The Ultimate Guide For Long-Lasting Eyelash Extensions
As a Lash Tech, you're no stranger to the magic that eyelash extensions can bring to your clients' eyes. Offering a boost of confidence and a glamorous appearance, eyelash extensions have become a popular beauty trend. But one common question you're likely to encounter is, "How long do eyelash extensions last?" For your clients to enjoy long-lasting, luscious lashes, it's crucial to understand the factors that affect eyelash extension retention. So we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about lash retention and provide you with valuable tips to ensure your clients enjoy their lashes for as long as possible!
The Growth Cycle of Natural Lashes
To achieve those lasting lashes, it's crucial to understand the growth cycle of natural lashes. Every individual has their own unique growth patterns, which influence the longevity of eyelash extensions. Natural lashes have a growth cycle of approximately 6-8 weeks, with each lash going through 3 different phases - the Anagen phase (growth), Catagen phase (transitional), and Telogen phase (rest). The Anagen phase is when the natural lashes are actively growing, and the eyelash extensions attach most securely. As the natural eyelashes transition to the Catagen and Telogen phases, some eyelashes will naturally shed and regrow over time, taking their lash extensions with them.
To improve eyelash extension retention, educate your clients about this cycle. They should expect some natural lash shedding and understand that infills are necessary every 2-4 weeks to maintain the fullness of their lashes.
Effective Pretreatment For Lash Extensions
The pretreatment routine and lash products you use play a significant role in the retention of eyelash extensions. You always need to ensure that your client’s natural lashes are clean and free from any makeup, oils, and residue before applying lash extensions. A squeaky clean canvas ensures better adhesion between the natural lashes and eyelash extensions, leading to improved lash retention. If you’d like to know more about why having an amazing pretreatment routine is important for success as a Lash Tech, then you can find out in our blog post here.
Weather and Seasonal Factors
Believe it or not, the weather and seasonal changes can also impact the retention of eyelash extensions. Humidity levels, temperature, and exposure to elements like strong winds and harsh heat can affect the strength of the eyelash glue’s bonds between the natural lashes and eyelash extensions. For example, if any of your clients go on holiday to a destination that has extremely cold and dry or hot and humid conditions, your clients might experience increased lash shedding. Humidity levels can also have an impact on the curing time of your lash glue, with high humidity causing your eyelash extension glue to cure faster and low humidity slowing it down. Be mindful of these factors so that you can adjust accordingly the products you use like a more suitable lash glue for you and your beauty room’s conditions, your application techniques, and provide your clients with the right aftercare advice for long-lasting lashes.
Skilful Application Of Lash Extensions
The consistency and precision in your application of eyelash extensions to natural lashes play a significant role in retention. One of the first things to consider before you begin application is that you’re using the appropriate length, curl, and thickness of lash extensions based on the condition of your client’s natural lashes. Another factor that can affect retention is whether the individual lashes have been isolated properly, and the placement of the eyelash extension on each lash. The proper isolation and placement of the individual lashes are vital to avoid creating stickies or wonky lash extensions. You also need to make sure that you have an effective lash glue dipping technique for your eyelash extensions to ensure that you’re picking up the right amount of eyelash glue before applying it to the natural lashes. A sloppy application can lead to the premature shedding of lash extensions. Consistency and precision in your work will result in better retention for your lashes and happier clients.
Proper Aftercare For Lash Extensions
The journey to long-lasting lash extensions doesn't end when your clients leave your beauty room. Your clients’ aftercare routines will significantly impact the retention of their eyelash extensions. So educating your clients about proper aftercare is essential for extending the life of their lashes. Encourage them to:
Avoid water for the first 24 hours: Clients should avoid water, steam, and sweaty workouts for the first day. This will give the eyelash glue enough time to fully cure and create strong bonds between the natural lashes and eyelash extensions.
Brush Those Lashes: Brush their lashes daily with an Eyelash Brush will help to prevent tangling and encourage natural lash shedding.
Gentle Lash Cleansing: Encourage your clients to clean their lashes daily with a specially formulated Lash Shampoo and Cleansing Lash Brush. This will prevent the buildup of oils, dirt, and debris that can weaken the eyelash glue bonds.
No Rubbing Or Pulling: It’s very important to warn your clients against rubbing or tugging on their eyelash extensions and sleeping face-down. Doing so can cause the lash extensions to fall out prematurely. Proper care can significantly extend the lifespan of their lashes.
Oil-free Zone!: Advise them to avoid oil-based products near their eyes, like oil-based makeup removers and regular mascaras. For your clients who still desire a bit of extra volume for their lashes without compromising their retention, you can recommend that they opt for an eyelash extension-friendly mascara like the InLei® Frida Mascara.
Regular Infill Appointments: Regular infill appointments are the glue that holds it all together (pun intended!). Remind your clients to schedule regular infill appointments to maintain a seamless, full look for their lash extensions.
Tips To Improve Eyelash Extension Retention
Now that we've covered the factors that affect eyelash extension retention let's discuss some practical tips to enhance it:
Thorough Consultation: Start with a detailed consultation to understand your client's needs and expectations and the opportunity to assess their natural lashes and facial features. This will help you choose the right curl, length, and style of eyelash extensions to best suit them.
Quality Lash Products: Invest in high-quality lash extensions, eyelash glue, and pretreatment products. Low-quality lash products can compromise eyelash extension retention.
Encourage Lash Serums: Suggest to your clients that they use a lash serum like InLei® Adiutrix Lash and Brow Serum to promote the health and growth of their natural lashes.
Use A Lash Sealant: Applying a lash sealant like Superbonder to the lash glue zone at the end of your eyelash extension treatments is an excellent way to elevate your lash retention. It will add flexibility to the eyelash glue bonds to ensure they don’t break easily and result in better lash retention, instantly cure the eyelash extension glue without causing shock polymerisation, and trap the glue fumes to reduce the risk of irritation. It also makes the lashes instantly safe to get wet as the lash glue bonds have been sealed!
How Long Can Your Clients Expect Their Eyelash Extensions To Last?
Now, the million-dollar question: how long do eyelash extensions actually last? As we mentioned earlier, it varies. On average, you can expect eyelash extensions to last anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. However, regular infills are the true key to maintaining seamless lashes that last.
Achieving long-lasting eyelash extensions requires a combination of proper techniques, quality lash products, client education, and great aftercare. As a Lash Tech, your expertise plays a vital role in ensuring your clients enjoy their beautiful lashes for as long as possible. Happy clients mean repeat business and referrals, so keep providing top-notch service and sharing your expert knowledge to help your clients achieve the stunning, long-lasting lashes they desire. Happy lashing!
