On Feb 23/12 I bought a groupon for Mink eyelash extensions for $86 at Indigio Lash Lounge. Made an appt for March 8th, followed the instructions to prep for the extensions. At my appointment (which was in a house in Millwoods) I found out they only put 70% of extensions on, I was told they do this because they don't put them on baby lashes, it isn't healthy. This was the first time I had extensions and this still sounded weird, and I was told this was industry standard. After they put the extensions on I was told I should come back within 12-15 days to be topped up to 100% and they normally charge $110 for a fill, but because I had the groupon they would give it to me for 50% off. Meaning in the end I would end up paying $141 for extensions? Why not just make your groupon for that amount?
They recommended that if I was going to keep my extensions on for a while I should buy lash extension protector (Max2 coating sealant 10ml) which cost $73, it would help keep my extension healthy. This protector is very smelly (smells like antifreeze) and the first ingredient is WATER, I was told I could put the protector on my lashes that night, but I was not to get my extensions wet for 24hrs? Doesn't the protector count as getting them wet? The very next day a few extensions fell out of my right eye, and more fell out over the next few days to the point were the right eye had significantly less extensions than the left. I was told they should last between 3-4 weeks, not 2 days! I followed all of their instructions, didn't use oil based products around my eyes, didn't get them wet for 24 hours, didn't go swimming for 48 hours, in fact because they were falling out I didn't even want to wear any make up or wash around my eyes as I was scared they would fall out even more! When I tried to get a hold of someone from the indigo lash lounge to let them know what was happening, I played phone tag for 4 days (they didn't answer their phone during the day, and didn't return my call until about 7pm). Finally I was told that it would be easier to send an email so I did. Levi's response (below) reiterating that this is industry standard to only apply 70% and they recommend your first fill around 2 weeks, and that they would consult me about my daily habits to increase the longevity of the extensions. Needless to say I was EXTREMELY disappointed with my experience with Indigo Lash Lounge and cancelled my next appointment. Everyone I talk to (even people in the eye lash extension industry) say NOTHING about only applying 70% of the extensions your first visit and having to go back so soon to fill up to 100%. I also find it hard to believe that they charge $225 for mink extensions (without the groupon) then expect people to come back within in 12-15 days to get a fill which costs another $110, so that would be $335 for eye lash extensions that are done from someone's house? Really,I find that very hard to believe.
I think the point of these online coupons is to bring in new customers so that they will return and spread the good word about your services, not to rip them off so that they don't want to ever go back. I would never recommend Indigo Lash Lounge to anyone, in fact it seems like there are many places out there that are WAY better as none of the other people I know that have had extensions had such a bad experience.
------------Response Email
Hi Dawn,
I understand your concern. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to answer your questions.
Our main concern is the health of your natural lashes. Although others are not being told that they were only being filled to 70%, that is common practise in our industry. Most studios simply don't explain that like we do. Placing too many extensions on your first visit could potentially cause stress to your natural lashes. We would never do more than more than 70% for that reason.
It is our practise here, especially to clients that are new to extensions, to thoroughly explain that your first set is 70%, and although that looks great, we can get you even fuller with your first fill. We also recommend your first fill be around 2 weeks later for the simple fact that it is common that you are losing lashes and one eye has more than the other. A fill is not mandatory to finish the job. We just want you to understand that lashes are (here and everywhere) a work in progress. When you return for that first fill, which we offer at half price because it is so soon, we are able to discuss your daily habits and potentially give you tips to increase the longevity of your eyelash extensions.
I assure you that every policy that we follow here at Indigo Lash Lounge is in place for your benefit, and to ensure the health of your natural lashes.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to answer your concerns. Sorry that we are so difficult to reach by phone. Please let me know if you have any more questions for us. We hope to see you for your half price fill in the near future.
Levi Shephard read more