The First Step to Great Eyelash Extensions

What if I told you that you could make your lash art last longer with one quick step? 

I can't even count the number of times I've heard lash artists express their frustration with their lash art falling off after less than a week.  It's something I struggled with early in my career and I would dread seeing a text or receiving a call from a client I just saw less than a week ago telling me that their lashes have shed at a rapid rate. 

This isn't something I struggle with anymore and the solution is so simple that it's hard to understand why it's not a universal law within our industry.  

Clean your clients lashes before EVERY application.

And I do mean EVERY application.  Doesn't matter if it's a touch up or if it's a new set.  I always start every application with lashes that are squeaky clean.  Let me explain why this is an important first step.

The instructions on how to use any adhesive on the market is based on working in the most optimal conditions.  Temperature and humidity are factors  however it's also assumed that you'll be working with a clean surface to start.  

When you start with a clean set of lashes, the adhesive and lash extension can bond directly with the natural lash which gives you a stronger bond than if you didn't clean. 

Think about it.  Let's say your client comes in and says they cleaned their lashes earlier and they haven't worn any makeup.  It's easy to assume that means the lashes are clean and you can start lashing.  What if they used a moisturizer on their face and forgot to mention it because it's just a normal part of their routine?  What if they have oily skin and the sebum from their skin got onto their lashes?  In those examples, if you apply the extensions straight away without cleaning, there will be a barrier on the lashes that prevent the adhesive from bonding directly to the natural lash.

There are some lash artists that leave it to the client to clean their lashes before their appointment.  They even have cleanser in the restroom so the client can wash their eyes on their own.  

If it's one thing I know... It's that most clients will not be able to get their eyelashes as clean as we can.  I've had clients tell me that they just cleaned their lashes right before coming to me and with my bright Glamcor light and magnified glasses, I still see dead skin and build up on their lashes and eyelids.  

If you add a quick cleaning to the lash appointment, you're automatically setting yourself up for success.  And believe it or not, clients will pay higher prices just because you're taking the time to make sure the lashes are clean and giving them your best.  Another perk is that when you know you've done all you can to get those lashes clean and create a strong bond, in the event you DO get that call that the lashes fell out quickly, you'll have more confidence knowing you took the first and super important step to achieve the best retention.  So rather than looking at what you may have done to cause it, you'll ask questions around what the client has done since they left you.

Another piece to this is educating your client to clean DAILY.  

No, not every other day.  No not as they see fit.  DAILY.

The only adhesive I'm aware of that is oil friendly is by Novalash.  And from what I've heard, you can use oil as a conditioner with their adhesive.  This however doesn't mean it's ok to have makeup filled, dirty lashes.  For the sake of eye hygiene, it's important regardless of which adhesive was used to make sure the lashes are cleaned.  

In my experience, clients that don't follow this rule have slower lash growth because there's too much build up at the lash line and their lashes fall off fast.  I've even had clients who didn't wash daily start washing daily after I re educated them and their retention improved by a week or more.  

Imagine what that does for business...

If you can see your regulars less often... Push them out by a week... How many new clients do you think you'll be able to see in that extra week?  And how happy do you think your regulars will be knowing they aren't paying as much per month because walla, their lashes are hanging on longer?

It's a win all the way around.  

So please, please, please... Clean your clients lashes before every application and encourage your clients to clean daily.  Believe me, you'll be happier with the results.

By the way, if you want to know what I use to clean and how I do it, see the video clips below.

Cleaning your clients lashes is the most important step to achieving a strong bond and long retention. In this video, I show you 2 ways I clean my Client's lashes prior to lash extension application

I'd love to hear your feedback by the way.  Was this covered in your lash training?  Do you clean your clients lashes before application?  Share your comments below.