
The main problems encountered by Lash Technicians.
There are literally thousands of eyelash extension salons and mobile technicians in the UK. While there is more demand for their services than ever before, there are some common issues experienced by lash technicians on a daily basis. From dirty lashes to wobbly hands, in this article we will explore the main problems that your lash technician has to work around when creating the lash look of your dreams!
Damage to your natural lashes
Unfortunately, a common issue that lash technicians have to work around is damage to the natural lashes of their clients. Damage to natural lashes can happen for many reasons including clients picking at their lashes, false lashes being left on for too long, and a lack of appropriate aftercare. Considerable damage to lashes can result in what is known as traction alopecia, whereby patches of your lashes can actually fall out. However, traction alopecia is not an inevitability, and the best way to avoid damage to your natural lashes is to follow the aftercare instructions your lash technician gives you and to comb through your lashes occasionally to prevent clumping.
High levels of humidity
Another problem faced by lash technicians regularly is high levels of heat and humidity which can prevent a successful application of lash extensions. Humidity changes can really play havoc with lash adhesives and can make the task of applying false lashes all the more tricky. If humidity is a problem, there are some ways to get around this issue. For example, a hygrometer can be used to detect levels of moisture in the air. A dehumidifier can also be used to make your environment more suitable for applying lashes. Another top tip is to give your bottle of adhesive a good shake every time you use it.
Residual make-up and dirt
Ask any lash technician and they will agree that any dirt or residual make-up left on clients’ lashes can be a recipe for disaster where false lashes or lash extensions are concerned. A common culprit is waterproof mascara which can be difficult to remove fully. Even oily moisturisers and serums can cause issues when lashes are applied. The best way to manage this challenge is to make a point of double-cleansing to ensure that all residue is totally removed from the lashes. Remember, even if the lashes look clean, there is a change that there is some remaining oil that could interfere with the lash application.
Flickering eyes
Another bugbear of lash technicians is clients who are unable to totally relax their eyes for their treatment. While eyes flickering can be an involuntary response, it can make applying lashes difficult (if not impossible!) There is no easy solution for this, however, many lash techs agree that this is more likely to happen if the client is chatting with their technician. For this reason, you may find it helpful to encourage your client to use their treatment time to relax, and perhaps even catch up on some sleep!
Wobbly hands
Perhaps the most important quality that a successful lash technician needs is a steady hand for applying lashes! However, everyone can be prone to a case of ‘the shakes’ at times, so it’s important to relax as much as possible rather than let your nerves get the better of you! The key is to relax your hand and maintain a firm but relaxed grip on your tweezers, as tensing your hands more can sometimes exacerbate the problem.
Sticking together
Perhaps the most common issue faced by lash techs is lashes sticking together. Even the most experienced lash technician can fall victim to the dreaded stick so don’t panic! However, there are a few things you can do to make lashes sticking together less of an issue. For example, when applying false lashes, make sure that you evenly space the drops of glue far apart enough that they won’t spread and stick to the next lash along.
Redness and irritation
Finally, some lash technicians may encounter clients who experience redness and irritation (even after a patch test). Unfortunately, this can sometimes be down to the technique of the lash tech so care should be taken to ensure that your technique is as risk-free as possible. Make sure that contact between the skin and the adhesive is minimal to reduce the risk of irritation. You may also wish to apply one or two lashes to the client’s eyes 24 hours prior to treatment to ensure that there is no unwanted sensitivity before applying a full set of lashes.