Opinion: Why Lash Jade Stone's should be banned

Jade Stone- Eyelash extension service tool

Eyelash extensions first originated in South Korea. It’s hard to pinpoint what year the service began, but it was as early as the early 2000s. (My guess is between 2000-2004.) The best description and overview of the korean technique is featured in the textbook, “ The essential guide to lash extension technology” by Sophy Merszei & Sophia Navarro. It’s the very first textbook on the subject of eyelash extensions, and has used in eyelash extension trainings/schools (beauty schools) in Texas. If you’re a technician and haven’t read it yet (because unfortunately every state is not regulated) then you need to order this book right now. The book definitely made me learn a few new things, and refresh things I’ve already known. One new thing I learned was jade stones.

Jade stones was one of the first supplies used with the Korean method of early days of eyelash extension services. Jade stones are used to keep the lash adheisve cold (since they are stone) and to keep the adhesive from running and drying out while maintaining it’s “drop” shape. Jade stones appear both smooth and hard at the surface. However, jade in reality is a porous surface, making it difficult or near impossible to keep it sterile. Jade stones helped shape eyelash extension services to what they are today, however I find them to be “out-of-date.” Because of the sanitary issues, I feel that jade should be banned all together. 

Jade stones have definitely competed with other stone alternatives including “crystal” stones and acrylic. And yet, the same issues that jade faces, the alternatives face as well. Eventually, I imagine jade stones will be banned. But currently that’s not the case. Unfortunately, eyelash extensions services in a few states aren’t regulated. To the states that are regulated, most of them have no regulation as who should be qualified other than you must be a licensed aesthetician or cosmetologist. As an example, someone could be a licensed cosmetologist and could offer eyelash extensions though having no current or previous experience and/or training. I know, it’s alarming. Unfortunately, eyelash extension services may not even be taught in beauty schools since certain states have no or little regulation for that either. The industry still has a long way to go. And unitl the state(s) comes around, this is where lash companies can sell lash products or certifications or classes without the proper licensing or without proper understanding of what products should be allowed and what shouldn’t. I feel jade stones is just one example of a product that should be off the market. 

I can think of three seperate reputable lash vendors, that if I were currently to look at their websites, they all currently sell jade stones. Just because brands are carrying them, doesn’t mean that they should. A rebuttal that I received from another tech was, “just use adhesive stickers over the stones. That will help with sanitation.” To me, that’s like putting a sticker over a messy or unsanitary countertop. The stone is not sanitary. Period. How would stateboard react to that in any other situation? It would probably end up in a fine. 

Over the years, I have always had a few jade and crystal stones, but always ended up using the inside of the lash gelpad wrapper. (Free, easy, and sanitary cleanup.) 

But if a tech hasn't done it, now is the time to let jade go for good. Explore other products and be open minded to new adhesive alternatives that are sanitary and in the end, better. 💗

My next post will be about alternatives, so keep your eyes peeled. 🖤

RIP jade 💚

Have any questions? Leave me a comment!

-Holly