8 Useful Hacks That Will Upgrade Your Client’s Lashes

by Joan Wong

The goal of a lash technician is to make their client’s lashes look stunning and last long by apply eyelash extensions properly and using the right tools and supplies. However, there are instances where your lash adhesives are not curing or drying the way you expect them to because of conditions in your environment. While in other circumstances, the client forgot to follow the advice aftercare routine

Woman's eyes with lashes in a lash extension procedure. Cartel Lash

There are many situations where the retention and quality of the lash extensions you applied are negatively affected. No lash tech will want their reputation to be negatively affected when they can control the cause, right?

We listed 8 useful hacks that can help you upgrade your client’s lashes, improve your reputation as a lash tech, and keep your workstation, lash supplies, and tools clean. Let’s begin!

1. Taping up lashes for isolation

Yes, you read it right. If you are not using this method yet, we highly recommend starting it right now. 

Taping up the natural lashes of your clients will make isolation more convenient, quicker, and cleaner. The tape will be used to secure your client’s natural lashes to their eyelid, allowing more separation between the natural lashes when you are applying eyelash extensions. 

If you are working in layers or doing volume lash extensions, separating each row of lashes at a time, using tape, will make it easier for you.

Remember, do not use just any type of tape. You can use micropore tapes, silicone tapes, and even foam tapes.

If you don’t have eyelash tapes in your lash supplies, we highly recommend ordering one right now!

2. Using a primer on the strip of lashes to help with creating volume fans

Primers are specially formulated to strip all the residue and natural oils in the client’s lashes to improve the retention of the lash extensions. They are ideal for clients with oily natural lashes and for even creating volume fans. 

When applying volume fans, you will need to apply multiple lash extensions to a single natural lash. A primer can help strengthen the bond of the eyelash extensions to your client’s natural lash creating longer-lasting volume lashes. 

Apply primer on lashes for extensions. Cartel Lash

However helpful a primer is, you need to check if it can be used on your client. Remember, a primer can contain alcohol to remove all the excess natural oils and residue in the lashes. It can cause too much dryness to the natural lashes, making them too dry and preventing the adhesive from performing effectively. Lash glues LOVE and NEED moisture to properly cure.

3. For short lashes, use thinner extension first

When applying lash extensions, you attach the extension to the natural lashes. If you use thick and long eyelash extensions on brittle or short natural lashes, they will be too heavy and put a strain on your natural lashes. 

This idea also applies to short lashes. Use thinner extensions first because they are lighter compared to thicker ones. If your client wants a thicker and bolder look, recommend thinner ones first and help your client grow their natural lashes until they can hold more weight and length. Or experiment with shorter volume fans, this can achieve an equally bold look. 

4. Burping glue bottle and wiping nozzle after each use

Just like in babies, burping is the process in which excess air or oxygen is released. In the case of your lash adhesive, you burp your lash glue bottle to remove the air inside. The presence of air or oxygen can greatly affect the freshness of your lash adhesive. By burping your lash adhesive bottle after use, you can get rid of the air bubbles and make sure its shelf life will be longer. 

Burp the bottle by squeezing the sides using your thumb and index finger. Imagine you are pinching the sides. The excess air in the bottle will push out any glue sitting in the nozzle, with a lint free wipe simultaneously burp and wipe the bottle. Once you wipe the excess glue from the tip of your nozzle, replace the cap before you release the bottle. Pro tip: keep pinching the bottle- squeeze, wipe, and replace the lid. 

5. Cutting contour lines on eye masks before applying

Eye masks are specifically designed to help isolate the bottom lashes from the client’s top natural lashes, Remember that the eye masks will not secure ALL the bottom lashes and tape should be used. Eye masks also help to prevent the sharp tips of the lash tweezers from hurting the client. Eye masks are used for the overall comfort of your client. 

Cut eye masks to help isolate client lashes. Cartel Lash

Many eye masks have similar shapes. We highly recommend cutting the eye masks based on the shape of your client’s face and eye shape. The simplest way to contour your eye masks is to cut 3 small lines along the top of each mask. These lines will help fit your client’s particular eye shape and will allow you to comfortably secure their bottom lashes. 

6. Cleaning sticky lash adhesive from lash tile after applying lashes

After every lash extension application, it is necessary to clean and sanitize your work area and lash tools. This includes cleaning the lash tile you used. 

Dried lash adhesives are not easy to remove. Use a metal scraper or a gel remover to remove all the dried and sticky lash glues stuck on your lash tiles before they are thoroughly cured. 

7. Cleaning glue off tweezers with gel remover 

This hack is really important. The lash tweezers are your main weapon in every lash extension application. If they are not properly maintained and cared for, they will not last. If you do not remove the glue at the tip of the lash tweezer, it can affect your precision and speed while applying eyelash extensions.

Make sure to clean and sanitize your lash tweezers every use. Remove any leftover adhesives stuck in your lash tweezers by using a gel remover. A gel remover can effectively remove the glue without damaging or scratching your lash tweezers.

8. Use a vortex mixer to shake the glue bottle before applying lashes

Lash adhesives are made from different chemicals and ingredients which can separate during storage. Heavier ingredients will settle at the bottom while lighter ones float to the top. Cyanoacrylate is the primary ingredient in all lash glues. This is the one responsible for the “retention”. It usually sits at the bottom of the bottle if they are in storage for long periods of time, or even during your service, between each drop of glue you use. If you use a lash adhesive in this state (where all ingredients are separated), it will not perform effectively.

Before use, you need to shake your lash adhesive vigorously. It requires a lot of arm strength. But if you have a machine lash adhesive shaker, it will be more convenient and quicker for you. We highly recommend getting your own mixer. It can be used for lash adhesives, pigments, and polishes.

Eyelash extension procedure with tech holding lashes with tweezers. Cartel Lash

Here at Cartel Lash, we LOVE to provide tips and tricks for lash lovers, technicians, business owners, and the community. Always be updated with the latest news, tips, and tricks about lashes and lash extensions by subscribing to our newsletters! Contact us to know more about eyelash extensions!