extensions. The following tips will help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and fully prepared for your appointment.
✅ Arrive Makeup-Free
Please come with a clean face—no mascara, eye makeup, or heavy skincare around the eyes. This allows us to start your service right away without spending time on removal and ensures better results, especially for lash adhesion and tint absorption.
✅ Remove Contact Lenses
For lash lifts and extensions, it’s best to remove contact lenses beforehand and bring backup glasses if needed. This prevents dryness and discomfort during the service.
✅ Dress Comfortably
You’ll be lying down for up to 2–3 hours for a full set or 1-2 hours for a fill, so wear cozy clothes and bring a layer if you run cold. My suite tends to be a little chilly but I do have a bed table warmer to keep you extra cozy.
✅ Plan Your Entertainment
I always encourage relaxation, but if you’d prefer to listen to a podcast, playlist, or audiobook, have it ready to go. Once the gel pads are placed on your eyes, they must remain closed, but I’ll help you press play before we begin.
✅ Avoid Caffeine Right Before Your Appointment
Caffeine can make it harder to relax and can cause your eyes to flutter. If possible, skip the coffee right before your appointment — your lashes will thank you!
What to Expect During Your Lash Extension Appointment
Welcome to the Lash World! If it’s your first time getting lash extensions, here’s exactly what to expect:
We’ll begin with a consultation to discuss your lash goals, check for any allergies or sensitivities, and answer any questions you may have.
Next, I’ll cleanse your lashes to remove makeup, oil, and skincare residue.
A gentle hydrogel pad will be applied to your lower lash line — this is the only time your eyes will need to be open. Once in place, you’ll keep your eyes closed for the rest of the service. At this point, the lash application process will then begin.
I’ll start by priming your lashes, mapping your lash design, then moving on to carefully isolate each natural lash to apply either a single extension or a handcrafted fan of lightweight synthetic fibers, depending on your desired look, style, and lash health. Feel free to relax, nap, or listen to a podcast. I’ll take care of the rest. When we’re done, you’ll wake up with fuller, fluffier lashes that enhance your natural beauty.
⏱️ Service Timing:
Full Sets take approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your desired style and the density of your natural lashes.
Fills range from 60 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how long it’s been since your last visit:
Mini Fill (60 min): For fills within 7 days
Standard Fill (1.5 hrs): For fills within 8–21 days
Extended Fill (2 hrs): For fills within 14–28 days
✨ Longevity & Maintenance:
A full set of lash extensions can last up to 8 weeks as your natural lashes grow and shed however to maintain a full look, schedule a fill every 2–3 weeks.With consistent fills and proper aftercare, your lash extensions can keep you looking polished while simplifying your morning routine—no mascara needed.
🧘♀️ A Note on Comfort + StillnessGetting lash extensions can be a relaxing escape—but for some, especially first-timers, busy minds, or anyone with anxiety, lying still with eyes closed for 1.5–3 hours might feel a little intense.
The good news? Unlike lash lifts, breaks are totally possible during lash extension appointments. If you ever need to pause, stretch, or regroup, just let me know—we’ll work at a pace that feels good for you.
If you think you may need extra time for breaks, I recommend booking an Extended Fill instead of a Standard Fill. This gives us more flexibility and ensures we have enough time to complete your service without feeling rushed or overlapping into the next client’s appointment.To make the experience even more soothing, you're welcome to bring a fidget toy, calming crystal, playlist, or podcast to listen to during your appointment. I’ll help you press play once your gel pads are in place and eyes are closed.
Whether you’re here to nap, relax, or just get a moment of stillness in your day, I’m here to make sure you feel safe, supported, and comfortable every step of the way.
How To Care For Your Lash Extensions
Proper lash care supports healthy retention, protects your natural lashes, and keeps your extensions looking fresh between fills.
The First 24 Hours After Your Appointment:
Your lash extensions are applied using a professional adhesive that is fully cured by the end of your service. This means you do not need to avoid washing your face or cleansing your lashes after your appointment. You’re welcome to gently cleanse your face and lashes the same day if you choose.
Daily Care:
Cleanse lashes daily using a gel or foam cleanser. Cleanse twice daily if you have oily skin or a highly active lifestyle.
Remove makeup nightly using an oil-free makeup remover.
Avoid all oil-based products around the eyes.
Avoid excessive heat and steam.
Do not use mascara on lash extensions.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Lashes:
Apply Borboleta Lash Serum nightly to support healthy natural lash growth.
Be gentle and avoid rubbing, picking, or pulling at your lashes.
Brush lashes daily with a clean lash wand to keep them neat and aligned.
Try sleeping on your back or wear a silk sleep mask to reduce friction.
How Long Do Lash Extension Last?
To maintain your lash look, book lash fills every 2–3 weeks for fullness and balance.
💡 Need to remove your lash extensions? Always book a professional lash removal with a trained lash artist to protect your natural lashes.
Aftercare Essentials
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Borboleta Lash Serum
“Take your lashes from lackluster to lush! The Borboleta Lash Serum was formulated by the world’s leading lash experts to deliver powerful ingredients with shocking results.
Just one swipe of this lash-loving serum each night promotes the appearance of longer, fuller and darker lashes. All with a nourishing formula that works wonders on natural lashes, while still being perfectly safe for lash extensions” -
Borboleta Lash Bath Cleanser
“Formulated with premium ingredients like moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and amino acids, Borboleta’s Lash Bath cleanser options replenish and hydrate your eye area for more youthful-looking skin, while strengthening and conditioning natural lashes. Simply choose your favorite level of lather (smooth gel or bubbly foam) and use once daily—the crucial step in your routine you never knew you were missing!”
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Borboleta Cooldown Calming Eye Mask *Client Favorite*
“Borboleta’s Cooldown Calming Eye Masks instantly chill, soothe and refresh tired eyes on contact. They’re the perfect remedy for a late night out or a great addition to a relaxing night in. One try and you’ll look for any excuse to replenish and depuff your under-eye area, and diminish the appearance of dark circles.”
All services are offered at my private lash and brow studio inside Sola Salons in Solana Beach, CA, welcoming clients from Encinitas, Del Mar, Cardiff, and surrounding North County San Diego areas.