As beginners, we all make mistakes, but if we don’t correct these mistakes, they can become habits and negatively impact our future work. To help you avoid mistakes like these, we’re sharing tips on how to avoid common eyelash extension mistakes and take your lash technician skills to a professional level.
Mistake 1：Improper Isolation Techniques
Improper Isolation If lash extensions are not properly isolated, the lashes can clump and stick together. This can lead to significant long-term damage to the natural lashes. Proper isolation ensures that the natural shedding process occurs smoothly. Each natural lash is at a different growth stage. While one lash is growing, another may be ready to fall out.
Improper application of lashes can cause lashes to go through the wrong stages of growth, causing discomfort and even potentially serious damage to the lash follicles. This damage can eventually lead to permanent eyelash loss.
To reduce this risk and improve isolation techniques, consider the following tips:
Layering Work: Our natural lashes come in 2-3 vertical layers, sometimes up to 5 for those with thicker lash growth. If isolation is difficult, try using tape to assist in separating the lashes one layer at a time.
Use the right isolation tools: Choose isolation tweezers, such as the Sumformi tweezers, which have a lightweight design and minimal grip force. This reduces hand fatigue and allows for precise isolation without strain.
Mistake 2：Place eyelash extensions on skin
Placing eyelash extensions directly onto the skin is a grave mistake that can have severe consequences for both the client and the lash technician. It’s crucial to understand that eyelash extensions should be applied at a safe distance from the skin, specifically between 0.5mm to 1mm along the lash line.
Why is this mistake so problematic?
When eyelash extensions are attached too close to the skin, it can block the hair follicles along the lash line, leading to two significant issues:
Infection and damage to eyelash growth: The blocked follicles can cause infection, which may result in permanent damage to eyelash growth, leading to eyelash loss and bald spots along the lash line. This can be a permanent condition, leaving the client with unsightly and embarrassing consequences.
Allergic reactions to eyelash glue: Adhering eyelash extensions to the skin increases the risk of allergic reactions to the glue used in the application process. This can cause redness, itching, swelling, and blurred vision in the client. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and even painful, making it essential to avoid this mistake at all costs.
The importance of proper application technique
To avoid these potential complications, it’s crucial for lash technicians to master proper application techniques. Here are some key takeaways:
Always apply eyelash extensions at a safe distance from the skin (0.5mm to 1mm).
Use high-quality glue and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Ensure the lashes are securely attached to individual natural lashes, without touching the skin.
Clean and disinfect your equipment and work area regularly to prevent the spread of infection.
Mistake 3. Choosing the wrong adhesive
Selecting the ideal eyelash glue can be a daunting task, with numerous brands claiming impressive results. However, using the wrong adhesive can lead to a multitude of problems that can compromise the overall quality of your lash application.
If the adhesive dries too quickly for your work pace:
Glue drops may dry before you have a chance to apply them, resulting in wasted product and increased frustration.
Bad location: The adhesive may not be applied precisely where needed, leading to uneven adhesion and potential lash lift or droop.
Weak adhesion and premature eyelash loss: The glue may not provide a strong bond between the lash and the natural lash line, causing the lashes to fall out prematurely.
On the other hand, if the adhesive dries too slowly for your work speed:
Eyelashes may become stuck together, making it challenging to separate them without damaging the lashes.
Incorrect placement: The adhesive may set before you have a chance to adjust the lash position, leading to misaligned lashes that can appear unnatural or uneven.
Prolonged exposure to glue fumes: The slow-drying adhesive can release strong fumes that may increase the risk of developing an allergy or sensitivity to the glue.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to consider your individual work environment and specific needs. Rather than following the hype surrounding popular eyelash adhesives, take the time to research and choose an adhesive that suits your skill level, work pace, and personal preferences. By doing so, you can ensure a successful and stress-free eyelash application experience.
Mistake 4: Overusing Eyelash Extension Glue
Using excess eyelash glue may seem to enhance adhesion, but this is a common mistake with several drawbacks:
blocky appearance
Potential damage to natural eyelashes
Drying time too long can cause sticking and clumping
Risk of eye irritation from glue fumes
To avoid these problems, follow these tips:
Use only a small amount of eyelash glue for bonding.
For classic eyelash extensions, dip 2mm into a drop of glue at a 90-degree angle.
For volume fans and prefabricated volume fans, dip 1 mm into a drop of glue.
Proper use of eyelash extension glue ensures optimal results and minimizes risk to technician and client.
Mistake 5: Frequent eyelash extensions overtax your natural lashes
One of the most common errors in eyelash extension application is using extensions that are too thick, particularly those with a diameter of 0.25mm or more. This can put an excessive amount of weight on your natural lashes, causing them to become overstressed and strained.
When the weight of the extensions becomes too much for your natural lashes to handle, it can lead to a range of negative consequences. Your lashes may become brittle and prone to breakage, which can result in noticeable thinning or even shedding. In severe cases, the repeated strain on your lashes can cause them to stop growing altogether.
Furthermore, using heavy eyelash extensions can also lead to lash lift and curl damage. As the extensions pull on your natural lashes, they can cause the lash line to lift and become misshapen, resulting in an unnatural appearance. This can be especially problematic if you have a tendency to touch or rub your eyes, which can exacerbate the damage and cause further irritation.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential for lash technicians to conduct a thorough evaluation of your natural lashes before applying any extensions. They should assess the thickness, length, and overall health of your lashes to determine the best type and size of extension for you. By selecting the right type and size of extension, your technician can ensure that your natural lashes are not overtaxed and are given the space they need to thrive.
Mistake 6: Using eyelash extensions that are too long
It’s a common situation: a client insists on having extremely long eyelashes, perhaps even up to 20 mm in length. While it’s tempting to accommodate their requests, it’s necessary for lash technicians to consider safety first. Why should you avoid long extensions?
Extending eyelashes beyond their natural length may strain your natural lashes, similar to adding too much weight. This tension can compromise the health of the lashes and increase the risk of damage over time, harming the client’s lash health and satisfaction.
The natural eyelash should support at least half to two-thirds of the eyelash extension.
For instance, if the client’s natural eyelash is 8mm long, it is advisable to add 2-3mm, resulting in extensions around 10-11mm. Using a 13 or 14mm lash extension on this natural eyelash could lead to twisting, drooping, and potential long-term damage to the natural lash.
Applying eyelash extensions that are too long for a client’s natural lashes can lead to several issues, including irritation and discomfort. Extensions that are too lengthy may rub against the skin above the eye, brow bone, or socket area, causing itchiness, redness, or swelling. This irritation might prompt clients to rub their eyes, leading to friction and potential lash loss.
When choosing the appropriate length, it’s essential to consider the client’s daily activities and needs. For instance, if a client frequently wears reading glasses, overly long extensions can brush against the lenses, resulting in constant rubbing throughout the day.
Mistake 7：Tools not cleaned
Did you know that one of the most common risks of eye irritation comes from contamination of the lash chamber, not eyelash extension glue? If ignored, the tools in a lash stylist’s station, such as tweezers, lash cleaning brushes, lash wands and the lash stylist’s hands, can be the main culprits in spreading eye infections among customers.
A plot of eyelash tools is a must
Taking the time to clean your workstation and tools is an integral part of your daily routine. We recommend allowing 10 to 15 minutes between each lash treatment for your daily cleansing routine.
As a lash technician, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes that can affect the quality of your work and the overall experience of your clients.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your clients leave your salon feeling satisfied and confident in their new lashes. Remember, attention to detail and a commitment to quality are key to building a successful career as a lash technician.
