Decoding Lash Options: Semi-Permanent Extensions, Express Premade Volume Fans, DIY Clusters, and Strip Lashes—What’s the Best Fit for You?

As a lash master and someone who can’t get enough of lashes, I’ve tried just about every type out there. I genuinely love them all for different reasons and occasions. Each type of faux lash offers a unique combination of durability, application ease, and customization options to enhance individual style preferences. Here’s my quick breakdown of each one, along with their pros and cons.

1. Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions

These are individual lashes and handmade volume fans professionally applied one by one to each natural lash. They can last up to 6–8 weeks with regular refills.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting up to 6 to 8 weeks
  • Customizable to each person’s eye shape, style, and desired fullness and length.
  • Safe for natural lashes with proper application and care
  • Low maintenance and stay put through sleep, exercise, and daily activities.
  • No need to reapply every day like strip or DIY lashes

Cons:

  • Can be costly and need refills every 2-3 weeks for maintenance
  • Time-consuming application
  • Risk of adhesive irritation
  • Requires professional application

2. Express Premade Volume Fan Lashes

Promade and premade volume fans are essentially the same thing—they’re factory-produced. These fans are applied professionally, with one fan attached to each natural lash, typically taking about 30 to 45 minutes. They create a beautiful, voluminous look, but they usually last only 1 to 2 weeks.

Pros:

  • Quicker application compared to single extensions and handmade volume fans
  • Lower cost than handmade fans
  • Ideal for 1–2-week event and short vacation
  • Customizable from natural look to dramatic volume

Cons:

  • Shorter wear time (1-2 weeks)
  • May damage natural lashes if fans are too heavy
  • Less natural look due to factory production and not enough time to customize
  • Cannot be refilled; a fresh set is needed every 2 weeks
  • Possible irritation due to adhesive

3. DIY Lashes

DIY lashes are applied at home using lash clusters and glue without fumes. They give you a semi-permanent look that lasts 1 to 5 days, perfect if you want something temporary without a long-term commitment.

Pros:

  • Affordable and accessible with a range of price options
  • Flexible application for different looks
  • No professional appointment needed
  • Reusable with proper care
  • Good for a natural or customized look

Cons:

  • Short wear time (typically 1–5 days)
  • Daily morning maintenance required
  • Requires practice and precision for proper application
  • Limited durability since lash glue may weaken throughout the day
  • Not water-resistant, can’t withstand heavy moisture
  • Will damage natural lashes with frequent wear

4. Strip Lashes

These lashes come attached to a thin strip that you stick along your lash line. You can apply them at home, and they’re usually meant for wear of less than 24 hours.

Pros:

  • Quick application
  • Variety of styles for different looks
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Reusable with careful removal and cleaning
  • No long-term commitment

Cons:

  • Short wear time less than 24 hours
  • It can look unnatural if not applied correctly
  • Less secure hold; inner and outer corner may peel off during wear
  • Not ideal for water or sweat exposure
  • Will be uncomfortable for sensitive eyes or long wear

Each type of lash meets different needs and preferences. Semi-permanent and express lashes are great for long wear and added volume, while DIY and strip lashes are perfect for short-term use or special occasions.

Brow Lamination

Penciling in your brows every day can become a chore. Look no further than Brow Lamination – a quick and painless service to give your brows a more full, fluffy, and styled appearance. Promising arches that look thicker, and fuller, brow lamination is a needle-free alternative to micro-blading that produces less permanent results. So many of us have been searching for a non-permanent solution for fuller-looking brows, and Lash L’Amour offers just that! We’ll be answering all your Brow Lamination questions to get you ready for this brow-changing experience.

What is a Brow Lamination?

Brow Lamination is a process in which we redirect the brow hair in an upward position to achieve a fuller, styled look. Brow Lamination is achieved with a two-step cream solution in which the first solution lifts the hair upwards and the second solution sets the brow hair in place.

Am I a good candidate for a Brow Lamination?

If your brow hair seems to be growing in a downward or horizontal position, or if you have stubborn coarse hair that doesn’t lay flat, Lamination may be the perfect fix. Do keep in mind that if your eyebrows are sparse where hair does not grow, it does not fill in those gaps. We are simply working with the brow hair you already have and enhancing the style of it.

Is Brow Lamination Safe?

Absolutely! Both solutions are formulated to be safely applied directly to brow hair and skin. As with any treatment to skin or hair, allergic reaction or irritation may occur. Our brow artists will perform a patch test before each service by placing a small amount of solution on your skin to ensure no reaction takes place. We will send each client home with an aftercare kit to take care of your fresh brows at home, including Argan oil to keep brows nourished and healthy. The effects of Brow Lamination last about 6-8 weeks, at which point you can return for another treatment.

Does it hurt?

No! Brow Lamination is a painless process. Of course, if you ever do feel any discomfort, please let your brow artist know right away so we can quickly remedy it. We take the utmost precaution to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

How long does it take?

Brow Lamination takes approximately 45 minutes. One hour, if tinting is also requested. We suggest trying it with a brow tint, to enhance and bolden lighter-haired brows.

What should I do prior to my appointment?

Avoid any exfoliants or retinols for three days prior and post Brow Lamination treatment.  Upon booking your service, you will receive a form to provide us with any health and skin information to ensure we perform the service as safely as possible to each individual client.

Is Brow Lamination high maintenance?

No! Your eyebrows should stay dry and untouched for the first 24 hours. After that, your brows stay fluffy and styled up to 8 weeks! Avoid the use of brow-growth serum for two months post treatment to ensure the effects of brow lamination are long-lasting.

After 24 hours you are welcome to get your brows wet and use Argan oil to nourish your eyebrows. Remember to brush your brows upward and outward to keep them looking nice and full. Brow Lamination is recommended to be done every 3 months.

Lash Lift

Tired of struggling with a lash curler every morning, only to have your lashes start drooping down a few hours later? A lash lift might be the perfect solution for you! Lash Lifts have made their way to the spotlight in the last few years, and we couldn’t be more excited about them! We’re answering all your questions about lash lifts to put your mind at ease and get you as excited as we are!

What is a Lash Lift?

A lash lift uses a silicone rod and a two-step cream solution to lift and curl your natural lashes in an upward, lifted position. The result is a brighter, more awake look, making lashes appear longer and fuller.

Am I a good candidate for a lash lift?

If your natural lashes are super short, sparse, or very fine, we recommend lash extensions over a lift. A lash lift works with your own natural lashes, so it won’t fill in gaps or add volume. On the other hand, if lashes are average or long in length, straight, downturned, or overly curly, a lash lift is the perfect low-maintenance service for you! A lift helps your natural lashes reach their full potential, so if you’ve already got the length, the lift showcases all those luscious lashes.

Is a lash lift safe?

Yes! The lift solution never touches your skin and your eyes are kept closed for the duration of the treatment. We use Elleebana Lash Lift, which is one of the most recommended brands for lift treatments. We take great care in making sure the solution only touches the base of your lashes, to avoid over-processing or damaging the tips. We also recommend waiting at least 6 weeks in between lifts to avoid over-processing the lashes. This allows time for the natural growth cycle of our lashes, so we aren’t lifting the same set of lashes that we already did.

Does it hurt?

No! This is a pain-free service. Of course, if you feel any irritation at all, please let your esthetician know right away to remedy the situation.  If you have a history of allergic reactions to makeup or adhesives, a complimentary patch test is recommended prior to the service. We will test the adhesive and the lift solutions on your skin, to ensure a safe and pleasant treatment for you.

How long does the lash lift take?

A lash lift takes approximately 45 minutes. One hour if you pair it with a beautiful tint to darken and enhance lighter lashes. 

What should I do before coming in for a lash lift?

Please come in with no eye makeup. Makeup residue could prevent the lift solution from working properly.

Are lash lifts high maintenance?

No! Lash lifts last an average of 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that you may notice new growth coming in after several weeks as part of your normal growth cycle. You will need to keep your lashes dry and free of makeup and oily products for the first 24 hours after the treatment. Avoid rubbing your eyes and sleeping on your face while you have a lash lift. After the first 24 hours, you are free to wear makeup, wash your face, or go for a swim. Lashes will stay lifted and gorgeous!

What is Lash Botox?

“Lash Botox” is an add-on treatment to a lash lift to deep condition your natural lashes. Lift solution can be drying to our hair, so adding a conditioning treatment every now and then helps to boost the elasticity and keep the follicle healthy and hydrated. Using a lash growth serum, like LiLash, is also a great way to continually keep lashes hydrated and healthy even after the service is complete.

We hope we answered all your lash lift questions! As always, you can call our friendly front desk team to answer any further questions you may have or to book your appointment. We hope to see you soon!

Meet the Lash L’Amour Ladies – Claudia Grimaud, Brow Master

What is your license or certification?

I am a certified type 6 aesthetician

How long have you been a beautician?

17 years

Which beauty services do you specialize in?

I specialize in Eyebrow Artistry 

One beauty tip that you wish all your client know?

 The best advice I can give is: drink 8 cups of water daily and reduce  alcohol to a minimum. Brush your brows and never go to bed with makeup on your face. Your skin will thank you for that. 

Three things in your life that make you feel blessed

My health, my family, all my opportunities in this life. 

What is your favorite beauty “treat” that you do for yourself?

I get a massage every single month .

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?  

My free time is dedicated to yoga practice . 

How many languages do you speak and what are they?

 I speak English, Portuguese, and a little Spanish.

Do you have kids or pets? How many?  

I am blessed with my daughter Michelle and a little dog name Figo ( fee-go)

What’s something I would never guess about you?

I meditate 20 minutes every morning. 

10 TIPS YOUR LASH ARTIST WANTS YOU TO KNOW


There’s Basic Lash 101 – Come to a lash appointment on time without eye makeup and ready for a hour-long beauty nap. Duh.

But what about the not-so-obvious stuff – insights that come with years of experience?

Well, get ready to be schooled.

Here are the top 10 tips from our Lash L’Amour lash experts that are sure to help you get the most out of your appointment:

  1. It’s not a one-lash-fits-all service. Read: A full set is customized to each person, taking into considering eye shape, natural lash fullness, and lash strength. These factors will dictate the fullness, length, and shape of your extensions.
  2. Your natural lashes (along with your extensions) will shed due to the natural cycle of hair growth. Translation: a refill every two to three weeks is highly recommended. The longer you wait between refills, the more time we’ll need to fill your lashes back to your desire fullness.
  3. Trust is important. We’re trained, licensed, and certified lash masters who take pride in our craft, so relax and let us guide you with recommendations on length, lash safety, and styling. We want to be your lash gurus.
  4. The road to beautiful lashes is a two-way street. We do our job by properly adhering each extension/volume fan perfectly to each of your natural lashes. You’ll need to take care of those babies at home. Your lifestyle and lash care affect the longevity of your extensions, so be sure to: avoid hot steam and oily products, don’t sleep face down or pull on your extensions, and skip mascara and liquid eyeliner.
  5. Clean those lush lashes daily! After the first 12 hours of getting your lashes done, it’s perfectly okay to wash them with water and a lash foam cleanser to avoid irritation and buildup.
  6. We would jump for joy if before your lash nap at Lash L’Amour, you would skip the caffeine, hit the restroom, and silence your phone for some “me time.”
  7. Don’t be shy! Your lashes speak volumes, so you should too! Speak up if you feel any discomfort. You should not feel any burning, scratching, or itchy sensations during the process.  If that neck pillow is bugging you, ask us to remove it. Lying down for a long time isn’t for everyone, so if you need to adjust things, please let us know. We want you to have the best experience when getting your lashes done.  
  8. We love a good chat. But keep talking to a minimum during your service. Concentration is the cornerstone of a great lash experience, as it takes intense focus to adhere a few hundred tiny extensions onto your natural lashes.  We only have an hour or so to make you feel and look like a million bucks.
  9. Change it up once in a while. Try a new lash look to keep it fun and fresh.
  10. Communicate with us. Ask questions, give feedback, and challenge us. We love hearing from you.

Meet the Lash L’Amour Ladies – Erin Burke, Master Lash Artist and Quality Control Manager

How long have you been with Lash L’Amour?
I have been here since day one. I was Cynthia’s first employee, eight years ago. I’m proud to say that I have seen this business grow from zero clients to the booming empire it is now.

Where do you live?
I live in Watertown with my two cats, Louie and Charlie.

Take us through your day as Master Lash Artist and Quality Control Manager.
I work in the Newton location, Monday through Friday, taking clients all day. I’m also the go-to person for all of the girls to ask technical questions or ask my opinion on certain questions about clients or lashes. I try to make sure that your experience is the same at Lash L’Amour no matter which lash artist you see, or which location you visit. I try to give them all of the knowledge I have acquired over the past eight years about lashes and customer service.

What is your favorite beauty “treat” that you do for yourself?
I love treating myself to facials. I’m trying to fight aging as much as I can!

When did you get your first pair of lashes? How did they make you feel?
My first set of lashes was done by Cynthia eight years ago when I was first hired. Lashes make me feel prettier!

What does having great lashes bring to a woman’s life?
I love that lashes make me feel pretty even without makeup. I have very blonde natural lashes, so if I’m not wearing mascara they’re pretty much nonexistent. When I have lashes on, I feel like I look good when I wake up in the morning. Lash extensions have given me the confidence to leave the house without any makeup and not feel self conscious!

What is your “can’t leave the house without” makeup?
I can’t leave the house without mineral foundation and blush.

What makes you feel beautiful?
Feeling confident makes me feel beautiful! Having a good hair day doesn’t hurt either.

How to Choose the Right Lash Extension Spa

With lashes staying strong as one of the hottest beauty services in Boston, it’s amazing to us how many lash extension places are popping up. Choosing which one to trust to create a gorgeous (and safe) flirty fringe for your eyes can be daunting.

We’ve put together a few tips for deciding which location suits you. We hope to see you at Lash L’Amour for your next appointment!

Photo and lashes by Allison Schofield/ Lash L’Amour
  1. There’s something to be said for being a one-trick pony. When you specialize in a beauty service, you can dedicate all your hard work, time, and talent to it. Choose a lash spa that has lash extension application as its main menu item, as opposed to lashes being the add-on.
  2. Ask your other lash-wearing beauticians about their lashes. People who are in the industry know who’s best in the industry.
  3. We highly recommend calling the lash spa for questions prior to making an appointment.  A knowledgeable staff should be able to answer all your questions and address any concerns you might have.
  4. Why would you get a beauty service done without at least investigating? Channel your inner Nancy Drew and check out the lash spa’s reviews on-line and website. Also see if the lash spa has an Instagram, posting examples of their work.
  5. Lash artists should be properly trained, licensed, and certified. Ask upfront if this is the case (if they bat an eye at the question, go elsewhere). Also inquire if they’re up-to-date on the latest trends, techniques, and materials – the lash world is always changing. Their technicians know-how should, too.
  6. Try before you buy – sort of. A reputable place will let you come in for a complimentary consultation appointment and adhesive test. This is important especially if you have never had lashes. During the test, they will apply a few extensions on each eye using two different strengths of adhesive. If you’re allergic, you will experience minor redness and itchiness within 48 hours. If not, then you’re good to go.
  7. Make sure they listen. If you don’t want über-drama, you shouldn’t have dense and mile-long extensions. A good lash place will listen to what you want for a look that fits your lifestyle, face shape, etc. Translation – you’ll leave your appointment looking how you want to – not how they want you to.
  8. It’s worth it to pay a little extra for cleanliness, safety, and peace of mind coupled with a spa-like experience.
  9. Be extra careful and do your research before buying a lash service at a discount price
  10. Because this beauty service is unlike any other (read: it’s near your eyes), it’s important to have a great relationship with their team, should any issues arise. A good lash spa has responsive customer service and pays attention to clients’ needs.

How to Maintain Full Lashes During the Fall Shedding Season

 

 

 

They call it fall for reason. Leaves fall from trees. Clocks fall back an hour. You might even notice that your lashes seem to be falling off (or shedding) a bit more than usual. There’s no need to panic. It’s perfectly normal and have we a few tips to get you through it.

All of your lashes are in different stages of their 60- to 90-day growth cycle. There are baby lashes just appearing and growing (the Anagen phase lasting 15 to 20 days), “teenage” lashes (transitional Catagen phase lasting 14 to 21 days), and mature lashes (the resting Telogen phase lasting 30 to 45 days). In fall and winter, the length of the cycle can shift (no one knows why), and lashes may shed more frequently.

Everything starts closer to the end of the summer. During this time, intense heat may trigger more lash hairs to go into the resting phase, stopping growth, and causing them to fall out over the next month or two.

Also when temps and humidity start to drop in autumn, if your skin is dry, your hair follicles (located just below the skin) aren’t being as nourished well. Translation: their growth is affected and they can become brittle. Result: they fall out before their time is up.

There are a few ways to help your lashes stay full throughout the fall and winter months.

  • Invest in a lash growth serum to help them stay nourished. We love LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum because it can be safely used with lash extensions. It conditions and nourishes follicles to boost the appearance of length, thickness, and curl of your lashes. Grab one during your next visit at any of our locations or order it online from us.
  • Take Vitamin D. Known to keep bones and skin healthy, in recent years, it’s also been linked to boosting hair growth. A 2012 study in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine suggests that Vitamin D can actually help create new follicles!
  • Don’t wait three weeks for refill. Come in sooner. Heavier shedding means more frequent fills, so we’ll see you soon!

 

 

Advance Your Career with Lash L’Amour

 
It’s no secret that we have a learning center in South Boston. What’s even less hush hush is the incredible talent we have visiting from around the U.S. to teach at our school during special sessions.
 
And there’s an upcoming class you won’t want to miss.
 
Trina Dial of Maven Lash & Brow Artistry is coming from Texas to teach her Volume II Class. She travels all over the country to teach lash professionals her skilled techniques. And with 41,000 followers on Instagram, she’s clearly a maven of the lash beauty world.
 
During this two-day advanced master class for experienced artists proficient in volume application, you will learn all about styling and design – they’re the backbones of Volume II! We’ll study Maven’s unique Face Studies program, corrective lashing, creating illusion, structural symmetry and balancing facial appearance. Implementing the Face Studies techniques and lessons will revolutionize the way you assess your client’s features, challenging you to think creatively and design with intention.
 
As part of the class, you’ll receive:
  • Study Manual
  • Skill Building Worksheets
  • Student Kit
  • Face Studies™ Workbook
  • Practice on Live Models
  • Client Forms
  • Certificate (*upon successful completion of case study)
  • Ongoing Mentorship and Support
The Class is held at our Lash L’Amour learning center  at 840 Summer Street, 2nd floor, in
South Boston on April 29 and 30, 2019, and registration is available here.

The Importance of Cleansing Your Lashes

You take great measures to keep yourself beautiful and pampered. Your hair is shiny and lush. Your face is radiant, your skin soft and dewy. What about your lashes?

One of the biggest culprits of premature lash loss is not taking care of your lashes properly at home. To the naked eye, they might look squeaky clean. Glancing at them through your lash technician’s magnifying glass tells a different story.

Every day (especially during a night out in glamorous full makeup), your lash line is bombarded by dead skin, excess oils, and cosmetics. When you clean your lashes, you’re rinsing away these nasties to prevent bacteria build up, allergens, and even natural lash loss. This build up also eats away at your extension’s glue bond, breaking it down over time. Translation – extensions coule fall off your natural lash instead of lasting the entire life of the natural lash.

Give your lashes what they need – a proper cleansing with Lash L’Amour’s new foam cleanser. Available in scent-free or in a minty tea tree formula, this gentle cleanser removes makeup and oils for squeaky clean lashes. Choose the Tea Tree Extract for anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant agents that soothe and are great for sensitive skin.

How frequently you cleanse depends on you. If you keep your look natural, wash your eyelash extensions two to three times per week. If you reach for the makeup every day, wash lashes/remove makeup daily. Also using a cleanser specifically created for lashes means you will avoid potential glycols, oils, and other no-nos for lash extensions often found in regular facial cleansers and makeup removers.

How to use: Pump a small amount of foam onto your fingers. Gently apply to your lashes. Massage the lashes, eyelid, lash line, and around the eyes gently to remove makeup and clean your lashes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Lash L’Amour’s new foam lash cleansers are sold in all three of our locations and are available to purchase online for $20.