Eyelash Extension Prep: Safety & Longevity Guide

Eyelash extensions are a popular beauty treatment for enhancing the eyes, but achieving a beautiful, long-lasting result hinges on proper "preparation" before application. For technicians, knowledge and skill in these preparatory steps are crucial for ensuring client safety and providing a comfortable experience.

This article details the essential steps to take before applying eyelash extensions, from the initial client guidance through "tape work," "pre-treatment," "drying," and "combing," explaining the procedures and key precautions for each.

1. Pre-Procedure Guidance: Clear Communication is the First Step

After the consultation, guide the client to the bed and have them lie down comfortably on their back. The technician should position themselves at the head of the bed to begin the procedure.

Proper Posture for Eyelash Extension Application

• Keep a distance of two fists.
• Adjust the chair height so that the customer's head is at chest level.
• Ensure the customer's head is positioned flat.

Be careful not to tilt your posture too much.

【Important】 What to Tell Your Client

• Warning Against Deep Sleep: "Falling into a deep sleep during the procedure can be dangerous, as you might unconsciously roll over or suddenly open your eyes. We kindly ask that you try to avoid falling fast asleep."

• Signal for Discomfort: "If you feel any itching, need to change your position, or experience any discomfort during the procedure, please gently raise your hand. We will pause the treatment immediately."

These instructions are vital for ensuring the client's safety.

2. Tape Work: Building the Foundation for Safe Application

After disinfecting your hands, begin the tape work. This is an extremely important step in the eyelash extension process.

Example: Securing lower lashes with tape (Without lifting the upper eyelid)

Example: Lifting the upper eyelid with tape

Main Purposes of Tape Work

1. Separating Upper and Lower Lashes: Prevents the upper and lower lashes from sticking together with the adhesive.

2. Protecting the Eyelid Area: Shields the delicate skin around the eyes from adhesive, tweezers, and other tools.

3. Creating an Optimal Work Area: Makes the natural lashes easier to see and access for extension application.

Crucial Tape Work Precautions

1. Avoid Touching the Eyeball: Exercise extreme caution to ensure the tape never touches the eyeball.

2. Avoid Touching Mucous Membranes: Ensure the tape does not come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eye.

3. Prevent Partially Opened Eyes: Apply tape carefully to prevent the client's eyes from inadvertently opening slightly.

Note on Perspiration Especially during warmer months, if the client is perspiring noticeably, wait for the perspiration to subside before starting. Beginning the procedure while the client is sweating carries risks such as sweat getting into the eyes, lashes becoming wet, adhesive whitening (blooming), and the tape's adhesive weakening due to salt content.

Taping Examples

• Securing Lower Lashes: Apply tape starting from the inner corner and moving to the outer corner, ensuring all lower lashes are securely covered. (This example is for when the upper eyelid is not being lifted.)

• Lifting the Upper Eyelid: If necessary, gently lift the upper eyelid with tape to get a clearer view of the lash base. Be careful not to pull too much, as this can cause the eye to open slightly.

Tape Work Check: Are the Eyes Partially Open?

After applying the tape, confirm the following with the client:

• Absence of Discomfort: "Does the tape feel prickly or uncomfortable anywhere?"

• No Contact with Eyeball: Visually inspect to ensure the tape is not touching the eyeball.

• No Light Leakage: Ask the client to keep their eyes closed and slowly move their eyeballs: "Do you see any light coming through?"

Even if the eyes appear closed, a slight gap ("partially open") is extremely dangerous. Adhesive fumes can irritate the eyes, and the eyeball can become dry and potentially scratched. As many clients suffer from dry eyes, it's imperative to ensure the eyes are completely closed.

【DON'T】 Bad Tape Work Examples

• Eyes are partially open due to pulling the tape too much or too little.

• Lower lashes are exposed or sticking out from under the tape.

• Tape is digging into the skin at the inner or outer corners of the eye.

3. Pre-Treatment (Cleansing): Enhancing Extension Longevity

Natural lashes have invisible sebum and makeup residue. If left on, these can weaken the adhesive bond, causing extensions to fall off prematurely.

Using cotton swabs, micro brushes, or similar tools, gently sandwich the lashes and carefully wipe away dirt and oils with a dedicated pre-treatment cleanser. Be cautious to prevent the liquid from dripping into the eyes.

4. Drying: Preventing Adhesive Whitening

After applying the pre-treatment cleanser, it's crucial to thoroughly dry any remaining moisture on the lashes. If adhesive is applied while lashes are still damp, it can react with the moisture and turn white, a phenomenon known as "whitening" or "blooming."

Use an air blower, directing a gentle stream of air from the client's forehead towards the eyes.

【DON'T】 Bad Blower Examples

• The tip of the blower is touching the client's eyelid.

• Air is blown from below the client's face (near the nose and mouth), which can feel uncomfortable.

Use your free hand to shield the client's eyes and nose from the direct airflow.

5. Combing: Smoothing the Lashes

Finally, gently brush through the lashes with a clean spoolie brush to groom them. This helps to check the natural lash growth pattern, straighten the lashes, and makes it easier to determine the correct angle for extension application, leading to a smoother procedure.

Conclusion: Meticulous Preparation Creates Safe and Beautiful Results

Each step before applying eyelash extensions is critical for ensuring client safety, maximizing the longevity of the extensions, and achieving a beautiful final look.

Tape work, in particular, requires experience and practice, as it needs to be adapted to each client's unique eye shape and eyelid condition.

By performing these preparatory steps diligently, you can provide clients with a safe, comfortable experience and deliver high-quality, satisfying results.

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