Want to be your lash stylist’s favorite client? If so, here’s how to prepare for your lash extension appointment and guarantee you both have a great time. Even more importantly, following these tips ensures you’ll have a more comfortable experience and lash extensions you’ll truly adore.

If it’s your first time getting lashes, these 12 tips will surely set you up for a great experience and cover everything you need to expect.

Let’s dive in!

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How to Prepare for Lash Extensions

1- Set Aside Enough Time

Your first eyelash extension appointment can take anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours, depending on the style of lashes you’re having done. It may sound like a long time, but remember that we’re applying the lash extensions one by one to each one of your natural lashes.

Make sure to schedule accordingly and give yourself plenty of time for the entire appointment. The last thing you want is to stress about the time when you’re lying back in the treatment bed. 

When booking, ask your lash stylist how long the appointment will take, and avoid scheduling anything urgent afterward. I’ve written a full post on how long different types of lash appointments can take, which you can check out as well.

2- Come With a Bare Face

Hygiene is paramount for ensuring a successful lash application. Eye makeup residue can prevent your lash extensions from adhering properly, but beyond that, we simply don’t want any makeup getting in your eyes during the appointment. Waterproof mascara is especially persistent, so try to avoid wearing it for at least a few days before your appointment.

3- Take a Morning Shower

After your lash extension appointment, you’ll need to avoid getting your lashes wet for at least 4 hours. So do yourself a favor and take a shower in the morning, before the appointment. You’ll be more comfortable knowing that you’re clean, and you won’t have to time an evening shower.

4- Avoid Oily Skincare or Makeup

Avoid wearing any heavy eye creams or oily sunscreens on the day of your appointment. Your lash technician will wipe the area around your eyes before they get started, but you want to totally eliminate any chances of oily residue sticking around. 

Plus, once your lash extensions are on, you’ll need to stop using oily makeup and skincare anyway, so you might as well get started in advance. 

5- Wear Comfy Clothing

During your lash extension appointment, you have full freedom to nap, meditate, or simply relax. For that to happen, though, you need to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a loose, soft outfit that’ll help facilitate that. Today’s loungewear fashion trends certainly make that easier! 

6- Audio Entertainment

Who goes anywhere without a pair of headphones and their entire music library on their phone these days? I suggest you prep your playlist in advance, though. Choose calming music, an audiobook, or some engaging podcasts to ensure you’re entertained for the entirety of your appointment.

7- Have an Idea of Your Style

Lash extensions are endlessly customizable, so it’s good to come with an idea of the styles you like. A great lash stylist will take her time to listen to you. She’ll also give her own recommendations based on your eye shape and what will be safe for your natural lashes. 

Even so, it’s better if you’re ready for that conversation. Start by learning the difference between classic, volume, and hybrid lashes. Then, check out my guide to the best eyelash extension styles for different eye shapes. Then, you can use Pinterest or Instagram to save a few photos that represent your preferences. 

8- Plan Your Questions in Advance

As you read and do your research you may also end up with some questions. I started this blog, in large part, to help answer a lot of those questions! But don’t be afraid to ask your lash stylist questions. We love having curious, well-informed clients, and when you ask questions, there’s less room for misunderstandings.

Consider jotting down your questions before the appointment, so you’ll be ready to pull them out during your consultation.

9- Be on Time (Or, Even Better, Early)

Staying on schedule is really important at a busy salon! Lash technicians usually make sure to book appointments with a bit of extra room on either side, but a very late client can still throw off our entire day.

So please make sure to come to your appointment on time! It’s even better if you’re early since it’ll give you enough time to use the toilet and get comfortable before the application starts. 

10- Skip the Coffee (And Other Stimulants)

I usually ask my clients to avoid drinking coffee, energy drinks, or any other sources of caffeine for at least 4 hours before their appointment. You want your body to relax easily when you’re in the treatment bed – sleeping is encouraged. Instead, have a cup of chamomile tea to help you relax.

11- Remove Your Contacts

You’ll need to take your contacts off before your lash extension appointment (another good reason to come a little early!). It’s not great to keep your eyes closed for so long with contact lenses in, and if you fall asleep, it puts you at risk of eye infection.

Bring your contact lens case and some solution with you, since you’ll be able to put them back in once the appointment is over. It’s not a big deal if you forget, though – many salons keep spare lens accessories on hand should you forget.

Have a look at my post on wearing contacts with eyelash extensions for a more detailed explanation, plus everything else you need to know about having eyelash extensions as a contact lens wearer.

12- Be Ready for Aftercare

Lash extension aftercare is a lot more important than anything you do before your first appointment. It involves keeping your lash extensions clean and combed, avoiding oil-based makeup or skincare, and generally keeping your lashes protected.

It’s better if you understand the aftercare requirements thoroughly before your first appointment, especially if you’ll need to purchase any new products. To know what’s involved, check out my full guide on how to take care of lash extensions, as well as my lash extensions do’s and don’ts.

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