Allow me to start this post by stating that I am not new to eyelash extensions. I used to have them…read moredone every two weeks by my lash artist in Columbia, SC. I had to stop utilizing their services once I moved to the Southern Pines area, so I allowed my eyelashes to rest for a few months while I found a new esthetician.
I booked a full volume set with Lexi. She was pleasant and friendly, which made me feel comfortable-- unfortunately that is the only positive thing that I can say about this experience. After discussing how I wanted to achieve a cat eye look with medium volume, Lexi began to work on my eyelashes. Two hours later, I notice that my left eye continues to water and tear up. It hurt so bad. Lexi had placed the glue too close to my lash line on an eyelash that she admitted was far too small to hold the weight of an extension. She then said that the watering of my eye may compromise the longevity of that set. I said "no, biggie, I understand", paid, and walked out.
My left eye still hurt so bad. It wasn't until I got in my car and took a good look at the eyelashes that I realized that that lash was going to have to come out. Moreover, the lashes on my left eye were completely falling apart and drooping under their own weight.
I went back inside and told Lexi about the problem. She was already with her next client, told me to rebook for the next day so she could fix it and removed the troubling eyelash. At this point, I'm in too much pain to ask for any other compensation and I just wanted to leave.
Once I got back in my car, I realized that the lashes were drooping so far down that it was making it difficult for me to see. Unless I wanted to walk home, there was no way for me to leave since I drove myself. I knock on the door once more, Lexi lets me in and reluctantly removes my entire set. She put the remover on my eyelashes, left me with a fan to cope with the burning sensation and continued to service her next client in the other room. I felt terrible. She comes back, removes the lash extensions but neglects to remove the clumps of glue that were left on my natural eyelashes.
I drove home, took a long hot shower, and my eyes began to burn again. I rubbed them and rubbed them because they felt like they were stuck together until the eyelashes began to fall out. My left eye is missing so many eyelashes now and it will take weeks for them to grow back. I honestly sobbed because I knew I was gonna get engaged over Christmas and my left eye was pretty bald now. There was snot and tears everywhere. It was not pretty. It was hurtful and I took a big hit to my confidence because of it.
I decided to email the salon and let them know what happened to ask for a refund. I provided the pictures below as proof that something had gone really wrong during my experience and received a call from the owner about a half hour later.
Up until this point, I would never have thought to write a poor review on a small business. I prioritize supporting local. However, the owner's response left me absolutely gutted. I did my best to put my big girl pants on and calmly explain what happened. She responded with saying that my story was not possible. She also stated that "she's been doing this for 30 years and has never seen anything like it". I didn't appreciate being gaslit into doubting whether my awful experience at the salon was real or not. Again, it was so hurtful.
She said she would call me back after she talked to Lexi, but she never did. She also said she would reimburse me for the services, but she never did. It took me going to my bank and disputing the charges for me to get my money back.
If I could give this business -10/10 stars, I would.
People come to beauty salons to have their confidence boosted and leave feeling powerful. Instead, I left with a patchy left eye and a heart full of hurt.
Save yourself the trouble and go someplace that won't make you look or feel this way.
For the salon, if you feel like finally giving me that call back you promised, you have my phone number.
Maria
