From celebs to the girl next door, everyone is loving lash extensions these days. But finding a salon that can give you a gorge set to match your facial structure and at a reasonable price can be harder than finding Kim K.’s earrings in the ocean.
Which is precisely why Tirzah Shirai created her own salon dedicated solely to the art of beautiful lashes. After trying some not-so-gorge extensions at various L.A. salons, Tirzah visited a pro in Europe and discovered how lashes should really be done. She convinced him to teach her the technique, and today BlinkBar (with locations in Santa Monica and West Hollywood) boasts a celebrity clientele including Renee Zellweger, Jenna Dewan Tatum, and Whitney Port, along with thousands of lashed out ladies each month.
We chatted with the film director turned accidental entrepreneur about everything from finding our right style to following our dreams.
What is unique about BlinkBar compared to other salons?
The concept is to be the trusted brand in eyelash extensions that creates “perfect lashes every time.”
I like to use Starbucks as an example. Before there was Starbucks, there was coffee on every corner, but you never knew what you were going to get. Starbucks gave us a brand we could trust — consistency we can count on. We aim to be that for eyelashes.
Can lash extensions damage our real eyelashes? What can we do to make them last longer?
Unfortunately, yes they can cause damage. When people apply what we call cluster lashes (where there are four to five lashes being applied to each natural lash, instead of the one-on-one technique we use), if the lashes are not sized properly, or if they’re not removed professionally, they can cause damage. The good news is that when applied properly, many of our clients find their own natural lashes actually get longer and healthier over time. This is because they are not curling their eyelashes every day and applying three or four coats of mascara as well as removing it every night.
To make your lash extensions last longer, the first step would be to prepare for your appointment by making sure the lashes are really clean. Don’t apply any creams and lotions around the eyes. If you can, refrain from wearing any waterproof products for a week before your appointment — waterproof mascara leaves a thin invisible film that can keep lashes from adhering.
Which lash style best fits each eye shape? (Almond, wide-set, deep-set, hooded eyes)
We do very detailed training regarding this, this is one of my favorite things about extensions vs. mascara — you can really shape the eyes.
Almond – You can really wear any. My favorite recommendation would be Temptress, it’s our sexy signature cat-eye look.
Wide Set – Definitely Boho, this look makes the eyes appear more open creating an illusion of closer set eyes.
Deep Set – Vixen. This comes down to a few factors; you would want less curl, and longer lashes to really draw the eyes out.
Hooded – You want more variety of lengths you find in our Vixen, making the lashes appear fuller and more voluminous.
Are there any lash trends you’re expecting to be big in 2017?
Definitely our Russian Volume lashes. We use a super lightweight lash to build up your lash volume. This lash is built in house on the spot, so the appointment is a little longer (two and a half hours) but so worth it.
How do we decide which material to get? (Synthetic Mink, Silk/Mink Blend, or 100% Siberian Mink)
Well, if budget is a factor, then you may be more inclined to our synthetic lashes. They’re most salons “higher tier” offering. Our basic is still luxurious.
If you’re looking for a jet black, silky soft to the touch lash then go for the silk/mink.
100% Siberian is more of an investment — it’s a celeb favorite. It creates a unique weightless, feathery lash. If you have older or weak lashes these are a great choice because they are hollow inside so they’re super light weight.
What would you tell other women who dream of starting their own business in the beauty industry?
Don’t listen to the nay sayers. When we started, people said it would never work — that it was too risky having a salon that just focused on eyelashes!
Follow your gut, take smart risks, and be original. We need more women in leadership roles, owning businesses, and supporting each other.
Most of all, don’t be afraid to fail. We have a saying at BlinkBar, “There is no failure, just learning opportunities” — I believe that. If I didn’t begin by giving myself permission to fail then I would never have started, and I am so glad I did.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
