Summer Eyelashes by Phyllis Baker 

Eyelash extensions are hot and in for summertime.  Handled with care, i.e. no rubbing or oily product applications allowed, your clients can wake up with long, lush eyelashes that are totally natural in appearance when professionally applied by skilled technicians.  Just image – no mascara or “raccoon” eyes at the pool or beach.

Color Me Beautiful

Extensions or real eyelashes highlighted in blue or purple create an iridescent shine in the summer sun.  For a wild look, offer extensions in all colors of the rainbow, such as red, orange, green, or yellow.

For moonlit nights or dancing under the stars, tiny sparkling crystals or sequins, available at crafts stores, can be carefully applied at the base of the extensions.  Your clients will become addicted!

Just like one client I know – she included eyelash extensions in her retirement budget, and flies from California to Colorado once a month to get them done.

Expertise Required

Eyelash extension application is a true art that requires training, quality products and a lot of practice.  A proper full application set includes 30 to 60 eyelashes or more, per eye, and should be indistinguishable from real eyelashes, even up close.  Clumps of adhesive or lashes that are stuck together reflect poorly conducted applications that cause itching, irritation and eyelash loss.

Choose your eyelash extension professionals with care.  Lash practitioners will display training credentials, as well as references.  Be sure to make that reference call to verify certification.

You would not want clients to be rushing to your doors to have extensions applied only to be disappointed by experiencing an adverse reaction.  Be sure your clients have realistic expectations of the results, and show them before and after shots to back up your claims.

Routine Maintenance

Extensions are not for everyone because of the expense and upkeep, which requires regular touch up applications every two to three weeks.  Keep in mind that services performed on or around the eye area require special training and care, which is why you need a qualified and trained lash application specialist.

High Standards

While eyelash extension kits are available online and can be purchased withoutproof of training, using such kits without knowledge would be similar to applying permanent makeup or hair extensions without certification.  Our industry licensing requirements have not kept up with the changes in technology.  Although we would not want to see this arm of the esthetics field become regulated, we do want to maintain a high level of quality and service in eyelash extension procedures.  When injuries or mishaps occur due to unskilled technicians, the otherwise beneficial service may become banned.  So, Maintain high standards, and incorporate eyelash extensions as your latest summertime service

Phyllis Baker, RN, CN, is a licensed esthetician and the executive director/founder of NaturaLash eyelash extensions.