Set-up
Efficiency and Elegance: A Guide on How to Organize Your Lash Studio
Efficiency and Elegance: A Guide on How to Organize Your Lash Studio
August 05, 2023 by The Lash Professional.
Have you ever been in a space that was disorganized? Did it bring chaos to your mind and business? Did you achieve less that day? When you plan your day and are organized you have a clear mind which means you can make better decisions. Making better decisions in business means you will avoid costly mistakes and be more productive and efficient. Your business will thrive. So, how do you organize your Lash Studio business? Well, we are here to break it down for you!
Optimizing Workflow: Streamlining Processes for Increased Efficiency
The Lash Professional recommends that eyelash extensions artists organize every task and procedure. By doing this artists can minimize downtime and maximize productivity in their lash studio. This can include anything from the client consultation, the lash application process, and clean-up routines. For example, when a new client comes in for their appointment there should be a procedure, or routine, in place so everything runs smoothly. Try sitting down with a pen and paper and writing every task you have and breaking it down so you can be as efficient as possible.
Effective Inventory Management: Keeping Track of Lash Supplies and Products
Do you ever find yourself running out of an essential lash product? You know that your lash studio needs to be stocked at all times, but it’s difficult to manage it all especially if you’re not setting time aside for each task. To run a successful lash studio, you have to track your lash extension trays, adhesive, and other supplies, so you never run out of lash supplies and don’t waste time searching for these supplies. Try setting an hour aside every other week to go through your supplies and ordering what you will need for the following two weeks. The worst thing you can be doing is impatiently waiting for a lash package when clients are waiting for appointments.
Streamlining Client Communication: Simplifying Appointment Booking and Follow-ups
Another way you can save time and stay organized is using a booking system. You won’t have to constantly be texting clients and adding their appointments to a paper calendar. It’s so easy to miss writing an appointment down and easily avoidable with a booking system. Also, the majority of booking systems will text the client reminding them of their appointment. This is a no brainer for every lash artist business owner because it allows you to focus on the actual lash application rather than administrative tasks. If you can automate it, do it!
Time-Saving Techniques: Productivity Hacks for Lash Artists
Being prepared for your lash appointments is key! You can save time by doing all the little things ahead of time like cutting your tape, sanitizing your tools, and having your glue shaken and ready.
Maintaining a Clean and Organized Studio: Tips for a Professional and Inviting Environment
Keeping your lash studio clean is so important. Clients will feel safe in a clean space. They will trust you. We know it can be overwhelming to keep everything clean, but if you break down the tasks it will be much easier to manage. The best thing to do is start cleaning routines to ensure a tidy and welcoming studio space.
All of these tips will help you and your lash studio business thrive. Now, get to organizing!
What to Look for in an Eyelash Extension Chair
What to Look for in an Eyelash Extension Chair
July 23, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
Hello, lash lover. You may be a skilled eyelash extension technician, but is your equipment game on point? Every queen deserves a proper throne. And having a comfortable and elegant lash extension chair is a great way to make your clients feel like royalty.
So take a seat, babe, and grab a notepad. Today, we’re sharing the top three things to look for in an eyelash extension chair. Let’s get started!
Like a healthy relationship or a rewarding career, your lash chair should allow you to grow over time. Look for a chair with an adjustable back and a footrest that can be moved back and forth. A chair that easily shifts from an inclined position into a fully reclined state opens the door for more service offerings. Do you want to offer facials to make your clients glow? Go for it! Are you a multi-talented eyebrow microblade technician looking to add that to the menu? Get it, girl!
Investing in a high-quality adjustable chair may feel like a giant leap. Remember, you are setting yourself up for more opportunities to branch out and grow your client base. Girl bosses don’t get to the top without investing and developing along the way. If you’re unsure about an eyelash recliner chair, purchasing a lash bed is a great starting point.
Real talk—the look and feel of your studio impact how clients perceive the service and business. When selecting the perfect eyelash extension chair, looks matter. Since you can’t recruit an HGTV interior design duo to create a dream lash extension chair, aim for the next best thing. Put your designer cap on and focus on finding a chair that effortlessly fits your space’s current color palette and aesthetic.
Lash chairs come in an array of colors, the most common being black, white and neutral tones. There are also different shapes from curved chaise style chairs to modern recliners with sleek metal elements. As you browse through lash chairs, picture each one in your studio. What matches? What clashes? Move forward confidently with the chair that complements your decor.
Good news for lash babes everywhere—the lash industry is projected to grow into a $1.5 billion industry by 2023! As the industry skyrockets, more suppliers will offer specialty made products for lash professionals.
For now, many lash providers turn to larger industries like the spa sector for supplies. As you shop for a lash extension chair, you’ll notice that most of them are labeled as massage chairs or spa chairs.
Here’s our advice: check to ensure that the chair’s supplier offers a warranty for the item.
From one lash pro to another, protecting your equipment can save you headaches and costs down the road. In addition to obtaining a warranty, treat your eyelash recliner chair with care to make it’sit a worthwhile investment.
The right set of lash extensions enhance the face for a beautiful effect. In the same way, a few enhancements to your eyelash extension chair can make a world of difference. First off, make sure that the chair is secure. You don’t want a client to feel like the chair could tip over at any moment. If possible, consider bolting the chair to a platform. That way, the chair stays in place as you work your magic.
You can also add comforting additions to the chair that boost the luxe feel. A plush blanket or a heating pad are awesome additions. Depending on the headrest of your eyelash recliner chair, adding a lash pillow may be a helpful addition for comfort. The Lash Professionals Lash Pillowhas a cloud-like feel for ultimate relaxation.
You know what to look for in a lash extension chair. Now go out and get it! With the right equipment, your studio will gleam, and your clients will gush about your plush setup.
Wishing you a client list as long as a fresh set of lashes! XOXO
What to Look for in a Lash Extension Bed
What to Look for in a Lash Extension Bed
June 4, 2018 by The Lash Professional.
Sometimes we need to take it back to the basics and talk about the little things that help to make us successful. Without a lash extension bed, lash artists wouldn’t make it very far. It is safe to say that a little investment – on a lash bed – is a very important investment. So, let’s talk about what to look for in a lash extension bed!
Adjustable Features to Enhance Your Salon Offerings
Yes, lashes are life…but maybe you want to offer a few other things at your salon! Services such as sugar hair removal, lash lifts and tints, and spray tans are great additions to your menu. You’ll want to be sure you have a bed that is versatile and adjustable to the comfort of your clients for ANY service. Being able to lay your client flat for lashes or incline them slightly for another service will be important as you grow as an artist.
Now, I know what you are thinking… “Should I get a lash BED or a lash CHAIR?!” This is actually a huge debate in the lash world, and my answer is, YES! Yes, to either. I’ve had both; I actually still have both. Beds are great if you know you will only be doing lashes (or when you are starting out as they are a bit less expensive). Chairs are great for when you add a few other things to your service menu! Take a look at your business and decide which will be the most beneficial for you!
Lash Extension Bed That Matches Your Décor
This may seem silly, but babes, feng shui is everything in this industry! Finding a lash extension bed that matches your décor is huge. For example, in my space I have everything white and black with pops of gold. When I was using my lash extension bed, it had black legs and a reddish upholstery – no thanks! I purchased the cutest bed cover from The Lash Professional and it looked amazing with a fluffy white blanket draped over it!
Make sure you are maintaining the appearance of your lash bed, while also maintaining the cleanliness. Yes, your lash bed needs to be perfectly subitizable. Another reason I loved having The Lash Professional’s bed cover; I could throw it right into the wash! It doesn’t get much better than that. Now that I use a lash chair (it’s still all black and still has the fluffy white blanket draped over it) I’m not able to use the bed cover, but I wipe the surface of the chair down with medical grade cleaning wipes after every client.
Lash Extension Furniture Product Warranties
Now, there is no secret that lash beds are actually sold as massage beds or tables. It is what it is. Until our industry grows, this is the reality of it! Luckily, larger massage companies – because the massage and spa industry is much larger than the lash one – offer warranties on their supplies! This is good for us lash lovers. Ensuring your lash bed has a warranty will be very important. Most companies that sell these beds, such as EarthLite.com and OakWorks.com will offer a limited lifetime warranty which is great. Just make sure to read the find print.
Ensuring you have means of protecting your bed from everyday wear and tear is going to be just as important as a warranty, so make sure you take good care of your bed!
Lash Bed Enhancements
Let me start this section by saying, I could write a whole blog on this, alone, but I will spare you my rambling about all the awesome way’s I’ve souped up my lash beds in the past. Instead, I’ll just give you a few great options for making sure you have a perfect work space and a comfy client! First, find a memory foam topper. As super comfy as lash extension beds can be (not), making sure your clients are snug and content during their appointment is soooo important. Seriously, a client who is comfy will re-book more often, and most of the time tip more! So, use a twin size mattress topper under that super awesome bed cover that I mentioned before. Next, find a pillow for your clients – yes for their comfort but mostly for you!
The perfect pillow will have a work space for you, right next to your client’s head! Just like the one on the right. The Lash Professional offers a pillow just like the one I drew in the picture; it rocks!
The last lash extension bed enhancement I will touch on today is to just have a blanket. I’ve blogged about it before and I’ll blog about it again. You know that saying, “happy wife, happy life” (so true)… put client in there instead.
HAPPY CLIENT, HAPPY LIFE!
These are just a few tips of what to look for in a lash extension bed and what to do to ensure you are killing the game of lashes. It’s not hard, just invest some time; time is money, and if you spend it on making sure your space is perfect, it will pay off. Your clients will be thanking you, and you’ll be thanking me when your business is booming!
Lash Like a Pro | The Ideal Lash Setup - The Lash Professional
Lash Like A Pro: The Ideal Lash Setup
February 18, 2021 by The Lash Professional.
Your lash setup is everything when it comes to lashing like a pro. Let’s go over a couple of musts to be a pro in this industry!
Studio Lash Setup
The eyelash extension setup you have in your space is most important, especially when it comes to three things: Lighting, the comfort of your clients and storage in your space!
1. Lash Lighting Lash Setup Lighting
Lighting will be your BEST friend as a lash artist. For me, I wanted something that not only would allow me to see every aspect of my client’s lashes but would also be functional for photos. I shopped around, looking for something affordable while still being good quality… I found that the best fit for me was the Glamor Light. LOVE this light! It’s flexible allowing you to capture every angle of the lashes when applying extensions.
Read more about lighting here: Lash Extension Lighting Basics.
Lash Setup Comfort
2. Client Comfort
I tried out several pillows; I wanted something that was functional for me, while still providing neck support and cozy comfort to clients. The Lash Professionals Lash Pillow stole my heart and was definitely the coziest. Aside from the pillow, I went with a big fluffy blanket that I drape over the bed when not in use. Remember to coordinate these pieces with not only what is functional, but also what matches the design and decor of your space.
Oh and music…I always have music on. My go-to station is “Banks” on Pandora.
3. Lash Storage
Clear bins are the best place I’ve found to keep my inventory of lashes. I label them “volume” or “classic” and organize them by the curl, diameter and length. I recommend using a more shallow, wider bin to keep lash tiles categorized by the lash type. I keep these hidden away in a closed cabinet to avoid clutter.
However, I display retail products on decorative shelves. It is essential always to have products that will enhance your clients lash experience (not to mention the income potential that comes along with carrying/selling retail).
Appointment Lash Setup
My appointment lash setup has evolved over the years, but this is what I find works best based on my experience. I have a rolling cart next to my lash bed for the supplies I will need during the service, including water (I get thirsty when lashing LoL). On the cart, I set up an extra set of eye pads. I like to use these to hold up the lashes for when I need to work on the bottom layer because eye pads are more gentle on the lashes than the tape. I always set my tweezers on the cart rather than the pillow to avoid them falling off the table and to keep clients from laying on them by accident.
On one side of the pillow, I set up pre-cut tape and eye pads, a lash brush, and two micro brushes. On the other, I have a crystal stone and lash tile. I always make sure the lash tile is full of lashes before I start my sessions.
I live in Arizona, where it gets hot and very humid due to the monsoon season. Because of the weather, I like to fan my client’s lashes every 5-10 minutes. This ensures the adhesive is drying and not sticking to multiple lashes.
I also use the Lash Nano Mister to cure those babies! If you are not using a Lash Nano Mister, girl, you NEED this in your life. Cut down your clients curing time of 24 hours down to 4! Say what?! This is a definite must for me.
Finally, I set my room’s temp a little cooler than average to accommodate the adhesive recommendations; this is when that big fluffy blanket comes in handy!
Lash Setup
I try to keep my lash setup simple while making sure I have everything I need.
Xoxo,
Nikki
How to Organize Lash Extensions: The Lash Palette
How to Organize Lash Extensions: The Lash Palette
August 14, 2017 by The Lash Professional.
Lash Palette- Must Have Eyelash Extension Organizer
MUST HAVE LASH TILE
The lash palette will help keep you organized. One key to being successful in your lash business, is to stay organized. Being organized will keep you more efficient with your time, in turn allowing you to take more clients in a day. This also means more revenue generated. Clients will appreciate you being ready to go, especially for shorter lash fill appointments, when they may be pressed for time, and/or popping in during a lunch break.
In order to stay organized and make the best use of your lashing time, we recommend having everything that you need for the service close by. Be ready to start the service as soon as decisions about length, curl, and diameter have been determined.
Whether your appointment is a with a new or returning client, all appointments start with either an initial consultation or a follow up “check-in” with the client about their desired lash length, curl & thickness. Once this consultation has occurred, its best to be able to get started right away. Don’t take time away from the client’s appointment to fumble around and find the lashes you need.
lash palette
One way to do this is to use labeled lash palette. We recommend designating a separate lash palette to each of the most commonly used curls and diameters, for quick and easy access. We also recommend labeling the curl and diameter on each tile. Then line up the strips vertically from shortest (8mm at the top) to the longest (15mm at the bottom), so you can quickly determine which lashes you are grabbing when working on the client. This also takes away the guess work, making it easier to be attentive to, or talk to a your client during the appointment.
We have found that lining up the lash strips in this way, not only keeps you more organized, but also leaves space between the strips, making it easier for you to grab the lashes off the strips quickly and more efficiently, especially when creating volume fans. This way, you can also keep track of which lengths are low and therefore keep backups of those close for restocking your palette.
The lash palette will make your life so much easier!
Here at The Lash Professional, we have designed a lash palette with pre-labeled lengths, ready to fill with your desired curl and diameter for quick and organized lashing! It also fits perfectly aside a crystal stone on the lash pillow. This all makes more time efficient appointments.
Using these tips and keeping your lash palette organized and tidy will help you keep a smooth flow and transition between appointments. Which, in turn, will benefit both you and your clients, especially when you have back to back appointments through the day.
HAPPY ORGANIZING!!
XOXO, JULIE @ THE LASH PROFESSIONAL
Lash Extension Lighting: What to Look For - The Lash Professional
Lash Extension Lighting: What to Look For
February 18, 2021 by The Lash Professional.
Lash extensions aren’t easy! Mastering the trade not only takes time and practice, but it takes bells and whistles, too. I’m going to save the bells for another day and talk about the whistles: Lighting! Yes, lash extension lighting is a huge part of mastering the art of lashing; without perfect lighting, how will you create perfect lashes?!
Lash Extension Lighting Basics
So, there are some lash extension lighting basics that we need to go over before anything else.
Flexibility with lighting is also a must-have. Being able to, not only adjust the lights positioning, but the brightness and intensity, as well. Adjustable lighting that offers flexibility will make such a difference. When searching for lighting you will want to find something that has a fairly long goose neck (adjustable attachment or stem) AND multiple brightness options. Some lights will come with “filters”. These are awesome, if you are a makeup artist or doing your own makeup or selfie taking (LOL). For lashing, though, filters are irrelevant and don’t add much extra value to a lighting system.
Not that I assume you will be traveling often, but you will most likely want to move this baby around throughout your appointments. If you ever do need to travel with it, though, you can! A lightweight and portable lash extension lighting system will make your life so much easier. Find something that folds up easily and has a travel bag. For taking great before and afters, a portable mirror with lights is a must. The Ultra Clear Glamcor Mirror is a great option.
Lash Extension Lighting BrandS
Now that I’ve laid out the basics, let talk specifics: lash extension lighting brands. Ok, you caught me… no company makes a lighting system specifically designed for lash artists, they tend to cover all bases (tattoo artists, makeup artists, lashes, estheticians, etc.). But I have created a list of lights, from personal experience, that seem to be most popular amongst us lash-ionistas! The Ring Light, The Makeup Light, and The Glamcor Light! Keep in mind, these are my personal preferences and opinions based off of my lash experience…What works best for me may not always work best for you
I can’t say I don’t love a good ring light… I am literally staring at one on the other side of the room as I type this! Do I think they are ideal for lashing? No, and let me tell you why. Though they put off great light that can ideally wrap around your entire face without casting shadows, they are huge and not ideal to work around during a service. Seriously, learn from my mistakes. I used one of these babies when I first started, and it just wasn’t practical. It is bulky and, though adjustable by angel, there is no goose neck! Not to mention, they are slightly top heavy, and I may or may not have had it topple on to a client before…OOPS! They do come with a portable bag and lighting filters, but just take my advice and save The Ring Light for that pre-outting selfie sesh with all your besties.
Ahhhh… The amazing Makeup Light. It rocks…for makeup. It’s all in the name! This light was LITERALLY designed for makeup artists. Yes, it has almost everything you need, but not quite everything. The light that this device puts off is incredible, but in my opinion not ideal for a lashing situation. Is it possible to have TOO MUCH light? I’d say so. The Makeup Light is another one that I would save for the selfie sesh. The goose neck is really short, making flexibility difficult for lashing and it is pretty dang expensive! Get this light for a photo shoot or video recording, not for lashes.
This glorious little piece of lash heaven is the whole package! I use a Glamcor light every time I lash! It uses LED lights to put off the most perfect, natural white light. It has two separate lights that each have a gooseneck stem. The two lights swivel and adjust making each lash appointment a breeze. I’m not the only one who is obsessed, I promise. Our Brand Ambassador (What is a Brand Ambassador you ask? Click here to find out!) and Educator Rachel Lowery says,
“It rocks! The five levels of brightness make my appointments go so smooth. I can use the lowest level [of brightness] when applying eye pads, crank it up to the 5th level for the appointment, and back down to level 3 or 4 for the most perfect soft, lit pics for my insta!”
It’s all in the reviews. I talk about checking reviews quite often. That little life lesson applies to this purchase, too. While you are at it, check out the GLAMCOR website, as well, cause they have tons of cool lighting and mirrors!
Lucky for all you lash loving beauty babes, The Lash Professional KNOWS that the Glamcor Light is amazing, so they’ve partnered with Glamcor to sell them! Like I said, I write these blogs based off of my personal preference and opinion. I hope that all my lash sisters will grow and succeed without having to spend silly money on trial and error; learn from my mistakes!
Eyelash Extension Room: 5 Tips to Set Yours Up - The Lash Professional
Eyelash Extension Room: 5 Tips to Set Yours Up
August 5, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
You’ve mastered the lash skills. You have the supplies in your eyelash extension kit and are ready to start lashing. But is your space as welcoming and prepared for clients as you are?
You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Your eyelash extension room is a big part of this. That’s why it’s imperative to create a space that clients look forward to visiting and frequently relaxing to get lash services.
Whether you want girly plush vibes or a boho dream interior, we’ve got lash room ideas that will elevate your space’s energy.
Lash sisters, take notes. Here are five tips on creating an oasis that clients can’t wait to visit again.
How To Set Up A Lash Room
1. Discover the Ideal Lash Room Layout
First things first, decide where each piece of furniture in your lash room will go. Larger items like your lash bed or lash chair usually take center stage in an eyelash extension room. Then, necessary tools like an overhead light, and the lash artist’s chair will naturally find their place near this centerpiece.
Of course, no two eyelash extension rooms are identical. If a layout with the lash bed hugging a sidewall works better, go for it! Experiment with furniture placement to discover the layout that works best in your space.
Remember, the goal is comfort for your clients. Your layout should support this. Many clients like to use their appointment time for a refreshing nap while you work on their lashes. Here are a few additions that encourage Sleeping Beauty tendencies:
- Get extra padding for your lash bed. You can find it at just about any superstore—Target, Walmart, you get the picture. This will not only make clients comfier but will make them less antsy, too.
- Invest in a nice cozy blanket! On top of your lash bed fitted sheet, add a fluffy blanket will make any client sink into the lash bed a little deeper. You can also incorporate a great lash pillow into your set up.
- Have a fan on standby for clients who get warm during the appointment. The cool breeze and low hum of the fan can lull clients to sleep.
- Set the mood with a calming playlist. Relaxing music sets clients at ease and brings soothing energy to the room.
For the next set of lash room ideas, awaken your creative side!
Fashion icon Coco Chanel once declared, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” We believe the same goes for a girl’s lash studio.
It’s important to keep your studio looking clean and polished. Going overboard on decor and furniture pieces can lead to a cluttered or busy feeling that’s the opposite of relaxing. Instead, focus on weaving your style into the details of the salon for a cohesive look. You can do this through:
- Photos and fixtures. Incorporate your brand vibe throughout your space in the form of your color scheme and logo. Here at The Lash Professional, we love sprinkling our signature lash logo all around the space, including on bookshelves and as wall decor.
- Salon signage. Make sure the signs inside and outside of your lash salon match your brand aesthetic. For instance, keep the font and colors consistent and make sure the material of the signs fits the vibe.
- Color, Color, Color. Setting up a lash room is more than creating a look. It’s about the energy and the mood you are setting. How do you want your clients and artists to feel when they are in your lash salon?
Color can help you convey this. For instance, blue sparks feelings of familiarity and trust. Color expert Kate Smith regards blue as, “a constant in our lives, between blue sky and blue water. There’s a real trust factor with blue.”
Lash Pro Tip: Designing a lash room without a strong idea of your brand is not a good idea. Learn how to brand yourself as an eyelash extension provider for a firm foundation.
The overhead lighting will assist your client’s in seeing their lovely lashes after every appointment. You want to do EVERYTHING humanly possible to make those lashes look kick-ass.
Actually, you want to do everything possible to make your client take a kick-ass picture for Instagram and tag you! Lighting is the most important factor in that.
How many times have you taken a “great” photo with terrible lighting? Let’s face it. Poorly lit photos don’t usually make it much further than the camera roll. Remember babes—lighting can make or break the set up.
In addition to overhead lighting, you’ll need a top tier lash light. This is a piece that you do not want to skimp on. Investing in an amazing lash light will forever change your lash photo game. We are in a long term committed relationship with the Glamcor Lash Light. You can learn all about what to look for in lash extension lighting here.
Whatever lash room ideas you have in mind, make sure to focus on a clean space that welcomes clients. Your salon should be an escape from reality for each person that walks through the doors.
Do you have limited space for your lash room set up? In the words of the always polished Tim Gunn, make it work. Here are some lash room ideas for small spaces that will wow your clients.
Minimal space? No problem. Spruce up your eyelash extension room with the addition of some tasteful wall decor.
You can decorate vertically, to draw the eye upwards. Consider attaching some shelves to the walls to hold decorative pieces. Strategically placed mirrors help space appear larger as well.
Remember, a space doesn’t need to be full of furniture to feel complete. Little details combine to bring a lash room to life.
Babes, let’s face it, your clients probably don’t want to stare at your eyelash mannequin while in your eyelash extension room. Having enough storage for all your back stock, supplies, and tools is huge. If you have all these things out and stacked and visible, it will look like a cluttered mess!
We all know how easy it is to collect lots of lash trays, tweezers, tape, and eye pads. We get excited over having so many options! However, clients don’t get excited about seeing it all.
But there’s good news! Storage can be chic. Sleek bins and easy-rolling carts make storing your lash supplies a (visually appealing) breeze.
If you organize your products neatly, you can utilize clear storage bins that add a sleek look to the room. Otherwise, opt for a color that fits in with the overall salon. You can’t go wrong with black and white since these timeless shades go with any decor. Do yourself and your clients a favor by getting enough storage to tuck your lash supplies away.
Here’s to a Studio That’s as Fabulous as You Are!
We hope these lash room ideas sparked the creative chord in you. Clients will come to you, not only because you do quality work, but also because they enjoy spending time with you in your lash salon. Remember to focus on making their experience a relaxing, fun and positive one.