Is Keratin Lash Infusion really all that different from a traditional lash lift?

January 21, 2020 Kate Altman

If you have been following my social media for the past few months you have probably noticed a post or two about my latest obsession, Keratin Lash Infusion. Here’s the story of how I came to find this game-changing treatment. In a word, YES, Keratin Lash Infusion is completely different from traditional lash lifts…

Lash lifts took the beauty world by storm about 3 years ago. I was intrigued, everyone was posting these gorgeous, lifted lashes all over the professional groups. I was all in, I wanted to offer an alternative to lash extensions. Three years ago I trained and certified with a very well known and popular brand…and then I started seeing it. All of a sudden these groups were full of questions about what they had done wrong, their client’s lashes were kinked and frizzled, even some awful cases of lashes just being fried off! I kept seeing more and more questions about what to do and how to repair the damage that had been done.

I sat on my certification and all the really expensive products I had just invested in. There was NO WAY I was going to add this service to my menu. My entire business is built around the health of the natural lash. Anyone that is or has been a client of mine knows how much I talk about health and safety of the natural lash. If I haven’t done the treatment myself…I won’t do it on you…that’s pretty much my Golden Rule.

The problem was, I really wanted to be able to offer an alternative lash service for people who couldn’t have or didn’t want the time/financial commitment of lash extensions. I had heard of this keratin lash lift brand that was super exclusive but people would travel long distances to receive. I asked about it in my professional groups. The users of the brand love it, BUT a woman popped into my thread and said before you sign up with them, check out Keratin Lash Infusion, it is patented and the ONLY brand that actually infuses the lash with keratin, all the others are actually just a keratin coating that washes away. Additionally there is ZERO chance of over processing with Keratin Lash Infusion, guaranteed. WHAT?!?! I needed more info. This sounded like EXACTLY what I was looking for but almost too good to be true. I researched and asked questions…and guess what. It isn’t too good to be true. It was everything she said it was and more.

Keratin Lash Infusion does not use perm salts as it’s dedonding agent. This is MAJOR. It uses cysteine hcl, an amino acid of keratin to debond/reshape the natural lash. It is gentle, actually so gentle it is a slow process that requires heat and can not over process your lashes (that kinky, frizzled look I was hearing all about). Keratin Lash Infusion is a patented formula that does exactly what its name says it does. It infuses keratin into the cortex of the lash, conditioning and strengthening the individual lashes. I was so excited I scheduled a treatment for myself (remember I said I won’t do anything to you that I won’t do myself? I meant it) and private certification training in Boston and I haven’t looked back since.

Keratin Lash Infusion is a conditioning and strengthening treatment that has the added bonus of also lifting the lashes in the process. There are no other products/services like it on the market. Keratin Lash Infusion is free from thioglycolic acids and sodium bromate (two ingredients recently banned in Canada).

The results speak for themselves. Keratin Lash Infusion is a superior product and I am thrilled to be able to offer it to my clients. **I am also now certified to train other professionals so that they can provide it for their clients as well.

top 7 things your brazilian waxer wants you to know...

March 20, 2017 Kate Altman

#1 We are professionals. We see lots of lady bits...EVERYONE is different. Please don't worry about how you measure up...some of you have small labia, some large, some wrinkly, some smooth and everything in between. Honestly, it's skin and hair to us...so relax, we are not judging or comparing...that includes butts, thighs, and bellies too.

#2 I'm going to come right out and say it. It hurts. But not nearly as much as your first broken heart, and definitely nothing like your worst hangover. The good news is that it gets better the more often you wax and we use a fabulous hard wax that makes it the best experience it can be.

#3 We would like the same cleanliness respect you give your gynecologist (if you aren't showering before your annual exam...shame on you). Please come in clean.

#4 Working out immediately before (see #3) or after your wax is not a great idea. For example taking a 20-mile bike ride and finishing at our office in your sweaty, stinky, tight bike shorts, getting your brazilian, and then putting those sweaty, stinky, tight bike shorts back on and biking home is a very bad idea. First of all see #3 again...and second, waxing creates lots of tiny open wounds (where the hair leaves the follicle) which are susceptible to infection if not properly cared for post waxing. Generally, waiting 24 hours to work out is a good idea.

#5 SEX. Indeed, you are hardly going to be able to keep your own hands off your freshly waxed parts (but please don't unless you throughly clean them first). Intercourse should follow the same guidelines as working out... 24 hours post service to be safe is a good general rule. And LADIES, please do not have sex before you come in...it's gross. The oozing out on the table (yes, I just went there)...it's really gross.

#6 The butt...it's awkward, we get it. Just give us a clean crack and we'll take care of the rest. If you have always been too shy to do it, try it next time. You might really like the results of a hairless bum.

#7 We need hair to wax. I know that seems silly to say, but you do have to grow it out for a little bit (at least 1/4-inch to be exact) before we can wax it. Some people can grow 1/4-inch in four days, some it will take two weeks. Plan accordingly. Once we get you on a schedule your hair will come back slower and with less density, but that take time and commitment. If you get caught with an unexpected date night or weekend away between waxes and you MUST be hairless...shave. It is not the end of the world. We'll get you back on track after it grows in.

Summer is coming, sooner than you think. We are really only two waxes away from full-on bathing suit weather. Start planing your waxing schedule now so you are ready!

let's talk retention...

October 16, 2016 Kate Altman

Eyelash Extension Retention issues...

Retention issues can be a frustrating and tricky thing to figure out...there are so many variables to holding on to your eyelash extensions...and EVERYONE is different. I do everything within my power from temperature, humidity, application time and a fresh adhesive every single month (when the manufacturer says I can keep it for three!) to assure that the application is correct on my end...it's what you do once you leave that really matters. Remember, friction and oils are lash extensions worst enemies.

aftercare: you must stay dry for the entire cure time of your adhesive in order to have a proper bond. If it's raining bring a hat or an umbrella and plan all water, tear/sweat inducing activities for after your cure-window. Lashes that are cleaned regularly will last longer. Oils from your skin and makeup and pollutants from the environment can prematurely breakdown the adhesive causing early loss. Even if you don't wear makeup you still need to wash the day to keep the extensions holding on.

daily skincare/makeup routine: be sure you are only using cleansers/makeup that is formulated to work with your extensions around your eyes...and be sure to wash it away everyday. If you tend to have oily skin or eyelids, invest in oil blotting papers and soak up that oil a few times a day.

workouts: excessive sweat or prolonged exposure to water will shorten the life of your extensions. Start rocking a sweatband and buy goggles that are big enough to go over and around your extensions.

spray tanning: avoid a spray tan three days before you get your lashes done. spray tans contain an adhesive to help keep the color in place until it is absorbed by the body...this creates a film on your lashes and prevents the eyelash extension adhesive from properly bonding to the natural lash...also avoid spray tanning for 24 hours after you have your lashes done.

crying and eye rubbing: a good cry every now and again won't hurt your extensions, but days and days of tears will do a number. rubbing your eyes is a very bad idea with extensions on...it can prematurely pull out your natural lash or weaken the bond between the natural lash and the extension.

sleep: don't lose sleep over your lashes, but know that squishing them into a pillow causes friction and will breakdown the bond between your natural lash and the extension...try your best to sleep on your back.

hormones: those of you on hormones (or pregnant) might find it difficult to keep your extensions on as long as you would like...there isn't much we can do about this one except see each other more often.

stress: I only have anecdotal evidence for this, but I can see in your lashes when you have been stressed...so breathe

It's overwhelming to see this all in one place...I know. If you are struggling with retention, take a look at this list and see what might be going on in your life/routine that could be compromising the bond between your natural lash and the eyelash extension.

blink pink™ this october

October 10, 2016 Kate Altman

Blink Pink for October.

add pink extensions to your fill this month and I will donate the $15 add-on to the Maine Cancer Foundation in your name...

you are in good hands...

October 9, 2016 Kate Altman

It's official! I am ADVANCED CERTIFIED in Volumation.

It's official. I am ADVANCED CERTIFIED in Volumation™!!! I am really proud of myself and it's not for the reason you might think...I spent last weekend in NYC for a two day Advanced Training in Volumation™ with Xtreme Lashes® (a technique that safely applies multiple extensions to one natural lash) . Sure, I am thrilled that I passed the intense certification after only ever performing the application method two times (polishing my knuckles). BUT, I am really proud of myself for the mindset I was able to keep all weekend. Maybe it's because my best friend from college flew all the way across the country to be my first model and I got to spend my evenings catching up with her and not fixating on what I had learned or the daunting tasks facing me the next day. Maybe it was our awesome trainer, Ashton who so lovingly and patiently reminded us to be kind to ourselves as we learned to use new tools and new techniques. Maybe it was the awesome models who gave their time in hopes that I might get some lashes attached (NYC models are the best...both of mine slept!!!). Whatever it was, the combination was just what I needed to stay calm, focused, patient and able. From here on out, I vow to work toward this mindset in any new tasks I learn. I am in good hands with Xtreme Lashes® and in turn you are in good hands with me.

I can't wait to show you my new tricks!

it's time to get tough...effective immediately

August 18, 2016 Kate Altman

Tough has never been my strong suit...I much prefer to take the 'what goes around comes around approach' to most things in life...including my cancellation policy. Didn't the teacher always say "it only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch"? Well, it has been more than one bad apple in this case...it has been a whole bunch of them not respecting my cancellation policy and it is negatively effecting my ability to do business and provide the highest quality of service. I have always had written policies, but I have never felt the want or need to point them out. Unfortunately, I have reached my breaking point. I greatly respect your time...please respect mine.

Here are my policies...officially...effective immediately (did that sound tough enough?)

Policies:

Client Appointments:

New Clients: A credit card will be taken and used to reserve your scheduled appointment. Please arrive on time, your on time arrival insures that we will have your entire allotted time for your appointment and will allow you to receive the highest quality service.

Returning Clients: please arrive on time...your on time arrival insures that we will have your entire allotted time for your appointment.

After Hours Fee: There may be a time at some point that we cannot meet within my posted scheduled hours. If we agree that a time outside of my posted schedule is the only time we can meet, there will be an after hours fee. The fee will be determined by the services scheduled and will be agreed upon and discussed when the appointment is made.

Cancellations:

I completely understand that life (kids, work, illness, etc) happens...sometimes even unexpectedly. I respectfully ask that you give me 48 hours notice for FULL SET cancellations and 24 hours for all other appointments. If you cannot give me 48/24 hours (those unexpected life situations) we will try to reschedule you within that same week. If we successfully get you scheduled and you keep the new appointment you will not be charged for the cancellation. If however, you do not reschedule within the same week or you do not keep your rescheduled appointment you will be charged a cancellation fee (50% of the cost of your service or $25 whichever is greater) please note that I have a very full and busy schedule, do not assume you will be, or count on being rescheduled.

No Shows:

If you stand me up...you will be charged the cost of your scheduled service. Cancelling within 1 hour of your scheduled appointment counts as a No Show. You will be charged for the full service.

Running Late:

Give me a shout. Each situation will be different, there may be times where we can work with the tardiness, but most likely you will either have an abbreviated service or have to reschedule (see policy above).

Walk-ins:

We do not accept walk-in clients. Please call 207-650-4789 to schedule.

Payment:

We accept, cash, checks and credit cards. We will take a credit card number when you make your appointment, but it does not have to be the form of payment we use at the time of service.

the #1 question I am asked....

November 10, 2015 Kate Altman

WILL LASH EXTENSIONS DESTROY MY NATURAL LASHES?

THE ANSWER:

Well, yes they can..if the proper length and diameter extensions are not chosen and applied properly, damage can be done. If you think about waxing, you wax to hopefully damage the blood supply to the hair and essentially kill that hair follicle. While waxing, your goal is to remove the hair in the active stage of hair growth (the anagen phase) while it is attached to the papilla--the blood source. If lash extensions are applied that are too heavy for the natural lash, you run the risk of prematurely removing the eyelash...in the anagen phase and harming the follicle...and risking it's future and the future of any eyelash in that location.

That said, a **properly trained** lash artist will only apply extensions that are suited for your natural lashes. Super long and super thick extensions should only be applied to naturally long and thick lashes. Sure, for a special event you can be a little bolder, but long term wear should be realistic and suited to your natural lashes. Unless your artist is trained in volume lashes, you should never have more than one extension applied to one natural lash. You should also never have more than one natural lash attached to an extension, it can be very uncomfortable and cause damage as well. You should expect proper aftercare training. If not properly cared for you can end up with an infection! With proper length and diameter selection and aftercare, you can wear gorgeous lash extensions continuously for many years...without doing harm to your natural lashes.

**Don't be shy! Ask what training your lash artist has had. Look for someone with a hands-on training from a reputable company. In the state of Maine you must hold a valid cosmetologist's or aesthetician's license, in other states the laws are different. Ask how old the adhesive they are using is. Ask if the adhesive is made in the USA...this is going around your eyes, do not hesitate to ask the questions. Make sure the tools they are using are sanitized properly. An artist doing things the proper way will have no problem sharing all of this information with you. Education is so important. Lash on! (that is my new way of saying rock on)

What ARE eyelash extensions?

October 22, 2015 Kate Altman

EYELASH EXTENSION FAQ:

What are eyelash extensions?

The best thing since sliced bread...No, seriously. Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent, synthetic eyelashes applied one by one to your natural lashes.

How long do they last?

The truth is every person is different and there are many factors that effect lash longevity. However, most people need a fill every two to four weeks.

How do you attach them?

I use Xtreme Lashes® brand adhesive and lashes. The adhesive is medical grade, hypoallergenic with exceptionally low fume and odor, manufactured to ISO 13485:2003 Quality Management Standards, made in the USA at an FDA-registered facility

I wear contacts, can I wear lash extensions?

Yes, but...you cannot wear them to your appointment and you cannot put them in for three hours after your appointment.

How long can you make my lashes look?

That is different for each person. I take great care to make sure I don't damage your natural lashes. The health, length and thickness of your natural lashes will determine how long we can go with extensions.

What should I expect at my appointment?

You should plan to be reclined and relaxed, laying still with your eyes closed for 120-150 minutes.

Can I have them on my bottom lashes?

No, I only apply lashes to the top lashes. Extreme Lashes® has a wonderful mascara if you want to apply it to your lower lashes.

Can I swim with lash extensions?

Absolutely, but not for three hours after you have them applied. Also be aware that lots of swimming could effect longevity.

How do I figure out if they are for me?

Give me a call. We can talk about.

Opening Day!

September 16, 2015 Kate Altman

I received this beautiful card from one of my most favorite people, congratulating me on the launch of my new business. I am lucky to have you in my life Jan, thank you for being such a huge cheerleader. Today IS going to be amazing!!!