Updated March 2nd, 2021
We've seen a variety of lash tech lights available. But which are the best?
Eyelash extensions and technicians have come a long way over the years, and so has it's tools!
If you’re living in the 21st century then you must be aware how popular lighting has become in almost every industry. We can probably thank social media for that. The presence that’s inspired people to use better lighting for photos and for their industries. As for the lash industry, lighting has been a godsend. Lash extension services are an intricate business. One of the best tools of the trade to help out technicians get the precise application is a simple one: lighting.
Lighting can really "make or break" services for lash techs. Just like hair stylists need sufficient lighting for accurate hair cuts and color, lash techs need a good amount of light to see even the faintest thin, short or lightly colored (blond) lashes. Without it, lash techs could easily “miss” some natural lashes, not have accurate isolation techniques for application, and etc.
But where to start?
How much lighting will one really need?
Well, the best lighting you can’t beat is natural in-direct sunlight. However, due to the elements and that most lash services are held indoors, this can obviously be a tricky one. Not to mention that may not work for the night owl techs or when winter rolls around making day darker earlier. If techs however are lucky enough to have a window that allows sufficient natural light in your work space, you are indeed very lucky!
No windows?
No problem.
Most people will tend to stick with whatever lighting they have available.
Maybe it’s a few lamps, floor lamps, flood lighting, etc. Yet, I find that these lights may not offer enough decent lighting for lash services and to help support the tech. Sometimes it’s better to have a little more help or at least reassurance from more accurate lighting.
Thus leading me to professional lights.
Here’s the top 4 most popular lash light variations and a lighting hack.
#1 Glamcor$250.00 & +
Glamcor is probably one of the best lights and the most popular among eyelash extension techs, even make-up artists and hairstylists too. It offers flexibility to adjust the lights, and a few dimming lighting options. 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The lights are LED so you’ll never have a problem with heat generating. Some of the glamcor models also offer a camera or cellphone holder. (Or for some techs it’s where they put their hygrometers.) For techs who are mobile, it’s incredibly light weight, easy to assemble and disassemble. I have one myself. The only pet peeve I have of mine is that the tripod at the base is so lightweight that it’s fairly easy to knock over.
From what I hear from other techs, they seem to last at least 3 years if not longer. They can be a bit on the more expensive side, but they are worth it.
My personal set up,
(though my room is not green it's mint.)
#2 Ring lights
$75.00 & +
My boyfriend is a photographer so we have about 3 different ring lights currently in our household. I have used these lights (individually on different occasions) to lash at one point in my career. And there’s definitely some pros and cons. The pros: the ring light offers sufficient light. Depending on the maker, most have a dimmer setting as well. Lightweight. Easy to set up and travel with. Some have spaces for a camera or cell phone. Also can act as a good flood light (indirectly.) Cons: Depending on the brand some of dimmers don’t dim past 50%. That still could be a little too bright and flood the tech or blind the client. The light itself is a giant ring so theres not a lot of flexibility in positioning where you’d like to have the light. Depending on the bulbs hoping it’s not halogen, the light could create a lot of heat over time. Possibly raising the temperature in the room making things uncomfortable for tech or client and could possibly tamper with adhesives and lashes. (Maker sure to go with LED. Though most lights are LED now-a-days.) My. only other pet peeve with this light is that not all ring lights can be positioned such as what is pictures. Not all ring lights can adjust to be "bent over." If they can, that's wonderful. Make sure to check with the brand.
#3 Hobby lights/Desk lamps
$45.00 & +
Typically, these lights can be found for pretty cheap online. They seem to offer sufficient lighting and some even come with dimmers now. However I have 3 issues with this light.
- It doesn’t offer much flexibility or movement and doesn’t cover the entire spectrum of someones face.
- The base is pretty short and lightweight and is easy to knock over.
- Not a light to travel with.
- Some are not LED, make sure it's LED so there's no heat transmission.
For someone just starting out that doesn’t want to spend a ton of money, this may be a good beginner's light.
#4 Esthetician light
$100.00 & +
Most esthetician lights are similar to ring lights but with a little more flexibility offering more accuracy getting closer to someones face. The light usually offers a giant magnifing glass, which I imagine would hekp benefit the technician for better seperation. And the base typically has wheels allows full flexibility and movement. My only real issue with this light is that theres no way someone would want to travel with it. Not to mention it can be bulky. And expensive. I’d rather spend the money on a glamcore unless I was also a estheician.
#BONUS Light Hack: Colored Gel/Film Lenses
It's both a bonus for clients as well as technicians.
When I started cosmetology school, and begun to learn the esthetics portion, I was amazed to realize how sensitive skin can be and receptive. Estheticians when doing facials and other skin care services, some use esthetician lights (similar to health care.) However, they have the additional benefits of colored lenses.
Each skin type is receptive or sensitive to certain color of lights. This is one example of many.
I got to thinking, not only can these lights with these lenses (as optional can be beneficial to clients skin types) but can also be less harsh or as "bright"as white LED lights to both you and your client.
When I was a kid, I struggled in school but luckily had the most amazing tutor. One of my learning issues was reading and remaining focused. I had a hard time focusing by reading a book, solely because the letters and words on black and white paper could intermix. Making my eyes hurt, become exhausted and make me lose interest.
She recommended that I use color gels or color film.
There was every color under the sun available, and it helped my eyes tremendously. These films (picture above) are just a few for example. Because of this learning hack, it got me thinking. I wonder if I could use the same benefits from both my learning and cosmetology experiences.
As a technician and client myself, can't stand bright lights. It'll cause me to get a headache or have a hard time focusing. Even when getting my own eyelashes done, when my eyes are closed, I am not comfortable with bright lights on unless there's a dimmer or color gel.
Because of this, I think gels can also help bring relief to both client and technician, and offer a lighting alternative if the dimmers aren't enough. And as a bonus can the gels can also have some skin benefits.
Because of the LED technology, clear (projector) colored film would be applied (maybe taped or clipped) onto the lights, acting as a filter or film to create the same hue or illusion of color, just as the esthetician lights do. A bundle can be found through google or amazon vendors for $1.00 - $15.00! This is only compatible with LED lights.
Want something of a studier quality? Or still using a Halogen (non-LED)? Check out fresnel clear color film light filters. Fresnel lights are used usually for stages, theater and photography, and can handle a lot of heat from the bright lights. Most fresnel's are now becoming LED, but the films have been able to handle the heat without warping or losing its vibrancy in color.
Have a light you recommend? Tips? Tricks?
Have questions? opinions? or have your own hack? Email me or leave a comment!
xo Holly
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