(Article Updated March 1st, 2021)
What sets lash boutiques apart:
The saying, "you get what you pay for," still stands true.
Especially when it comes to eyelash extensions.
Most clients think eyelash extensions are just a beauty service, but its more than that.
Lets be honest right now, we are talking about YOUR EYES.
Your eyes deserve the highest quality, attention and care.
However, this comes with a price.
Let me explain.
Unfortunately, the state of California did NOT recognize eyelash extensions as a licensed practice before 2014/2015. Before then, you did NOT have to be a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to become an eyelash extension technician. Most of my new clients during that time or before had no idea that eyelash extensions were not regulated by licensing in the state of California. Most reputable lash salons, spas, or boutiques only employ licensed cosmetologists or estheticians, who are also certified in eyelash extensions. Most of these places only accept licensed estheticians and/or cosmetologists due to insurance, and other reasons. These high-end boutiques usually are provided private lash rooms, easy consumer access to licensing requirements and certifications of each tech, each tech is hand picked by experience and licensing/certification requirements, and more.
Most new clients that walk through my door, who have bad lashes, or have had a horrible experience are usually from....
-cheaper lash boutiques, nail salons...
-independent lash artists who can come to your house (off of craigslist, Facebook, etc.)
or my favorite
-"I went to my sister's, friend's, brother's sister's, girlfriend who does lashes."
These types of competitors will give you a bargain on lashes!
However, if this bargain is "too good to be true," it probably is, so RUN.
From what I have noticed, usually lash techs/boutiques who offer cheaper prices typically use cheaper products.
These techs/salons can be purchasing sketchy or faulty lash adhesives or product, that contain formaldehyde, acrylic, or other harsh chemicals or ingredients, from places such as south korea, china, japan, or etc. (Product that is not FDA approved for services on or around the eyes.) Also, individual clusters (that you can buy at cvs/drugstores/etc.) are not lash extensions. Lashes are individually applied, one by one to a natural lash. If you apply a cluster to a grouping of lashes, if can ruin the integrity of natural lashes and your natural lash cycle. Including, permanent balding or shedding of natural lashes, and damaging your natural lash cycle.
At that time and before, techs who were unlicensed wether working for themselves or boutiques, could appear as legitimate as being "certified." Certification can also vary from where they took their training. There are some academy's or lash schools, which can be 100% wonderful, or a complete joke just looking for make money off of someone looking for a quick career change. Incorrect training and application can lead to damage or problems, so make sure each educator/school is reputable. Regardless, Certification does NOT mean you are licensed. When you are a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician, they have been trained to identify, health and safety, sanitation, allergies, allergic reactions, illnesses and more. Compared to someone who only holds a certification, have been trained for maybe one hour or less. Certification academy's in California are usually 1 day: 8 hours long,
compared to estheticians/cosmos who are 600-1600 hours, not to mention experience once they are licensed.
Now, there are some techs who are not licensed who can do great work.
Or not.
But because of a great price, do you really want to roll the dice?
Here are some lash nightmares, just let these photos sink in....
Oh the horror!!!!
Now, if you are unsure of your lash techs licensing or certification, ask them, and they should be able to present it to you, or by following the board of barbering and cosmetology they should have it on hand or displayed. Now, if they don't have it, I would take that as a red flag.
You can also ask any tech for references, products that they use (go with someone who uses product only made in the USA), ingredients, reviews, and even pictures of there work
My suggestion?
Keep informed as a consumer, and do you research.
Remember,
You get what you pay for.
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