As a lash artist, your goal is to ensure that every set of extensions you apply stays flawless and lasts as long as possible. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through proper pre-treatment. If you’ve ever had clients complain about premature lash shedding or poor retention, you may have overlooked a vital step in your lash application process. Pre-treatment, especially using the right products, plays a crucial role in the success of your lash extensions.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why pre-treatment is so important for lash retention, the best practices for lash extension prep, and how using the right tools like the best lash primer can help you achieve long-lasting, beautiful results for your clients. We’ll also introduce Aki Lashes' high-quality products that can help enhance your lash retention techniques.
What is Pre-Treatment in Lash Extensions?
Pre-treatment refers to the steps you take to prepare your client’s natural lashes and eyelids before applying lash extensions. This process usually involves cleansing, removing oils, and priming the lashes to ensure the adhesive bonds properly. Without the right pre-treatment, the adhesive might struggle to form a strong bond with the natural lash, leading to premature shedding and poor retention.
Why is Pre-Treatment Important?
Lash adhesive works by bonding to the natural lash, so it's crucial that the lashes are clean and free of any oils, dirt, or makeup residue. Even the smallest trace of oil can weaken the adhesive bond, leading to poor retention and a disappointing lash experience for your client. Pre-treatment ensures that:
- The Adhesive Sticks Properly: Cleansing and priming the natural lashes ensures a clean surface for the glue to bond with, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting attachment.
- The Lashes Are Clean: The eyelash area is free from makeup, oils, or other debris, which might interfere with the bonding process.
- A Smoother Application Process: Proper prep makes the application process smoother and more efficient, saving you time and ensuring precision.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies or Irritation: Pre-treating the lashes helps reduce the chance of allergic reactions or irritation by ensuring that no residue or harmful substances remain on the natural lashes.
Essential Steps for Lash Extension Prep
Now that you understand why pre-treatment is essential, let’s dive into the steps involved in preparing your client’s lashes for a flawless set of extensions.
1. Cleanse the Lashes Thoroughly
Before applying any primer or adhesive, it’s essential to ensure the natural lashes are free from oils, makeup, or other residues. Use a gentle, lash-safe cleanser to remove any debris. Aki Lashes offers a Lash Cleanser that is perfect for this step. It’s designed to cleanse the lashes thoroughly without causing irritation.
- Why it’s important: If oils, makeup, or dirt remain on the lashes, the adhesive will not bond properly. Even a tiny amount of residue can reduce the longevity of the lashes.
2. Use a Lash Primer
After cleansing, the next step is using a lash primer. A primer is specially formulated to remove any lingering oils from the natural lashes and prepare them for better adhesive bonding.
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What it does: A lash primer increases the adhesion of the lash glue by preparing the surface of the natural lash. It ensures that the lash glue bonds effectively, leading to stronger retention.
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Choosing the Best Lash Primer: Look for a primer that is gentle yet effective at removing oils and residue without being harsh on the natural lashes. At Aki Lashes, we recommend our Lash Primer, which is formulated to clean and prepare the lashes without stripping them of natural oils.
3. Dry the Lashes Completely
After applying the primer, it’s important to allow the lashes to dry completely before starting the extension application. Humidity and moisture can affect how the adhesive bonds to the lashes, so drying the lashes ensures optimal adhesion.
- Tip: Use a small fan or air blower to speed up the drying process. This will ensure that the lashes are dry before you begin the lash application process.
4. Apply Under Eye Patches or Tape
While not technically part of the lash extension prep on the natural lashes, applying under-eye patches or tape is an essential part of the overall preparation process. These patches help to isolate the lower lashes and protect the delicate skin under the eyes during the application process.
- Tip: Use high-quality under-eye patches that will stay in place without causing discomfort to your client.
Common Mistakes in Pre-Treatment and How to Avoid Them
While pre-treatment is crucial for perfect lash retention, many lash artists still make mistakes in this step, which can impact the final results. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Skipping Cleansing
It can be tempting to skip the cleansing step, especially if the client doesn’t have any visible makeup. However, even natural oils can interfere with lash glue bonding. Always ensure that the lashes are clean, even if the client insists they are “clean enough.”
2. Overusing the Lash Primer
While the lash primer is a key part of prepping the lashes, overusing it can lead to a residue build-up that interferes with the adhesive. A little goes a long way, so be sure to apply the primer sparingly.
3. Not Allowing the Primer to Dry Fully
It’s important to let the primer dry completely before beginning the application. Applying extensions while the primer is still wet can affect the adhesive’s performance. Use a small fan or air blower to ensure the lashes are dry and ready for application.
4. Using Harsh Products
Some cleansing products or primers can be too harsh for the natural lashes, leading to irritation or dry lashes. Always use high-quality, gentle products designed specifically for lash extension prep. Aki Lashes' products are formulated to ensure a safe and effective application process, so you can avoid these issues.
FAQs About Lash Extension Prep
Q1: Do I always need to use a lash primer?
A1: Yes, using a lash primer is highly recommended for every lash application. It ensures better adhesive bonding, which improves lash retention.
Q2: Can I use regular makeup remover instead of a lash cleanser?
A2: It’s best to avoid regular makeup removers, as they often contain oils that can affect the bond between the adhesive and the natural lash. A lash-safe cleanser is specifically designed to prep the lashes without leaving any residue.
Q3: How long should I wait for the primer to dry?
A3: Allow the primer to dry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before beginning your application. This ensures it has fully evaporated and won’t interfere with the adhesive.
Q4: What are the best lash extension prep products to use?
A4: Aki Lashes’ Lash Cleanser and Lash Primer are excellent options. They are formulated to prepare the lashes for a perfect bond and ensure long-lasting retention.
Conclusion: Achieve Perfect Lash Retention with Proper Prep
Pre-treatment is an essential step in achieving perfect lash retention and flawless lash extension results. By following proper cleansing, priming, and drying techniques, you can ensure that your lash extensions adhere securely and last longer for your clients. With the right tools, such as Aki Lashes’ Lash Cleanser and Lash Primer, you can optimize your lash application process for better results every time.
If you want to take your lash game to the next level, shop Aki Lashes for premium lash prep products and accessories. Or, sign up for our training courses to perfect your lash application skills and learn the best techniques for flawless, long-lasting lashes.
Ready to elevate your lash retention? Shop Aki Lashes now or enroll in our professional training today!