There is nothing worse than dropping your favorite tweezers and ruining them. In a lash techs world, this is truly one of our worst nightmares. Unfortunately, I am soooooooo clumsy. I typically have at least two to three pairs of tweezers that get trashed every year. Give or take.
Hi, my name is Holly! I started this blog back in 2014 to help give information and answers to both lash technicians and clients! Since there's not a of published information on the web regarding eyelash extension services, products, and more. So let's share, grow, and explore. Find me at @SuiteLashbyHolly
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Lash Tech Tweezer 911
There is nothing worse than dropping your favorite tweezers and ruining them. In a lash techs world, this is truly one of our worst nightmares. Unfortunately, I am soooooooo clumsy. I typically have at least two to three pairs of tweezers that get trashed every year. Give or take.
Thursday, December 9, 2021
A lash techs necessities: Vol. 1, TAPE
One of the ever lasting never, ending hunts for lash technicians is to find the perfect tape (gel pads too, but we'll save that for the next post.). However, not all tape is for everyone. No client is a one-size-fits-all. Part of this is due to different skin types, if a client is wearing spf, moisturizer, cosmetics, allergies, etc. With this being said it is always best to have an arsenal of different tapes. By having a variety, you'll be able to find a tape that is the most comfortable and suitable, tailored for each client.
| Sensitive Blue Tape |
| LivBay Tape Dispenser |
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Pros and Cons of Lash, Brow tinting and Lash Perms, Lash Lifts about to be legal in California in 2022
I was shopping at my local beauty supply when I overheard the conversation that Bill SB 803 was passed. and to be honest, I was PISSED. As a licensed cosmetologist for nearly ten years, California was once one of the hardest cosmetology courses and license testing in the country. Back then, cosmetology courses were 1600 hours, the cosmetology test was a one to two hours written test and four to five hour practical. The practical test you had to supply a model, and it had some things on the test such as finger waves, a 1920's thermal contraption, etc. The only state that was more difficult was Washington (2400 hour program.)
In 2012, the board eliminated bringing a model to the practical test. Instead just a doll head was needed. The practical was shortened to only 2-3 hours, and the practical was only 1 hour.
Starting in 2022, the entire cosmetology course will only be 1000 hours.
Even more concerning, the practical test will completely be eliminated. Only the written will be needed.
The changes follow other states that have also eased license requirements for cosmetology students. Pennsylvania eliminated its hands on practical back in 2014, and Texas reduced it's hours to 1000 in 2019.
The Bill offers some benefits for cosmetologists that only want to offer cutting and hair color. However, I find this to be both wonderful and horrific news.
The pros:
Lash Lifts/Lash Perms become Legal (They have been illegal due to ammonia, though most technicians and licensed professionals have continued to offer these services.)
Lash Tinting/Brow Tinting become legal. (All tinting products for lashes and brows have been banned in California. If state board found tinting products in your business, they would fine you.)
For new lash technicians looking to obtain a cosmetology license, now is the time.
The cons:
Lash lifts/lash perms, Lash tinting and brow tinting will also be legal for estheticians to offer. I find this incredibly upsetting. Estheticians are not educated in tinting products, chemicals and the science as cosmetologists are.
It will be virtually toooooooo easy to obtain a cosmetology license. So much in fact that the practical will be eliminated. No one will have to show that they know how to handle chemicals, color, cutting, scissors, razors, disinfectant, etc. Reminds me of the differences of book smarts vs. street smarts. There should always be a happy balance. The practical and written offered this balance. Eliminating will, I believe, is a direct reaction from covid lockdowns, the state being so short staffed, and following other states.
Eyelash extensions are still not part of the educators, or cosmetology/ esthetician student academic programs or part of testing through the board. Though, in order to offer eyelash extension services in the state, one must be a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist.
I feel the state board has offered a few benefits, but what is coming is a giant step backwards. And another step is missing to regulating academics, testing, and education of eyelash extension services.
#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #lash #eyelash #Lashglue #lashadhesive #flammable #warning #education #lasheducation #eyelasheducation #eyelashextensioneducation #lashextensioneducation #licensing #license #cosmetology #esthetician #california #stateboard #2022 #boardofbarberingandcosmetology
Thursday, November 18, 2021
⚠️Why warning labels should be on lash adhesives 🔥🤯😳
A similar argument could be made of why only licensed professionals should be able to do eyelash extensions. (But we won't go down that rabbit hole today...)
Why should warning labels be on adhesive bottles, and why?
Well.....🔥🔥🔥
Within the last year I have seen and read some crazy stories on lash forums talking about lash adhesives. The most shocking? how flammable adhesived can be! I’m not sure why this isn’t discussed more, or why it’s not taught as part of lash curriculums in some lash trainings.
Most if not all eyelash extension adheisves on the markert has a main or sister ingredient of “Cyanoacrylate.” Cyanoacrylate adhesives are known to have an exothermic reaction with cotton, wool & leather. Both uncured adhesives and it’s fumes are flammable. Some techs have reported even chemical burns. 🤯😳 That’s right, this means when cyanoacrylate glues are combined with such things, the reaction creates heat, smoke and even spontaneous combustion. Once the adhesive is cured and the fumes have evaporated, it is no longer flammable.
So, what can we do to avoid this?
There’s a few things.
- Toss the q-tips. Swap them out for microfiber wands (lip wands.)
- Toss all cotton materials.
- Make sure to have no candle or open flame.
- To help cure your adheisve faster, make sure your atmosphere is compatible with your adhesives. That included temperature and humidity. Invest in a humidier or dehumidifier depending on what the adhesive reccomends. Make sure your temperature is also up to adhesive standards/reccomendations.
- To help cure your adhesive after your service, apply a adhesive accelerator or nano mist the lashes. Make sure to apply the last 3-5 minutes after drying or follow the manufacturers directions.
- Make sure lashes are thoroughly cleaned before any lash application services.
- Have lash tiles, trays, and work station away from fabric settings or have a placemat or sterile workstation, such as a metal rolling tray, etc.
- What I personally reccomend is a second fan. Far enough away that it’s not jeopardizing the service integrity and adhesion, but helping dry and lush any fumes away from both the client and techs faces. I believe it helps kill 2 birds with one stone. And better than “fume catchers.”
Hopefully these are a few simple steps both techs can take and clients can be aware of to ensure to avoid these scenarios.
Any questions? Comments? Leave me a comment below! :)
#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath #combustion #adhesive #glue #lashadhesive #lash #eyelash #Lashglue #lashadhesive #flammable #warning #warninglable #lashes #eyelashes #extensions
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Natural colored eyelash extensions?
Every once in a blue moon, I get a request from a client for lash extensions that are not black, yet a color more natural or complimentary to their own natural hair/lash color. Though 99% of clients gravitate towards black lashes, there is a the few who want something softer.
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| Lashes by Felicity Fox |
For the longest time most lash extension products on the market were only available in matte or a "shiny" black. Depending on how and what the lashes were made and manufactured with/by, it still only left most clients with one color available. In the early days of lash extensions, some products such as mink were available. Mink (not to be confused with "semi- mink" aka synthetic.) was the lightest and softest lash available on the market, but was also the most expensive that had a lot of errors that tagged along. First, it's a natural hair follicle collected by the mink. The follicles are dyed and permed, and some just permed. Some of the brands that's skipped the dye process left you with an interestingly colored lashed tray. Because it's natural nature, techs would receive a tray that could have black, brown, blonde, white, and red lashes, in all sorts of hues and tones. To some, it provided the lightest lash possible and the most natural appearance in color. However, most mink trays have been pulled from the market due to animal testing and cruelty concerns. In some cases, clients that have sensitivities and allergies to pets, including cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. may also be or develop and allergy to mink lashes. And worse, the price point put mink lash trays nearly double to triple the cost of normal synthetic trays. With too many issues and factors and a costly sticker price, women settled on synthetic & black lashes.
That was until a few years ago when fun colored lashes hit the market. Vivid colors of the rainbow such as red, pink, purple, blue, yellow, teal, green, orange, Burgundy, pastel colors, white, etc. There were so many options to have a fun pop of color.
And slowly companies began producing more brown lashes. And as they produced more, the demand grew as well. And for brunettes that wanted an alternative from black, clients got their wish.
However, there were some hair colors such as blondes and redheads that weren't feeling a little left out. As a blonde myself, I personally don't want blonde lashes because I feel that I can't see my natural lashes anyway. And the idea of accentuating something I already can't see, doesn't seem to make much sense. I like to have contrast, and thus I typically choose black lashes. Though I wouldn't be against brown either. Yet, not every blonde feels this way. Sadly, blonde lashes aren't as easily available on the market since blonde lashes can vary in many colors and that would be hard to manufacture. The same can go for redheads. But, their's hope! By lash designing and picking colors, and mixtures, there is a way to achieve lashes to look more natural and complimentary, blondes and redheads included.
Dark hair/ Brunettes - Black, brown or mixture of both
lighter brunette's - brown
Between blonde & brunette- brown and gold
blondes - gold (some brands have "blonde")
platinum - white (good for clients with white/platinum hair & vitiligo.) Mix in with blonde.
redheads - a mixture of red/burgandy/brown
natural redhead- burgandy (brown if needed for more depth.)
tones of blue - black & Blue
tones of purple -black & purple
tones of red- Black, Burgandy &, red.
Side Note: A good rule of thumb to match natural lashes is to match the color with brows.
#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath #lashcolor #color #coloredlashes #lashcolors #eyelashcolors #eyelashcolor
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Allergy Season & Eyelash Extensions
It's that time of the year...
..and if you live in California like me, allergy season is in full effect.
Between the Santa Ana winds, pollen, air quality, and the lack of humidity is a recipe for beauty irritations all fall and winter long. Allergy season can also trigger irritations for eyes and eyelash extensions. So what are some things you can do to accomodate your eyes to get ahead of the curve?
A few things:
1) Humidifiers
Eyelash extension adhesive typically "cures" better the higher (the temperature and) humidity. I personally have a hygrometer so I can better regulate my temperature and humidity during my lash services. Typically I aim for a 30-50% humidity range. Most adhesives recommend 30-70% humidity. If your eyes begin to have irritations or feel brittle, dry, or "crunchy," humidifiers may be a good thing to have at night or during the day. Your skin will also thank you.
Note: Humidity can also be a reason for lash extensions and adhesive troubleshooting/errors.
2) Cleansers (Lash Baths)
Lash cleansers are also wonderful to have on hand. Not just to clean your lashes and removing excess oils or make up, etc. But also because the cleansers are moisturizing and gentle to both lashes, extensions, bonds, and skin.
My personal favorites are livery and Bella Lash. Preferably I love Bella Lash's because the brand offers a larger bottle. (50 ml & 120 ml)
https://bellalash.com/products/lash-detox?variant=38140313665731
3) Aloe (& non oil eye moisturizers/creams)
With dry skin, especially for irritated lids aloe is soft and moisturizing and helps with irritation for the skin. This is a great alternative to eye creams and moisturizers that contain too much oil. (Since eyelash extension adhesive is not oil friendly.) I only recommend a gel but make sure to double check the ingredient listing for oils.
4) Eye drops (or saline solution.)
Eyelashes are designed to protect the eyes from debris, dirt, etc. They also help keep the eyes hydrated. Extensions can sometimes "dry" the eye slightly, similar to how make-up affects the eyes. If the eyes get irritated, eye drops are a great quick fix. If you don't have eyedrops around, sterile saline solution is also a great alternative to help rejuvenate the eyes.
Allergic Reaction? or Sensitivity?
I've written about sensitivities and allergic reactions before. Both can be random and sporadically "pop up" out of no where, with no warning signs. The main key factor between the two is swelling. If the lids and skin around the eyes are swollen it's most likely an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, once a candidate has an allergic reaction they are typically no longer a good candidate for eyelash extensions. Some allergic reactions are across the board. They can however try two things before a candidate is deemed officially "allergic."
1. Swap out for "clear adhesive" (no black or color pigment adhesive.) In some cases, some clients develop and allergic reaction to the black pigment and not the adhesive. On a clean canvas of lashes (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.) , I will do a "patch lash test" just a few in the outer corners or a few all over and wait 24-48n hours for a reaction. If no reaction, clear adhesive may be the alternative.
2. If a client is allergic to both, chances are, they are no longer a candidate. In some small cases, I've changed the brand of the adhesive and had no problems. (Both brands had different adhesive ingredients.)
3. I can't make the recommendation, BUT I did have two clients tell me what has worked for them. In the ten years of doing lashes, I had two clients who were allergic to adhesives but would take an allergy pill before their appointment, and one afterwards. And never had a problem. I realize this is more of the extreme level, not to mention I don't know if this would work for everyone. But for die-hard-lash extension ladies, this may be something to digest.
4. It may not be your body or the atmosphere sabotaging you. It could be a few other things, including vitamins, medications, recent illness, stress, etc. If you develop an allergy or reaction it could be sparked by one of these things. I tell clients to take a break for a few weeks and to plan a patch test once a client is a fresh canvas (or after allergic reaction or sensitivities.)
Winter is coming....
but hopefully a few of these things will help you get through the seasons. 🎃🎄❄️🌬
Have any questions? Leave a comment below.
#eyelashextensions #lashextensions #sensitivity #sensitivities #allergy #allergies #allergic #allergicreaction #eyes #beauty #allergyseason #dry #lashcleanser #lashshampoo #lashbath
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Tiktok video: "Worst lash extension experience ever."
Warning: Some photos are disturbing!🤯😳
If you haven’t seen the viral lash video circulating, as a caution I will say it’s VERY disturbing and sad. Though I can't post the video, I do have screenshots from the videos.
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| tiktok part 2 |
My personal and professional opinion?
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| tik tok part 1 |
First,
This is just awful across the board.
Yet, this girl misled A LOT of people with the remarks and comments she made.😡 And led people on a few days before clearing up what actually happened. (And even then, the lines are blurred.) To say that her eyelid fell off because of her lash extensions or insinuating that this was caused by the service or her technician is just WRONG. At the end of the day, I feel sorry for both her and the tech.
Secondly,
I’m not sure which state this happened in, but not every state has eyelash extensions services regulated. To the states that do you have eyelash extensions regulated, most states require technicians to have either a cosmetology or aesthetician license. However (in most states) the service is not part of a state board test nor is it taught in most beauty school curriculums. The only state that has eyelash extensions services truly regulated is Texas.
Some may not agree with what the statement i’m about to make. BUT, I’m not sure if this technician is licensed or not, but it’s definitely a red flag that she’s working from home.
Depending on each state, some states do allow in-home beauty salons, lash rooms, etc. however, there are many rules. Such as in some states the regulation requires the room or beauty space must have a separate entrance and their own set of restrooms.
Before eyelash extension services is regulated regulated when I first started lashing, people back then worked from home before lash rooms, salons, etc. existed. As soon as the service became regulated in many states, some technicians did not have the proper licensing to continue to do lashes legally and could not work in salons, etc. So some have continued to work discreetly from home. this can be incredibly sketchy, especially for the fact that no insurance company will protect you unlicensed (depending on the state regulation of course.)
Today, when I hear that lash techs work from home, I think of 6 things,
Either,
- They are unlicensed. And can’t work in a place.
- Going to beauty school/still unlicensed. (Practicing or making some extra cash.)
- Saving money/cutting corners because renting a room/space elsewhere is too expensive or they don’t want to work for anyone else.
- They are “mobile.”
- In the very rare occurrence, a tech has decided to work from home. Has all proper licensing and has followed all state board regulations.
- Trying to bounce back from the pandemic.
There’s truly no right or wrong answer to any of these.
Personally, I find it lacking professionally, not to mention in any of these cases it breaks many state board regulations except for #5.
Next,
everyone that is licensed knows that state board really and truly only cares about two things. That everyone has the proper licensing, and that licensees are following all health safety and sanitation protocols.
Having a (pet) dog in the room is a HUGE Health, safety and sanitation is against the rules and is a huge liability. Unless the pet/dog is a licensed service animal.
Most people going to a place of business will not bring their dog or pet. It’s an automatic common courtesy.
However, when you’re going to someone’s house or if a technician is mobile and coming to your home for lashes, there’s a lot of variables. Either the client or the technician could have an unfriendly or too friendly pet or dog. Making the service difficult and problematic. Not to mention, it breaks every health, safety, and sanitation code. Not to mention disregard disregard for someone’s possible allergies.
Nobody wants their pet jumping up on them during the service, same with the technician. Our Tweezers are sharp, we’re doing a service near the eyes, it’s a recipe for disaster. The liability is too great.
Even for the fully licensed and regulated working from home technicians, it’s always best to put your pet in the other room while working.
It’s moments like these videos that are a major warning of why it’s so important.
As a pet owner to a 10 lbs. chihuahua myself, I absolutely love and adore animals. I realize the salon reality, i’ve had some clients bring their pets. As a common courtesy most of them have given me a heads up before their appointments. And luckily all of them have very mellow and sweet animals that did nothing but sleep the entire time. As a last resort, I’ve been forced to bring my own chi to work, BUT, knowing my dog, she is very mellow and just sleeps the entire time.
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| My chi with one of my clients/friends. |
The girl in the video said the Chihuahua jumped up on her and bit her eyelid off. I believe her. But to what extent I’m not sure. I believe the Chihuahua attacked her, but a small Chihuahua jumping up on her while standing up? I don’t know if that’s possible. My Chihuahua can barely make it up the couch 😂. We literally have pet stairs everywhere in the house for her to get up on furniture. Now, I imagine she was possibly laying down. Their could’ve been some piece of furniture that the dog could’ve jumped up on and then jumped up on the table or the chair that she was laying on. OR she may not admit it, but she very well could’ve been in the dogs face, or tried to pick the dog up and the dog bit her
If she instigated the dog by trying to get too friendly, I wish she would take some responsibility.
Yet, at the end of the day, the technician is at fault. She’s also the pet owner, and the pet should’ve been away from where her client while the service was taking place.
Period.
This whole saga is just sad.
Though I am beyond annoyed with the victim misleading people with her original videos, I do feel sorry for her. She’s traumatized and those feelings should be validated.
Meanwhile, I feel sorry for the technician too. Though she is at fault, everyone just finally got over a terrible year with pandemic and things are slowly getting back to normal. I hope she has insurance to protect herself. I hope she’s licensed as well. I hope she’s learned a valuable lesson in this awful situation. What seems like a freak occurrence, has resulted I imagine in legal action, the victim posting horrible reviews and slandering her business, and I imagine she’ll have to put her pet down.
No one wins.
I just hope we can all learn from this.
I hope all states in the united states uses THIS as an example as why it is SO VITAL AND IMPORTANT to have our industry and lash extension services FULLY regulated.
#regulated #lashextensions #eyelashextensions #lashes #eyelashes #lashextensionhorrorstories #eyelashextensionhorrorstories #horrorstories #tiktok #missingeyelid #dogattack #chihuhuaattack #stateboard #usa #mega #megavolume #volume #classic #hybrid #lashindustry #beautyindustry #kelseysalmon #kelseysalmons #injury #disfigurement #accident #negligence #insurance #insured #eyes





