It’s no secret I love my eyelash extensions – and the fact that I’m also a beauty bar/salon junkie. There are some treatments that I’m always open to trying at different salons – nails, blow dries, massages… however there are a few I rarely take a risk – that goes for eyelash extensions, hair color, and hair cuts to name a few. When I knew I was going to be in Montreal, Canada for 2 weeks and a half, I did start hunting for great eyelash technicians (that was several months before I even traveled to Montreal). I booked with Katy from Love your Lashes Montreal a couple of months before my actual appointment, and I must say – I fell in love. I’ve had some great ones, but this definitely wins as one of the top. She’s sweet, talented, a perfectionist, gentle (no burn – she even does an allergy test right before) and gives the most incredible finish – fluffy and natural. I went for the volume lashes – Katy did take more than how long it takes back here in Dubai (my refills took 2.5 hours), but I would rather spend an extra hour for really good lashes. I learnt so much during my appointment, that I asked her to share her knowledge my lovely readers that want to get extensions, want to learn more – or have a trip to Montreal sometime soon!
https://loveyourlashes.ca

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-What tips would you give someone when finding a good lash technician?

It is important to educate yourself and do lots of research before booking an appointment or referrals from family and friends. Ask lots of questions.  Seek for a certified and well trained technician. If the technician can provide authentic before and after pictures of their work, that’s a great bonus!

-You do an allergy test with the glue before an appointment, why is that?

Although we only glue the extensions on to your natural lashes and should not be touching your skin, it is for pre-cautious purposes, in case you have a major reaction to the glue.  Each company carries different type and brands of glue. It is best suggested to get an allergy test every time you decide to try out another salon.

-What do you look for in good lash extensions?

Good isolation is the key to a nice set of eyelash extension. Most importantly is to pick the right thickness, length, curl and style, which all play an important key to making a beautiful set of lashes that match your eye shapes without damaging your natural lashes.

-You must see so many different people’s bad jobs when clients come in for fixing, what are the most common ones?

-Bad isolation, resultant to a messy set of lashes.
-Too generous with the glue.  When we use too much glue, lashes get stuck together which can ruin your natural lashes.
-Extensions glued too close to the lash line which can clog your pores. Can be very painful and lead to an eye infection and your natural lashes falling off prematurely. Can lead to permanent damage.

-I loved the fact that my lashes looked full, yet still natural. How do you get that effect?

Volume lashes consist of many thin extensions fans that are handmade one by one. Great coverage for those who have sparse natural lashes and extra fluffy to those already have thick natural lashes.

-How long should extensions typically last for?

We lose about 5 natural lashes per week.  A younger one grow in place of the older ones that fall out.  On average, this cycle takes about 45 to 90 days to complete.  The most important factors that affect low long the extensions lash are the natural eyelash growth, lifestyle and general after-care.  We recommend a refill about every 3 weeks.

-What is the best way to take care of extensions?

-Do not get the lashes wet for the first 24 hours after your appointment. If you have to take a shower or wash your face, just avoid having the shower head directly onto your face.
-Make sure you are using a non oil based make-up remover around your eyes (water-based or oil free)
-Keep away from steam and heat for the first 48 hours to allow glue to fully cure (this includes  tanning salons, sauna’s, steam rooms, facial steamers, hot yoga and an intensive workout)
-Do not use a regular eyelash curler.
-Do not rub your eye or lashes when washing your face. Wash your lashes gently with a water-based foam cleanser.
-Do not pull your lash extensions, as it will take out your own lash as well.
-Do not use Mascara (other than water-based Mascara types).
-Do not try to remove the extensions on your own (we can remove the lashes without damaging your natural ones).
-Do not cut the extensions (you may cut your own lashes).