How to Apply Lashes for Beginners: Your Guide to a Successful Lash Career

As a new lash artist stepping into the lash industry, your creative artistry and mastering the technique of applying lash extensions are key to your immediate success. Mastering these detailed skills early on gives you a solid foundation to support you throughout your lash career. Here are some beginner tips to help you start on the right path– 

Understanding Lash Extensions & The Supporting Products

Before we dive into the application process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with all the different options and styles of lash extensions. This includes the curls, lengths, and thicknesses available and the correct adhesives and tools required.

• Types of Lash Extensions: The three main categories of lash extensions are classic, volume, and hybrid. Classic lashes are the most natural style and are created with a 1:1 ratio: one classic lash extension adhered to one natural lash. Volume lashes create a fluffy, fuller look using ultra-fine, lightweight extensions in a handmade Volume Fan. On the other hand, hybrid lashes combine classic and volume techniques for a more textured effect. 
• Curl, Length, and Thickness: Lash extensions come in various curls (C, CC, D, L+, M, etc.), lengths ranging from 5mm to 16mm and thicknesses from 0.03mm to 0.20mm. A thorough consultation with each guest is essential for your success in customizing a lash look that suits their individual preferences while showcasing your professional expertise in eye shaping and styling. 
• Adhesives and Tools: High-quality lash adhesive plays a significant role in any successful lash set. At Borboleta, our mission is to keep your guest's natural lashes as healthy as possible, so selecting an adhesive that goes hand in hand with that is crucial. Look for formulas that offer fast, reliable bonding without compromising the health of the natural lashes. In addition to adhesive, you'll need a set of tweezers, one isolation, one placement tweezer, micro-brushes, a lash brush, gel pads & tape to ensure a seamless application.

 

 

 

Preparing for a Lash Service

Now that we have a deeper understanding of Lash Extensions and the tools that support the service let's focus on the prep steps that will set you up for an ideal lash application. 

• Prepping your Workspace: Proper sanitation and sterilization should always be in your mind while prepping your workspace for a guest. Thoroughly clean and disinfect your station, tools, and work surfaces before each guest arrives to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections.
• Prepping the Guest’s Natural Lashes: If necessary, remove any eye makeup or concealer with The Breakdown Oil-Free Makeup Remover. Then, always cleanse the guest’s lashes and lids using Borbolet’s Gel or Foam Lash Bath, removing any oil or debris that could interfere with the bond of the lash adhesive. Consider using a Pre-Treatment for extra security. 

Step-by-Step Lash Application Process

After cleaning your guest’s lashes, it's time for the main event. Let's walk through the step-by-step process of applying lash extensions.

Step 1—Lock Down the Bottom Lashes: Using a gel pad and additional pieces of tape, lock down all bottom lashes, getting them out of the way. Make sure to avoid touching the guest’s waterline with any product that could result in eye irritation. 

Step 2—Isolate the Natural Lashes: Using the isolation tweezers in your non-dominant hand, carefully separate and isolate each natural lash. It is vital to see only one natural lash between the tips of the isolation tweezers. This helps prevent the extensions from accidentally attaching to multiple lashes.

Step 3 - Apply the Extension: After selecting the appropriate extension type, curl, length, and thickness based on your guest’s natural lash health and desired look, pick up the extension of the lash palette and dip the base of the extension into a small amount of adhesive, then carefully place it directly onto the isolated natural lash. Secure its place by holding the tweezer with the extension on the lash till the adhesive has dried and cured, typically around 1-2 seconds. Repeat this process, working symmetrically across the entire lash line.

Step 4 - Wrapping up: Checking for Lash Symmetry. Once all extensions have been applied, take a step back and assess the overall symmetry and balance of the look. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the lashes are evenly distributed, and no gaps or misplaced extensions affect the desired look. Mindfully remove the gel pads and tape and have a nano mister going, and your guest will open their eyes for the first time. Finish the service luxuriously by sending your guest home with a Cooldown Calming Eye Mask. And remember those after photos!! 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Like any new skill, lash extensions take practice to perfect. Here are some common mistakes to be mindful of:

• Overuse of Adhesive: It may be tempting to over-apply adhesive for a stronger bond, but this can lead to premature lash shedding, irritation, and damage to the natural lash. Less is more when it comes to lash adhesive, so dip nice and slow!
• Improper Isolation: Please properly isolate each natural lash before the application can result in extensions bonding to multiple natural lashes instead of just one. This can cause discomfort for the guests as their lashes grow through the lash growth cycle between fill appointments.
• Incorrect Placement: Placing extensions too close to the eyelid or at the wrong angle can compromise lash retention and cause premature shedding. Always aim for a flush base-to-base connection when placing the lash extension on the natural lash. 

Lash Care Tips

Be sure to provide thorough aftercare instructions to ensure your guests get the most out of their lash extensions. It's up to you to have the conversation and set expectations. 

• Educate Guests: Explain the importance of avoiding oil-based products around the eye area and a daily lash cleanse to promote lash hygiene and longevity. Retail Borboleta’s Lash Care products because clean lashes are happy lashes :) 
• Pre-Book your Guest’s Next Appointment: Get in the cadence of pre-booking your guest’s next lash fill appointment (every 2-3 weeks) to maintain an entire appearance, as natural lashes shed daily. Emphasize the importance of avoiding picking or pulling at their extensions, which can cause damage to the natural lashes.

 

Building Your Skillset as a Lash Artist

Remember, the journey to becoming a master lash artist is ongoing. Continually invest in your education, practice your techniques, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. We suggest –

• Take a Lash Certification Course *yearly*: Enroll in Borboleta’s Classic and Volume Lash Extension Course, attend lash industry events, and seek mentorship opportunities to improve your skills.
• Practicing on Mannequins or Models: Set aside time to practice your application process on mannequin heads and as many models as possible. The more different eye shapes, lash textures, and desired results, the better! This hands-on experience is invaluable for perfecting your speed and overall technique.

 

 

 

When you understand the foundation of lashes, perfect your technique, and provide an exceptional guest experience, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and rewarding lash career. Explore our wide selection of education courses and award-winning lash products at www.borboletapro.com. See you in class! ;)