Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Faux mink means synthetic lash fibers rather than real mink. The words mink and silk are often used as industry style terms and do not necessarily describe the fiber itself. We use faux mink synthetic extensions and do not use real mink or silk fibers.

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.

Yes. Our artists make volume fans by hand during your appointment so they can adjust the fullness and weight to the natural lashes they see that day.

No. We do not cut natural lashes during our extension application or removal process. Your artist assesses your natural lashes and chooses length and weight with their condition in mind.

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. Lash Lift and Lash Lift and Tint are currently available at our Irvine and Newport Beach studios.

We do not cut natural lashes during our extension application or removal process. Our artists choose length and weight with the condition of your natural lashes in mind. Careful isolation, application, removal, and aftercare help reduce avoidable stress, but lash condition, sensitivity, and individual reactions can vary.

Lash appointments are generally comfortable, and your eyes stay closed during the service. Sensitivity, irritation, or discomfort can still occur. Tell your artist right away if anything feels wrong instead of trying to wait it out.

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.

Natural Sets take 1h 10m; Elegant Volume, Wispy Wet, Wispy Elegant Volume, and Anime/Manga sets take 1h 20m; Mega Volume takes 1h 30m; Super Mega Volume and Top and Bottom Lashes take 2h. All fills take 1h. Lash Lift and Brow Lamination + Tint take 1h 10m, Lash Lift and Tint takes 1h 20m, and removals take about 30m.

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.

Extensions shed with your natural lash cycle. A natural set can look less full sooner because each shed is more noticeable. A volume set may continue to look fuller as individual extensions shed, but retention varies with natural lashes, aftercare, lifestyle, and compatibility. Many clients book fills every 2 to 3 weeks.

Some shedding is normal because each extension leaves with the natural lash it is attached to. Retention varies with natural lash growth, aftercare, skin oils, sleep, workouts, water exposure, products, and individual compatibility. If loss seems unusually fast, contact us so we can review what may be affecting the set.

Many clients book fills every 2 to 3 weeks, but the calendar does not decide by itself. Retention, natural lash growth, aftercare, and the condition of the set all matter. At least 40% of the extensions must remain, and your artist confirms refill eligibility after inspection.

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.

Reference photos help us understand the direction you like, but they are inspiration rather than an exact-result promise. Your artist adapts the style to your eye shape, natural lashes, preferred fullness, and safe styling limits. Read our 3-Day Fix Policy for the full reference-photo terms.

We have many lash photos, so please text us the photo you are referencing at (657) 334-9919. Our team can check internally and help identify the technician. All of our artists are trained across the same core styles, while each artist can have a unique touch. Results can also vary with eye shape and natural lashes, so the exact same photo may not reproduce exactly.

You can share your preferred length, curl, and shape. Most clients do best with a customized mix of lengths rather than one length across the whole eye. Your artist will recommend options 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.

After years of hands-on service, we use the professional sensitive adhesive we trust for dependable retention. Its manufacturer describes it as low-fume and designates the formula medical-grade and hypoallergenic. Low-fume does not mean fume-free, and hypoallergenic does not mean reaction-free. Retention and individual reactions can vary. Professional lash adhesive is used with the eyes closed and should not touch the skin. Contact us before booking if you have allergies, sensitivities, or a history of reactions.

Yes. Elegant Lashes By Katie offers complimentary lash adhesive patch testing for clients who want an extra step before a full service. Text us before booking so our team can help arrange it. A patch test may help identify a sensitivity, but it cannot predict or prevent every irritation or reaction. Individual responses can still vary.

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.

We do not offer microblading laser removal. Pigment restoration is available at our Irvine studio and is not offered at Tustin. Please contact us before booking so our team can confirm the current service details and location.

The current client offer lists a Natural Set or Natural Wet Set at $75 at Tustin, Santa Ana, and Newport Beach. Standard full sets include Natural Set at $95, Elegant Volume Set at $105, Mega Volume Set at $125, and Super Mega Volume Set at $135. Other designer sets are listed on the lash services and prices page. A $65 Half Set or Demi Set, including Cat Eye, is also available. Natural and Elegant Volume fills are $60 for days 1 to 7, $70 for days 8 to 14, and $80 for days 15 to 28. Mega Volume fills are $70, $80, and $90 for those same windows. At least 40% of the extensions must remain and the artist confirms eligibility after inspection. See the current client offer, then choose a location to view live Square availability.

Elegant Lashes By Katie does not offer or require a recurring lash membership. There is no monthly membership charge or credit to track. Returning clients use the posted day-based refill price guide, subject to the 40% remaining-lash requirement and the artist’s inspection. Read why we use day-based refill pricing instead of a membership.

Fill prices follow the posted day-based guide and require at least 40% of the extensions to remain. Your lash artist will inspect your lashes and confirm the service and price. If fewer lashes remain, a full set may be needed. The current guide is shown on our services page.

Text us within 3 calendar days with your appointment details and photos if management requests them. Qualifying visible application concerns may be reviewed for one salon-approved courtesy adjustment. Notice does not guarantee approval, and preference changes, redesigns, extra fullness, or normal retention variation are handled differently. Read the full 3-Day Fix Policy.

Choose the studio that is easiest for your day: Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach. Our lashes near me guide and location comparison page have maps, directions, and booking links for all five studios.

The current roster has 31 individual artists: Irvine 8, Tustin 9, Santa Ana 6, Costa Mesa 5, and Newport Beach 4. Katie serves two studios, so the five location counts total 32 assignments. At about 5 years of lash experience per artist on average, the roster represents approximately 155 cumulative years, published conservatively as 150+ years combined experience.

Compare the concrete facts: posted full sets from $75 to $135, 31 artists with 150+ years of combined lash experience, 35,000+ completed appointments since 2016 including returning clients, five Orange County locations, external Yelp review pages, and a written 3-Day Fix Policy for review of qualifying visible application concerns.

Our five Orange County addresses are Irvine: 15333 Culver Dr Suite 220, Irvine, CA 92604; Tustin: 13112 Newport Ave unit k, Tustin, CA 92780; Santa Ana: 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 location selector to open the correct Square booking page and check live openings for Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, or Newport Beach. You can also compare nearby studios on the lashes near me page or text (657) 334-9919 from the contact page for help.

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 text (657) 334-9919 for location guidance.

Elegant Lashes By Katie has five Orange County locations: Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach. Our general hours are Mon–Sat 9 AM–8 PM · Sunday hours vary by location. Text (657) 334-9919 for booking help or location questions.