If you’ve been following beauty trends, you may have heard about eyelash extensions. Essentially, the procedure involves attaching tiny synthetic lashes to your natural ones for a thicker and more voluminous look. While this treatment is a popular choice for people who want to reduce the amount of makeup they wear, it’s important to know the pros and cons before booking an appointment.

You should always make sure your lash extensions artist is professionally certified and trained in an established method of application (2). Also, be sure to ask about their credentials and photos of previous work. “A reputable technician will have no problem sharing this information,” says Phillips.

Before the treatment begins, your lash artist will consult with you to find out what kind of look you’re going for, including whether you want your lashes to be more glamorous or more natural. They will also decide on extension length and curl strength.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Where to Get Lash Extensions Near Me

Be prepared for the treatment to take between two and three hours. Most lash salons will play soothing music and offer you water or tea to drink during your appointment. You’ll also be asked to remove your makeup before you get started, as a lot of products can damage the glue that holds your extensions in place.

You should avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your extensions, as the more you rub or pick at your lashes, the more likely they will fall out early (taking your natural lashes with them) or break off prematurely, leading to itchy and painful skin around the eyes. You should also keep an eyelash extension cleaning kit at home, which contains oil-free products designed to gently clean your lashes without degrading the glue that holds them in place.