How to Explain the Lash Extension Procedure to New Clients

by Joan Wong

Welcoming new clients to your lash room is always refreshing and motivating. It feels good to know people trust your expertise. But, it is very important for you and your client to be on the same page. This will help build trust between you, as the lash artist, and your client. 

There are a lot of things you need to explain to your clients, especially if they are first-timers. As a client going to get lash extensions for the first time, they can’t help but be wary and have a lot of questions regarding the whole procedure. That’s normal. That is why, as a lash artist, you should be able to explain everything so that your client will understand. This way they can trust you and gain more confidence.

Woman getting eyelash extensions with tweezers attaching extensions. Cartel Lash

Initial contact

You should be able to thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of having lash extensions. Explain the whole procedure, risks, benefits, terminologies, aftercare treatment, and, most importantly, lash health.

You should start by talking about lash health and how it will affect the lash extensions and the lash adhesive. Including in this step, you can explain the terminology. Talk about your expertise especially regarding their safety, health, and more. This is a great way to let them know and feel that you know what you are doing and their safety is your first priority. Educate them about how the diameter and length of the eyelash extensions affect their natural lashes.

The next step is to explain the importance of risks and benefits. This is the time where you ask clients if they have any conditions or allergies. If they have contact lenses, ask clients to remove them. Ideally, it is best to remove them before the appointment.

Then, dive into aftercare. Explain how their aftercare routine can affect the lash extensions and why it is important. A lot of clients may overlook this step, so it is important to emphasize its importance. Educate your client that they can’t just use just any product on their eyelash extensions. Remember, some ingredients in cleansers can be harmful to the lash glue’s bond causing it to become brittle and break. It's best to use a gentle lash cleanser specially formulated for lash extensions.

Aftercare is the responsibility of the client. And for new clients, it is best that you thoroughly explain this part. Make sure to let your clients know they have to cleanse and brush their eyelashes daily. And let them know that they have to return for fill-ins or touch-ups every 2 weeks.

Lash Treatment

Lastly, explain the entire eyelash extension procedure and what they can expect to happen. For first-timers, this is how the procedure typically works:

Infographic of steps in the eyelash extension process. Cartel Lash

Step 1: Determine style and preference

Clients will be asked what look they are aiming for. Based on their preferences, eye shape, eye color, and facial features, choose the appropriate length and curl type that will be used.

Step 2: Relax and cleanse

For this step, your client will have to lie down and make sure they are comfortable because they will spend at least an hour in that position. Before starting the procedure, cleanse the area around their eyes to remove makeup, oil, and bacteria.

Step 3: Prep eye area

Then they will need to close their eyes starting from this step. Before the application, an under-eye gel pad will be applied to their lower lash line to keep their lower eyelashes out of the way. This will provide contrast making it easier to apply lash extensions. Over the eye gel, a medical-grade tape will be used to secure the lashes.

Step 4: Application of extensions

Using tweezers to isolate each eyelash, another set of tweezers will dip the end of each lash extension in special adhesive then applied to natural lashes. It is not in any way painful.

Step 5: Cure lashes

Lash adhesives dry quickly but on the safe side, it is recommended to wait at least 10 minutes after all the lashes are attached. During this step, your client’s eyes are still closed. Using a fan, dry their lashes or use a nanomister for a quicker curing time.

Step 6: Remove pads and tape

Once their eyelashes are all dry, removal of the medical-grade tape and under-eye tape will be the next step. (Don’t worry, these medical-grade tapes won’t hurt like Nichiban Sensitive Tape, 3M 1” Micropore Tape, and Micropore Medical Tape.) 

Step 7: Brush out lashes

Then, with a final brush through using a spoolie, your client can now open their eyes to look at their new set of lashes!

Comparison of woman's lashes before and after eyelash extensions. Cartel Lash

Building good relationships and rapport with your client is very important. Your client needs to feel they are in good hands, especially if they are first-timers. Talking to them and explaining everything will greatly relieve the anxiety they are feeling.