Prepping the Natural Lashes and the Extensions Before Application

Cleansing the natural lashes is the single most important process in the whole service, a safeguard against eye and skin conditions, and the key to long-lasting extensions.

To remove microscopic makeup and dirt particles, it’s best to use a dedicated foam cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin, since the skin under the eyes is very delicate and sensitive. Read more about cleansing lashes here.

A quality lash application requires mandatory prep of the natural lashes, done after cleansing, in two steps: degreasing and applying primer.

A cleanser (degreaser) helps clear oil off the lashes thanks to the alcohol in its formula, and it’s also antibacterial.

Tip: different brands use different names for the same formulas, so when choosing a product, pay attention to the ingredients.

Primer is the final step. Thanks to its chemical makeup, it boosts the adhesive’s performance and extends the life of the extensions, while also nourishing and hydrating the natural lashes.

Tip: we recommend working only with professional products, since cheaper “at-home” substitutes don’t fully deliver the same result.

Prepping the lash extensions

Since all lash extensions are made by hand, and not always in the most hygienic conditions, they need a little extra cleaning before you work with them. You can spray an antiseptic mist onto the lashes, or run a microbrush with an alcohol-based cleanser over them.

Lash tiles

For easier handling, many artists use lash tiles, which usually have the lengths already numbered. Tiles can hold one curl or several, and they come in different materials, thicknesses, and sizes.

Do you need to rinse the lashes with water after micellar water?

The idea behind this step is to wash off any leftover particles on the lashes that could keep the adhesive from soaking in, and thus weaken the bond and shorten retention. But in practice, tons of artists skip it with zero downside, so it is not really worth your time. If you are not sure, run your own test: skip the water for 2 to 3 appointments and see what happens. Most likely, you will not spot a difference 😉