LASH REFILL
Lash refill is a touch-up appointment that refreshes your extensions and makes them look brand new again. It doesn't take as long or cost as much as the original set - it simply replaces the lashes that have fallen out over time so that your extensions always look full and fabulous.
You need lash refill because your natural lashes shed every two to four weeks, and so do your extensions. If you don't get lash refill, your extensions will become sparse and uneven, and you will lose the desired effect. Lash refill also helps to prevent damage to your natural lashes by removing any overgrown, twisted, or weakly bonded extensions that could cause irritation or breakage.
When do you need eyelash extension fills?
Once your client has a full set of eyelash extensions, they will need to come in periodically for fills. Lash extension fills are simply new lashes placed on natural lashes as the old ones are about to fall off. Ideally, your client should come in every two to four weeks, but longer wait times may mean a longer treatment time as more lashes will need to be filled.
In general, it's best to perform a refill service when the client has at least 40% of the lash extensions left from the full set. In this case, you will remove the overgrown, twisted, weak bonded lash extensions and replace them with new ones. However, some lash artists find it easier to remove all the remaining lashes and start a new set at the cost of refill.
How To Care For Your Lashes After Lash Refill?
To extend the life of your extensions and keep them looking beautiful, you should follow these aftercare tips after lash refill:
• Avoid getting your lashes wet for at least 24 hours after your appointment, as water could weaken the adhesive or cause your lashes to stick together.
• Avoid rubbing, pulling, or touching your lashes, as this could cause them to fall out prematurely or damage your natural lashes.
• Brush your lashes gently with a clean lash brush every morning and evening, or whenever they get tangled or out of place.
• Clean your lashes daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser and a lash brush. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft towel. Do not use cotton pads or swabs, as they could leave lint or fibers on your lashes.
• Avoid using any products that could harm your extensions, such as oil-based or waterproof makeup, makeup remover, or skincare products. These products could dissolve the adhesive or cause buildup on your lashes.
• Avoid exposing your lashes to extreme heat, such as sauna, steam, or sunbed, as this could weaken the adhesive or curl your lashes too much.
• Avoid sleeping on your face, as this could cause your lashes to bend or break. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your lashes.
• Book your next lash refill appointment in advance, and stick to your schedule. Do not wait too long between appointments, as this could make your lash refill more difficult or expensive.
The Banana Peel Technique
The Banana Peel Technique is a safe and effective method used to remove eyelash extensions during a lash fill, without causing damage to the natural lashes. This technique involves gently peeling back the extension from the natural lash, mimicking the motion of peeling a banana. It is crucial to exercise caution and precision throughout the process to maintain lash integrity.
Lash remover gel is typically used to remove all lash extensions at once. The banana peel technique removes the individual lash extensions that have grown out. The banana peel technique is done using two pairs of lash extension tweezers.
THE PEEL BACK TECHNIQUE
Step-by-Step to the Banana Peel Technique
1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a pair of tweezers, preferably with a dominant tweezer and an isolation tweezer. You will not need lash extension remover cream for this process.
2. Assess the lash growth stage: Identify the lashes that have grown out to different stages: one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks. Note that the removal technique is typically reserved for lashes grown out for at least three weeks or more.
3. Begin with one-week grown out lashes: Using your dominant tweezer, locate the extension and grip the natural lash firmly with the second tweezer, the isolation tweezer. Gently peel back the extension in a controlled motion, ensuring not to apply excessive force or damage the natural lash.
4. Proceed to the two-week grown-out lashes: If needed, remove grown out lashes at 2 weeks. Assess weather or not they need to be removed. All lashes grow at different rates therefore some will not need to be removed at the 2 week mark.
5. Address three weeks grown-out lashes: At this stage, the extensions are usually ready for removal. Use the banana peel technique as before, ensuring a gentle yet firm grip on the natural lash. Exercise additional caution if excessive glue is present, as it may require more effort to remove.
6. Tackle four weeks grown-out lashes: Lashes grown out for this duration may exhibit twisting or an uneven appearance. Take advantage of any lifted bases and gently wiggle the extension off using the tweezer. Focus on being extra careful when removing the extensions from the delicate top point of the lash. At the 4 week mark, some extensions can be removed by lifting the base of the extension with one tweezer, and holding the natural lash securely with the other tweezer. Basically this is an upside down version of the usual banana peel technique.
7. Repeat the process: Thoroughly examine each lash individually, identifying any that appear scraggly or grown out. Grip both the extension and the natural lash simultaneously and apply a secure yet gentle pressure to remove the extension. Proceed lash by lash until all desired extensions have been successfully removed.
FOREIGN REFILLS
FOREIGN FILLS ARE ANY FILLS COMING FROM A LASH ARTIST THAT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL SALON. FOR MOST SALONS, FOREIGN FILLS ARE SUBJECT TO UP CHARGE UP TO A FULL SET AND REMOVAL WHICH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE LASH ARTIST AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPOINTMENT. WE SCHEDULE ALL FOREIGN FILLS FOR 2 HOURS, BUT THAT MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH TIME FOR A FULL REMOVAL AND FULL SET SO WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO SERVICE YOUR APPOINTMENT SINCE WE MIGHT NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE THE SERVICE.
The Lowdown On Foreign Fill Lashes
Clients who come in with an existing lash set from a different lash artist and request a fill are known as foreign fills. They might be from out of town or trying out a new lash artist but still have their previous lashes on. While this might not seem like a huge issue, it can actually be harder to deal with than you think. Lashes are already hard enough, and working over someone else's set adds another layer of difficulty. You might not know exactly where they got the lashes done or who applied them. Maybe they aren't quite as skilled as you are, and the client is experiencing a reaction to the subpar lashing. You might even have to take off the first set before you can begin your service if the lashes are really poor quality — turning the fill into a full removal!
Turning Down A Foreign Lash Fill
Make sure you are comfortable working over another artist's work. Beginner lash artists might not be comfortable accepting foreign fills at this start of their career for several reasons: they might not have a wide range of supplies to accommodate the set that the client comes in with; or they are not experienced enough in removals in case the lashes are stuck or not isolated properly. This is totally fine, just be aware that clients might ask to come in for a fill, so have a polite response outlining why you cannot see them such as:
"I prefer all my lash sets to look the same and not filled in with a different product line for consistency. I can do a full removal and assess your lashes and we can start from scratch to ensure isolating and styling is on point."
You can also put a disclosure about foreign fills on your website or social media so you don't get asked in the first place! After gaining more experience, you can change this policy and bring in even more clients. Even when you're comfortable doing foreign fills, the client's lashes might not be ready for it. Sometimes the client might come in with a set that is stuck or very poorly isolated. In this case it is best to complete a full removal and and send your new client home with a lash serum. Lash serums will help restore the health of the natural lashes.
Typically after a removal and using lash serum for 3-4 weeks the client is ready for a new set again!
Accepting Foreign Fills
If you are ready to take in foreign fills, you should ask for photos of their lashes first. You can assess the previous artist's work, the style of the existing lashes, and decide if you want to take the client on or not. Most artists will charge more for foreign fills if there are a lot of adjustments to be made, so keep that in mind when setting your prices. When a client comes in with a foreign fill treat it as if you were doing a normal fill. Cleanser, go through the extensions to ensure isolation is good. If isolation is poor but you can separate them using tweezers, go ahead and do so. Then proceed on filling the client in. If the client's set is completely stuck, a full removal is recommended, then a full set if the client's natural lashes are in good condition. If they need a break, send them home with lash serum, and reschedule in 3-4 weeks. In case you think the style of their extensions is not what is best for their eye shape, you can communicate with your client what style you think is a better fit. And give them the option of a full removal and new set, or you can slowly transition the shape over the course of multiple fills. Typically this can take 3-4 fills to completely change a style.
REFILL STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION
(CLASSIC - HYBRID - VOLUME)
Here's a step-by-step guide for applying lash extensions during a refill session for classic, hybrid, and volume lash styles:
1. Preparation:
- Ensure that your workstation is clean and organized.
- Sanitize your hands and tools.
- Have all necessary supplies within reach, including lash extensions, adhesive, tweezers, and under-eye pads.
2. Client Consultation:
- Discuss any changes or preferences in lash style with the client.
- Assess the condition of the current lash extensions and any areas that may need attention.
3. Removal of Old Extensions (if necessary):
- Gently remove any loose or grown-out lash extensions using a lash extension remover.
- Be cautious not to damage the natural lashes during the removal process.
4. Cleaning and Priming:
- Cleanse the lashes using a specialized lash cleanser to remove any residue or oils.
- Prime the natural lashes with a primer solution to ensure better adhesion of the new extensions.
5. Isolation:
- Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to isolate one natural lash at a time.
- Ensure proper isolation to prevent lashes from sticking together during application.
6. Classic Lash Refill Application:
- Select individual classic lash extensions matching the length and thickness of the client's natural lashes.
- Apply each extension to an isolated natural lash using a precise dipping technique.
- Ensure proper placement near the base of the natural lash for a seamless blend.
7. Hybrid Lash Refill Application:
- Choose a combination of classic and volume lash extensions to achieve the hybrid style.
- Apply classic extensions to isolated natural lashes using the same technique as with classic lashes.
- Intersperse volume lash fans strategically to add volume and dimension to the lashes.
8. Volume Lash Refill Application:
- Create volume lash fans using multiple lightweight extensions.
- Dip the base of the fan in adhesive and attach it to an isolated natural lash.
- Ensure even distribution and spacing of volume fans for a full and fluffy look.
9. Finishing Touches:
- Check for any gaps or unevenness in lash application.
- Use a lash wand to gently comb through the lashes for separation and alignment.
- Allow the adhesive to fully cure before allowing the client to open their eyes.
10. Aftercare Instructions:
• Provide the client with aftercare instructions tailored to their specific lash style.
• Advise them on proper maintenance and hygiene practices to prolong the longevity of their lash extensions.
11. Follow-Up:
• Schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the retention and condition of the lash extensions.
• Address any concerns or adjustments needed based on the client's feedback.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can efficiently perform a refill application for classic, hybrid, or volume lash styles, ensuring optimal results and client satisfaction.