They’re everywhere. On the Tube. In cafés. On brides, businesswomen, students and new mums. Long, fluttery lashes that don’t smudge, flake or need a lick of mascara.
Lash extensions are having a moment. But are they really worth it?
Let’s break it down — the cost, the comfort, the upkeep — and whether the end result lives up to the photos.
What Exactly Are Lash Extensions?
Not to be confused with strip lashes or those fiddly glue-on ones you apply at home, lash extensions are semi-permanent fibres — usually silk, faux mink or synthetic — that are glued one by one onto your natural lashes.
You lie down. Your eyes stay closed. A trained lash technician applies each lash with tiny tweezers and a steady hand.
The result? Longer, darker, fuller lashes without the need for mascara.
The Good Part
They look incredible — when done well.
A good set of extensions can lift your whole face. You look brighter. More awake. Ready to face the day without touching a tube of mascara.
They save time.
No more morning makeup rush. No more clumps, smudges or panda eyes. You can go straight from sleep to street in minutes.
You don’t feel them.
Once applied properly, lash extensions feel like nothing. No weight. No pulling. Just your own lashes — upgraded.
They last.
Depending on your natural lash cycle, they can stay put for 2–4 weeks before needing a top-up. And if you follow the aftercare properly, they stay looking fresh the whole time.
The Not-So-Good Part
They take time.
The first appointment can take 1.5 to 2 hours. Fills take around an hour. If you’re always in a rush, this might not suit you.
They’re not cheap.
A full set in a decent London salon can cost £60 to £120, depending on the style — classic, hybrid, or Russian volume. Fills are less, but they add up.
They need looking after.
You can’t rub your eyes. You shouldn’t sleep on your face. You’ll need to brush them. And oil-based products? Off the table. They can weaken the glue.
Bad work is obvious.
Not all lash techs are equal. If the lashes are too long, too thick, or stuck to your skin — you’ll feel it. And worse, it can damage your natural lashes.
Are They Worth It?
It depends on what you want.
If you love the look of full lashes but hate applying makeup, they’re worth it. If you’ve got a big event — wedding, holiday, photoshoot — they’re a great choice. If you like looking polished with no effort in the morning, they’ll change your life.
But if you can’t commit to the upkeep, or you rub your eyes constantly, they might not be for you.
And if you’re trying to save money? They’re a luxury, not a necessity.
Not for Everyone
Lash extensions aren’t for everyone. But when they’re done well, by someone who knows what they’re doing, they look amazing — and make everyday life a bit easier.
So are they worth the hype?
For many Londoners, absolutely.
Just choose your salon carefully, ask the right questions, and don’t go too long, too thick, or too cheap.
Your eyes deserve better than a bargain gone wrong.
