6 Things They Never Taught You in Your Lash Tech Course

Signing up for an eyelash extension course is the second step in being a successful lash tech. The first one is loving what you do, in this case, eyelash extensions.

In a lash tech course, you will be able to learn many things, such as but not limited to, how to apply lash extensions properly, refine your existing skills, how to use lash supplies and tools correctly, and so much more. Remember, eyelash extension courses are different from each other, some are more extensive while others are simpler. 

At the end of each course, you will get a certificate that proves your participation and completion. These certificates can help improve your lash tech career and reputation. The result is more clients, income, and a better lash business. These certificates are just one of the benefits of joining lash tech courses.

However, you can’t learn everything from one eyelash course. There are things you can only learn from experience or other lash tech mentorship. We listed 6 things they rarely teach you in your beginner course.

1. Proper full set eyelash extension removal 

You can learn how to apply lash extensions, the supplies and tools you need to use, and the aftercare routine you should advise your clients. But most often than not, many courses fail to teach the right way to remove lash extensions without harming the natural lashes of your clients.

Here are some steps and tips to remove the eyelash extension of your clients in the right and proper way that you can’t learn from your lash tech course:

1. During the lash extension removal, make sure your client’s eyes are closed.
2. Use under-eye pads.
3. Only use lint-free micro brushes.
4. Use small amounts of your lash extension remover at a time.
5. Do not pull when applying the lash remover at the base of your client’s eyelash extensions. Use a gentle dabbing and massaging method.
6. Use a different lint-free micro brush for each eye. Allow the remover to sit for approximately 5 minutes. Gently brush and lift the eyelash extensions.
7. If the extensions are not easily coming off. Apply the remover a second time. Making sure to coat the base of the extension, where the adhesive has dried. 
8. Once all the extensions have been removed. Clean the lashes of your client.
9. Remove the under-eye pads.

Remember to check the waiting time required for the lash remover you are using. There are different types of lash glue removers with various waiting times, like gel removers and cream removers.

2. Proper weight on natural lashes in your lash tech course

The weight of the eyelash extensions will depend on the thickness (diameter) and length of the eyelash extensions you use. In addition, you can’t just randomly use lash extensions because you need to consider the health of the natural lashes of your client, their length, and thickness.

As a lash tech, you need to make sure the eyelash extensions you use are not too heavy on the natural lashes to avoid premature shedding and breakage. Keep in mind that the longer and thicker the lash extensions you use, the heavier they will be. 

There are two main types of eyelash extension applications, namely classic and volume applications. In classic eyelash extension applications, one lash extension is applied to one natural lash. The most commonly used eyelash extension is 0.15. Remember, your clients have different natural lashes. You need to consider their health and strength before applying lash extensions.

On the other hand, in volume extensions, multiple lash extensions are applied to one natural lash. Meaning, you need to consider the number of extensions per fan as well as the diameter you use, as they might be too heavy for the natural lashes. The more extensions you need to apply to one natural lash, the lighter the extensions should be.

We put together reminders, tips, and tricks that can help you choose the best length and thickness of classic extensions depending on the natural lashes of your clients.

For healthy natural lashes: You can use  0.15.

For thin natural lashes: You can use 0.10 or 0.12

3. Your lash tech course may miss mentioning stretching techniques during applications or in between appointments 

Applying eyelash extensions will take a long time. Especially if you need to remove the previous ones and apply a brand new set. You will be sitting on your chair, and only your arms and hands will be moving. Which is not healthy. You need to move your body to get your blood pumping, reducing the strain on your arms, and avoiding stiffness which can affect your speed and precision.

Stretching during and in between eyelash extension applications is very helpful to make sure your blood is pumping throughout your body. Stretching your back, shoulders, arms, and neck can greatly help in keeping your speed and precision while avoiding mistakes.

Here are some easy stretches you can do before and during your lash extension applications:

Shoulders: Grab one of your elbows and gently pull it to your chest. Do it to your other elbow.

Neck: Slowly tilt your head towards your shoulders. Do the same to the other side of your neck.

Back: Clasp your hands together. Thumbs should be pointing downwards. Rund your shoulders and reach forward until you feel your back is getting stretched.

Arms: Stretch your arms, elbow up, to the back of your head. Grab the elbow using your hand on the other side and gently pull it towards your head. Do it to your other elbow.

These simple and quick exercises will only take 10 to 20 seconds but can greatly improve the blood flow in your body.

4. Talk about how to take great photos in your lash tech course

Marketing your lash services and your work is very important to grow your network, improve your reputation, and attract more clients. These days, there is an easy and quick way to advertise and market your lash salon business which they do not teach in most lash tech courses, that is utilizing the use of social media. You can post photos of your work, lash extension supplies you use, and your workspace on your social media accounts and attract more clients.

Here are some tips for taking great photos you can post on your social media accounts:

Find the lighting: Lighting is very crucial in any great photo, especially when taking photos of eyelash extensions. If you are already using your ring light or Glamcor for applying lash extensions, why not use it for taking photos as well. You can also maximize the natural light coming into your workspace if you have a window. 

Know your angles: If you are not familiar with taking photos, you can play around and try different angles. You can also visit various social media accounts to get inspiration. When taking photos, make sure that the focal point is the eyelashes. Always choose the flattering angle.

Details, details, details: Always double-check your client’s face when taking photos. Even the smallest details like stray lashes can make your photo look messy. You will need to edit the photos. To save yourself the hassle of editing too much, always check even the smallest details. Even the eyebrows are important!

Edit in moderation: Editing your photos before posting them on your social media accounts is very good. But too much editing is NOT. Always keep the editing minimal and natural-looking. For Instagram, square photos work best. 

Variety: Take multiple different photos and angles of the eyelash extensions for each client. This way you have different choices for your social media posts. In addition, you can post some on Instagram or Facebook stories. You can also try before and after photos to showcase your work and expertise.

When taking photos, it is necessary to check the quality of the photos before posting them. Check and double-check the photos and make sure they are clear and consistent with your branding.

5. A lash tech course may not discuss what to include in your waiver

Many lash tech courses do not teach you the importance of a waiver. As a business owner, you need to protect your business, yourself, and your employees. Having a waiver form prepared and signed by your client before the eyelash extension service can help you avoid any problems in the future. 

To create an effective waiver form, it should include the following:

• The complete eyelash extension process and what your client can expect
• All the products you will be using.
• Your policies (ie: if a client is unable with the service)
• Available payment methods.
• No-show and cancellation policies.
• Possible side effects the client might experience.
• Liability disclaimer. 
• Permission to take and use photos
• The date of the service
• Signature of your client.

The waiver form should be as detailed as possible. 

Before applying eyelash extensions, have your client read and understand the information in the waiver form, especially if they are first-timers. 

6. Your lash tech course may not talk about using reputable brands

Not all lash tech courses talk about using reputable brands, which is very important in any lash extension service. You need to keep in mind that these brands have been in the eyelash extension business and industry for years and are backed by many positive reviews from various lash techs and lovers. They have a good reputation for a reason. 

Popular brands tend to have stricter quality control to protect their reputation and make sure their lash extension supplies and tools they offer are effective and high-quality. As a result, you will have fewer complaints from your clients.

Here are two tips for choosing the reputable brands for your lash supplies that they do not include in your lash tech course:

Do your research. Remember, each brand might not carry all the lash supplies and tools you need. You might have to get your lash supplies from different brands.

Choose a store. There are stores, both online and physical, that offer different lash supplies and tools from various reputable brands, such as Cartel Lash. All you need to do is place your orders and you can get your hands on lash extension supplies from different brands in just one place.

Joining a lash extension course can definitely help in learning new skills and honing your precision and techniques. However, you can’t learn everything from just one. It is necessary to do your research and read various information, tips, and tricks to improve your lashing skills. If you are ready to explore the eyelash extension industry more, you can always subscribe to Cartel Lash’s newsletter to be updated with the newest information regarding eyelash extensions and lashes.

source https://cartellash.ca/blogs/news/6-tips-not-included-in-your-lash-tech-course

8 Useful Hacks That Will Upgrade Your Client’s Lashes

The goal of a lash technician is to make their client’s lashes look stunning and last long by apply eyelash extensions properly and using the right tools and supplies. However, there are instances where your lash adhesives are not curing or drying the way you expect them to because of conditions in your environment. While in other circumstances, the client forgot to follow the advice aftercare routine. 

There are many situations where the retention and quality of the lash extensions you applied are negatively affected. No lash tech will want their reputation to be negatively affected when they can control the cause, right?

We listed 8 useful hacks that can help you upgrade your client’s lashes, improve your reputation as a lash tech, and keep your workstation, lash supplies, and tools clean. Let’s begin!

1. Taping up lashes for isolation

Yes, you read it right. If you are not using this method yet, we highly recommend starting it right now. 

Taping up the natural lashes of your clients will make isolation more convenient, quicker, and cleaner. The tape will be used to secure your client’s natural lashes to their eyelid, allowing more separation between the natural lashes when you are applying eyelash extensions. 

If you are working in layers or doing volume lash extensions, separating each row of lashes at a time, using tape, will make it easier for you.

Remember, do not use just any type of tape. You can use micropore tapes, silicone tapes, and even foam tapes.

If you don’t have eyelash tapes in your lash supplies, we highly recommend ordering one right now!

2. Using a primer on the strip of lashes to help with creating volume fans

Primers are specially formulated to strip all the residue and natural oils in the client’s lashes to improve the retention of the lash extensions. They are ideal for clients with oily natural lashes and for even creating volume fans. 

When applying volume fans, you will need to apply multiple lash extensions to a single natural lash. A primer can help strengthen the bond of the eyelash extensions to your client’s natural lash creating longer-lasting volume lashes. 

However helpful a primer is, you need to check if it can be used on your client. Remember, a primer can contain alcohol to remove all the excess natural oils and residue in the lashes. It can cause too much dryness to the natural lashes, making them too dry and preventing the adhesive from performing effectively. Lash glues LOVE and NEED moisture to properly cure.

3. For short lashes, use thinner extension first

When applying lash extensions, you attach the extension to the natural lashes. If you use thick and long eyelash extensions on brittle or short natural lashes, they will be too heavy and put a strain on your natural lashes. 

This idea also applies to short lashes. Use thinner extensions first because they are lighter compared to thicker ones. If your client wants a thicker and bolder look, recommend thinner ones first and help your client grow their natural lashes until they can hold more weight and length. Or experiment with shorter volume fans, this can achieve an equally bold look. 

4. Burping glue bottle and wiping nozzle after each use

Just like in babies, burping is the process in which excess air or oxygen is released. In the case of your lash adhesive, you burp your lash glue bottle to remove the air inside. The presence of air or oxygen can greatly affect the freshness of your lash adhesive. By burping your lash adhesive bottle after use, you can get rid of the air bubbles and make sure its shelf life will be longer. 

Burp the bottle by squeezing the sides using your thumb and index finger. Imagine you are pinching the sides. The excess air in the bottle will push out any glue sitting in the nozzle, with a lint free wipe simultaneously burp and wipe the bottle. Once you wipe the excess glue from the tip of your nozzle, replace the cap before you release the bottle. Pro tip: keep pinching the bottle- squeeze, wipe, and replace the lid. 

5. Cutting contour lines on eye masks before applying

Eye masks are specifically designed to help isolate the bottom lashes from the client’s top natural lashes, Remember that the eye masks will not secure ALL the bottom lashes and tape should be used. Eye masks also help to prevent the sharp tips of the lash tweezers from hurting the client. Eye masks are used for the overall comfort of your client. 

Many eye masks have similar shapes. We highly recommend cutting the eye masks based on the shape of your client’s face and eye shape. The simplest way to contour your eye masks is to cut 3 small lines along the top of each mask. These lines will help fit your client’s particular eye shape and will allow you to comfortably secure their bottom lashes. 

6. Cleaning sticky lash adhesive from lash tile after applying lashes

After every lash extension application, it is necessary to clean and sanitize your work area and lash tools. This includes cleaning the lash tile you used. 

Dried lash adhesives are not easy to remove. Use a metal scraper or a gel remover to remove all the dried and sticky lash glues stuck on your lash tiles before they are thoroughly cured. 

7. Cleaning glue off tweezers with gel remover 

This hack is really important. The lash tweezers are your main weapon in every lash extension application. If they are not properly maintained and cared for, they will not last. If you do not remove the glue at the tip of the lash tweezer, it can affect your precision and speed while applying eyelash extensions.

Make sure to clean and sanitize your lash tweezers every use. Remove any leftover adhesives stuck in your lash tweezers by using a gel remover. A gel remover can effectively remove the glue without damaging or scratching your lash tweezers.

8. Use a vortex mixer to shake the glue bottle before applying lashes

Lash adhesives are made from different chemicals and ingredients which can separate during storage. Heavier ingredients will settle at the bottom while lighter ones float to the top. Cyanoacrylate is the primary ingredient in all lash glues. This is the one responsible for the “retention”. It usually sits at the bottom of the bottle if they are in storage for long periods of time, or even during your service, between each drop of glue you use. If you use a lash adhesive in this state (where all ingredients are separated), it will not perform effectively.

Before use, you need to shake your lash adhesive vigorously. It requires a lot of arm strength. But if you have a machine lash adhesive shaker, it will be more convenient and quicker for you. We highly recommend getting your own mixer. It can be used for lash adhesives, pigments, and polishes.

Here at Cartel Lash, we LOVE to provide tips and tricks for lash lovers, technicians, business owners, and the community. Always be updated with the latest news, tips, and tricks about lashes and lash extensions by subscribing to our newsletters! Contact us to know more about eyelash extensions!

source https://cartellash.ca/blogs/news/8-useful-hacks-that-will-upgrade-your-client-s-lashes

How to Properly Recycle Your Lash Tweezers

Lash technicians go through LOTS of tweezers during their lashing careers. Techs might have dozens of different types of eyelash tweezers in their lash extension supplies. It’s not uncommon to have backups in case they accidentally drop their tweezers or hit something damaging the tips of their tweezers.

When the tip of your lash tweezers is damaged or flattened, they will need to be replaced by a new one. But what happens to them after they serve their lashing purpose? How do you dispose of these lash tweezers properly? Find out how you can be a responsible lash tech and properly dispose of your partner — the eyelash tweezer. 

Can you put lash tweezers in the garbage?

Yes and no. 

Yes, you can put your lash tweezers in the garbage BUT you need to put them in a sturdy container. Remember, your eyelash tweezers have sharp tips and can hurt your garbage collector or anyone removing the contents of your waste bin.  Also, throw them in the correct waste receptacle, especially if you are in an area where categorizing their trash is mandatory. You can’t just dispose of them in any garbage bin. 

No, because you can recycle your lash tweezers. Tweezers for lashes are made from metal. This is important to improve the precision and speed of lash techs. And metal wastes can be recycled. If you want to help the environment and decrease the waste in your area, we highly recommend going to your nearest metal recycling facility and asking them about their protocol and if they accept damaged lash tweezers. This way you are disposing of your eyelash tweezers and other types of eyelash tweezers properly while decreasing your carbon footprint.

The Importance of disposing of lash tweezers properly

As a lash artist, you rely a LOT on your lash tweezers when applying eyelash extensions. They are your partner in ensuring your clients have long-lasting lashes. When it is time for these eyelash tweezers to retire, it is only fair to show your appreciation and dispose of them in the right way. 

It also decreases the chances of you hurting other people. Remember the sharp tip can hurt your garbage collector while transferring your trash and other people that handle your waste. 

Proper metal waste management is important. This includes disposing of your precious lash tweezers when they are ready to retire.

Guidelines for proper disposal of lash tweezers

If you are a new lash tech, you might be unfamiliar with the proper disposal of your lash tweezers. Don’t worry, we will help you out! Here are three steps on how you can properly dispose of your eyelash tweezers with minimal to zero damage to the environment, yourself, and other people:

1. Contact your local pharmacy if they have containers for tweezers for disposal

We’ve been emphasizing the importance of putting your damaged lash tweezers in a container when you are ready to dispose of them. Your eyelash tweezers can harm yourself, other people, the environment, and even animals (if not disposed of properly). 

Contact the nearest pharmacy in your area and ask if they have containers where you can put all of your damaged lash tweezers. We highly recommend collecting your damaged tweezers before disposing of them together. It will be more efficient compared to disposing of them one by one.

In addition, ask the nearest pharmacy if they handle lash tweezer disposal. If they do, you can send your damaged eyelash tweezers to them. Otherwise, look for a waste/recycling depot.

2. Place all tweezers in a sealed container

When you have the container where your lash tweezers can fit in, it is now time for you to place all of them inside the sealed container. Make sure it is sealed to avoid spillage and contamination. Choose a durable container and not thin and flimsy plastics. Remember, lash tweezers can be sharp and poke a hole in flimsy containers. 

Label the container as well to avoid confusion.

3. Bring the container to the pharmacy or waste depot

When you have accumulated a collection of damaged tweezers, it is now time to dispose of them. 

Bring the container where you stored them to your nearest pharmacy or waste depot. 

Here at Cartel Lash, we understand that lash techs use a LOT of lash extension supplies, products, and tools. This includes lash tweezers. And just like any tools and equipment, they need to retire at some point. Knowing how to properly dispose of all your damaged eyelash tweezers is a must to avoid any complications in the future. 

We all want to do our part and help the environment through the proper disposal of our garbage. This is a necessary process that can help improve your reputation as a lash tech and a lash business owner.

source https://cartellash.ca/blogs/news/how-to-properly-recycle-your-lash-tweezers

The Best Decisions I’ve Made for my Lash Extensions Business

Starting a lashing career is challenging, but very rewarding. Especially, if you are starting your own lash extension business. There are many things you need to keep up with including supplies, products, and tools as well as a schedule management system. 

To help you on your lash tech journey, we have listed all the decisions we had to make that helped us improve our lives and work as lash entrepreneurs. 

Having a waiver form for lash extensions

Many lash techs forget about this. We can’t stress how important this is. You need to have a waiver form prepared for your clients before you perform any type of service for them. This can help you avoid any unnecessary problems if any issues occur in the future.

A waiver form is a legal document containing everything the client has to know about the service they are taking part in. It is very important that your client reads, agrees, and signs this document to avoid any liability on your part. This can be used to protect your reputation, your lash extension business, and assets. You can have a paper or electronic waiver form.

Your waiver form should include the following:

• The lash extension application procedure, including the steps and products you use.
• Your lash salon policies. This includes the protocol for taking before and after photos and/or how to deal with unsatisfied customers.
• All the available payment methods.
• Cancellation and no-show policies.
• Any possible side effects and allergic reactions your client might experience.
• Liability disclaimer.
• The date of the eyelash extension appointment

It should be signed by you and your client before you start cleansing and applying eyelash extensions. 

We highly recommend making the waiver as detailed as possible because you can use it as a piece of evidence if a situation or problem arises in the future. 

Investing in more courses for lash extensions

The common mistake many lash techs make is that they stop training and learning. Cartel Lash highly recommends continuing to take more courses and investing in yourself. NEVER stop learning! Continuous learning is VERY IMPORTANT.

Keep in mind that with the advancement in technology, more and more techniques, lash supplies, products, and information are continually being discovered. All these innovations can help you improve your lashing skills and attract more clients in the process. Also, by taking courses, you can discover new and helpful products and lash extension supplies that will make your lash extension applications easier, convenient, and possibly even faster.

Remember, keep on learning and taking eyelash extension courses to help hone your skills, improve your speed, and attract more clients.

Learning how to take photos for social media

Today, the more visible you are on your social media pages, the broader your reach is. However, not all posts, stories, shares, and tweets can help improve your image and expand your client list. You need to make sure everything in your posts and stories looks good and reflects your brand perfectly. And adding quality images is an easy but brilliant way to achieve your goal.

It also helps to add good-quality photos and images of your client’s lashes to help attract more attention to your lash business's services. Do not use poorly taken photos because they will make your branding unprofessional. 

Learn how to take photos properly to showcase your eyelash extensions application skills, the products you use, your lash business, and your satisfied customers. This will also greatly help in your marketing strategy. 

Also, posting and tweeting on your lash business’s accounts are free. You need to utilize and maximize social media to your advantage.

Using a booking system for appointments

Find a reliable and efficient booking system to help keep your schedule and client list organized. 

A reliable booking system for your lashing business can be used to store the information of your clients and keep your schedule organized. We highly recommend choosing a booking system where you can put photos, contact information, and eyelash extension details of your clients. This way, you can see the changes and improvements in all your clients.

When looking for a booking system for your lash business, you need to consider the following before subscribing or purchasing their services:

Capabilities and Benefits: Ask yourself, will this application or software provide the services you need to support your lash business and decrease your daily tasks? You have to be sure the features, capabilities, and benefits the booking system provides are what you need.

Ease of Use: What is the use of a very effective application or software if you can’t use it. Look for a booking system that you can use without any problems.

Price: This will work hand-in-hand with the features of the booking system you choose. Some applications let you get more features but with an added payment. Before you pay for the additional features, check whether you need them first or not or you might not need them right now. 

Continue to practice lash extensions on models

Practice makes perfect! And as lash artists and lovers, we all want perfectly gorgeous eyelash extensions. To help make sure your clients have beautifully stunning and long-lasting lash extensions, you need to continue honing your skills and practice. This will greatly improve your precision, speed, and technique in lashing.

Cartel Lash highly recommends practicing a minimum of 3 models a week for beginners or those lash techs learning a new skill or technique. This will help ingrain the steps, knowledge, and technique in your brain and muscle memory. Also, if you are trying a new product, it is best to use it on mannequins first, learn how it works first, and practice using them to improve your precision and speed.

By regularly practicing in your free time, you can improve where you think you are lacking.

Buying quality lash extensions products

Your lash salon will have a hard time in the eyelash extension industry if you do not buy quality lash extension supplies and products. Choose quality eyelash extensions, lash adhesives, and tweezers. This will make your eyelash extension application easier and more convenient.

It is necessary to buy quality lash adhesives to ensure the eyelash extensions will last longer. Choose the lash glue depending on your lashing speed. Here at Cartel Lash, we feature different lash adhesives from popular brands such as Borboleta, LASHGOD, LBLA, Ruthie Belle, SUGARLASH, and Untamed Artistry. 

When it comes to lash extensions, you can rely on Max2Originale, LBLA, and LASHGOD.

As a lash tech and/or lash salon owner, you need to make the right decisions to help grow your business and reputation. Hopefully, this list can help you to grow your lash business and improve your reputation as a lash tech.

Here at Cartel Lash, we want to help our fellow lash lovers. That is why we provide the best lash extension supplies in the industry and tips to help you in your lashing journey. Contact us for more details and inquiries.

source https://cartellash.ca/blogs/news/best-decisions-made-for-lash-extensions-business