Retention Tips for Eyelash Extensions: 7 Things Every Lash Artist Should Know
As lash artists, we all strive to create beautiful, long-lasting eyelash extensions for our clients. Achieving great retention is not only crucial for client satisfaction, but also essential for building a strong reputation in the industry. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 7 things every lash artist should know to maintain optimal lash retention long after your clients leave their appointment! From proper cleansing techniques to the use of specialized products, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and learn how to keep those lash extensions looking flawless!
Cleansing Lashes with an Eyelash-Safe Cleanser
One of the key aspects of lash retention is maintaining clean and healthy lashes. It's crucial to incorporate a cleansing routine into your clients' lash care regimen and stress the importance of lash extension safe cleansers. Advise them to use an oil-free cleanser 2-3 times per week on the roots of their lashes to remove dirt, makeup residue, and natural oils that can accumulate on the lashes. This regular cleansing routine will prevent the build-up of debris, which can weaken lash bonds and lead to premature shedding.
Be Mindful of Oil-Based Products
Oil-based skincare and makeup products are known to be detrimental to lash retention. Inform your clients to exercise caution when applying such products around the eye area. Whether it's eyeliner, eye shadows, or eye creams, any oil-based product that comes in contact with the lash extensions can weaken the adhesive and cause them to fall off faster. Recommend your clients to opt for oil-free alternatives to ensure longer-lasting extensions. Also insist on regular 2 to 4-week fills (encourage them to pre-book ahead of time!) to avoid a clients’ urge to reach for the strip lashes, mascara, or eyeliner to cover up any gaps from shedding the extensions!
Gentle Brushing is Key
Brushing your lash extensions is an important step to maintain their shape and prevent tangling. Advise your clients to brush their extensions twice a day using a clean mascara wand. However, it's crucial to emphasize that over-brushing can cause unnecessary stress on the lashes and lead to premature shedding. Encourage them to be gentle and use light strokes to separate and groom their lashes effectively. Always send your clients home with a few clean spoolies to use or invest in little care package bundles you can offer as an upsell at the end of a service - you can fill it with clean spoolies, a lash cleanser, and a little info card demonstrating how to care for their lash extensions. This extra add-on will boost your clients’ confidence in your service, and result in a little extra money in your pocket.
Invest in Silk Pillowcases
The type of pillowcase your clients use can have an impact on lash retention. Recommend the use of silk pillowcases instead of cotton ones. The micro-fibers in cotton can pull and tug at the lashes, leading to breakage and premature shedding. Silk pillowcases, on the other hand, provide a smoother surface, reducing friction and helping to preserve the longevity of lash extensions. If your clients are stomach sleepers, suggest a padded domed sleeping mask that prevents the lashes from getting smushed by restless tummy sleepers. Silk pillow cases are also known to help with protecting the hair on their head too, so it serves multiple purposes if you have any clients who think it’s a little too “extra” for them. Nothing is extra when it comes to the longevity of their lashes!
Embrace Eyelash Extension-Specific Eye Masks
Like we mentioned before, during sleep, we can unintentionally put pressure on our lashes, causing them to become distorted or misshapen. Using an eyelash extension-specific eye mask as part of your clients' bedtime routine. These masks provide a protective barrier, preventing accidental squishing of the lashes during sleep. By maintaining the lash extensions' integrity overnight, clients can wake up to picture-perfect lashes every morning. And they’re an affordable alternative that can be found on Amazon or at your local drugstore.
Shield Your Lashes with a Protector Sealant
To keep lash bonds strong and protected, we recommend the use of an eyelash extension protector sealant. The Sugarlash Society Locked-In Sealant, for example, provides an extra layer of defence against moisture, dirt, and oils. This sealant will not only help extend the life of the extensions, but also improve their overall durability. Encourage your clients to apply the sealant regularly, following the instructions to ensure optimal results. You can consider adding this on as an add-on extra service, or offer them for purchase post-service.
Enhance Lash Health with a Lash Growth Serum
Promote the use of an eyelash extension-safe lash growth serum as part of your clients' lash care routine, like the Sugarlash Society Lash Silk. These serums are formulated with nourishing ingredients like biotin, peptides, and panthenols to name a few. These ingredients help keep the natural lashes strong and healthy beneath the extensions while encouraging growth and volume. By enhancing the condition of their natural lashes, clients may experience longer-lasting extensions. Advise them to apply the serum according to the product's instructions for the best results.
By following these retention tips, your clients can enjoy the benefits of long-lasting, beautiful eyelash extensions. Educate them about the importance of regular cleansing, avoiding oil-based products, gentle brushing, using silk pillowcases, incorporating eye masks, applying a protector sealant, and nourishing their natural lashes with a lash growth serum. With proper care and attention, their lash extensions will remain flawless, allowing them to flaunt stunning, fluttery lashes day after day.
