#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!

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.