Eyelash Extension Techs & Tools: Sterilization & Disinfection

 I hate that I am even talking about this.

But I hate the state government for not regulating this service even more.

If you haven't read my post," Eyelash Extension Licensing & Certification Regulations, by State
, than I would recommend reading that posting before reading this article.
But to sum it up, eyelash extension services and technicians are NOT regulated in every state in the USA. Even worse, some of the states that do regulate the service say you must be a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, but not certified. Nor do beauty schools in those states train for the service. Meaning in some unregulated (and some regulated states) some techs may not be fully "qualified" to do lash extensions. Though I must be licensed in California, for example, I could very easily have no training in lash extensions but could offer them as a service. (as of 2021)

This is disturbing considering that this is the health, safety, sanitation, and your EYES that we are talking about. This goes for every tech and client. This also includes eyelash extension training courses. Training courses can be taught by someone who is not licensed, though each state varies. Certification is not the same as licensed, and because licensing does not exist, people have made up certification programs, and are making a bad name for lash extensions techs and the service. In Texas, only licensed estheticians, cosmetologists or techs with a specialty license can offer eyelash extensions. Texas really sets the golden standard for the rest of the country. (Thanks to Sophy at Nova Lash.) 

SO with all of that being said, 
I recently got ask by a client about "what is it difference between techs who are licensed vs those who are not? "

My answer? 
Because I worked my butt off in beauty school, became a licensed cosmetologists and learned about diseases, health, safety, sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, and more. 
That other tech that is not licensed (only certified) MIGHT have had a brief 5 minute conversation touching on health, safety, or sanitation at a lash extension training or class. So YES, there is a MASSIVE difference. 

I guarantee any tech that is not licensed will NOT sanitize or disinfect properly. Or know the difference between the two. 
 It's terrifying considering that the state hasn't gotten on board with regulating this service yet, but it's only a matter of time, especially since sanitizing and disinfection are at stake.  

I had another client tell me she had a small case of pink eye in one eye only, but it had since cleared up. Now, if she was directing it as if it we're my fault, it wouldn't be possible, because BOTH eyes would have it, if my hands, my tools, supplies, or sanitary area was infected. But it wasn't. Most women that get lash extensions and pull, touch, poke, etc. at them, the more they do it, the more they do this, the easier it is for them to get an eye infection of some sort. Especially after not washing hands, or playing with there lashes while not paying attention.

She had no lingering signs, so we proceeded with the service.
However, if she did have signs, I would have cancelled the service and rescheduled her.

I am not sure only certified and unlicensed techs would do the same or know to identify the issue.

 Regardless, after every service I disinfect all of my tools, tweezers, (back in the day: jade/crystals), and scissors for at least 10-15 minutes. Once I pull them out, rinse and dry all of my tools, I put them in a dry air sterilizer. I've actually resorted to sterilizing my tools with a pan of boiling water on a stove once. Took a thousand times longer, but sometimes you have to do, what you have to do.
  From Duke University & Medical Center, there article found here:
http://vetmed.duhs.duke.edu/GuidelinesforSterilization.html
explains the differences between the two.

Sterilization kills all viable microorganisms.

Disinfection only reduces the number of viable microorganisms.

Even though this is one of the cheapest, its a start.

Sterilization: 
In a dry air sterilizer, it can reach up to 480-500 degrees. Tweezers and tools go in for 20-30 seconds, maybe once or twice, before being pulled out.
There are also dry air sterilizer compressors that are similar. 
 The worst case scenario, if get a pan of water on a stove on hot. Place the tools in, and let the water boil with the tools for 12-15-20 minutes depending on them temp. Than place on a towel to cool.

The bare minimum.

Disinfection:
Disinfection solutions come usually in a blue color. These solutions can come in a rust free or non formulations, and are a hospital grade disinfectant, that is also useful for nail technicians, cosmetologists, estheticians, etc. You place your tools (cleaned of debris or smudge) in the disinfectant and let it sit completely submerged for at least 10 minutes after 10 minutes, remove all tools, rinse, and dry sufficiently. Be careful for the normal disinfectant solutions, they can rust your tweezers, and even the non rusting solutions. The longer you leave the tools in, the longer the tools may rust. If your tools are poor quality, they may rust faster.

All clean tools should than be placed in a sealed container.

My only problem, is that both of these processes should be done. First disinfection, followed by sterilization.

Most licensed techs know to do both, or at minimum that state board requires at least one. 
However techs that are not licensed (only certified) may not be doing either of these. And if they are doing disinfection, are they doing it correctly? And since state board does not regulate lash extension services in some states, it's a free-for-all. :(

I question all lash boutiques not ran by licensed estheticians or cosmetologists or that have unlicensed techs,  because a local competitor to us (and will be UN-named), disinfects there mascara wands and does not sterilize there tweezers.
Mascara wands are DISPOSABLE. They should never be re-used! The porous fibers in the "brush" can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Even through disinfection, since sterilization wouldn't be possible,  it wouldn't work, and according to California State Board Rules and Regulations is against the law.

So before going to just anyone, I'd suggest that clients and consumers do there homework.

And for perspective or current lash technicians, do your homework, and offer your clients the up-most quality, cleanliness,and safety. 

 Or better yet, follow Texas State Law on Lash Extension Technician License Laws

http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cosmet/cosmetlaw.htm

Have more questions? Leave us a comment or email us me at suitelash@gmail.com

or leave a comment :). 

xo Holly