5 Eyelash Extension Tools Techs and Clients should stay away from

 For most clients, they are left in the dark of how lash techs perform and apply lash extensions. Mostly because they're eyes are shut. Most techs don't even know how techs set up, let alone, what tools they use. However, if you are a client, don't be shy! Ask your lash tech about the process and to walk you step by step. Its always good to ask questions! Knowledge is power. 

As for techs, I've done my research, and seen some crazy tools and concepts that lash techs have created. Some are great! Other....not so much. Lash techs want to find the easiest, most clean/sanitary, and the absolute fastest way to do lash extensions. SO when some of these "inventions" are presented, they seem like the most ingenious idea! However, looks are deceiving. Usually if it sounds or looks to good to be true, it probably is. In theory it may work, but in reality it can be disastrous.

So I've made a list of 5 lash tools lash techs should stay away from. 

Glue & Lash Rings

The first time I saw both lash and glue rings, my first thought was, "This is amazing." But than when I began to think about it, and mimic what it would be like to work with rings, I realized it would be much more difficult. First of all, look at the height of the ring for the lashes! Not to mention the curve is a little much. You'd have to tilt your hand to get the pesky corners, but if you have a glue ring on, such as this model, you could potentially tilt the adhesive to drip on clients. I work with my hands slightly tilted (which I believe most lash techs do.) Or you could keep that hand completely flat the entire time, and your other hand would have to reach around for a lash each time, which could be annoying. That can't be comfortable either way. My last issue with lash rings is that you can only fit 3 sizes (sometimes 4) lashes on each ring. What if you needed more than 3 sizes, or you we're using a mixture of different curls as well? You'd need an awful lot of rings....and fingers. Even though these are disposable, there are a few brands that make them as a permanent tool. Instead of being wasteful, just stick with a tial, tray, or container. On paper this idea seemed amazing, but in reality it failed. Which brings me to....

Adhesive (Glue) Rings
One false move of the hands, an accident and natural reaction such as dropping your tweezers and you make a fast and sudden movement to grab them, but glue drips out and onto a client, especially working so close to the face (especially eyes!), I am sure glue will end up on the clients face, hair, clothes, or all of the above.
And with the hands, depending on how someone is using there tweezers (I work easier with my hands somewhat tilted) is a recipe for disaster. Similar to lash rings, the glue rings we're also a great idea "on paper." (Hypothetically speaking.)  
Working so close to the face and eyes, and your hands constantly in that area, can not only be a hazard for adhesive if it spills, drops, etc. but can also be fume-tastic for your client. The fumes can have a "strong" type of fume that is odorless. If eyes are opened before the adhesive dries, it can feel similar to a burning sensation when you chop an onion. Between both client and tech, and even WITH good circulation of air, the adhesive should be away from the clients face, off the the face (headband), away from the client pillow, etc. Or else your client and tech will experience feeling "cleared out." My biggest pet peeve about the glue rings is the adhesive consistency. Lash Extension adhesives needs to remain cool, in order to remain fresh as possible. Because of this, most techs put the adhesive on jade or crystal stones to help keep the adhesives temperature down, so with appointment times ranging from 30 minutes to an hour or more, the adhesive will never go bad. However, techs that use the adhesive ring will have more problems. Because of the body head from your hand, this makes the adhesive settle faster, and making the adhesive harder to work with, and not being able to maintain a fresh bond. Which can than jeopardize all the work a tech has done, or jeopardize the lash life or service consistency for clients. Even though these are disposable, i would have bough 4-5 crystal or jade stones, a few adhesive stickers, and called it a day. It would be much cheaper and less wasteful, and better all around!

My advice.......... Just use jade or crystal stones with adhesive stickers. It will change your life. 

Client Headbands
Even one cough or sneeze could end this lash party. The lash & adhesive client band or headbands are meant to make the workplace "tighter", so techs can work faster. Again, client bands to get their hair back, especially bangs is great for fans and circulation. HOWEVER, putting lashes AND adhesive on the headband as a work platform, so close to the face, eyes, hair clothes, etc. just seems like a horrible as the lash and glue rings. The differences would be not having to tilt your hands and having the adhesive even closer. Not to mention that the fumes are more potent since the adhesive is practically under there nose, and constant. Having lashes flick or fly, and ending up all over a clients face, hair or clothes would also be a "less than ideal" situation. The adhesive is also not staying cool, and is close to the body, which would absorb heat. jeopardizing the bonds and lash adhesive consistency. The trays are "disposable" and I am sure are not cheap. And no there's no way to clean or sterilize them properly. And as a reminder, you'd better invest in a ton of client headbands and a ton of laundry detergent to wash those suckers. I find that this just ends up costing more in the end. 

Nano-Misters

Back in 2014, essentially these are used to help cure freshly applied lash extensions. Weird, I know. I 've always been told "do not apply water or steam to lashes in the first 24 hours of application." And here we are doing somewhat exactly that. Bizarre, I know. .The ingredient cyanoacrylate (in most higher end adhesives) cure faster with a decent amount of water/humidity. Even though clients eyes may be closed, I am sure techs announce that they will use this on their client, or maybe not because it's gentle anyway. Some clients can feel it and others don't. 
Misters are one of the newest tools in lash extensions, and most lash salons and boutiques have jumped on the lash mister bandwagon. However, after digging up a little more information scientifically and from products, lash techs, etc. I found that SOME misters are anything but. Some offer more of a spritz effect where the better misters are fine molecules to act as humidity. Make sure your tech has a good nano mister or neubulizer. 

Heater (or Non-Heated) Eyelash Extension Curlers 
I'll start with the basic lash curler every girl has most likely owned or at least used once in there life. I tell all clients NO. You have to stay away from these. Lash curlers are meant to help curl the lashes, usually applied after mascara, that helps gift lift and volume to the natural lashes. Lash curlers  should NEVER be used on eyelash extensions. Why? Because pressing on lash extensions bonded to natural lashes can not only break or tarnish bonds, but also can potentially pull or tug on natural lashes and extensions, which could cause gaps or pre mature lash shedding. Lash curlers are not necessary, since lash extensions are already sized and curled (both semi mink and mink - even silk or mixtures too.) Depending on where techs are getting there product, lash vendors can make there lashes cheaply, that are mis-sized, mis-curled, or dont hold there color or curl. Check with your vendors and make sure to check in with clients on how they like there lashes and if they have any problems. If clients are using lash curlers, maybe it's time to upgrade the lash extension curl, so they can have the height/curl. Lash extensions are already set, so attempting to curl set lashes, would be like trying to make water wetter. Ridiculous. Exactly.

Heater lash curlers are similar to normal lash curlers, however have different benefits and appears different.They are similar in the fact that they will curl the lashes and add some height. But since the shape and technique is different, I'll explain why this is just disastrous.

First of all, it's meant to curl your natural lashes. Some tech's use this BEFORE applying lash extensions, which is HORRIBLE. When a clients natural lashes are curled, it's only temporary, so after application of extensions, and with time or a day passes, or after a client washes there face or takes a shower, the lashes will look 1000X different. The extensions will lay differently and may not be the look that you set out to have in the beginning. Even during application of curled or curly lashes, the extensions may not have great bonds compared to the natural lashes before being curled. Unfortunately, clients can not curl there lashes after lash extension application, or while extensions are on. This is especially meant for clients with semi-mink (synthetic)! Some techs use this for clients who's lashes are straight or pointed down, where the lashes touch the tape. Because of the curler, it will help lift the lashes off the tape, so there's no chances of sticking. Another benefit that should be labeled as a precaution, is that the lash curler will help separate and smooth mascaraed lashes. Any woman who has ever worn make up to the gym, or after a night out dancing, knows that mascara plus heat will create a melted off mascaraed mess. Not to mention, if you don't let this curler cool down, you could be burning holes through your make up bag.


Client Chairs (Laz-E Boy Style):
When I first learned how to do lash extensions, the educators used the lash extension chairs, similar to LAZ-E Boy Chairs. Seemed like a genius idea because clients didn't have to lay down, and it seemed easy. But the more I used the chair, the more I realized there was room for error. Clients who have a bad neck or back may hate these chairs. Even if the chair reclines, most of the time, isn't enough in order to work comfortably and efficiently. Thus why clients have to extend there heads back. Clients with constant neck or back problems may stop getting lashes because of this, or may continue to get lashes but ruin there main structure of there body. Don't let them do it, and offer a table (massage table) instead. Another client that may hate the chairs are pregnant clients. Pregnancy clients can also be tricky for tables and chairs. However, with a client on a massage table, I've realized techs should offer a "cheese mat" to help elevate the client slightly, or extra pillows, or even the pregnancy pillow is especially good for this. Clients that are pregnant sitting in a chair for a long period of time at 90 degrees may start to feel cramped or have issues.

My biggest problem with this bottom photo is the fact that the lash places aren't private, so you can be sitting next to a stranger. If you have ever had your eyes closed while getting lashes, have you ever thought...." Hmmmm, I wonder where my purse, car keys, phone, etc is." or "I wonder who just walked in." while trying to relax? Women cling to there belongings and are not able to relax. Imagine if they called a friend to say they couldn't make it to lunch, but instead went to her lash appointment. Let's just say her friend walks in to get lashes and see's her. She wouldn't know until she opened her eyes.

Just No.

I Highly Do NOT recommend any of these products or tools for any technician or for clients to have used on them. 

For any questions, or if you have any questions regarding any other tools, leave us a comment.