Career Change: Life Update

 Howdy y'all.

it's been over a year since I posted last. 

That's because I changed my career choice, from lash tech to flight attendant. My original game plan was to do both. But the demands of my new job became too overwhelming. Trying to balance the two became unrealistic. So I made the switch. And became a full time flight attendant. Though I'm still active around the eyelash extension community of artists, I was feeling burnt out, and needed a change of pace. 

I hope y'all are doing well. 

I will definitely try to keep posting. ❤️

Lash Tech Tweezer 911

There is nothing worse than dropping your favorite tweezers and ruining them. In a lash techs world, this is truly one of our worst nightmares. Unfortunately, I am soooooooo clumsy. I typically have at least two to three pairs of tweezers that get trashed every year. Give or take. 

I browse a lot of lash tech support groups and online groups in search of what to do or how to fix damaged tweezers. Sadly, there's not a lot of recommendations. 

Recommendations to "quick fix":

Sanding:

By taking a nail file, you can gently sand down the tweezers. This cam help dull tweezers regain their texture to grab lashes if they have become slick or are having a hard time holding onto or grabbing a lash. Be careful not to sand down too much, or else you can dull and thin out the metal and the structure all together.

Pliers/Jewelry Pliers:

Maybe some of the tweezers are "kinked" or warped due to dropping them directly on the sharpest part of the tweezers. Pliers to the rescue jewelry pliers are a bit better than your average pliers from a hardware store, as they are a little more gentle with the metal. You can gently manipulate the tweezers back into it's original form. This is typically a good recommendation for tweezers with not a major deformation from the drop. 

Some people have resorted to squeezing their tweezers to try to realign them with other tweezers, etc. I just find whatever tactics may work. But may not. 

Other suggestions:

Sharpener Services:

You can find a local cosmetology scissor sharpener who may be willing to help. You can call your local beauty wholesale store or by doing a quick search on google. The sharpener can help try to sharpen and add texture to your dull tweezers, but also can they can help realign misshapen tweezers. Every place in California is different. Sadly, sometimes the service can cost more than buying a new pair of tweezers.  Ask for quotes and inquiries upfront. 

(This would be a great new business model for someone in the lash industry! Creating a successful lash tweezer line with warranties. Similar to Mihaz, Tweezerman, Switzerland, etc.) 

Preventative:

There's on one true suggestion or answer to this problem,

Buy quality. And buy multiples.

In my experience after doing lashes for nearly a decade, sadly once tweezers are damaged they are not salvageable. It's impossible to get them to fully grip, realign, etc. Buying quality tweezers from quality brands is one thing. But making sure to buy multiples is key. This is also important if you plan on doing clients back to back, to allow enough time for tweezers to be sanitized and sterilized in between clients. 

My personal recommendation: 

Stay away from thin nosed/based tweezers. Some volume tweezers that offer thin bases, or appear to be very sharp, are indeed. However, they are also VERY fragile since the metal is stretched so thinly. If you accidentally drop them, they can easily become your next trashed victims. Buying tweezers made of better quality metal and not stretched so thin, stand a little bit better chance. 

Until the lash industry comes around to offer more, we are left to the Stone Age tactics. 😂

A lash techs necessities: Vol. 1, TAPE

One of the ever lasting never, ending hunts for lash technicians is to find the perfect tape (gel pads too, but we'll save that for the next post.). However, not all tape is for everyone. No client is a one-size-fits-all. Part of this is due to  different skin types, if a client is wearing spf, moisturizer, cosmetics, allergies, etc. With this being said it is always best to have an arsenal of different tapes. By having a variety,  you'll be able to find a tape that is the most comfortable and suitable, tailored for each client. 

Paper Tape

Paper Tape:

Hypoallergenic. Breathable. Flexible. The main tape I carry and use on a majority of my clientele. Though it's easy and non invasive, I find that paper tape lacks the stick factor. This can be difficult to work with if clients have oily skin, The thinnest tape available too. The most universal for every client. Another pet peeve of mine with paper tape is that some brands can have a textured surface. Causing lash (mascara) wands to get entwined with the tape. It's not as severe as cloth or fabric tape, but still annoying. 

"Blue Tape":

Sensitive Blue Tape

Blue tape comes in two separate kinds, "strong hold for sensitive skin" and "for sensitive skin." Confusing, I know. STAY AWAY from the strong hold. Sadly, the tape and packaging are exactly the same, except one states, "strong hold." Learn from my mistakes, I made this mistake recently. Don't do it. 

Blue tape is wonderful because it's flexible, great for fragile skin. However, this is not ideal for dry skin or anyone that has an allergy to rubber or latex, as both are in the ingredients of this tape (not hypoallergenic.). The tape is a little more plush, where it may not need to be used with gel eye pads (which is lovely!) However, being thicker may not be ideal for every client. It's has a great stick factor, not as much fuss with sliding around, though it's not always the case. 

AVOID:
"Strong Hold"
Blue Tape

Flexible Clear Tape:

The brand "Nexcare" use to make a hypoallergenic clear tape. Sadly, most of the clear tapes I find on the market now, are not. Though it has a great hold for really oily clients or clients with heavy/oily make up where gel pads and tape don't stick, this does the trick. However, I don't recommend it to be to close to the eye, ONLY to help keep the pads in place. Sadly, I don't typically carry this tape due not being hypoallergenic.

Cloth & Fabric Tape:

Avoid at all costs. This was meant for first aid, and not as much eyelash extension services. Sometimes the Cloth and fabric can contain a textured surface, which the lash (mascara) wands do not like. 

Tape Holders/Storage

As weird as this may sound, even having your tape stored in the proper way can make alllllllll the difference. Helping preserve your tape will help continue it's "stick" factor, away from humidity, lint, etc. In California, The board of barbering and cosmetology requires that all products are stored and labeled in a air tight container. I find this to be the gold standard for products. A few lash brands offer multi storage, which is ideal (though most don't have a "seal.") Some tape brands offer a roll with teeth (similar to how scotch tape is sold.) This makes it easier and more efficient to cut tape off into sections. However, making sure it is properly stored is key. 

LivBay Tape Dispenser

Tape WON'T Stick? 

A few things can be factors of why your tape isn't sticking.

1) The tape itself is faulty. Manufacturers defect, or not the proper tape to use on a client. You can always try another tape, or have a back up roll. 

2) Cosmetics. Your client may have make up on, making your tape not stick properly. Try removing some of the make up in your work zone first before applying tape again.

3) Moisturizer or SPF. Same as cosmetics, too much moisturizer or spf can leave a clients skin too moisturizers or oily. 

4) Humidity. Sometimes, even the humidity can play a factor as to why your tape isn't sticking. It may be to humid. If this is the case, look into a good storage space for your tape and a dehumidifier. 

5) Storage. Where do you store your tape? Is it too close to a sink? humidifier? lash bath products, moisture, etc? Try an air tight or sealed container to seal your tape. 

6.) It may not be the tape, but the gel pad (under eye gel pad/ eye pads.) The eye pads may repel the tape or have a slick surface, or they are too moisturizing for the tape to stick.

7.) Client has too oily skin. Try and use a soft toner to remove any excessive oil before placing tape down.

Tape WON'T UN-stick?

This has happened to me only once. I had made the mistake of buying the stronghold blue tape vs. the sensitive. My clients skin was incredibly dry. It took me 20 minutes to remove! 😳🤯 If your tape won't unstick, it can be because of three reasons. 

1.) Tape is faulty 

2.) Not using the correct tape (for that client.)

3.) Your clients skin is dry.

The best way to unstick is to get a wet or damp cotton ball or q tip and slowly and gently rub in-between the skin and the tape to help soften to lift and remove. Do NOT use any oils as you do not want oils to contact the extensions as most/ if not all adhesives are not oil friendly. 

Finding the right tape while catering to each client will always be a juggle. When all else fails, paper tape will always be your friend. The reason why techs haven't branched too far away from paper tape, is because "when the wheel isn't broken, it doesn't need to be fixed." 

Stay tuned for the next posting:

A lash techs necessities: Vol. 2, Eyepads. 

#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath #combustion #adhesive #glue #lashadhesive #lash #eyelash #Lashglue #lashadhesive #flammable #warning #warninglable #lashes #eyelashes #extensions #tape #lashtape #lashextensiontape #eyelashextensiontape #sensitivetape #bluetape #storage 

Pros and Cons of Lash, Brow tinting and Lash Perms, Lash Lifts about to be legal in California in 2022

 I was shopping at my local beauty supply when I overheard the conversation that Bill SB 803 was passed. and to be honest, I was PISSED. As a licensed cosmetologist for nearly ten years, California was once one of the hardest cosmetology courses and license testing in the country. Back then, cosmetology courses were 1600 hours, the cosmetology test was a one to two hours written test and four to five hour practical. The practical test you had to supply a model, and it had some things on the test such as finger waves, a 1920's thermal contraption, etc. The only state that was more difficult was Washington (2400 hour program.) 

In 2012, the board eliminated bringing a model to the practical test. Instead just a doll head was needed. The practical was shortened to only 2-3 hours, and the practical was only 1 hour. 

Starting in 2022, the entire cosmetology course will only be 1000 hours. 

Even more concerning, the practical test will completely be eliminated. Only the written will be needed. 

The changes follow other states that have also eased license requirements for cosmetology students. Pennsylvania eliminated its hands on practical back in 2014, and Texas reduced it's hours to 1000 in 2019. 

The Bill offers some benefits for cosmetologists that only want to offer cutting and hair color. However, I find this to be both wonderful and horrific news.

The pros: 

Lash Lifts/Lash Perms become Legal (They have been illegal due to ammonia, though most technicians and licensed professionals have continued to offer these services.)

Lash Tinting/Brow Tinting become legal. (All tinting products for lashes and brows have been banned in California. If state board found tinting products in your business, they would fine you.) 

For new lash technicians looking to obtain a cosmetology license, now is the time.

The cons:

Lash lifts/lash perms, Lash tinting and brow tinting will also be legal for estheticians to offer. I find this incredibly upsetting. Estheticians are not educated in tinting products, chemicals and the science as cosmetologists are. 

It will be virtually toooooooo easy to obtain a cosmetology license. So much in fact that the practical will be eliminated. No one will have to show that they know how to handle chemicals, color, cutting, scissors, razors, disinfectant, etc. Reminds me of the differences of book smarts vs. street smarts. There should always be a happy balance. The practical and written offered this balance. Eliminating will, I believe, is a direct reaction from covid lockdowns, the state being so short staffed, and following other states. 

Eyelash extensions are still not part of the educators, or cosmetology/ esthetician student academic programs or part of testing through the board. Though, in order to offer eyelash extension services in the state, one must be a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist.

I feel the state board has offered a few benefits, but what is coming is a giant step backwards. And another step is missing to regulating academics, testing, and education of eyelash extension services. 

#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #lash #eyelash #Lashglue #lashadhesive #flammable #warning #education #lasheducation #eyelasheducation #eyelashextensioneducation #lashextensioneducation #licensing #license #cosmetology #esthetician #california #stateboard #2022 #boardofbarberingandcosmetology 

⚠️Why warning labels should be on lash adhesives 🔥🤯😳

A similar argument could be made of why only licensed professionals should be able to do eyelash extensions. (But we won't go down that rabbit hole today...) 

Why should warning labels be on adhesive bottles, and why?

Well.....🔥🔥🔥

Within the last year I have seen and read some crazy stories on lash forums talking about lash adhesives. The most shocking? how flammable adhesived can be! I’m not sure why this isn’t discussed more, or why it’s not taught as part of lash curriculums in some lash trainings. 

Most if not all eyelash extension adheisves on the markert has a main or sister ingredient of “Cyanoacrylate.” Cyanoacrylate adhesives are known to have an exothermic reaction with cotton, wool & leather. Both uncured adhesives and it’s fumes are flammable. Some techs have reported even chemical burns. 🤯😳 That’s right, this means when cyanoacrylate glues are combined with such things, the reaction creates heat, smoke and even spontaneous combustion. Once the adhesive is cured and the fumes have evaporated, it is no longer flammable. 

So, what can we do to avoid this?

There’s a few things.

1. Toss the q-tips. Swap them out for microfiber wands (lip wands.) 
2. Toss all cotton materials. 
3. Make sure to have no candle or open flame. 
4. To help cure your adheisve faster, make sure your atmosphere is compatible with your adhesives. That included temperature and humidity. Invest in a humidier or dehumidifier depending on what the adhesive reccomends. Make sure your temperature is also up to adhesive standards/reccomendations.
5. To help cure your adhesive after your service, apply a adhesive accelerator or nano mist the lashes. Make sure to apply the last 3-5 minutes after drying or follow the manufacturers directions.
6. Make sure lashes are thoroughly cleaned before any lash application services. 
7. Have lash tiles, trays, and work station away from fabric settings or have a placemat or sterile workstation, such as a metal rolling tray, etc. 
8. What I personally reccomend is a second fan. Far enough away that it’s not jeopardizing the service integrity and adhesion, but helping dry and lush any fumes away from both the client and techs faces. I believe it helps kill 2 birds with one stone. And better than “fume catchers.” 

Hopefully these are a few simple steps both techs can take and clients can be aware of to ensure to avoid these scenarios.

Any questions? Comments? Leave me a comment below! :)

#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath #combustion #adhesive #glue #lashadhesive #lash #eyelash #Lashglue #lashadhesive #flammable #warning #warninglable #lashes #eyelashes #extensions

Natural colored eyelash extensions?

 Every once in a blue moon, I get a request from a client for lash extensions that are not black, yet a color more natural or complimentary to their own natural hair/lash color. Though 99% of clients gravitate towards black lashes, there is a the few who want something softer. 

Lashes by Felicity Fox

For the longest time most lash extension products on the market were only available in matte or a "shiny" black. Depending on how and what the lashes were made and manufactured with/by, it still only left most clients with one color available. In the early days of lash extensions, some products such as mink were available. Mink (not to be confused with "semi- mink" aka synthetic.) was the lightest and softest lash available on the market, but was also the most expensive that had a lot of errors that tagged along. First, it's a natural hair follicle collected by the mink. The follicles are dyed and permed, and some just permed. Some of the brands that's skipped the dye process left you with an interestingly colored lashed tray. Because it's natural nature, techs would receive a tray that could have black, brown, blonde, white, and red lashes, in all sorts of hues and tones. To some, it provided the lightest lash possible and the most natural appearance in color. However, most mink trays have been pulled from the market due to animal testing and cruelty concerns. In some cases, clients that have sensitivities and allergies to pets, including cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. may also be or develop and allergy to mink lashes. And worse, the price point put mink lash trays nearly double to triple the cost of normal synthetic trays. With too many issues and factors and a costly sticker price, women settled on synthetic & black lashes. 

That was until a few years ago when fun colored lashes hit the market. Vivid colors of the rainbow such as red, pink, purple, blue, yellow, teal, green, orange, Burgundy, pastel colors, white, etc. There were so many options to have a fun pop of color. 

And slowly companies began producing more brown lashes. And as they produced more, the demand grew as well. And for brunettes that wanted an alternative from black, clients got their wish.

 However, there were some hair colors such as blondes and redheads that weren't feeling a little left out. As a blonde myself, I personally don't want blonde lashes because I feel that I can't see my natural lashes anyway. And the idea of accentuating something I already can't see, doesn't seem to make much sense. I like to have contrast, and thus I typically choose black lashes. Though I wouldn't be against brown either. Yet, not every blonde feels this way. Sadly, blonde lashes aren't as easily available on the market since blonde lashes can vary in many colors and that would be hard to manufacture. The same can go for redheads. But, their's hope! By lash designing and picking colors, and mixtures, there is a way to achieve lashes to look more natural and complimentary, blondes and redheads included. 

Dark hair/ Brunettes - Black, brown or mixture of both

lighter brunette's - brown

Between blonde & brunette- brown and gold

blondes - gold (some brands have "blonde")

platinum - white (good for clients with white/platinum hair & vitiligo.) Mix in with blonde.

redheads - a mixture of red/burgandy/brown

natural redhead- burgandy (brown if needed for more depth.) 

tones of blue  - black & Blue

tones of purple -black & purple

tones of red- Black, Burgandy &, red.

Side Note: A good rule of thumb to match natural lashes is to match the color with brows. 

#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath #lashcolor #color #coloredlashes #lashcolors #eyelashcolors #eyelashcolor

Allergy Season & Eyelash Extensions

It's that time of the year...

..and if you live in California like me, allergy season is in full effect. 

Between the Santa Ana winds, pollen, air quality, and the lack of humidity is a recipe for beauty irritations all fall and winter long. Allergy season can also trigger irritations for eyes and eyelash extensions. So what are some things you can do to accomodate your eyes to get ahead of the curve?

A few things:

1) Humidifiers

Eyelash extension adhesive typically "cures" better the higher (the temperature and) humidity. I personally have a hygrometer so I can better regulate my temperature and humidity during my lash services. Typically I aim for a 30-50% humidity range. Most adhesives recommend 30-70% humidity. If your eyes begin to have irritations or feel brittle, dry, or "crunchy," humidifiers may be a good thing to have at night or during the day. Your skin will also thank you.

Note: Humidity can also be a reason for lash extensions and adhesive troubleshooting/errors.

2) Cleansers (Lash Baths)

Lash cleansers are also wonderful to have on hand. Not just to clean your lashes and removing excess oils or make up, etc. But also because the cleansers are moisturizing and gentle to both lashes, extensions, bonds, and skin. 

My personal favorites are livery and Bella Lash. Preferably I love Bella Lash's because the brand offers a larger bottle. (50 ml & 120 ml) 

https://bellalash.com/products/lash-detox?variant=38140313665731

3) Aloe (& non oil eye moisturizers/creams)

With dry skin, especially for irritated lids aloe is soft and moisturizing and helps with irritation for the skin. This is a great alternative to eye creams and moisturizers that contain too much oil. (Since eyelash extension adhesive is not oil friendly.) I only recommend a gel but make sure to double check the ingredient listing for oils. 

4) Eye drops (or saline solution.)

Eyelashes are designed to protect the eyes from debris, dirt, etc. They also help keep the eyes hydrated. Extensions can sometimes "dry" the eye slightly, similar to how make-up affects the eyes. If the eyes get irritated, eye drops are a great quick fix. If you don't have eyedrops around, sterile saline solution is also a great alternative to help rejuvenate the eyes.

Allergic Reaction? or Sensitivity?

I've written about sensitivities and allergic reactions before. Both can be random and sporadically "pop up" out of no where, with no warning signs. The main key factor between the two is swelling. If the lids and skin around the eyes are swollen it's most likely an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, once a candidate has an allergic reaction they are typically no longer a good candidate for eyelash extensions. Some allergic reactions are across the board. They can however try two things before a candidate is deemed officially "allergic." 

1. Swap out for "clear adhesive" (no black or color pigment adhesive.) In some cases, some clients develop and allergic reaction to the black pigment and not the adhesive. On a clean canvas of lashes (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.) , I will  do a "patch lash test" just a few in the outer corners or a few all over and wait 24-48n hours for a reaction. If no reaction, clear adhesive may be the alternative.

2. If a client is allergic to both, chances are, they are no longer a candidate. In some small cases, I've changed the brand of the adhesive and had no problems. (Both brands had different adhesive ingredients.)

3. I can't make the recommendation, BUT I did have two clients tell me what has worked for them. In the ten years of doing lashes, I had two clients who were allergic to adhesives but would take an allergy pill before their appointment, and one afterwards. And never had a problem. I realize this is more of the extreme level, not to mention I don't know if this would work for everyone. But for die-hard-lash extension ladies, this may be something to digest.

4. It may not be your body or the atmosphere sabotaging you. It could be a few other things, including vitamins, medications, recent illness, stress, etc. If you develop an allergy or reaction it could be sparked by one of these things. I tell clients to take a break for a few weeks and to plan a patch test once a client is a fresh canvas (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.) 

Winter is coming....

but hopefully a few of these things will help you get through the seasons. 🎃🎄❄️🌬

Have any questions? Leave a comment below.

#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath