Full Set vs. Fill: Which Eyelash Extension Service Do I Need?
- Lynn MC Schuster
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
If you’re new to the world of lash extensions (or even if you’re a seasoned lash lover who still gets a little confused when booking), you’ve probably seen two service options pop up: Full Set and Fill. Which one should you book? And what’s the actual difference?
Let’s break it down—because booking the right service is the first step to waking up flawless.
First Things First: The Full Set
Think of your Full Set as the grand opening, the main event, the champagne-popping moment of your lash journey.
✨ What is a Full Set:
A Full Set is your very first appointment for eyelash extensions. During this longer appointment, your lash artist applies extensions to each of your natural lashes (yes, every single one that’s healthy enough to hold an extension).
✨ What happens during a Full Set:
We’ll chat about your lash goals—are you after soft and natural, or bold and dramatic?
A customized design plan is created for your eye and face shape.
Lash extensions are meticulously applied, one by one, to your natural lashes.
You’ll leave with a full, gorgeous set of extensions that are all yours (well, technically yours and a little help from us).
✨ Timing:
Because we’re building your lash look from scratch, plan to set aside 2–3 hours for your first Full Set. It’s part beauty treatment, part lash nap.
✨ When to book a Full Set:
If it’s your first time getting lash extensions.
If it’s been longer than 4–5 weeks since your last fill.
If most of your lash extensions have shed and you’re basically back to your natural lashes.
Enter the Fill: Your Lash Maintenance
Now that you’ve got your beautiful new lashes, you’ll want to keep them that way. Enter the Fill appointment—the maintenance that keeps your extensions looking fresh and full.
✨ What is a fill:
A Fill is like a little lash TLC. Over time, your natural lashes shed (it’s normal, we all lose 2–5 lashes per eye per day), which means the extensions attached to them shed too. At a Fill, your lash artist removes grown-out extensions and adds new ones to your fresh natural lashes.
✨ Timing:
Fills take less time than a Full Set—usually 60–90 minutes. It’s the perfect mid-week treat that fits nicely into your schedule.
✨ How often:
To keep your lashes looking lush, plan to book a Fill every 2–3 weeks. Waiting longer than 4 weeks usually means too many lashes have shed, and you’ll need to start again with a Full Set.
✨ When to book a Fill:
Your lashes are starting to look a little sparse.
You’ve hit that 3-week mark.
You want to maintain your lash look without starting over.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Fills
Think of a Fill like keeping up with your hair color, manicure, or oil change. Skipping fills means your lashes will thin out and eventually disappear as your natural shedding cycle continues. Keeping up with your Fills means:
Your lashes stay full and fabulous.
Your extensions last longer overall.
You save time and money (because booking regular fills is always easier than starting over with a new Full Set).
The Bottom Line
First-time appointment? Book a Full Set.
Ready for maintenance? Book a Fill, ideally every 3 weeks.
Too much time passed? You’re back to booking a Full Set.
Lash FAQs
Q: What if I wait too long between fills?
A: If it’s been more than 4–5 weeks, chances are most of your extensions have shed with your natural lash cycle. At that point, it’s basically a clean slate, and you’ll need to book a Full Set again.
Q: Can I switch up my design at a Fill?
A: Absolutely! If you’re craving a little more drama or want to tone things down, a Fill is the perfect time to adjust your curl, length, or style. Just let your lash artist know at the start of the appointment so we can make the magic happen.
Q: How far in advance should I schedule my appointments?
A: Ideally, you should book your next Fill at the end of your current appointment. This way, you lock in your preferred day and time—especially important around busy seasons like holidays or special events.
Q: Is this a good gift to give someone?
A: 100% yes. A lash appointment is the gift of time, confidence, and effortless beauty. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, holidays, or just because. (Bonus: gift cards make it easy and oh-so-chic to wrap up.)
✨ Whether you’re starting fresh with a Full Set or keeping things lush with regular Fills, there’s never been a better time to invest in your lashes. Book your appointment today and let your eyes do all the talking. ✨
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