Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions? We hope you will find all the answers.
Lash Extensions
The process is simple; the payoff, surreal. From start to finish, depending on the set you opt for it takes anywhere from one to two hours; you will be lying down for the entirety of the procedure, and can listen to music or relax with an add-on service (see Services Menu) like a manicure or reflexology while the eyelash extension specialist works her magic. First, the specialist will apply a moisturizing gel pad and a small piece of surgical tape to gently protect and constrain your lower lashes. Next, she will apply synthetic fiber lashes to your natural lash by dipping them one-by-one into a non-irritating bonding agent. The procedure is completely painless.
No. Eyelash extensions are completely safe, even for contacts wearers. When applied correctly by one of our certified and skilled lash stylists, the application does not compromise the health or integrity of your own natural lashes. Unlike traditional false eyelashes, the bonding agent does not touch the lash line or eyelid, inhibiting growth. When you are ready to wear your natural lashes, simply visit Courtney Akai Lash Boutique for a removal service.
Though the exact time varies based on the natural growth cycle of your lashes, three to four weeks is the normal length of time that eyelash extensions last and look fabulous. Because lashes are naturally regenerating, regular touch-ups keep your extensions looking their best by replacing any strays that have fallen out as part of this cycle.
For the first 24 hours, avoid wetting your lashes to allow the adhesive to cure properly. After day one, continue with your normal routine, but avoid harsh rubbing or tugging on the lashes. Because of the medical grade adhesive we use and its special formulation it is best to avoid using any oil based makeup removers or products containing oil around the lashes. Our salon also carries a line of after care products specially formulated for eyelash extension wear. The best part: you can finally toss your eyelash curler and mascara, as you won’t need either for extra allure.
Eyelash extensions create more drama than mascara, but still look fresh and natural. You’ll look bright-eyed, alert and refreshed all day. The extensions come in an assortment of lengths and are chosen by personal preference. A full set of extensions can lengthen your lashes up to 50% and will thicken them by 30 to 50%. Courtney Akai Lash Boutique recommends black or brown extensions, depending on your coloring and the effect you crave.
The difference nowadays is almost undetectable. Silk lashes have come a long way in terms of development since eyelash extensions first came on the market. They now rival mink lashes in how soft and natural they feel and look. Faux mink is what most manufacturers call them and rightfully so. They are a curlier, darker version of the natural mink lashes and they hold a curl a lot better than minks. They are also entirely hypoallergenic.
These lashes require very little maintenance and allow you to continue with your daily activities without worrying about them falling out. Lashes done by a professional can last anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on the life cycle of your natural lashes. If you are looking for the mascara look with glossy, long eyelashes – silk eyelashes are the way to go.
Mink eyelashes look more natural and are extremely lightweight. They are more matte than silk lashes. The Mink is acquired by carefully brushing and collecting the hair. The best mink lashes are Siberian mink lashes.
The only downsides to mink lashes are that they may lose their curl as time passes (a heated lash curler can remedy this) and if you are allergic to animal hair, you may experience an allergic reaction to the mink hair.
Volume / 3D Lash Extensions
The classic method of applying lash extensions is the method where a single lash extension is applied to one natural lash. Classic lash extensions are also known as the one-to-one technique and while this method of applying can help add length and thickness, it limits the final result to the amount of natural lashes a client has. Therefore, classic lashes are great for a more natural look and are best for clients who already have a lot of natural lashes.
The volume technique of applying lash extensions (also known as the Russian volume technique) is accomplished when multiple lash extensions (2-6 hairs) are hand made, on-the-spot into a fan then adhered to ONE natural lash. Volume lashes are thinner, lighter and use less glue than single lash extensions during the application. This combination results in less weight on the client’s lashes while still achieving a fuller look.
With this new method of applying if you have 80 natural lashes, you can now have double, triple, or up to sextuple the amount of eyelash extensions. What makes this technique so amazing is that the volume lash extensions are extremely thin! Meaning the weight of this technique is often less than or equal to the weight of a classic eyelash extension. Nothing compares to the gorgeous results of this method, which is also refered to as 2D, 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D-eyelashes. “x” stands for the number of eyelashes that can be applied at one time. You can also opt for Mega Volume which is 6D to 10D. Volume lashes are great for achieving a fluffier, more dramatic look and also great for clients with fewer natural lashes.