Because of the growing popularity of eyelash extensions, it's likely that most of your new clients coming in for the service will have an idea of the look they want beforehand. Whether they have friends or coworkers who get eyelash extensions, or they have seen pictures on the internet (likely on Instagram), there is a high chance that they have a pretty good idea of “the look” they are going for with their lashes.

It is quite common for clients to bring pictures of eyelash extensions to their eyelash extension consultation and appointment. This gives the lash artist examples of what they like or dislike on others. Pictures can be very helpful and are a great way for you to get an idea of the general look that the client desires.

However, a client can bring in a picture of eyelash extensions that may not be the best option for them when taking their natural lashes, eye shape, and daily makeup routine into account. While it’s important to listen to the client's wants and needs, it’s also your job as a lash specialist to advise them of their best options, given their natural lashes and their unique lash pattern. This can be achieved by knowing how to do an eyelash extension consultation.

Because every client has a unique natural lash pattern and lash growth, it is important to treat each client as an individual when it comes to choosing the eyelash extensions you will apply. A lash artist could use the exact same lengths, curl, and diameter on two different clients, and both sets will turn out completely different. This is what makes lashing an art form!

How do you decide which eyelash extensions to use? By observing, and by asking questions! 

One of the most important parts of the lash appointment is the eyelash extension consultation. This is not only for you to get an idea of what the client hopes to achieve with the service but also gives you an opportunity as the stylist to set reasonable expectations prior to applying the lashes.

Here are a few things to take into consideration:

Do they have few or many lashes? Are their lashes short or long; thick or thin? How do their lashes grow? (Straight, down, overlapping?)

This will help you determine if you should be using classic or volume lashes, as well as the curl and diameter that will work best. It’s also important to note if the client has any existing damage to their natural lashes, as this can impact the service.

Are their eyes circular or almond? Do they want a look that will open up their eyes more, or that draws out in the corners?

Remember: if they have small or almond-shaped eyes, a “cat eye” look can make their eyes appear droopy or more tired.

1. What are they getting the lashes for? For a special occasion or everyday convenience?
2. What kind of look are they going for? Natural or dramatic? (*Keep in mind, “natural” means something different to everyone.)
3. What is their makeup routine?
4. Simple or complex? This will help you decide if they need lash extensions that are easy to take care of or if they are okay with a higher-maintenance style.
5. Do they have any lash concerns? (Sensitivity, loss, etc.)
6. Do they have any allergies or medical conditions that could affect the service? 
7. Do they have any time constraints? (I.e., need to be able to remove the lash extensions themselves, or might not be able to come in for fills as often)

Consent forms are not mandatory, but they are highly recommended to avoid future complications. After all, you want to be protected in case anything goes awry!

Here are a few eyelash extension consent forms that we recommend you have your clients fill out before the eyelash extension service:

If the client has never had eyelash extensions, it is important to perform an allergy test 24-48 hours before the appointment. This is to ensure that the client does not have an allergic reaction to the lash adhesive.

This form should go over the different types of eyelash extensions and the pros and cons of each type. It is important that the client understands that there is a risk of damage to their natural lashes if the eyelash extensions are not applied or removed properly.

This form should cover any medical conditions or allergies that the client has that could affect the eyelash extension service.

There are certain cases where it is not recommended to apply eyelash extensions or where you, as the stylist, should use extra caution.

Here are a few examples that should be considered during the eyelash extension consultation:

• If the client has active blepharitis, this is an inflammation of the eyelid that can cause redness, itching, and burning. If left untreated, it can lead to eyelash loss.
• If the client has had a recent lash lift or tint, they will need to wait 2-4 weeks before getting eyelash extensions.
• If the client has any current eye infections, this includes pink eye, styes, or conjunctivitis.
• If the client has had recent eyelid surgery, they will need to wait at least 6 weeks before getting eyelash extensions.
• If the client has very sensitive skin or eyes, they may not be a good candidate for eyelash extensions.

If you are unsure about a client’s case, it is always best to err on the side of caution.

Saying “no” to a client can be difficult, but it is important to do what is best for both the client and your business. Be sure to explain your concerns and why you are not able to provide the service. Thank them for their understanding, and let them know that you would be happy to provide a different service, postpone the session, or wait for them to visit a medical professional (if needed).

Between asking the right questions and observing the client’s natural lashes, you should be able to come up with a game plan, and then be able to explain which lashes will work best for the client and why. Often, your clients will come to the eyelash extension consultation with an idea of what they want, but they will also be looking for a bit of guidance. 

Remember: you are the lash expert, so gather the information you need, and then be confident in your decisions!

A thorough eyelash extension consultation is essential to providing a great eyelash extension service. As long as you ask the right questions, are clear with the client about what you are going to do, and are confident in your ability to do your best work, we can almost guarantee that your client will leave happy and feeling uniquely beautiful with their new lashes! 

HAPPY LASHING!

XOXO, JULIE @ THE LASH PROFESSIONAL

You've probably noticed that just as your other types of hair fall out, you're always losing lashes, too. Whether it's just a few or it's several lashes on any given day depends on many different factors (including how often you rub your eyes!), but on average, people lose between three and five lashes each day. 

You may think that sounds bad, but did you know there are times of the year when you can actually kiss even more lashes goodbye, and that there's nothing you can do about it? Yep, every spring and fall, you lose more lashes than normal during the lash shedding seasons.

What exactly is a lash shedding season? During a seasonal lash shed, there's a noticeable uptick in the number of lashes that fall out. But why does it happen? Well, we're animals, right? And just as other animals shed unnecessary fur as the weather begins to warm up, humans shed lashes with the arrival of spring. This completely natural cycle then repeats itself later in the year, as summer makes way for cooler fall weather, and your eyes are ready once again for new lashes.

How long does lash shedding season last? A lash shed takes up a not-insignificant time of the year, around six weeks (or about one to two lash cycles). If you add both shedding seasons (spring and autumn) together, that actually means lash shedding occupies around 12 weeks of the year –– that's almost three months! This is a good chunk of the year in which you're losing more eyelashes than you do during other seasons.

Since eyelash extensions are applied to natural lashes, your clients are bound to notice they're shedding even more eyelash extensions than they normally would any other time of year. People who are unaware of the reasons for this might freak out or even get angry and blame you when this happens. You may find that clients who recently had appointments return to your salon or studio soon afterward during a shed, complaining that their extensions are falling out. What should you do?

What do you and your clients need to be aware of if they're getting eyelash extensions during lash shedding season?

Are your lashes ready for the changing seasons? As we approach the lash shedding season, it's essential to understand when it occurs and how to care for your lashes during this period. Lash shedding season dates vary, but typically it coincides with the natural growth cycle of your lashes.

Wondering when is lash shedding season? Keep an eye out for signs such as increased lash fall and thinner-looking lashes. The shedding season for eyelashes is a normal phase in the growth cycle, where older lashes make way for new ones. To ensure your lashes remain voluminous and healthy, consider investing in high-quality lash care products.

During the shedding season for lashes, it's crucial to prioritize specification and quality in your lash care routine. Opt for nourishing serums and mascaras that promote lash health and prevent breakage. Look for ingredients like biotin and keratin to strengthen your lashes from root to tip.

Don't let lash shedding season catch you off guard. Instead, take proactive steps to maintain lash quality and fullness.

Explore colorful lash care products that specifically target this natural occurrence, offering the care and attention your lashes deserve. Embrace the beauty of your natural lashes and enhance them with the right products tailored to the shedding season. Elevate your lash care routine and say goodbye to worries about thinning lashes. Invest in quality, and let your lashes shine all year round.

It may sound self-serving to your clients, but you would do well to explain to them that they really will likely need more frequent fills to deal with lash extension shedding. This means coming in every other week. If they're truly committed to maintaining what you've achieved for them with eyelash extensions, your clients won't mind visiting you for fills every two weeks instead of every three. 

To avoid having to convince clients of the necessity for more frequent lash fills just during certain times of the year, you may want to help them another way. You can, from the get-go, instead get your clients into the routine of scheduling lash fills every two weeks.

The Lash Professional has everything lash artists need to stay fully stocked for lash shedding season. And, if you want to improve your craft, perhaps to better handle lash extension applications or fills during sheds, The Lash Professional hasonline and live lash extension courses you can attend on your own schedule. Whenever you needsupplies,tools, ortraining for eyelash extensions, visit The Lash Professional!

Read More: Tips on Eyelash Extension Bonding & Retention

Any lash queen knows she doesn't need drama—unless it's in her lashes, of course!

Whether you want a look that pumps up the volume or adds a subtle edge to your beauty, you'll need some eye-catching eyelash extensions.

So, any eyelash extensions will do, right? Wrong! Picking the incorrect eyelash extensions is like picking a dress that doesn't fit: it just isn't cute.

How can you know what dramatic eyelash extensions are the right ones for you, then?

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for lash extensions is lash curl.

To put it simply, each lash curl gives you a different lash look. What curl you use depends on the shape of your eye, your natural lash length, and more.

Alright, lash ladies, those lash looks won't create themselves.

To get you started, we're going to take you through the process of picking the right curl as well as why each curl works best with certain eye shapes and more!

One of the first steps you're going to take when styling a lash look for a client is to look at their eyes. This may seem like a given, but it matters!

Before we get to matching lash curls to create killer looks, let's cover an important point first: lash extensions aren't one-size-fits all!

Like we said before, ladies, these curls are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are many factors that play into lash retention; some of which are out of our control (client aftercare and maintenance). And some of which, only take small adjustments on our end, as the lash artist, that will make ALL the difference.

If you feel like something may be off with the consistency of your eyelash adhesive, if your client's lashes are shedding more quickly than usual, or the lashes are not sticking as well during application, it may be due to the way you are storing your adhesive, or a recent change in the environment in which you are lashing.

Here are a few reminders about how to use our adhesive, as well as ideals for monitoring and adjusting your lashing environment.

The Lash Professional's eyelash extension glue will last up to 6 weeks after opening if stored correctly.

Remember to: 

Store upright in a cool, dry place.

Completely tighten the lid between uses.

Keep the nozzle of your adhesive clean, using a lint free cosmetic sponge or foil. 

Avoid exposure to light, heat, & moisture.

Replace your adhesive every 45 days.

Our high quality eyelash adhesive performs best when kept and used in an environment with controlled humidity and temperature. Here are a few tips to tweaking your lashing environment.

We do not recommend storing your adhesive in the refrigerator. This will cause any moisture inside the container to condense, which in turn prematurely cures the adhesive!

To monitor your lash room's humidity level, we suggested that you purchase a hygrometer which measures the humidity/moisture in your lashing room.

• If the humidity is too high, we suggest opening the windows or purchasing a de-humidifier. This will lower the humidity in the room by removing the moisture in the air.
• If the humidity is too low, then you may need a humidifier. This works by releasing water vapor into the air to increase humidity.  This is ideal when you have the heat on or when you are lashing in a dryer environment.

**Another tip for storing your adhesive in an environment where you may not be able to control the humidity, is to store it upright in a small Ziploc bag with dry rice or silica gel packs, which are often used to draw moisture out of the air.

Lastly, remember to shake your glue vigorously before opening. 30 seconds for a new bottle, and 10 for a recently used bottle. Discard the first drop and applying the second to your stone. Remember to use a new glue drop as soon as it starts to get stringing or tacky, otherwise it will be less effective. Typically every 20-40min depending on your lashing environment.

We have all had those clients who tell US what they want on their lashes. It is a rare occasion that what they want is what they should have! But do you know how to choose the correct diameter, length, and curl for each of your clients? Well, let me help by breaking it down for you!

First, you will choose an appropriate lash diameter to start with. You can determine the diameter of lash extension to use by the diameter of your clients NATURAL lash! Generally, the goal is to match the natural diameter, but there are few situations where you might go slightly thicker than the natural. Though, matching the diameter to the clients natural lash is a good rule of thumb. Seems easy enough?

Next, the length of the lash extension! The goal is, more times than not, to EXTEND those natural lashes. Next, determine the style they are looking for! Do they want something drastic? Do they want something subtle or full? Longer will appear more wispy, and shorter ones that are much closer to the natural lash length will give them a much fuller and darker appearance. But you will need to determine the style your client desires.

Diameter and Length SIDE NOTE: Determine whether or not your clients natural lashes can support the weight of whatever you choose for these two categories. Some clients have great lashes but some have weak ones and anything too long or heavy will literally break their natural lashes. If you come across a client with weak ones, recommend they wait to get lashes and prescribe them a lash serum! The Lash Professional offers “Lash Strong” which is a great selling/retail option for artists to carry but also an incredible product for clients to use; IT WORKS WONDERS! 

Now it’s time to choose the curl of the lash extension. Hopefully, if you are trained in lash extension-ing you have gotten the “low-down” on the different curls. If not, here is a basic breakdown.

Lash babes, the eyelash extension guide you've all been asking for is finally here. We've put together the most exclusive tips from our favorite lash experts, from what eyelash extensions are to curl, color, and more.

With all these glamorous tips in one place, learning how to lash has never been easier! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your eyelash extension kit and let's get started!

There is no better place to start this guide off than by explaining what eyelash extensions are. Whether you're brand new to the lashing game or could use a refresher, we've got you covered!

Eyelash extension application is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by a licensed eyelash technician. Nonetheless, for this eyelash extension guide, we’re giving you the quick and dirty of how eyelash extensions work.

Is it Thursday again already?  Where does the time go?!  This week, you get a special treat, because our topic today is drying vs curing.  If you keep a close eye on TLP, this is kind of a hot topic right now, because our lash boss Vanessa just put out a video on this very topic.

Can’t listen or watch right now?  No worries, I got you boo.  I’m gonna tell you the facts about drying and curing so you won’t ever be confused again.

Drying is when the outside of the lash adhesive dries quickly enough for you to continue lashing without any lashes getting stuck together.  To get scientific, the chemicals in the adhesive evaporate into the air, causing the adhesive to harden.  Then, you can move through lashes quickly and safely.  Are you a time saver, or what?

Curing is when the adhesive dries all the way through to the center, by absorbing moisture from the air.  This usually takes around 24 hours to complete.  Curing is the reason that we don’t allow our clients to jump in a pool right after getting their lashes done.  The adhesive cures at its own rate, absorbing just enough moisture.  If we went and introduced ALL OF THE WATER to the adhesive, it wouldn’t cure properly.  Good things take time, friends.