What would you think if I said becoming a lash artist was more than knowing how to apply lashes? The truth is, anyone can learn how to be a lash artist, but there are only a select handful of people who know how to do it well. Knowing the ins and outs of lash artistry goes beyond the application and often comes down to being a great student and covering all your bases. Before you book your first client, make sure you follow our 6 favourite lashing tips to set yourself up for an effortless and successful career as a lash artist.

1. Develop a high-quality lash starter kit.

You can’t be a lash artist without the best tools in the biz. When it comes to working with other people’s eyelashes, it’s crucial for you to choose the right equipment and high-quality supplies so you can lash better and faster. We’ve developed a list of everything you should include in your lash starter kit and our top tips on lashing faster. Copy and paste this list into your notes app and refer back to it constantly 👀.

· High quality eyelash extensions

· Curved and pointed tweezers

· Bohemian Bond 1 Sec Dry Glue

· Lint-free eye pads

· Tape

· Mascara brushes

· Puff dryer/air blower

· Tissues

· Scissors

· Lash Tile

· Glue Remover

· Micro Brushes

· Shampoo/Distilled Water Rinse

· Cleansing Brush

If you’re wondering where you can grab these items, we recommend going local and purchasing your supplies from:

The iLash Collective (Eye Envy Co.)

2. Prepare your station before each session.

Treat each client booking as a high school assignment and come prepared (if you weren’t an organised student… well, there’s always time to pick up good habits). Being a prepared lash artist is our top tip for lashing faster (and better!). You want to make sure you’ve already organised your client’s lashes, glue, tape… anything required for a standard appointment, plus anything extra, before your client even sits down.

The time you’ll save when you come prepared may even allow extra time at the end of the day to take on an extra client. You also want to demonstrate to your clients you know what you’re doing, and someone who is prepared automatically gives off this vibe.

3. Learn how to isolate lashes properly.

The best eyelash technicians make it their mission to perfect the art of lash isolation. Lashes that have not been isolated are at risk of sticking together and causing long term damage to natural eyelashes. Our natural lashes grow at different rates so it’s important that lash artists don’t inflict any damage or additional obstructions to the growth of natural lashes. Learning how to isolate lashes effectively is going to dramatically reduce the risk of this occurring and will also make your client’s lashes look luxurious, fluffy, and as natural as possible.

The best way to learn how to isolate lashes quickly and effectively is to use tape. Some may think tape is a ‘cop out’ but we just think of it as being a good lash artist 🤷🏽‍♀️. We ain’t about #tapeshaming over here. Tape is also an exceptionally excellent tool to use when your clients have hooded eyelids. You just need to apply the tape at the edge of their eyelid for it to pull their skin towards their temple. Once you master this skill… well, there’s no stopping you.

4. Come to terms with the fact that you don’t need 100% coverage

Give in to the 90% rule. “What’s that?” You ask. The 90% rule is (definitely not something we’ve made up right this second… 💁🏽‍♀️💅🏼) the unspoken rule that you don’t need to apply lashes to every. single. lash. Not only is applying lashes to every natural eyelash physically impossible, it takes far too long and leaves your client with heavy, clumpy eyelashes. Because our eyelashes grow at different rates, the length of each lash varies, which makes it difficult to find the right length of lash extensions for each lash. You should aim to apply lashes to as many eyelashes as possible to maintain a natural, yet glamorous look. If the client is after a more dramatic look, you may think about aiming towards 100% coverage; however, it’s still not essential.

You will also need to consider the type of appointment the client has booked – if the booking is an infill, you are literally unable to apply extensions to each lash. Don’t be too hard on yourself and accept that a 90% application is still a great application!

5. Do your research and learn about any conditions your client may have that could affect the application.

Look, sometimes the best lash artist is the one who knows how to say no. Learning about contraindications will allow you to make informed decisions when it comes to client treatments. Contraindications are pre-existing conditions your client may have that can affect the lash application process. The following conditions have the potential to damage or negatively affect the treatment:

· Recent Eye Laser Surgery

· Painful Sore Eyes

· Conjunctivitis

· Any infection in the eye area, including Blepharitis

· Alopecia or Trichotillomania (Hair pulling)

· Severe claustrophobia, panic attacks, turrets, or anything which causes the eyelid to move when closed or causes the client to feel ill while laying down for extended periods of time

6. Become an expert in troubleshooting.

Once in a while you will come across a client who has trouble maintaining their eyelash extensions. On top of educating your clients around usual lash care instructions, it’s important for you to also learn how to identify their issues as quickly as possible. The most common lash retention concerns come down to oily skin or hair products, sleep habits, hygiene or hormones, poor application and weather conditions. For more information around how you can become a pro in troubleshooting and eyelash retention, download our FREE troubleshooting guide below!

Overall, our top lashing tip to becoming the go to lash artist in your area is to become informed around equipment, supplies, processes and proper etiquette, experienced in lash applications and removals and confident in your ability to provide a successful and incredible service. Becoming a lash artist is more than the application, it combines education with experience, and requires an ongoing commitment to improving your service with each client

If you’ve been thinking about up levelling your current skill set or learning how to apply eyelash extensions, our lash tech training academy is now open and available for new applicants.