In a perfect world, eyelash extensions would last forever--however, until scientists have found a way to stop time, clients will be wanting infills! The week before an infill is always the hardest--every client wants their lash extensions to be as full and glamorous as when they first walk out of the salon, and the anticipation for that appointment is running high. It’s such a great feeling to show off your beautiful lashes to everyone, so how do we make sure they last as long as possible? It might surprise you how many factors are operating behind the scenes of your treatment and how they affect the length of time your client base can hold on to that luscious lash look. Here’s a handy little guide to the conditions that impact lash extensions, and some tips on how to keep them looking great!

It all starts in the salon. It’s ideal to remind your clients to come in without any eye makeup on, or to clean it off thoroughly just before the appointment begins—that way, you have the most time and the best surface to work with. Assessing each client’s natural lashes in person (and close up!) is the best way to ascertain which extensions will bond perfectly—just as everyone’s skin tIn a perfect world, eyelash extensions would last forever--however, until scientists have found a way to stop time, clients will be wanting infills! The week before an infill is always the hardest--every client wants their lash extensions to be as full and glamorous as when they first walk out of the salon, and the anticipation for that appointment is running high. It’s such a great feeling to show off your beautiful lashes to everyone, so how do we make sure they last as long as possible? It might surprise you how many factors are operating behind the scenes of your treatment and how they affect the length of time your client base can hold on to that luscious lash look. Here’s a handy little guide to the conditions that impact lash extensions, and some tips on how to keep them looking great!ype is different, we have different lash types as well! Some natural lashes are simply too slender or brittle to sustain that thick glamorous look. As a rule, the finer and shorter lashes are the real workhorses, and tend to last longer than extra-long Kardashian lashes. These lashes look fantastic, and you can play with curls and styles to make sure that your clients’ eyes really pop!

Another rule of thumb is that the more lashes you apply, the longer they will last for—simple, really. Glam sets give clients about 50 more lashes per eye than lite sets, so for a look that lasts bring on the lashes! There’s nothing stopping clients from starting out small and infilling with a larger set, so don’t be afraid to introduce them to lashes slowly--this will build their trust and create a better relationship in the long run.

Good isolation is absolutely key to long-lasting lashes, whatever set you’re applying. Using a solid set of isolation tweezers and perfecting your technique may mean that you work a little slower, but your clients’ lashes will stay healthier long-term if lash extensions are applied with precision. If you’ve noticed that clients have been coming in with less lashes than usual, try a ‘tug test’--when you apply a lash, wait a second for the glue to dry and give it a gentle pull with the tweezers to see whether it has bonded securely. If the lash doesn’t budge, success!

For the first 24 hours after a lash appointment, your glue is still working hard to bond the extensions, so clients can help by making sure that they don’t come into contact with water or oils in that time. Once the first day is up, they are free to swim and gym to their hearts’ content! Gently cleaning lashes with some fresh water after going to the beach or pool is an easy way to maintain them. For example, If your clients do swim often or use the sauna or spa, it’s likely that they may need an infill slightly earlier as repeated soaking/exposure to steam does eventually affect the bonding of lash extensions.  To avoid this becoming a problem in the future, you can include this question in your consultation form or just chat about their lifestyle during their appointment.

When it comes to makeup, most people choose to ditch the mascara as their lashes are already perfection! In fact, mascara can damage and clump extensions (absolutely not what you want!) and it will make it extremely difficult to infill the lashes (unless you have done an absolutely stellar job of removing the mascara and residues). If your clients feel naked without it, LASHGAME does stock a specially formulated mascara called Max 2  which works well with extensions.

Nothing looks better with lashes than a smokey eye or crisp winged liner, but removing stubborn makeup is one of the easiest ways to dislodge eyelash extensions. Using waterproof or gel eyeliner is no good at all for extensions, as you often have to rub to remove it properly—a felt tip liquid liner or oil-free pencil is kindest for lashes! A cotton tip soaked in oil-free makeup remover is a great little tool to get those stubborn liners off--just gently work over the area, away from the lashes (not down onto them). Brushing your lashes before you go to bed and when you wake up is a wonderful way to detangle and maintain them--including a brush for your clients in a goodie bag or similar helps begin this good habit. If you notice your client has a very oily complexion, gently let them know this may affect the glue adhesion period – some strategies to counteract this includes avoiding moisturiser or foundation on the eyelids, cleansing regularly with a foaming lash shampoo, and wiping eyelids very gently daily to remove excess oil buildup.

If you’re following all these great lash tips and are open and honest about lash care in your salon, your clients should have healthy and luscious lashes time after time!