• How Lash Ceylon by Oshani is changing the lash game in Sri Lanka

At 9 a.m., the salon is quiet; by noon, it’s full. The clientele is diverse: university students browsing Pinterest for inspiration, a bride-to-be finalising her wedding day look, and a corporate executive taking a rare moment to decompress.

For the next two hours, the world narrows down to a pair of tweezers, a steady hand, and lashes so fine they look almost invisible.

This is Lash Ceylon by Oshani. “I didn’t wake up one day and decided to just ‘do lashes,’” Oshani Wijethunga said. “I’ve studied almost every corner of the beauty and fashion industry – pattern-making, fashion design, modelling, bridal dressing, makeup. Lashes felt like the missing piece.”

Her path into lash artistry wasn’t accidental. It was strategic. After building experience across fashion and beauty disciplines, she pursued formal certification at an internationally recognised Australian Academy for Eyelash Extensions. That training, she explained, sharpened her technical understanding and exposed her to global standards that are still developing locally.

“In Sri Lanka, the demand is growing very fast,” she shared. “But not everyone understands the science behind it. That’s where problems begin.”

The lash boom – and the myths that follow

Eyelash extensions have exploded in popularity across Sri Lanka over the past five years. What was once reserved for brides and models is now a regular appointment for students and professionals alike.

But with rapid growth comes misinformation. One of the most common myths, Oshani said, is that eyelash extensions “ruin” your natural lashes.

“They don’t damage your lashes if they are applied properly,” she explained. “Damage happens when lashes are too heavy for your natural lash strength, or when they’re glued incorrectly. Isolation is everything.”

Another myth? Those extensions feel heavy and uncomfortable.

“They should feel weightless,” she said. “If you can constantly feel them, something has gone wrong.”

There is also confusion about maintenance. Some clients assume lashes are a one-time service that will last indefinitely.

“Your natural lashes shed in cycles,” Oshani told me. “So extensions shed with them. That’s normal. Refills every two to three weeks keep them looking full.”

In reality, with proper care, extensions can last close to a month. With consistent refills, clients can maintain them for up to three months or longer.

The anatomy of a lash appointment

“It starts with a consultation,” Oshani explained. “Length, curl, thickness, volume – I need to know what the client wants, but I also assess what their natural lashes can handle.” Unlike strip lashes or cluster lashes, professional eyelash extensions are applied individually. That means every single extension is bonded to one natural lash.

The process is meticulous. First, lashes are cleansed with a lash shampoo to remove oils and residue. They are then dried gently. Under-eye patches are placed to protect the lower lashes. A primer is applied to enhance adhesion and coat even the tiniest hairs.

“Prepping is not optional,” she said firmly. “If you skip proper prep, retention suffers.”

Then comes lash mapping – a customised design blueprint that determines where different lengths and curls will be placed.

Using fine tweezers, Oshani attaches each extension according to that map. Depending on the style –  classic, hybrid or volume – the session can take between one to two hours.

“It’s slow work,” she said. “You can’t rush perfection.”

Silk, mink, synthetic: what’s the difference?

Another area of confusion for clients is material.

There are several types of eyelash extensions available: human hair, mink, silk, synthetic and cashmere fibres. Each varies in weight, texture and finish.

“Some clients want a very soft, fluffy look – silk or cashmere works well,” Oshani explained. “Others prefer a bold, glossy finish, so synthetic fibres might suit them better.”

She emphasised that personal preference matters, but so does lash health.

“I will never apply something that compromises natural lashes just to achieve drama,” she said.

Trends taking over sri lanka

Globally, lash trends shift almost as quickly as fashion cycles.

“Right now, wispy sets and wet-look lashes are very popular,” Oshani shared. “People want texture –  something that looks a bit effortless.”

Anime-inspired spikes, lighter brown lashes for softer definition, and subtle ‘mascara look’ sets are also gaining traction.

“In Sri Lanka, we’re seeing more clients move away from very heavy, blocky volume sets,” she explained. “They want something that enhances their eyes without looking overdone.”

Bridal clients, however, often still lean toward fuller styles for photography.

“Wedding makeup in Sri Lanka tends to be glamorous,” she said. “So lashes need to hold their own under strong lighting.”

The challenges of the local industry

Despite the growing popularity, building a lash business in Sri Lanka isn’t without obstacles.

One challenge, Oshani said, is inconsistent training standards. “Some people take very short courses and start immediately,” she explained. “But without proper understanding of lash isolation and adhesive chemistry, clients can face issues like irritation or poor retention.”

Access to high-quality imported products is another hurdle. Adhesives, primers and professional fibres often need to be sourced internationally. “It’s an investment,” she admitted. “But I don’t compromise on quality.”

Climate also plays a role. “Sri Lanka’s humidity affects adhesive performance,” she said. “You have to understand how temperature and humidity influence curing time. It’s technical.”

Pricing is another sensitive topic. Some clients compare professional lash services to cheaper alternatives without understanding the difference in product quality and time spent. “When you calculate the hours, the materials, and the training involved, it’s a skilled service,” Oshani said.

After-Care: where most clients slip

Retention depends as much on the client as on the lash artist. Oshani is clear about after-care instructions:

• Avoid water for 48 hours.
• Do not rub or touch your eyes.
• Clean lashes every three days with a foam cleanser.
• Brush them gently each morning.
• Avoid oil-based products.
• Do not sleep face-down.
• Stay consistent with infills.

“When clients follow these steps, they see a huge difference,” she explained. “Oil-based products break down the adhesive. Rubbing creates premature fallout.”

She also addressed another common fear: washing lashes.

“People are scared to clean them,” she said. “But not cleaning them causes buildup, which affects retention and hygiene.”

More than beauty – it’s confidence

Throughout our conversation, one theme kept surfacing: confidence. “I’ve had clients tell me they feel more put together even without makeup,” Oshani shared. “That’s powerful.”

For working women juggling long hours, for new mothers with limited time, and for brides seeking that perfect gaze, lashes offer convenience. “You wake up ready,” she said simply.

But beyond aesthetics, the appointment itself becomes a pause. “Clients close their eyes for two hours,” she said. “It’s quiet. It’s calm. Some say it’s the only time in the week they truly relax.”

Building Lash Ceylon’s future

For Oshani, Lash Ceylon is not a trend-based side hustle. It is a long-term commitment to raising standards in the local beauty sector. “I want clients to understand that lashes are a craft,” she said. “It’s not just glue and fibres. It’s design, hygiene, chemistry and patience.”

As the Sri Lankan beauty market continues to expand, Lash Ceylon positions itself firmly within the professional tier – grounded in international training, careful consultation and an insistence on safe practice. “Beauty keeps changing,” Oshani said thoughtfully. “But quality work will always stand out.”