The only thought that dominates your client's minds when getting their eyelash extensions done is that they will walk out with an envious pair of lashes. Many don't value lash aftercare, which is precisely where you should step in as a lash expert. During each application, you need to clarify that lash aftercare is essential to maintaining the health of your client's natural lashes and ensuring that their extensions last as long as possible.
As a lash artist, it's your job to explain to clients that retaining those beautiful eyelashes is a partnership between you and them to make the experience for both of you worth the time and money. Plus, let's be honest - you have a business to run, a reputation to live up to, and time is precious. You don't want to spend it fixing neglected eyelashes.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on managing client lash aftercare, including how you can drill it into your client's consciousness to make eyelash aftercare a part of their mandatory beauty routine.
Find the right time to talk to your clients about Lash Aftercare
Between the time the client makes an appointment and the time the appointment is complete, you must stress the importance of aftercare several times. Begin with creating an email template about eyelash aftercare and send it to them when confirming their booking. This would lay the groundwork for them to understand what is expected of them after their lashes are done. When they walk in for their appointment, you could give them the lowdown on what would entail during the lashing session and how they will also have to look after their lashes after.
During the session, you could start with small talk and gradually move on to the details of the importance of aftercare. The clients would most likely be most attentive at that time because they are not distracted by anything with their eyes closed (until, of course, if they choose to doze off instead). You could retell stories of neglected eyelashes and the effects it has on subsequent appointments. At the end of the session, hand them an aftercare instructions card to refer to when they walk out. It would be good practice to send them an email or SMS reminder to cover for any excuse of a misplaced or lost card.
Educate your customers on WHY it's essential to clean lash extensions
There is a sea of information out there regarding eyelash aftercare which may be pure hearsay but which your client may believe. Educating them on the importance of lash aftercare and the myths and misinformation is essential. Before you do that, it is equally vital that you understand the science behind keeping them clean. Telling them what dirty lashes can do to their pricy extensions and natural lashes and eyes may shock them and encourage them to take lash care seriously. Educating and making your clients care about their lashes is an excellent way to earn their trust in advice, respect your effort and value their extensions more.
The Lash Aftercare List
- Washing your lashes immediately: A fair number of lash artists advise their clients to avoid getting their eyelashes wet for 24-48 hours. The lash industry has come a long way, adhesive has developed over the years, and it is a fact that you can wash your lashes within 24 hours once the adhesive has dried. The key ingredient used in lash adhesives is cyanoacrylate which cures depending on the humidity levels in the air. Therefore, the drying time of your glue depends mainly on your room temperature; the warmer the temperature, the quicker it will cure, which means your client can wash their lashes immediately. To ensure the glue is dry, use the portable eyelash fan as the last step before washing their lashes. Contrary to belief, washing eyelashes thoroughly and immediately reduces the chance of any reaction.
- Extreme heat: By extreme heat, we don't mean hairdryers; we mean eyelashes coming in very close contact to open flames, outdoor heaters, hot ovens, cigarette lighters, and their likes. So, if you are a chef, smoker, or dining outdoors on a chilly winter night, stay away from those heat wave-emitting implements.
- Wash 'em good: If you are not washing your lashes, you are most likely reducing the life of your extensions and increasing the chances of infecting your eye area. So, wash them twice daily with Prolong Lash Cleanser. It is formulated specially to gently cleanse your lashes, keeping your extensions clean and intact.
- Be cautious: Unlike standard advice, we think if you want to go for a swim, you can go ahead and take your dip. While the negative effects of chlorine in water on extensions are not confirmed, facial products and sunscreen can run down into the lash line. If not cleansed off, it will cause build-up, can cause lashes to clump together and does not leave an optimal environment for lashes to grow and shed in their natural cycle. Similarly, if you sleep on your stomach, invest in a satin or silk pillow that can assist with providing a gentle resting place for the lashes. Although in a totalitarian world, we would recommend you to sleep on your back or side.
- Avoid: Lash lifts, tints, and lash curlers are eyelash extensions' nemesis. Your extensions will hold their color and shape without the assistance of other beauty treatments and will only end up causing damage to the extensions.
Remind clients to book their Eyelash Extensions Infill
Outlining the guidelines and the whys of maintaining good lash hygiene will not only help your clients take better care of their lashes but also establish your reputation as a specialist and a business that cares.
