Skin and lash preparation is a crucial step in lash extension services. Incorrect preparation or rushing this step will cause all sorts of issues, from gel lash pads not sticking to fans not sticking to lousy retention. All these issues could be tied back to poor skin and lash preparation.

I'm sure you've heard it before. It's a crime not to prime...

If you are not priming, what are you doing then? Have you ever seen anyone paint something without priming first? Or stick something without priming the surface first? No! Well, it's no different when you are talking about lashes. For your lash fans to stick well and for a long time, you must prime the natural lashes first! No ifs or buts about it! Lash primer is used before lash extension application to remove surface oil, dirt, and makeup residue from the lash for a superior hold, PH balance and retention of lash extensions.

Items Needed:

• Witch Hazel: Due to the naturally gentle ingredients found in Witch-hazel, It's perfect for removing face oils or cream residues before applying the forehead paper towel, eye pads and tape to ensure they stick well for the entire appointment. 
• Cotton Pads: 2 cotton pads are needed, used with witch hazel to clean the skin.
• Paper Towel: Placed on the forehead as a barrier between your hands and the client's forehead. It is more hygienic than headbands and will save you washing after each use.
• Micropore Tape: Due to the gentleness of this tape, it is used to hold down the paper towel onto the face.

How to Prep The Client's Skin:

• Optional: Fill your liquid lash pump with witch hazel; this makes it easier to dispense
• Using two cotton pads, pump twice on each pad.
• Start with cleaning the eyelids and swiping over the lashes
• Ask the client to look up and clean the area under the eye and cheeks. (Where you will be placing the gel lash pads)
• Turn the pads around and clean the brows, and above, the brows, then the sides of their face, ending back on the cheeks.
• Apply a paper towel to the forehead, using two pieces of tape to hold it down.

Once you have prepared the client's skin and placed the paper towel, eye pads and tape, it's time to prime! We suggest lash priming for all full sets, infills, removals and glue trials.

Items Needed:

• Lash Mattifier: Lash primer is used before lash extension application to remove surface oil, dirt, and makeup residue from the lash for a superior hold, PH balance and retention of lash extensions.
• Disposable Brushes: Either long-head micro brushes or lip brushes. They are used to apply the lash mattifier.
• Lash Drying Fan: Used to dry the lashes after priming.

How to Prime The Natural Lashes Using Lash Mattifier:

• Shake the bottle well, unscrew the lid and open the internal nozzle.
• Insert the long head micro brush into the opening or use a lip brush by placing the tip over the opening, ensuring the hole is completely covered. Quickly turn the bottle upside down and flick off excess product.
• Close the nozzle and secure the lid. 
• Starting at the outer eye, thoroughly clean natural lashes, focusing on the base of the natural lashes. Do not get the product on the skin. Do not rush this or push the product onto lash pads.
• Use a fan to dry, holding it up above the lashes, not directly in front, as this will cause the fumes to blow into the eyes.

Lash Primer Tips:

• Product to be stored in the fridge. Use it cold. There is no need to remove earlier to reduce temperature.
• After priming, check the brush; if it is dirty and has mascara residue, do a second clean with a new brush.
• If you lash one eye at a time, prime each before you lash it.
• Do not get product onto clients skin as this may cause a burning sensation. Be cautious when using the product and make sure to always tip off excess.

Lash Priming V's Lash Bath

Lash priming is using our lash mattifier on the natural lashes to remove all residue and oils, making the natural lashes bare for the ultimate lash bond!

Lash Bathing is washing your clients lashes with a lash wash to remove residue. It is not designed to strip the natural lashes bare for applying lash extensions. It is a lash cleanser.

Depending on how you've been taught, you may choose to lash prime or lash bath. We choose to lash prime and also teach all our students this method. You may choose to do both; however, remember, as an artist, time is money.

A thought...

Performing a Lash Bath takes 10 minutes to be done correctly. If you lash bath 5 clients a day. (10 mins x 5) 50 Mins. Work 6 days. (50 Mins x 6) Approx. 5 hours spent cleaning lashes. You could have done two extra clients and made $$. As well as being time-consuming, the cost of the product also adds up!

Instead, ask your clients to attend appointments without makeup or oily products. Then, if they have yet to arrive with a clean face, you can perform a lash bath BUT charge them for both the product and time.