Brows & Lashes
Last reviewed: January 10, 2025·Originally published: December 24, 2025
Written by Nusu Editorial Team with AI assistance
Reviewed by Nusu Editorial Team
How to Find the Right Brow and Lash Professional for Your Needs
Brow and lash services range from simple shaping to semi-permanent enhancements that last weeks or months. The right service and professional can enhance your features naturally or create a more dramatic look, depending on your goals.
Whether you want fuller-looking brows, longer lashes, a low-maintenance morning routine, or a subtle enhancement for a special occasion, understanding your options helps you make informed choices.
This guide helps you understand different brow and lash services, compare professionals, ask clear questions, and know what to expect before and after your appointment.
If you have eye conditions, skin sensitivities, allergies, or are using certain medications (like retinoids or blood thinners), check with a clinician before starting. Services near the eyes require careful attention to safety and hygiene.
What Type of Brow and Lash Service Do You Need?
Start with your goal. Labels and offerings vary by professional, but these are common terms you may encounter when researching options.
| Your goal | Labels you might see | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Clean, defined brow shape | Waxing, threading, tweezing, brow shaping | Ask about preferred techniques and skin sensitivity. |
| Fuller-looking brows | Brow tinting, brow lamination, brow henna | Ask about duration, patch testing, and maintenance. |
| Semi-permanent brows | Microblading, powder brows, ombre brows, nano brows | Ask about healing, touch-ups, and longevity. |
| Longer, fuller lashes | Lash extensions (classic, volume, hybrid) | Ask about weight, maintenance, and natural lash health. |
| Low-maintenance lash enhancement | Lash lift, lash tint, lash lift and tint | Ask about timing, aftercare, and suitability for your lashes. |
| Natural, subtle enhancement | Light tinting, minimal shaping | Ask for a conservative approach that enhances naturally. |
| Special occasion look | Temporary lashes, lash application | Ask about removal and what looks best for photos. |
If a label sounds unfamiliar, ask the professional to describe the service, the products used, how long results last, and who is a good candidate.
Lash Services Explained
Understanding lash services helps you choose the right option and communicate with professionals.
Lash extensions
Individual synthetic, silk, or mink fibers are bonded to your natural lashes with semi-permanent adhesive. Extensions add length, volume, or both.
Types of lash extensions:
- Classic: One extension per natural lash for a natural, enhanced look
- Volume (Russian volume): Multiple thin extensions per natural lash for fuller, more dramatic results
- Hybrid: Mix of classic and volume for dimension
- Mega volume: Extreme fullness using very fine, lightweight extensions
What it feels like: The application process is painless. You lie with eyes closed while the technician applies extensions one by one. Sessions take about 1-3 hours depending on fullness desired.
Results typically last about 2-4 weeks before requiring fill appointments as natural lashes shed. Full sets are replaced every few months.
Lash lift
A lash lift curls your natural lashes from the base, creating the appearance of longer, more open lashes without extensions. A chemical solution sets the curl, similar to a perm.
What it feels like: You lie with eyes closed while a silicone shield is placed on your eyelid and lashes are lifted onto it. Solutions are applied and left to process. The procedure typically takes about 45-60 minutes.
Results typically last about 6-8 weeks as your natural lash growth cycle progresses.
Lash tint
A semi-permanent dye is applied to your natural lashes to darken them, reducing the need for mascara. Often combined with lash lifts.
What it feels like: Dye is applied to lashes with eyes closed and left to develop for about 10-15 minutes. A patch test about 24-48 hours before is recommended.
Results typically last about 3-6 weeks as lashes shed and regrow.
Temporary lash application
Strip lashes or individual clusters are applied with temporary adhesive for short-term wear, typically for events or special occasions.
Results typically last hours to a few days depending on adhesive and care.
Brow Services Explained
Understanding brow services helps you choose the right option for your desired look and maintenance level.
Brow shaping
Removing unwanted hair to create a defined brow shape using various methods.
Shaping methods:
- Threading: Cotton thread is twisted and rolled to remove hair. Precise and suitable for sensitive skin.
- Waxing: Warm wax removes hair from the root. Quick but may irritate sensitive skin.
- Tweezing: Individual hairs are removed with tweezers. Precise and good for maintenance.
- Sugaring: Sugar paste removes hair similarly to waxing but may be gentler.
What it feels like: Brief discomfort during hair removal. Threading and tweezing cause momentary pinching; waxing creates brief warmth and pull.
Results typically last about 2-4 weeks before regrowth requires reshaping.
Brow tinting
Semi-permanent dye is applied to brow hairs to darken them, creating fuller- looking brows and reducing need for pencil or powder.
What it feels like: Dye is applied to brows and left to develop for about 5-15 minutes. A patch test beforehand is recommended.
Results typically last about 3-6 weeks as skin and hair naturally shed.
Brow lamination
A chemical treatment that relaxes brow hairs and sets them in a new direction, typically brushed upward for a fuller, groomed look. Similar to a perm for brows.
What it feels like: Solutions are applied to brows while you lie with eyes closed. Processing takes about 45 minutes total.
Results typically last about 6-8 weeks. Often combined with tinting for enhanced definition.
Microblading
A semi-permanent tattoo technique using a handheld tool to create hair-like strokes in the skin, depositing pigment into the upper dermis. Creates the appearance of fuller brows.
What it feels like: A numbing cream is applied before the procedure. You may feel scratching or pressure as strokes are made. Sessions typically take about 2-3 hours including consultation.
Results typically last about 1-3 years depending on skin type, with touch-ups recommended about every 12-18 months.
Other semi-permanent brow options
- Powder brows (ombre brows): Pigment is deposited with a machine for a soft, filled-in look rather than individual strokes.
- Combo brows: Combines microblading strokes with powder shading.
- Nano brows: Uses a machine rather than manual blade for hair-like strokes.
These options may be better for certain skin types, particularly oily skin where microblading strokes may blur over time.
Session Details: What to Know Before You Book
Typical service lengths
Service duration varies by type and complexity.
Quick services (typically about 15-30 minutes):
- Brow waxing, threading, or tweezing
- Brow or lash tinting (standalone)
Standard services (typically about 45-90 minutes):
- Lash lift with or without tint
- Brow lamination with or without tint
- Classic lash extension fills
Extended services (2-3+ hours):
- Full set lash extensions
- Microblading or semi-permanent brow procedures
- Volume or mega volume full sets
General pricing guidance
Pricing varies significantly by location, professional experience, and service complexity. Urban areas and experienced specialists tend to charge more. Semi-permanent procedures cost more than temporary services.
Rather than providing specific numbers that may not apply to your area, ask for clear pricing upfront. Request information about:
- Full service prices
- Fill or maintenance appointment prices
- Touch-up policies (especially for semi-permanent work)
- Patch test fees if applicable
- Cancellation and rescheduling policies
- Package deals for ongoing maintenance
Maintenance schedules
Understanding maintenance helps you budget time and money.
| Service | Maintenance timing |
|---|---|
| Brow shaping | About every 2-4 weeks |
| Brow tinting | About every 3-6 weeks |
| Brow lamination | About every 6-8 weeks |
| Microblading | Touch-up at about 6-8 weeks, then about every 12-18 months |
| Lash extensions | Fills about every 2-3 weeks |
| Lash lift | About every 6-8 weeks |
| Lash tint | About every 3-6 weeks |
Your First Appointment: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Knowing what to expect helps you prepare and feel comfortable.
Before you arrive
For all services:
- Remove eye makeup and arrive with clean brows and lashes
- Avoid caffeine if you tend to be sensitive (can increase discomfort)
- Note any allergies, sensitivities, or medications to share
- Bring reference photos of looks you like
For lash extensions:
- Remove contact lenses (you can bring them to put in after)
- Avoid curling lashes or using waterproof mascara the day of
- Plan for a longer appointment; consider comfort (bathroom, etc.)
For semi-permanent procedures:
- Avoid blood thinners, alcohol, and excessive caffeine for about 24-48 hours
- Do not wax or tweeze the area beforehand (the artist needs to see natural growth)
- Prepare for potential swelling or redness afterward
When you arrive
The professional should:
- Ask about your goals and preferences
- Review your health history and any sensitivities
- Explain the procedure and aftercare
- Show you reference images or discuss your desired outcome
- Address any questions or concerns
For services requiring patch tests (tinting, extensions, semi-permanent work), this should ideally happen about 24-48 hours before the full service. Ask about patch test policies.
During the service
Lash extensions:
You lie comfortably with eyes closed. The technician isolates each natural lash and attaches an extension. You may feel light touching but no discomfort. The process can take about 1-3 hours; some people nap.
Lash lift:
Your eyes remain closed while a silicone shield is placed on your eyelid. Lashes are lifted onto the shield and solutions are applied. Mild tingling is possible but not painful. Takes about 45-60 minutes.
Brow services:
For shaping, you may experience brief discomfort during hair removal. For lamination, you lie with eyes closed while solutions process. For microblading, numbing cream is applied first to minimize discomfort.
You should feel comfortable speaking up about:
- Desired shape or fullness
- Any discomfort
- Questions about the process
- Adjustments to the plan
After the service
The professional should:
- Show you the results and ensure satisfaction
- Explain aftercare instructions in detail
- Provide written aftercare if applicable
- Schedule follow-up appointments if needed
- Answer any final questions
Aftercare varies by service:
Lash extensions: Avoid water, steam, and oil-based products near eyes for 24-48 hours. Do not rub eyes. Use oil-free makeup remover. Brush gently with a spoolie.
Lash lift: Avoid water on lashes for about 24-48 hours. No mascara for about 24 hours. Avoid rubbing eyes.
Brow tinting/lamination: Avoid getting brows wet for about 24 hours. Avoid exfoliating the area. Apply nourishing oil as directed.
Microblading: More extensive aftercare including avoiding water, makeup, sun exposure, and exercise for several days. Expect healing and scabbing over 2 weeks.
How to Choose a Quality Professional
The best professional matches your goals, maintains high hygiene standards, and communicates clearly.
Look for these signals
- Thorough consultation before any service
- Portfolio of before/after photos showing consistent quality
- Clean, organized workspace
- Single-use or properly sanitized tools
- Clear explanation of products and procedures
- Patch test offered for tinting and extensions
- Transparent pricing and policies
- Licensed and trained for the services offered
- Good reviews mentioning safety and results
Professional credentials
Licensing requirements vary by state and service type. Generally:
- Basic brow shaping (waxing, threading) requires esthetician or cosmetology license in most states
- Lash extensions may require additional certification
- Microblading and semi-permanent makeup often require specific training and licensing
Questions to ask about credentials:
- What licenses do you hold?
- Where did you train for [specific service]?
- How long have you been performing this service?
- Can I see your portfolio of recent work?
- What products and adhesives do you use?
- How do you ensure hygiene and safety?
Hygiene and safety standards
Quality professionals maintain strict hygiene:
- Single-use tools or proper sterilization between clients
- Fresh disposable applicators for each client
- Clean bed covers and surfaces
- Hand washing or gloves
- Proper product storage
- Patch testing for new clients
- Health screening questions
For semi-permanent procedures, additional standards apply:
- Sterile, single-use needles or blades
- Proper disposal of sharps
- Blood-borne pathogen training
- Appropriate facility licensing
Red flags to take seriously
- No consultation or rushing into the service
- Dirty tools, surfaces, or work area
- Dismissive responses to questions about hygiene
- No patch test offered for first-time clients
- Pressure to add services or products
- Significantly lower prices than market rate (may indicate shortcuts)
- Unable to show portfolio or discuss training
- Ignoring your preferences or concerns
- Missing or unclear licensing
Questions to ask before booking
- What license or certification do you hold?
- Can I see examples of your work?
- What products do you use?
- Do you offer patch tests?
- What is the full cost including touch-ups?
- What is your aftercare protocol?
- What happens if I have a reaction?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Special Considerations
Sensitive eyes or skin
If you have sensitive eyes or skin:
- Inform the professional before any service
- Request hypoallergenic products
- Insist on patch testing
- Start with less intensive services
- Be cautious with new products or procedures
- Have eye drops available if needed
Contact lens wearers
- Remove contact lenses for lash services
- Bring glasses to wear home after lash lifts or extensions
- Wait until instructed before reinserting lenses
- Use lens-safe aftercare products
Allergies
If you have known allergies:
- List all allergies for the professional
- Patch test any new products or adhesives
- Carry any necessary allergy medication
- Know the symptoms of allergic reaction
- Seek medical care immediately if you experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe reaction
Pregnancy and nursing
Some services may not be recommended during pregnancy or nursing due to chemical exposure concerns. Consult your healthcare provider and inform your brow or lash professional. Brow shaping without chemicals is typically safe; tinting, lamination, and semi-permanent procedures may require caution.
How Nusu Helps You Compare Options
Nusu is built to make discovery clearer and more transparent for consumers. Here is what you can expect on the platform:
- Search by location and service type
- Compare presences using the details professionals choose to share
- See reviews and ratings where available
- Merit-based rankings that are never sold to the highest bidder
- Ranking signals that include verification status, profile completeness, client feedback, relevance, and engagement
- A public overview of ranking principles at /platform/ranking
When to See Other Professionals Instead
Brow and lash services are cosmetic. Seek medical care for health concerns.
| Situation | Consider |
|---|---|
| Eye infections, styes, or pink eye | Medical evaluation; avoid services until resolved |
| Allergic reaction to products | Medical evaluation; identify trigger |
| Severe irritation or swelling | Medical evaluation |
| Skin conditions affecting the area (eczema, psoriasis) | Dermatology guidance |
| Chronic eye conditions | Ophthalmologist guidance before lash services |
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Brow and lash services are cosmetic procedures that carry risks including allergic reactions, irritation, and infection. If you have eye conditions, skin sensitivities, or health concerns, consult with qualified medical professionals before receiving services. The information provided reflects current knowledge as of the publication date and may not address all individual circumstances.