How Much Do Lash Extensions Cost? Find Out How to Make Them Fit Your Wedding Budget

Get full, voluminous lashes without too much of a splurge.

Eyelash extensions can make your eyes really pop and can act as a convenient time-saver, especially for those who wear makeup regularly. But they can also be a splurge, and so lash extension costs are a big deciding factor for many. It can be nice to have full, voluminous bridal lashes for every wedding event you have, without having to apply mascara or false lashes, but it's important to make sure it fits your wedding budget. Prices can vary depending on several different factors, so to get more information, we spoke to Mary Harcourt, eyelash extension artist and founder of CosmoGlo. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the cost of lash extensions.

How Much Do Lash Extensions Cost?

Lash extensions can be costly, with expert lash artists charging anywhere from $100 to more than $350, Harcourt says. This price is dependent on a variety of things, such as which salon you go to and the type of lashes you're getting.

While lash extensions are pricey, it's important to remember why: the process can be a little tedious and time-consuming, especially for your very first time. "Lash extensions are individual synthetic lashes that are carefully applied one by one to your natural lashes," Harcourt explains. "Artists use adhesive to join the synthetic lash with your natural lash in a lightweight bond that allows the lash to function as if it were naturally grown." Your first appointment can take anywhere between one and three hours, and follow-ups, plus proper lash extension care, are necessary if you want them to continue looking their best.

That said, lash extensions have benefits that many feel make them worth the cost. The number one benefit is that they make your lashes look full and darker, so you don't need to apply mascara or eyeliner. This cuts down on time spent applying makeup and helps make you look more awake and put together. They're also more durable and long-lasting than false lashes or mascara. "You can shower, swim and exercise without worrying about smudging or running mascara," Harcourt says. Plus, they're customizable to your face shape and preferences, so they'll look even more natural.

Lash Extensions Cost Factors

Lash extension prices are not all the same—you might find places that charge a lot less than others. The cost can depend on a few different things, including the following factors.

Region

For the most part, you'll find that eyelash extensions are going to cost significantly more in a place like New York City compared to a small town in, say, Pennsylvania. "Expect to pay more in a fancier zip code than in a small town in the middle of nowhere," Harcourt says. Big cities and popular areas typically attract bigger, more well-known artists and salons. There's also more demand in these places, which can drive prices as well.

Expert Experience

It's probably not surprising to hear that a lash extension artist with years of experience is going to charge more than someone who is just starting out. This is partially because more seasoned experts have more experience, while it can feel like you're taking a chance on a beginner. "A beginner lash artist is hungrier to grow their business and willing to do services for a cheaper price in exchange for the chance to keep you as a customer," Harcourt says. "An established lash artist may not even take new clients and will work with the limited set of loyal clients they have, charging a premium for their services."

Type of Business

Where you go for lash extensions also affects the price. According to Harcourt, a large salon that offers a variety of services is probably going to be on the cheaper side. She notes this may be because they prioritize quantity over quality to keep the place busy, but it could also be about competitive pricing and the fact that they have more employees and more available appointments. A self-employed lash artist will likely charge more. "They may be able to charge a premium as they only have a limited amount of spots in their calendar each week," Harcourt explains.

To save and still get a great service, Harcourt recommends a happy middle ground that she describes as "a lash salon with a few lash artists ready to serve you with transparent and comfortable prices."

Style of Lashes

There are different types of eyelash extensions available, and the style you select will impact your price. "Every lash artist is taught classic lashes," Harcourt explains. "Everything past that will require an expensive course and lots of practice before they are able to perfect the style." She notes that different styles may also require different or more supplies and additional time.

Some styles include:

• Classic lashes: Classic lashes are the most basic eyelash extensions and usually the cheapest. They consist of a single lash applied to a single lash to mimic the way mascara looks.
• Volume lashes: Volume lashes typically cost more than classic lashes and can be priced anywhere between $150 and $300, depending on the region and expert. "These are very thin and lightweight lashes that are spread into a fan and applied to a single lash to add fullness and softness to the lash line," Harcourt explains.
• Hybrid lashes: Hybrid lashes, a mix of classic and volume, give a natural look with some added fullness. They are typically more expensive than just getting classic lashes, but cost a little less than a full set of volume lashes.
• Mega volume lashes: If you want super voluminous eyelashes, this is what you would get. "Mega volume lashes use all volume fans to give you the ultra full, ultra dark lashline," Harcourt says. These can cost anywhere between $175 and $400, so they may be slightly more expensive than volume lashes.

Material Cost

Today, all eyelash extensions are made of a plastic-free synthetic fiber known as PBT. But different manufacturers will use different techniques and materials to create their lashes, which can ultimately affect the lash extension price. "As with anything else, there are high-quality ingredients that are held to the highest quality levels and standards, and there are shortcuts," Harcourt says. "A cheaper lash service will most likely use low-quality ingredients, which can result in lifelong allergies, irritations to the eye and an unpleasant experience."

You'll typically hear of three types of synthetic fibers: mink, silk or cashmere. "These terms reference the thickness of a lash," Harcourt explains, not the fact that they're made of real mink or silk. "Mink will be softer and thinner, used in volume sets, and the silk will be a darker, thicker lash used in classic and hybrid sets." Lashes marketed as mink, cashmere or silk may be a little pricier than those that aren't.

How to Choose the Right Lash Extensions for Your Budget

If you're set on getting eyelash extensions, it's completely possible to find an option that fits your budget. Start by doing some research before selecting the style you want. If you're trying to save money, opt for simple, classic lashes that are likely to cost less. If you're okay with splurging a bit and want something more dramatic, go for volume or hybrid lashes.