Eyelash extensions are lightweight synthetic lashes applied one by one to your natural lashes to add length, curl, and fullness. At Elegant Lashes By Katie, each set is customized to your eye shape, natural lash health, and preferred style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers about lash extensions, lash lifts, fills, aftercare, booking, and our five Orange County locations.
Classic lashes add one extension to one natural lash for clean definition. Hybrid lashes mix classic extensions with light volume fans for more texture. Wispy lashes use varied lengths for a soft, fluttery look. Volume lashes use lightweight fans for a fuller lash line.
Choose a lash lift if you want your natural lashes lifted and curled with lower maintenance. Choose lash extensions if you want added length, fullness, or a more styled lash shape. We offer both options across our Orange County locations.
Properly applied lash extensions should not damage healthy natural lashes. Damage usually comes from extensions that are too heavy, poor isolation, pulling, rubbing, or unsafe removal. Our artists choose lengths and weights that fit your natural lashes.
No. A lash extension appointment should be comfortable and painless. Your eyes stay closed while the artist applies extensions to your natural lashes. Many clients relax or sleep during the service.
Your artist cleans and prepares the lash area, isolates one natural lash at a time, and applies an extension with professional lash adhesive. The extension is attached to the natural lash, not to the skin.
A full set usually takes about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on the style and natural lash density. Fill appointments are usually about 60 to 90 minutes. Lash lifts are often about 45 to 60 minutes.
Lash extensions shed gradually with your natural lash cycle. Most clients keep them looking full with fills every 2 to 3 weeks. Without fills, a set typically thins over 4 to 6 weeks.
Most clients book lash fills every 2 to 3 weeks. You may need fills sooner if you have fast lash growth, oily skin, heavy workouts, frequent swimming, or if you sleep face-down.
Keep lashes clean, avoid oil-based products around the eyes, brush gently with a clean spoolie, avoid rubbing or pulling, and book fills on time. Our lash aftercare guide explains how to keep extensions fuller between appointments.
Keep lashes clean and avoid heavy steam, oil-based eye products, and rubbing for the first 24 hours. Your artist may give service-specific instructions based on the adhesive and style used at your appointment.
Yes. After the initial aftercare window, you can get lash extensions wet. Clean them regularly with a lash-safe cleanser, then gently pat dry and brush them into place.
Yes, after the first day you can exercise, shower, and swim with lash extensions. Sweat, sunscreen, saltwater, and chlorine can affect retention, so rinse and cleanse your lashes gently after workouts or swimming.
Yes. Use oil-free makeup and gentle removers around the eyes. Avoid waterproof mascara, oil-based eyeliner, and heavy mascara on extensions because they can weaken retention and make cleaning harder.
Try to sleep on your back or side instead of pressing your face into the pillow. Friction from face-down sleeping can twist extensions, loosen adhesive bonds, and make fills needed sooner.
The best lash style depends on your eye shape, natural lash strength, lifestyle, and how dramatic you want the result to look. During your consultation, we can recommend classic, hybrid, wispy, volume, or lash lift options.
Most clients do best with a customized mix of lengths rather than one length across the whole eye. Your artist will choose lengths that flatter your eyes while staying safe for your natural lashes.
Many clients with sensitive eyes can still get lash extensions, but sensitivity varies. Tell your artist about allergies, past reactions, dry eyes, or recent eye procedures before booking so we can guide you safely.
Professional lash adhesive is designed for lash extension services and should be used only by trained artists with the eyes closed. If you have allergies, sensitivities, or a history of reactions, contact us before booking.
Natural lashes shed every day as part of the normal growth cycle. Extensions can make shedding more noticeable because an extension is attached to the natural lash that sheds. Losing a few natural lashes daily is normal.
Extensions can twist or turn as your natural lashes grow out. Daily brushing, gentle cleansing, and regular fills help keep the lash line neat. During fills, grown-out extensions are removed and replaced.
You usually do not need a break if your natural lashes are healthy and the extensions are applied correctly. If your lashes feel weak, sparse, irritated, or uncomfortable, schedule a consultation before your next fill.
Yes, we can assess lash extensions from another salon and recommend a fill, correction, or professional removal. Do not pull extensions off at home because that can damage natural lashes.
Pricing depends on the service, style, artist, and whether you are booking a full set, fill, lash lift, or removal. Start with our lash services page, use the Book Now button to choose a location and see current service pricing, or call (657) 334-9919 for help.
Choose the studio that is easiest for your day: Irvine, Tustin, South Coast, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach. Our location comparison page has maps, directions, and booking links for all five studios.
Our five Orange County addresses are Irvine: 15333 Culver Dr Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92604; Tustin: 13112 Newport Ave unit k, Tustin, CA 92780; South Coast: 3740 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704; Costa Mesa: 435 E 17th St #3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; Newport Beach: 359 San Miguel Dr #107, Newport Beach, CA 92660. You can also compare maps and directions on the contact page.
Same-day availability changes by artist, service, and location. Use the Book Now button to check live openings at Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana/South Coast, Costa Mesa, or Newport Beach, or call (657) 334-9919 from the contact page for help choosing the fastest option.
Yes. Clients visit us from across Orange County, including Orange, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Lake Forest. Choose the closest Elegant Lashes By Katie studio or call (657) 334-9919 for location guidance.
Elegant Lashes By Katie has five Orange County locations: Irvine, Tustin, South Coast, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach. Our general hours are Daily 9 AM - 7 PM. Call (657) 334-9919 for booking help or location questions.