Lash extensions should only be applied by a professional.  Because the lash industry is so poorly regulated you will need to do research to help you decide.  You most likely would not just walk in, sit down and have your hair cut or colored without first consulting with the hair stylist, so why would you do that with your lash stylist?  You also would not go to someone who was not licensed to do hair or someone who trained themselves to color or cut.  So again, why would you do that with your eyelash extensions?

When choosing a salon or lash artist, you might also do it in the same way that you select a hair salon or hair stylist or colorist.  You research the salon, check out their website, see photos of their work, get a consultation, make sure they are licensed and properly trained, find out how long they have been in the business and find out what products they use.  You might also go by word of mouth or get a referral from a friend or family member.  Look at before and after photos, read reviews on Yelp and Google and ask questions.

Again, you get what you pay for, so make sure you are not basing your decision solely on the price because it is inexpensive.  Never take chances when it comes to the work that is being done around your eyes.  Be certain that you have chosen someone who is certified, qualified, experienced and licensed in your state if you are in a state that requires it.  You can get an easy to follow checklist and contact info to find out if your lash person is qualified to do extensions from our book.  Get it NOW by taking our fun quiz here.

Lash artists are just that… artists. Just like hairstylists, some are good in the industry and others are, well, not so good.  Research their reputation, their style, and technique.  It takes time to get good at anything… practice makes perfect and lashes are no exception.  It takes a solid 2 years to become a skilled lash artist and even longer to master it. This profession requires extreme precision, an artistic eye, a steady hand, someone who is meticulous… this is not a business that a lash artist can build overnight.  It takes about a year or longer to build a lash business and have a client base that will allow the lash artist to at least break even.

• If they are not licensed and insured by the state … Red Flag.
• No professional training by a reputable eyelash extension company… Red Flag. Be sure to ask what education they have received. A skilled lash artist has been trained by a professional eyelash extension company and has probably paid upwards of $1,500 to $2,000 for their initial training class and in addition may have also paid a substantial amount of money for their advanced training, certification training and volume eyelash extensions training.  Someone who has paid that much for their eyelash extension training is going to be more dedicated to their career and take their profession more seriously.  They will also have been trained in safety and sanitation practices.  They may also regularly attend lash conferences, expos, and other courses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and industry advancements. Going to someone who has not gone through professional training or going to someone who is inexperienced can have severe consequences.
• Someone who is not dedicated to this profession and only doing them here and there from home should be a Red Flag. You cannot guarantee that they are licensed or using safe and sanitary protocol and the state is probably not regulating anyone working from home.
• Are they advertising their services through Groupon or another discount company? If they are using Groupon that usually means no client base, no client base most likely means no experience or expertise… Red Flag.
• Ask them which company they get their eyelashes and adhesive supplies through. They should be getting their supplies from a reputable eyelash extension supply company. If not… Red Flag.
• Do they guarantee their work? If not… Red Flag.
• No photos of their work… Red Flag. Great lash artists should have plenty of photos of their work available for you to view along with their pricing on their website, Yelp, Google, Facebook or Instagram. A HUGE Red Flag is if the artist or technician is using stock photos instead of photos of their own work!  Also, check out their reviews on Yelp, Google, Facebook and look at their other social media accounts… Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Hopefully, you will find more information and reviews there too describing the clients’ experiences.
• Ask for a recommendation, if the client says their eyes itch or the lashes fall out with more than one extension attached… Red Flag. There are times when lash work can initially look pretty, but after a day or two when the natural lash starts to grow out there can be pulling, tugging, itching, and wonky lashes. This is caused by the lashes not being applied individually to each lash, lashes being stuck to baby lashes, lashes that are too close or too far in placement from the base of the natural lash or if there is too much or too little adhesive used.
• If your eyelash extensions have blunt ends or you hear her cutting your eyelash extensions… Red Flag. The lash artist should NEVER cut your extensions… no exceptions. EVER.

Finally, cleanliness is a virtue.  Ask yourself these questions after visiting your lash artist.

• Does the work area and treatment room look clean and uncluttered?
• Is the work area free from food and beverages (water is fine)?
• How are the tools sanitized?
• Is there a disposable cover on the headrest?
• Are the disposable items disposed of after each use?
• Did the lash artist wash their hands in front of you prior to starting their service on you?
• In Washington State it is required for an esthetician to have a sink in their treatment room, does your lash artist have a sink in their treatment room and is it required by your state?