The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Prepping Lashes: A Professional Lash Artist's Recommendation
As a professional lash artist, delivering the best possible experience and results for your clients starts with proper cleaning and preparation of their lashes. This essential step lays the groundwork for flawless lash application and long-lasting retention. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean and prep lashes, ensuring a pristine and healthy environment to work with.
Initial Client Intake and Assessment
Before beginning the cleaning process, it's crucial to conduct a thorough client intake and assessment, which includes:
- Taking detailed photos for reference
- Performing a comprehensive eye and face analysis.
- Discussing inspiration photos to understand your client's desired look.
Step 1: Isotonic Solution Rinse
The first step after your client arrives is to rinse their eyes with an isotonic solution. This should be done after removing any makeup or visible debris. Isotonic solutions help balance the natural moisture levels in the eyes, providing gentle yet effective cleansing. Encourage your clients to arrive with minimal makeup to maximize their appointment time.
Step 2: Lash Shampoo
Next, use a safe lash shampoo like Elusive Lash Shampoo. This product contains clean surfactants that effectively remove sebum from the eyelids, ensuring a clean environment for lash application. Here’s how to use it:
- Apply a small amount of lash shampoo to a clean, soft brush.
- Gently brush the lashes and eyelids in circular and up-and-down motions to thoroughly cleanse, especially if clients have a high density of lash fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
Step 3: Additional Isotonic Saline Rinse
After shampooing, follow up with another rinse using isotonic saline. This extra step ensures there is no residual shampoo left, which could potentially interfere with lash adhesion or cause irritation. Note: Avoid mixing surfactants and HOCL as chemical reactions could occur.
Step 4: HOCL Solution
The final step is to apply a Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) solution. HOCL is known for its antibacterial properties and is effective in treating blepharitis and inflammation. Applying this solution ensures that the lash area is clean and healthy, promoting optimal eye health for your clients.
Why These Products?
- Isotonic Solution: Gentle and balancing, perfect for initial cleansing.
- Elusive Lash Shampoo: Contains clean surfactants to remove oils and impurities.
- HOCL Solution: Antibacterial properties to reduce inflammation and treat blepharitis, enhancing eye health.
Conclusion
Proper cleaning and preparation of lashes are paramount for successful lash applications. By following these steps—rinsing with an isotonic solution, using a specialized lash shampoo, performing an additional saline rinse, and applying HOCL solution—you ensure a clean, healthy base for your work. This meticulous approach not only enhances the longevity and appearance of the lash extensions but also promotes the overall eye health of your clients