At your first eyelash extension appointment you arrive with no eye makeup, talk through the look you want, and then spend the session lying down with your eyes closed while extensions are applied one by one to your natural lashes. Done properly, it shouldn’t hurt — plenty of people fall asleep.

If you’re new to extensions, here’s how to prepare, what happens at each stage and how to look after your lashes straight afterwards.

How to prepare

  • Come without eye makeup. Mascara, liner and shadow leave residue on the lashes.
  • Skip the lash curler that day. Your lashes need to be in their natural position for mapping.
  • Avoid oily creams around the eyes, as oil weakens the bond.
  • Contact lenses: it’s generally best to wear glasses or bring your case so you can take lenses out before starting. Check the prep instructions sent on WhatsApp.
  • Plan the next day. You’ll avoid water, steam and heavy sweating for 24 hours, so save the beach, sauna or a hard workout for later.
  • Use the restroom first and silence your phone — you’ll be lying down for a while.

If you have an eye condition, recent irritation or a history of allergies, check with an ophthalmologist first and mention it when you book.

Step by step

1. Consultation

Your lash artist asks about your routine, what you’re hoping for and whether you’ve had lash treatments before. Bring reference photos and say whether you want subtle or bold. Brazilian vs Russian volume lashes is a good primer.

2. Mapping

Based on your eye shape and natural lashes, the effect is designed — natural, doll, cat eye or fox eyes — setting lengths and curls for each part of the eye. See lash styles for every eye shape.

3. Lying down, eyes closed

You lie back and your lower lashes are covered with a protective pad so they don’t stick to the upper ones. From then on, your eyes stay closed.

4. Isolation and application

Using fine tweezers, your lash artist isolates each natural lash from its neighbors and attaches an extension to it. This one-by-one isolation lets your natural lashes keep growing and shedding on their own cycle.

5. Finishing

Your lashes are brushed out, symmetry is checked and you get your aftercare instructions.

Does it hurt?

It shouldn’t. You’ll feel the light touch of the tweezers and little else. What is not normal:

  • Stinging or burning.
  • Heavy watering of the eyes.
  • Real pain or strong discomfort.

If you feel any of this, say so right away. And if persistent itching, redness or swelling appears afterwards, see an ophthalmologist and contact your lash artist.

The key to an easy appointment is to relax and keep your eyes closed. The stiller you are, the more precise the work.

The first 24 hours

The adhesive finishes curing in the first hours, so:

  1. Keep your lashes dry.
  2. Avoid steam, saunas and very hot showers.
  3. Skip the gym and anything that makes you sweat a lot.
  4. Don’t sleep face-down.
  5. Don’t rub or tug your lashes.

After that, the everyday routine begins: wash daily with lash foam and a soft brush, use an oil-free makeup remover, and no lash curler or waterproof mascara. More in how long eyelash extensions last.

Booking with a deposit

  1. Go to /en/booking and choose your service.
  2. Pick an available day and time.
  3. Pay the deposit by Pix or card — it secures your time and is deducted from the total.
  4. Get your confirmation and prep instructions on WhatsApp.

Prices for each technique are on the services page.

Your first time in Cambeba

Niely Oliveira — Studio de Cílios is at Av. Pedro Lazar, 633, 1st floor, in Cambeba, in the south zone of Fortaleza, near Lago Jacarey. Appointments are private and scheduled, so your first experience is calm and unhurried. Book your first appointment.