FAQ
Questions you'll probably have.
Organized by service. If you don’t see your question here, text us at (619) 415-6677 or check the FAQ on the relevant service page — each one has 6–11 service-specific questions.
Eyelash Extensions
Lash Extensions
How long do extensions last?
When applied properly, lash extensions can last anywhere from 4–6 weeks. Maintenance appointments every 2–3 weeks keep your set looking full as your natural lashes shed and grow.
How often will I need touch-ups?
With proper care we recommend every 2–4 weeks. Fills more than three weeks out from your last appointment are billed at full-set rate.
Will lash extensions damage my natural lashes?
No — as long as they’re applied properly and you care for them, your natural lashes won’t be harmed. Improper application causes clumping and damage. Our team is trained to refuse a set or recommend a lighter style when natural lashes can’t safely support what you’re asking for.
How long does the application take?
Full sets take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on how many natural lashes you have, the style (Classic, Hybrid, Volume, Mega Volume), and the artist’s tier.
Can I swim and exercise with extensions?
Yes — but it’s best to wait 24 hours to get them wet or sweat to ensure the adhesive has fully cured. Excessive heat and water exposure may shorten the life of your set.
Can I wear mascara?
Yes, but it must be oil-free and formulated for lash extensions. Regular mascara breaks down adhesive bonds. Avoid waterproof formulas. Skip mascara on the bottom lashes too — blinking transfers it to the upper extensions.
What if I get an allergic reaction to the adhesive?
Contact the studio immediately. Benadryl or hydrocortisone cream can help. We have sensitive adhesives and lint-free eye pads available, and can do a test-patch beforehand if you’re concerned.
How do I remove them when I'm done?
Always come in for professional removal. If you absolutely need to do it at home, apply coconut or olive oil sparingly, wait 5–10 minutes, then gently massage. Never pull at extensions — you’ll pull your natural lashes out with them. Removal at the studio is $30 standalone.
Do you offer half sets?
No — only full sets and fills. Our mapping technique relies on even distribution across the lash line, which is what gives our work its longevity. A half set would compromise both the symmetry and the retention.
Do you take walk-ins or same-day appointments?
We’re appointments only, but you can call or text the day of and we’ll check live availability. Junior Artist tier (Bay Park) usually has more next-day openings.
Lash Lifts + Brow Lams
Lifts
What is a lash lift + tint?
A lash lift is a cosmetic treatment that gives your natural lashes a long-lasting curl without using extensions. A tint adds semi-permanent dye for color enhancement. We use Pure Cysteamine through Giusto Beauty — one of the lowest-cytotoxicity lifting solutions on the market.
How long does it last?
A lash lift lasts up to 8 weeks; a tint lasts 4–6 weeks. Both vary by individual hair growth, lifestyle, and aftercare.
How long does the treatment take?
60–90 minutes total for a lash lift + tint, depending on technique and density.
What's the aftercare?
Don’t get them wet for 12 hours. Don’t wash with soap or facial cleanser for 24 hours. Avoid steam, swimming, and sweating for 24 hours. After that, resume normal routine.
How do I prepare?
Remove eye makeup. Avoid oil-based products beforehand. Skip lash curlers for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Can I wear mascara after?
Yes — but most clients stop wearing it. The whole point is that you don’t need it. If you do, use water-based mascara and oil-free remover.
Brows + Waxing
Brows
What is a brow lamination?
A semi-permanent treatment that lifts and sets brow hairs in place to create a more defined, fuller look.
How long does it last?
6–8 weeks depending on individual hair growth and maintenance.
What is brow tinting?
A semi-permanent treatment that deposits color onto the brow hairs to enhance their appearance. Lasts 3–4 weeks.
Can I get a brow lam and tint together?
Yes — in fact, that’s what we recommend for the most dramatic effect.
Wax vs tweeze vs thread for brow shaping?
Wax for speed + clean lines. Tweeze for sensitive skin or rebuilding grown-out shapes. Thread for the most architectural shape. Your artist will recommend based on your skin and brow at the consult.
Permanent Makeup
PMU
What is cosmetic tattooing?
Cosmetic tattooing (also called semi-permanent makeup or micropigmentation) implants color pigment beneath the skin using tiny sterile needles to produce hair strokes, makeup looks, or natural feature enhancement.
Does it hurt?
A topical anesthetic cream and gel are used for numbing before and during your procedure. Most clients describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain. Pain tolerance varies — menstrual cycle, smoking, or fibromyalgia may increase sensitivity.
How many sessions are needed?
Most clients need a minimum of two treatments, at least 8 weeks apart. Color appears lighter after week one; adjustments happen at the second session.
How long does it last?
It won’t wash off, but it will fade over time. Most clients refresh every 1–2 years.
Can I get cosmetic tattooing if I'm pregnant or nursing?
No. As a precaution, we don’t perform cosmetic tattooing on pregnant or nursing clients.
How old do I have to be?
You must be 18 years or older.
Will skincare affect my cosmetic tattoo?
Yes — chemical exfoliants and anti-aging products like retinol, glycolic acid, and lactic acid will lighten the tattoo over time. Discontinue 3–4 weeks before and avoid directly after healing.
What should I do (and not do) before my appointment?
Bring reference photos. Fill brows normally so we can see your natural look. Get any shaping done 3+ days prior. Avoid blood thinners for 72 hours (Vitamin E, Aspirin, Niacin, fish oil, Ibuprofen). Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine. Wait one full year after Accutane. Avoid sun and tanning bed exposure for 30 days before and after.
Booking + policies
Booking
What's your cancellation and reschedule policy?
50% deposit at booking, applied to your service balance day of. Cancellations or reschedules with at least 24 hours notice transfer the deposit to your next appointment, no fee. Less than 24 hours notice: deposit forfeited. No-shows: full service total charged. Full details on our Policies page.
What's your late arrival policy?
15-minute grace period. After that, your service may need to be rescheduled and the full service fee applies. If you’re running late, text us at (619) 415-6677.
How do I book?
Online at booking.mangomint.com, by texting (619) 415-6677, or by emailing hello@sdlashes.com. Online booking is fastest.
Can I request a specific artist?
Yes — book directly with any artist by name through our online booking. If your first choice isn’t available, we’ll offer the next-best fit at the same tier.
Need more detail?
Each service has its own FAQ.
If you’re going deeper on a specific service, the dedicated service pages have more detailed FAQs (typically 6–11 questions per service):
Eyelash Extensions FAQ →
Lash Lifts FAQ →
Permanent Makeup FAQ →
Skincare + Facials FAQ →
LightStim LED FAQ →
Brow Shaping FAQ →
Full Booking + Studio Policies →
Still have a question?
Text us at (619) 415-6677 or email hello@sdlashes.com. Real human replies during business hours.