Asking For The Credentials

Not all technician who are trained in lashes are certified. Aesthetic services in most Canadian provinces are unregulated, this is not saying that all service providers are uneducated or not certified. However, it means that a person, even though they may be self-trained, can provide aesthetic services without completing certification. And it should be noted, there are several reputable certification course across Canada. I took my lash certification 2 years ago from a recognized company; however, some lash technicians can be trained in house. Meaning, a peer or employer can show someone a service, then proceed to perform it. Which works as long as safety and hygienic practices are being thoroughly taught and maintained.

My course gave me the basic knowledge on lash application, yet, the first 8 hours were dedicated to safety, first aid, ethics, and hygiene. This is a key element that has kept my lash practice incident free for the past two years. Nevertheless, the most hygienic practice can experience incident. I have only experienced two allergic reactions, both were not to the adhesive, but the primer and gel pads.

Ongoing studying is paramount and has taught me how to reduce some of the common lash reactions, such as: sclera bruises (from tape or gel pad causing friction in the eye), allergic reactions from products, and natural lash damage (from poor lash isolation, and improper glue amounts).

This whole post is not to give a list of my certifications, but for you women who love lashes to realize that not all technicians are trained equally. Education is an essential part of lash extension application and it protects the technician and the client. It is your right to inquire about your technician’s training, what their training entailed and what is the rate of incidences in their practice.

Ladies, you are entitled to transparency! Be kind to your lashes and to your health and make sure that even if your technician is not formally certified (which I do recommend), that they are, if nothing else, thoroughly educated in the safety and hygienic practices of lash extensions.

Sending lots of lash love,

Sydney 

Lash Care 101

Have you ever had that moment where you are standing in your mirror and are asking yourself, "Where have all my lashes gone?!”

There are many factors that can affect the retention of your lashes, such as: lash cycle, medication, sleeping habits, etc. But the number one factor I see, that contributes to the longevity of your lashes, is: LASH HYGIENE.

You may have heard your technician say, "wash your lashes," "brush at least once a day," or, "gently cleanse your lashes in the shower." It is a lash myth to not touch/wet your lashes; but cleansing the extensions needs to be a part of your daily self-care ritual.

Oils found in products, i.e., Make-up & Moisturizers and your bodily secretions build up around the base of your lashes, and the oil degrades the medical grade adhesive that is used to bond the lash extensions to your natural lashes. This means: after a few days of oil build up, your adhesive will break down and the extensions will shed. Professionals intentionally use oil rich product to remove extensions.

Washing your lashes is a 1-2 minute process, that should be done at least once a day.  I personally make my own lash soap, because, who wants to pay ridiculous prices that you can achieve at home?!

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Recipe

• 2 tablespoons baby shampoo (tear-free!)
• 12 tablespoons distilled water
• 1 tsp baking soda

* Mix ingredients together in a foaming bottle and store

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Or, you can also use a pea sized amount of any oil free facial cleanser to cleanse your eye area. 

Using a brush (dome make up brush or a lash cleansing tool) will help clean thelashes gently.

1. Cleanse your lashes with tepid water, excessive heat can damage the extensions curl and the bond of the adhesive.
2. Once you have finished cleansing, gently dry the extensions with a gentle pressing motion (use a lint free cotton pad or a face towel for this step).
3. Once your lashes are cleansed and dried you can then use your mascara wand to brush them into place.
4.  If retention is a issue, this 1-2 minute daily regime may be your solution. Not only is it removing the possibility of degradation of the adhesive, but it is also eliminating the chance of an eye infection. Additionally, bacteria can cultivate in the sebum and build up around the extensions if not removed.

The only time cleansing your lashes is not suggested, is in the 24-48 hour period after you have received your service.

Give it a try ladies, there is no losing (pun intended) in a clean lash situation.