FROM THE PROS: There’s no doubt about it: lashes are having a moment right now. If it feels like everyone from celebrities to your next door neighbor has long, luscious lashes these days, it’s likely thanks to a trip to the salon rather than mother nature.
While mascara and eyelash curlers can give your eyes a little extra oomph, nothing will give you voluminous, natural-looking lashes like professional extensions.
Wedding season just around the corner and if you’ve never tried lash extensions before, now is the perfect time to give a whirl! Lash expert and owner of The Lashe Spot, Melinda Rodriguez, has some great tips for first timers:
DO your research. It’s important to research both the salon and the individual who will be applying your lash extensions. Choose a reputable salon and look for someone who specializes in lashes (as opposed to a general esthetician or “jack-of-all-trades.”) Establishments that focus solely on lash services are your best bet.
DO make sure your lash artist uses individual lashes, NOT clusters. Applying one single extension to one individual lash ensures a much more natural look.
DO take care of your natural lashes. To keep your natural lashes growing and regenerating at a healthy rate drink lots of water and consider using a product like RevitaLash.
DON’T get your extensions wet for 24-48 hours after application. To be safe, avoid excessive heat for the first couple of days as well (that includes saunas and Bikram yoga classes.)
DON’T use oily products near your eyes. Oil can degrade the adhesive and shorten the life of your extensions. Instead, use oil-free after care products (like oil-free makeup remover) to help your lashes last.
DON’T forget to brush your lashes. Brushing both your extensions and natural lashes regularly will keep them looking full and beautiful while also clearing our any debris or bacteria.
DO find out what type of adhesive your lash artist will be using. Just as there are numerous different types of lashes (synthetic, silk, mink etc.) there are also numerous ways to bond the extensions. At The Lashe Spot, we use a medical-grade adhesive that contains pulverized rubber polymers, which allow for extra flexibility and softness. We also always do a patch test prior to each application to make sure that the client has no allergies or reactions to the adhesive. If your lash artist doesn’t offer that, ask for it before your service begins.
About The Lashe Spot: Founded by beauty industry veteran Melinda Rodriguez, The Lashe Spot is Chicago’s premier lash studio, offering the very best in lash extensions, tinting, perming and more.
The Lashe Spot utilizes a semi-permanent technique that involves attaching a single synthetic fiber to a natural eyelash using a medical-grade bonding agent. (In other words, one single extension is placed on one individual natural eyelash.) Their adhesives contain pulverized rubber polymers for super flexibility and softness that can keep up with an active and busy lifestyle. While clients can choose from a wide array of different looks, the results are always natural, beautiful and customized to each woman’s eyes and face.
The Lashe Spot currently has four locations in the Chicagoland area:
River North 24 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL
Lincoln Park 826 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL
Bucktown 1866 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL
Hinsdale 6 W. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale, IL
