2.5 stars. Yelp doesn't offer halves as an option, plus my review on a Google acct was removed. So,…read morethis may be a repeat. Trying again. Let's meet in the middle.
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I miss my false lashes. One of my best investments until it abruptly ended. Please know this is not intended to sabotage- rather share my story and hope change occurs as a result. Always something to learn.
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The day I signed the waiver form, I could've done it blindly as I didn't imagine anything bad happening. Almost a year later, I woke up w/o "rose-colored glasses". And honestly, I was a bit horrified.
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First, rewind to the beginning- I start my 2-week routine of going in for my lash fill w/ my lash lady, Asia. Know that I always enjoyed my appointments- I trusted and knew Asia would bring my lashes back to life. During my appointments, Asia and I had a lot of great conversations, and laughs. Easy to talk to. (And I was a good client- arrived on time and tipped well.) No complaints.
After a while, we both noticed my lashes seemed to fall out sooner vs other clients. Asia tried different adhesive on me to no avail. We were coming up on almost a year of me receiving lash extensions.
I had a minor, allergic reaction around my eye shortly after one of our appts. Know that I don't have allergies to really anything. I had no reason to believe it was from the adhesive, as Asia usually told me if she changed it. I went to my doc clueless to what was causing my itchiness and dryness around my eyes. After my doctor appointment, I texted Asia and she told me she tried more powerful "super" adhesive (later learned is called Lethal). BINGO. My itchiness and dryness came from this Lethal.
Asia thought I could use my usual adhesive again, on our regular 2-week schedule. No. Was also the guinea pig for Asia. I was the first client she ever had w/ a reaction.
Within one day- I woke up (SEE PICTURES) to my horror w/ puffed up, balloon-like eyelids. Cue in SUPER puffiness, dryness and itchiness. Puffiness went down significantly after I showered. Dryness & itchiness on and on. Not fun.
I texted Asia that Sunday. She shared my lashes would need to be removed asap- but would have to be done by Kim (Asia wasn't trained to remove them). I texted Kim, and she surprisingly forwarded me a DIY YouTube link to remove my lashes using coconut oil. I did a little research to find - it was best to have them professionally removed within 24 hours. But that wasn't going to be the case here.
I didn't enjoy having to pay for coconut oil and go into a public store after looking like I was just beat up. I did it- but even the Youtuber instructions were a bit ambiguous.
I hoped (assumed too soon), as a good service provider, Kim would reimburse me or offer a discount for a future visit. She said the time and money was already spent. I wasn't getting a penny back or any incentive to come back.
Over the course of several weeks, I spent $300 out of pocket to treat my symptoms w/ hydocortisone cream/steroid pills from my doctor to the dermatologist office. As a result of this adhesive and missing the warning signs, my under-eye area now has additional wrinkles. I haven't found a cost-effective solution yet to cure and remove them. Good news is that my natural lashes are now mostly grown back- thanks to an off-counter lash serum.
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I knew and didn't expect my out of pocket expenses to be covered-I'm sure somewhere in the 1-page (?) contract I blindly signed off on, states in understanding the risk of getting lash extensions. BUT I was disappointed in the lack of service. No money back. No coupon. No free lash removal. Asia told me I could come in for a lash test again, but that's unlikely. (I do miss my talks w/ Asia.)
What I do ask for/take-aways:
-better training in (possible future) lash trained employees (recognize warning signs)
-if removal must be done, offer half or full reimbursement of service as an apology for the unfortunate outcome. AND/OR a discount for coming back to give it another try.
-remove the lashes at the salon by trained professional, free of charge