You should first and foremost review the artists credentials. Most states require a license in Aesthetics or Cosmetology to perform lash services, some states have specified Lash tech licenses, some only require a lash tech certificate (this is not the same as a license) and some states have zero requirements! (yikes!) Review your states laws to ensure your artist meets all requirements. If your state is one such as Missouri, that does not have licensing or certification requirements does not mean you don’t deserve a highly trained and qualified artist!

Ask to see their licences and certificates.

Ask how long their lash training was. (most are only 1-3 days, at Lash Narrative our apprentices are required to complete a minimum of 120 hrs to obtain a lash tech certificate and up to 350hrs to be considered a master artist.)

Ask If they are insured! Your artist should have Professional Liability Insurance. Lashing requires artists to use chemicals and sharp tools around your eyes that are a mucus membrane. There are risks in receiving these services. A reputable artist will ensure there is coverage in the event of an unfortunate mishap or complication.

They should have some sort of consent form or waiver, and provide a consultation before any services are rendered.

Ask about their sanitary practices. A quality artist should have no problem disclosing the step by step process in how they sanitize their tools, how they clean their station in between clients and so on.

Proper sanitation of tools should include a soak in an agent such as acetone to remove glue debris, followed by a warm water and antibacterial soap cleanse, then soaked in solution such as barbicide or a a high level disinfectant, followed by a rinse, dry and stored in a clean covered display or container.

They should be wearing gloves during your service. Your eye is mucus membrane and one of the easiest was to contract illness and or virus. Unfortunately, many artist do not wear gloves during services. Often times lash artists, especially those with artificial nails will utilize said nails to assist in isolating natural lashes during a service. This is not sanitary as artificial nails can hold up to 76% of transmissible bacteria even after hand washing opposed to 32% with natural nails. These transmissible bacteria can include but are not limited to things like STIs and staph infection of the eye that can lead to blindness.

Your lash artist should not be pulling lash extensions from a lash strip/tile that was utilized on a previous client. All unused lashes should be discarded after each client.

Your artist should cleanse your lashes before and after ever service. Cleansing before each service is to ensure that all oils and debris are cleared before applying extensions to ensure proper placement and improved retention. Cleansing after each service is to assist in the curing of the glue, as well as removing any lingering fumes that were released as the glue cured. Allergic reaction typically happen approx 24 hours after a service, this is typically refereed to as a delayed reaction and is due to the fumes lingering on the lash extension and eyelids from the glue as it was curing. washing after a service helps removed those fume particles and reduce chances of an allergic reaction.

Check their reviews and portfolio of their work. Keep in mind that lash artists are just that, ARTISTS. So we all have our own unique style and forte in various styling. Ensure that what you’re looking to achieve for your own look is something you find within their work. Also, remember that lashing should be tailored and not everyone’s eyes are the same, so If you see a style that looks great on one person, that doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily look the same on you. Be flexible in hearing out your artists suggestions on what would best compliment you.

This is a major misconception that all lash extensions will lead to damage of the natural lashes. This is not entirely false if they are not applied correctly but a qualified artist. Then yes, in that circumstance they can be very damaging and even lead to permanent lash loss when proper isolation and application isn’t taking place. However, when extensions are applied by a highly trained and qualified artist there should but zero damage as the natural lash cycle can still take place and the extensions will simply shed with the natural lashes as they normally would.

This all varies on a number of variables: including your natural lash health, your overall lash goals, the time you are willing to commit to maintaining lashes and more. If you aren’t sure definitely book a consultation so your artist can best assist you in determining whats best for you.

Overall things to consider in the difference of theses services:

Lash extensions:

completely custom, multiple variations, including: lengths, curls and density.

full set can take 2-3 hrs

fills are recommended ever 2-3 weeks (depending on retention)

daily cleansing required 1-2 x daily.

Lash lift:

essentially a perm to curl your natural lashes. No as many options to customize.

takes approx 45min-1.5hrs

Last 6-8 weeks

no other maintenance.

If you are more so concerned about the overall health of your natural lashes between the two the shocking answer to what service is more damaging, the lash lift is. If strips the natural lashes of nutrients (although we include a keratin treatment to help replenish some of that.) The reality is extensions (as long as they are applied correctly) are the healthier option as it is just a small amount of glue applied to adhere an extension to the natural lashes.

*also see what is a half set below as this my be a more suitable starting point for you*

Naturally you have 80-150 natural lashes on each eye.. For a typical full set, a lash artist would be applying to every natural lash (typically 90%). With a half set, instead of an eyelash extension for every natural lash, you get an eyelash extension put in for every second or third natural lash.Typically the same length or minimally longer than your natural lashes to lightly enhance your natural lashes. Half sets are great places to start if you are a beginner and are a bit nervous about your first experience with lash extensions. The other perk, they take less time!

Definitely not the day before! No quality artist will apply lashes to you same day or day before your wedding, The last thing you want is an allergic reaction and swollen shut eyes the day of your wedding.

At Lash Narrative, we recommend getting established with an artist at least 2-3 months prior to your big day! This way we have time to ensure you do not have a reaction, have many opportunities during fill appointments to make changes and adjustments to ensure you have your ideal look on wedding day, and for some that are nervous to go full or mega volume time to build up into that.

for Weddings or other occasions where professional make up and photography is going to be done you will want very full if not Mega volume lashes. This is because between the make up, flash and lighting, if you have more subtle or natural style extensions it can result in you looking very washed out due to the contrast. No one wants to look at photos and see full makeup that looks like you forgot to put on the mascara.

Wash your eyelashes at least twice a day (morning and evening) with lash cleanser provided by your lash tech.

Dry your eyelash extensions with a handheld fan or allow to air dry fully before brushing to re “fluff” the lashes.

Brush your eyelash extensions at least twice a day ina downward motion o top of the lashes from the lash line to the tips with a clean lash wand. Avoid yanking or tugging the extensions with the lash wand.

Always cleanse your lashes after, crying, excessive sweating and swimming.

Do not pick or pull your eyelash extensions

Do not use mascara over your eyelash extensions

Do not use eyelash curlers

Avoid using heavy make up

Don’t use oil-based products around the eyes

Avoid saunas, tanning beds or excessive heat. This includes being conscious when using a blow dryer, opening the oven, and being near open flames. This can dry out/damage the bond and singe the lashes

Adjust your sleeping position. It is best to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach. The side you sleep on will be the side you lose the most lashes from. Opt for a silk pillowcase.

Do not attempt to remove the eyelash extensions yourself. Only have them professionally removed

Book a fill appointment every 2-3 weeks to keep your lashes looking their best!

No! this is an outdated directive.

Fun fact- the glue we use to apply lash extensions actually cues buy utilizing moisture to do so.

Heres some the science on that.

Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (one of the most common variations of lash glue) and its cousins polymerize instantly in water. The small amount of moisture in air is enough to initiate polymerization. The polymer forms within a matter of minutes, creating a bond that is often stronger than the materials it joins.

So it’s actually very beneficial and preferred that you wash you lashes twice daily (even same day of your service.) Because cyanoacrylate molecules start linking up when they come into contact with water, and they whip around in chains to form a durable plastic mesh. The glue thickens and hardens until the thrashing molecular strands can no longer move.

This is why at Lash Narrative we wash your lashes not just before every service but after as well, to ensure a great bond and to help reduce the chances of an allergic reaction by washing away the fumes that are released as the glue cures, that my be lingering on the eyelids and lashes. (see the allergic reaction section for more information on this.)

If you are having an allergic reaction, you will definitely know. Your lash line and eyelids will be very swollen, full of crust and possibly itchy.

sensitized eyes is just when the eyeball its self is irritated, usually just redness. This is usually from the eye being dry during the service. Typically in this case plain saline drops do the trick, but always refer to your doctor first!

As for a true allergic reaction.

This is the recommended protocol.

contact your primary care doctor, an ophthalmologist or go to your nearest urgent care.. provide them with the following information (this information and suggestion came from an ophthalmology surgeon that addressed this at Lashcon in 2019)

When you see or speak to a Dr. tell them two things:

1) My lash artist has informed me to seek medical attention as I may have Allergic Contact Dermatitis, from a recent application of eyelash extensions.

2) I may need a prescription for topical Dexamethasone ointment. My artist received this protocol directive from an ophthalmology surgeon and understands this is a steroid, it is not intended for long term use, however I would like to keep my extensions and the intended use after initial treatment would be to apply a very minimal amount to the lash line before/after my future services. (typically once every 2-3 weeks)

In the meantime, when you are awaiting seeing a doctor you can wash your lids and your lashes very thoroughly with cleanser I provided. It will help to remove the allergen (lingering fumes on lids and lashes) when they give you the RX You’re going to apply the RX ointment like eyeliner to the top of your lid along the lash line. It will begin to reduce the inflammation. You may only have to use the RX for a couple of days for the swelling to come down. Understand that the glue is already cured it's essentially a plastic.. no longer producing fumes. So, it's best to seek medical attention, and wait out the treatment. A removal requires using chemicals that would definitely cause more irritation.