Category: Lash Tips & Tricks

Blog

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.

Blog

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.