Short answer: your first full set takes about 2.5 hours, it does not hurt at all (most clients nap), and you will walk out with customized lashes that need zero mascara. Here is exactly how it works at our Thousand Oaks studio.
Before your appointment
- Come with clean, makeup-free lashes. No mascara, no eyeliner, no eye cream that day. Clean lashes = better adhesive bond = better retention.
- Skip the caffeine right before. Your eyes stay closed and still for a couple of hours — jittery eyelids make precision work harder.
- Remove contact lenses. Bring your case and glasses.
- Plan your schedule. A full set takes about 2.5 hours. Use the restroom first, silence your phone, and enjoy the forced relaxation.
Step 1: The consultation (10-15 minutes)
This is the part that separates a customized set from a factory one. We look at your eye shape, your natural lashes (length, strength, direction) and talk about the look you want: natural, glam, or in between. Together we choose the style — classic, hybrid, volume or mega volume — plus length and curl. You will know the exact price before we start: our prices are published and there is nothing to "discover" at checkout.
Step 2: The application (about 2 hours)
You lie down comfortably, eyes closed. We place soft gel pads under your eyes to secure the lower lashes, then apply extensions one by one — each fiber isolated onto a single natural lash. You feel nothing: no pulling, no stinging, no glue touching your skin. The room is quiet and warm. This is where most first-timers surprise themselves by falling asleep.
Step 3: The reveal
We brush your new lashes, you open your eyes, and you meet the version of yourself that wakes up ready every day. We go over aftercare together (it is simpler than people think) and answer every question before you leave.
Aftercare in 5 lines
- Keep them dry for the first 24-48 hours.
- Use only oil-free products near your eyes.
- Brush daily with the spoolie we give you.
- Wash them every 2-3 days with a lash-safe cleanser.
- Book your fill in 2-3 weeks to keep the set full.
Worried extensions might harm your lashes? Read our honest take: Do lash extensions damage your natural lashes? — and when you are ready, we are minutes off the 101 in Thousand Oaks, serving all of Conejo Valley in English and Spanish.
FAQ
How long does a first lash extension appointment take?
About 2.5 hours for a full set: 10-15 minutes of consultation and around 2 hours of application. Fills later take about 90 minutes.
Do lash extensions hurt?
No. Proper application is completely painless — your eyes stay closed and relaxed, and most first-time clients actually fall asleep. Any burning or stinging is not normal and should be reported immediately.
How should I prepare for my first lash appointment?
Arrive with clean, makeup-free lashes, skip caffeine right before, remove contact lenses, and plan about 2.5 hours. That is it.
Can I wear makeup after getting lash extensions?
You will not need mascara at all. Eye shadow and oil-free products are fine after the first 24-48 hours; avoid waterproof eye makeup and anything oil-based near the lash line.