Perfecting Pre-Treatment: Essential Lash Prep For Flawless Lash Extensions
Let’s face it, pre-treatment can feel like a minefield. From lash cleansers to lash primers to boosters - what does it all mean? And does it even make a difference?
To cut a long story short, how you complete your pre-treatment has as much of an effect on the retention of the eyelash extensions as the adhesive you use. It can be the difference between 2 weeks of retention, and 5 weeks of retention, so it is very important to get it right - lash retention is client retention, after all!
We’ve all been there, telling our clients ‘no mascara between sets, and come to your appointment without any makeup on your eyes!’ and then, just like clockwork, they show up 10 minutes late with glitter eyeshadow from the weekend all over those lash glue bonds. Now is when you hand over the bottle of Lash Shampoo and a Cleansing Lash Brush and direct them to the bathroom!
Having your client do the first thorough wash of their own lashes works on a few different levels:
- Firstly, it gives you time to make any last minute preparations to your lash trolley - have you got everything you need?
- Secondly, they know how hard they can press and not be uncomfortable, therefore it tends to be more thorough, because there are no ‘am I pressing too hard’ doubts.
- Thirdly, it is a gentle reminder that the responsibility for clean lashes lies on them!
Next comes the rest of the tried and tested London Lash 5-step pre-treatment routine:
Step 2: Protein Remover Pads
Step two is our Protein Remover Pads - these are tiny but ever so efficient! If there are some remnants of mascara in between those lashes, or oils around the eye area, you can go in with one of these super soft little pads to clean up a bit. If you’re doing an infill, just make sure to avoid the lash glue bonds as the fibres can get caught!
London Lash Top Tip: Protein Remover Pads have lots of product in them - if you want to use all that goodness, take a microfibre brush, press down onto the top pad and voila! No risk of damaging the eyelash glue bonds, and all the fantastic qualities of your Protein Remover Pads!
Step 3: Lash Cleanser
Step three is Cleanser. ‘But they’re clean!’ We hear you say. Sure, but Cleanser has a high alcohol content which gets rid of EVERYTHING for a deeper and thorough clean - any oils, any residue from the Lash Shampoo that might be left behind, any little tiny traces of makeup will be gone.
Step 4: Lash Primer
Step four is Primer. It’s an absolute MUST after Cleanser because it restores the necessary moisture back into the eyelashes after the high alcohol content of Cleanser which can be quite drying. It gets those natural lashes ready for eyelash extensions like nothing else. For an extra touch of luxury, why not go for one of our scented Cleansers and Primers? It’s a little thing, but a slight waft of Cherry or Coconut can take your client’s experience from an 8 to a solid 10!
Step 5: Booster
Now for the trickier part - when should you use Booster? Is it always necessary?
Booster is perfect for those clients with an oilier skin type, or very smooth and shiny eyelashes. It has an alkaline pH which opens up the hair structure and gives the eyelash glue more surface area to adhere to. If your client has oily skin and has struggled with their eyelash extension retention due to this, Booster will absolutely save their lashes! This effect will be true for all lashes, of course, but you’ll find it makes the most noticeable difference for your clients who naturally have oily skin.
A thorough pre-treatment routine is crucial for achieving exceptional eyelash extension retention. By ensuring that your client's natural eyelashes are clean, dry, and free from any oils or makeup residue, you set the stage for your adhesive to work its magic. It's also important to encourage your clients to stick to a good aftercare routine and even consider retailing your own lash aftercare kits into your service offerings. This proactive approach not only enhances retention but also elevates the overall experience for your clients, leading to satisfied customers who are eager to return!
