Would you like to handle more clients, be more relaxed, have time for yourself at work, but you still can't manage it and you don't know what you're doing wrong? I'll tell you my little secrets on how to make it work better. I promise that if you start following them, you'll never finish your morning coffee completely cold after lunch and you'll be happier, both you and your salon visitors.
Although it may not seem like it at first glance, the job of a lash artist is very demanding. Perfect eyelashes are a matter of skilled hands, a sea of patience, as well as salon equipment, environment and organization of work.
It takes so little to make you and your clients feel great at the same time. I'll advise you what you can change right now in the way you work to make it easier for yourself, but at the same time to keep your results dazzling!
Before you get to work...
- Clean up your side table
Keeping things tidy is essential! Only the tools you'll need for your eyelash extensions belong on your side table or trolley. Nothing more, nothing less!
Things should be neatly arranged and each item should have a place where you can put it back after use. Eyelash extension tools on the table should be ready for immediate use, i.e. sanitized tweezers, lashes in lengths according to the client's lash map, etc.
It is unthinkable that there are used adhesive tapes or other rubbish left on the table from a client you have attended to before. That would definitely not be a good look.
2. Do you have everything in stock?
At the end of each day, take a quick look at the stock of materials you have available and order what you're running low on right away. That way, you'll pass on the fact that you'll run out of a particular type of eyelash or eyelash glue on the job. That's a mishap that can't happen!
It's better to be prepared than surprised, so you should be perfectly aware of the current stock and not leave your order to the last minute.
Also remember to check the expiry date of the glue and fluids regularly !
3. The client card is your bible
Having a few regular clients and knowing everything about them is priceless. But when the number of clients starts to grow, you can't keep track of their preferences.
To know what lashes to reach for, what your clients like and dislike, or how often they come to you for refills, there's the client card.
Before the client comes in, you have time to review what lashes to prepare and what to look out for. Then you can always discuss with the client the various adjustments and changes that need to be made to the card as well, of course.
PRACTICAL TIP: Just as the client card is important to you, the attendance card is important to your client . In it, she will find not only the date of her next visit, but above all the most important instructions for the care of her false eyelashes.
When a client comes in...
4. An educated client knows how to make your job easier
Even though most of the prep work for a smooth job is on your shoulders, clients can help you with a small part of it. Before each visit , ask for their cooperation and educate your clients that if they come prepared, their time in your salon will be more enjoyable and relaxing for them as well.
First and foremost, remind them not to drink caffeinated beverages or eat too many sugary foods about 2 hours before their visit with you. Also ask the client if they would like to use the restroom before the lash application starts. During the process, not only would a trip to the bathroom be a major delay, but the client would have to manage it blindfolded, and I'm sure neither of you want that.
Another important thing is to come to the eyelash extension without make-up. If she forgets, give her tampons and micellar water or cleansing foam and ask her to properly remove make up from her eyes and the surrounding area. This way, the whole make-up removal process is not only more comfortable for both parties, but also much faster.
5. Do not skip the preparation of the lashes!
Even if the client thoroughly removes her own make-up, it is always necessary to clean the eyelashes and their surroundings thoroughly and precisely. Believe me, investing enough time in this step will be damn well worth it. Any grease, dust or makeup residue can cause the glue not to adhere sufficiently and you'll have an angry client with lashes falling out in ten days.
Perfectly cleaned lashes are the basis for perfect retention!
Practical tip: Eyelash preparation should take 10 - 15 minutes. At this stage, it really doesn't pay to rush anywhere!
When you finally start applying the lashes...
6. Use double taping
If you don't already use taping in your work, then start immediately. Not only will it make your job easier, but you'll have more visibility and you won't be bothered by lashes you don't need at the moment.
Use the transparent adhesive tape to easily divide your lashes into individual layers and then add eyelashes or fans.
The process is simple. Gently attach all the lashes to the client's upper eyelid with the adhesive tape and use tweezers to pull the lashes out from under the tape to form the bottom layer. You apply the false lashes to these lashes and gently tape the layer back to the gel pad under the client's eye. Repeat the procedure for the other two layers.
Always start from the outer or inner corner when attaching the lashes. Always do a small section on one eye and then immediately on the other. You will achieve perfect symmetry.
You may also be interested in:
- How to manipulate artificial eyelashes on tape
- Taping and working with tape as a way to perfect results
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7. Lash map is not to be missed!
A suitable lash map is an absolute essential! Don't be shy to take a liner and write the individual lengths and curves of the lashes on the gel pad next to the client's eye with a marker.
If it's your client's first time with you, take plenty of time to thoroughly consult and discuss the typology of her face before applying extensions. According to the shape and position of the eyes, together choose a lash map that will conjure up the most beautiful look.
8. Cover everything you can
With the thorough and careful work of an experienced lash artist, ideally not one of the client's eyelashes should be left without a lash or fan. Really go the extra mile and try to pick out even the smallest lashes that the client has that can support the false lash.
With such a dense fitting your work will always look great, the client will be 100% satisfied with the volume and the refill will come after 4 - 6 weeks.
If your client has thick natural lashes, you can help with a little trick, but it will yield the same effect in the end. Using a taping technique , divide the lashes into 3 layers and apply the thickest (100% fill) false lashes in the bottom layer (the lashes closest to the lower eyelid). For the middle layer, apply false eyelashes on at least 80% of the eyelashes and pick up 60% of the eyelashes in the upper layer.
9. Ready-made fans save time and nerves
There were many myths surrounding fans until recently, but I believe no one believes these myths anymore and most lash artists have accepted ready-made fans.
Lashes PRO fans are thin and feather-light and easy to work with. If you haven't tried them yet, now is the time. You'll be able to achieve perfect results in a fraction of the time. Applying eyelash to eyelash or preparing your own "live" fans is tedious and you will never achieve such a perfectly symmetrical look as with ready-made fans.
10. Final check
As well as good preparation before the application of the false eyelashes, a thorough check-up is also essential. As a professional, you should never forget it!
In addition to the time window for each client, add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to check with a mirror from all sides if the result of your work is nicely symmetrical, if you have not forgotten any eyelashes or if there are no unsightly clumps.
The fact that the client will leave satisfied and with perfect lashes is not only your reputation, but also an investment for the future, and it's well worth the few extra minutes.
Tips for further reading:
- 14 tips for perfect photos of your work
- UV Lash System - has the eyelash extension revolution arrived?
- Work like a pro with the UV lamp
I look forward to you sharing with me on Facebook or Instagram how my tips have changed your life.
