There can be a lot of variables that can make or break a lash services, for both clients and technicians. For clients, it’s about the experience and the overall outcome, but are they comfortable? Can they/you feel any discomfort with the tape or gelpads? What about fumes from the adhesive? During the service, are the lights a little too bright? etc? As technicians, it should be a top priority that as apart of all services that all clients are comfortable and have a wonderful experience. Sometimes, mishaps during the service can happen along the way. And for first time clients, they may not know what to expect. Pros, it’s always good to go over occurrences with clients and especially newbies, rather than a client asking, “what’s that burning?” When they didn’t expect it, didn’t know to expect it. For some, it can be a complete turn off. Make sure to walk all clients through a service beforehand and all the while too. And not all errors are the techs fault. For technicians, are you clients eyes symmetrical? Did they have on any facial creams, make up, etc? Are your clients eyes fluttering? There’s a few things for both clients and techs that can troubleshoot certain situations.
So what are some errors that clients experience?
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humidity, temperature is vital.
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1- Getting too close to the eye with gelpads and or tape.
I have experienced this myself as a client, and it sucks but it’s luckily not the end of the world. Unfortunately, either the gelpad or tape during the service gets too close to the eye, which can “scratch” the eye. Causing redness, irritation and sensitivity. It feels like there’s a lash or sand in the eye, when in reality, it’s the scratch. It’s usually located isolated. (Usually the corners or lower part of the eye. Or wherever placement was too close.) It sucks, but usually clears up in 24-48 hours. It’s recommended by doctors to use eye drops to help soothe the eyes effected. Most the time this is by placement from the technician. Or the tape or gel pad is not sticky or can loosen and “ride up.” This can be product default or by a client talking. This can also be caused by a gel pad being too “thick.” Which i’ll cover as another reason below. Depending on what type of tape a technician is using, this could also be another fault. Thicker tape could be a culprit as well.
*Note: This is not the same thing as an allergic reaction.*
2- Tape lifting the lids (tape over brows).
When I first started lashing, this was never a thing. This method became more popular within the last 5-6 years. The reason for tape over the brows is to gently lift the lids to get better access to all lashes. Especially for clients with more hooded eyes or for those with excess skin and for those clients who have layers of lashes. I personally rarely use this method. It may be that I have been lashing for so long that I have never needed or felt the need to really use this method. Again, I have also experienced this method as a client. Personally, I don’t like it. It makes me feel as if someone is trying to open my eyes and at the same time asking me to keep the shut. Lol 😂🤷🏼♀️ It makes my eyes twitch a bit more because of the manipulation. The other factor is that by lifting the eyes slightly this way, the eyes may become more open giving access for fumes to get to the eyes. Causing sensitivity and redness to the eyes, and possibly watering eyes during the service.
3- Tape shifting lids to the side (tape on lids).
This is more of a newer method. It’s a small piece of tape that attaches from the inside corner to the outer corners of the eyes. This manipulation of the skin helps techs get all the lashes on the inside corner lashed to be exposed for application. The inside corner lashes can sometimes get tucked underneath the gelpad and or tape during application. Sometimes this manipulation can cause exposure and lift to the inside corners more, making the accessible to fumes and causing eyes to water/have sensitivities.
4- Gel pad thickness.
I covered my top 5 gel pads earlier last month as one of my blog topics. Gel pads can vary in different textures, shapes, sizes, ingredients and thickness. Thickness is extremely important. And for some clients, the depending on how their eyes close naturally gel pads can tamper with this manipulation. Gelpads can also tend to ride up, just like #1 with tape. Some gelpads aren’t as sticky, which can cause them to slide or move around more. Sometimes it can be the clients skin and or excess makeup that can make the gelpads not stick as well. Depending on each clients sensitivities, some clients can have skin sensitivities to the ingredients that are in gelpads. Some containing latex or perfumes for example. Make sure gel pads aren’t close to the eyes, and try out some thinner gelpads. This isn’t as much as a tech problem, or error, as it is just a product issue. Luckily, it’s an easy fix to just swap out with paper tape.
5- Products getting in the eyes.
With any of these examples, with a little bit of lifting, shifting or any accessibility to the eyes, besides adhesive fumes even products such as lash baths, primers, sealers/bonders, or removers can also cause irritation. (Note: Not a sensitivity to the products or ingredients themselves. That’s a whole other issue.) This is a no brainer, really. But it’s also can be a troubleshooting issue.
6- Temperature & humidity.
This is more of a tech issue. As a tech, I despise doing “house calls” or being mobile. Partly because of the traveling and having to bring some many items, but also because I have no idea what type of atmosphere I am walking into. If the temperature, humidity and circulation is not compatible with my adhesives or products..... it’s going to be a long and rough appointment to get through and/or you’ll have to bring additional equipment. And chances are, this can also be a leading factor in a clients retention.
Recently a client told me that she’s been having some issues during “house calls” with a tech I have recommended for lashes (when I’m either sick or unavailable.) She stated that the last few appointments with this tech, she experienced a lot of fumes where she never had this occurrence before. I told her, it could be the product, wether it’s newer, cheap or old, but honestly it could also be the temperature, humidity and circulation. Without those 3, they can also effect the appointment just as much as the adhesive itself. I’ve worked in terribly humidity. Too high, too low, etc. But once you find the “sweet spot” and by the help of a hygrometer, humidifier or dehumidifier and following the used adhesives recommend temperature & humidity levels, can make allllll the world of difference.
7- Circulation
Another tech troubleshoot. Circulation can be a factor. Some techs may only dry a clients lashes at the end, or in between segments to allow the adhesive to dry quicker and to push away fumes for more sensitive clients. Personally, I have a fan on in the distance behind me while I work. I find this to be helpful as it helps push the fumes away from the face and helps dry my sections as I work. Unfortunately, some clients may be too sensitive for fans to be on during the entire appointment, even if it’s a gentle breeze. Most reasons can be season allergies, excessive dry eyes, etc. It’s may be a matter of trying to find the right balance with each client.
8- Lighting
This can also be a tech problem. Lighting can also be an issue. Some clients that are more sensitive to light than others. Make sure to have appropriate light for you to still be able to work but also for the clients to be comfortable. Offering a dimmed room with one flood light that is dimmable, such as glam core can help with this. Another benefit would be color franels or gel colors to go over the light if the “white” is too bright. This can also add some benefits for different skin types as well. This will also help clients with fluttering eyes. Obviously, there are many various lights to work with. Personally, my favorite will always be glamcore solely because as an investment and with the dimmers, it works the best.
9- Caffeine
This can be both a client and tech problem. For Clients and techs, consuming caffeine before an appointment can actually make oneself “jittery”, making it more difficult to relax. For techs, this can result in shaky hands. For clients, this can result in fluttering eyes. Try to not take caffeine up to 4 hours minimum before an appointment.
10- Face Masks (During Covid-19)
We’ve had a year under our belt with wearing facemarks, but it’s somewhat of a new ball game to work on clients that are wearing face masks. It’s not a big deal, however for techs, be diligent about how you place you tape and gulps. Some face masks may be in the way of placement, and during the service can make some tape and gel pads lift, move, shift, etc. This can be especially true with talking clients. For clients, wear a lightweight face mask or a medical grade (typical blue and white) face mask. I find these to be lightweight and easy to work around without compromising our placement.
Have any issues as a client or tech that I didn't include?
Have any questions, comments, concerns?
email me or leave me a comment
suitelash@gmail.com
xoxo
Holly