Congratulations on qualifying as an eyelash extension artist! This is an exciting milestone, and naturally, you’ll want to give your first clients the best possible experience. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes when starting something new. Perfecting your technique comes with time and practice.
Fortunately, many experienced lash artists have already navigated the learning curve and are sharing their wisdom to help newcomers avoid common pitfalls. This list of ten essential eyelash extension tips for beginners is designed to help you steer clear of the most frequent mistakes so you can establish good habits from the start.
1. Avoid Spending Too Much Time Isolating the Perfect Lash
As a perfectionist, you might find yourself spending extra time looking for the “perfect” natural lash to attach your extension. The reality is that every lash needs an extension, so this can be an unnecessary waste of time. The longer the appointment takes, the more likely you are to tire, which could impact your concentration and the quality of your work.
Pro Tip: Begin with the shorter, baby lashes before moving on to the longer ones. These smaller lashes are trickier to isolate, so tackling them first allows you to save the easier ones for when you might be feeling fatigued later in the appointment.
2. Master the Placement of Eyepatches
Applying eyepatches correctly can be challenging at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Placing them too close to the eyes can cause irritation and even bruising. Remember, eyepatches should never touch the waterline.
Misplaced patches can also cause lashes at the inner corners to lift, leading to inaccurate placements and a less polished result.
Pro Tip: Start placing the eyepatch at the inner corners of the eyes and gently press down along the lash line. Beginning at the inner corner gives you better control over the patch’s positioning.
3. Always Use a Lash Map
One of the most important tips for beginners is to use a lash map. Without it, you may quickly lose track of your placement. A lash map allows you to plan where each extension will go, ensuring symmetry and helping you achieve the desired style.
Mapping is particularly critical when working with multiple layers, as it helps organize lash lengths and curls for a cohesive look. Even if you aren’t layering yet, practicing mapping now will prepare you for future techniques.
Pro Tip: Ask your client to briefly open their eyes so you can mark the center accurately. This ensures your map aligns with their natural eye shape, which is harder to gauge with eyes closed.
4. Use the Right Amount of Adhesive
Getting the adhesive just right is a delicate balance. Too little glue will shorten the lifespan of the extensions, while too much can make them heavy and cause premature shedding.
Instead of swiping the lash extension into the adhesive, try using a scooping motion. A small bead of glue on the extension usually indicates you’ve applied the right amount.
Pro Tip: Avoid removing the lash too quickly from the adhesive, as this can result in too much glue. Use a slower, scooping motion and scoop lower to control the amount.
5. Don’t Rush the Pre-Treatment Process
Skipping or hurrying through the pre-treatment process can lead to poor results and an unsatisfactory client experience. Always clean your client’s lashes and eye area thoroughly, even for infill appointments.
Remove all traces of makeup, dust, and grime using lash shampoo or protein wipes. A clean base ensures better adhesion and a longer-lasting result.
Pro Tip: Encourage clients to arrive without makeup. If they prefer to wear makeup, ask them to avoid waterproof mascara, which is particularly difficult to remove.
6. Pay Attention to Lash Direction
Achieving the correct lash direction is a skill that takes practice but makes a big difference in the final look. Inner and outer corner lashes should fan outward in a “sunrise” pattern, while the lash tips should align neatly to suit the chosen style.
Pro Tip: Keep a small mirror handy to place under the lashes during the appointment. This allows you to check the lash direction and make adjustments as needed.
7. Eliminate Stickies
“Stickies” occur when multiple lashes adhere together during the application process. This often happens when isolation isn’t done correctly, or adhesive from a previous lash hasn’t dried fully.
If you find stickies, don’t panic. Gently separate the lashes, clean them, and reapply the extension.
Pro Tip: Dedicate the last 10 minutes of each appointment to checking your work for stickies. Use tweezers to carefully inspect each lash, including between layers.
8. Customize the Lash Style for Each Client
While clients often come in with specific style requests, like a cat-eye look, it’s up to you as the lash artist to determine what will suit them best. Consider their bone structure, eye shape, and natural lash direction when deciding on a style.
Most looks require blending different curl types for a natural and cohesive appearance. Avoid using thick extensions or fans unless it’s for a special occasion, and remind clients to remove them promptly to avoid damage.
Pro Tip: Thick extensions and fans should only be used sparingly, as they can harm natural lashes if worn long-term.
9. Conduct Consultations and Use Client Cards
Always have a consultation with your client before starting their lashes. This helps manage expectations and ensures you’re on the same page regarding the desired look. Update client cards at least once a year to keep records current.
Pro Tip: Discuss potential price adjustments during the consultation if the client wants to make significant changes to their lashes.
10. Avoid Placing Extensions Too Close to the Eyelid
Finding the perfect distance between the eyelid and the lash extension is key. Extensions placed too close can irritate the skin, while those too far away can affect the look and longevity of the lashes.
Pro Tip: Aim for a distance of 0.5–1 mm from the eyelid. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of placing the extension slightly further away than too close.
By following these tips, you’ll build confidence in your abilities and ensure your clients leave with beautiful, long-lasting results. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every set of lashes you complete brings you one step closer to mastering your craft!
