Consultation skills and contraindications - Eyelash Extensions
Consultations with your clients are one of the most important parts of a lash service. This is the first impression your client is going to get off you and your business which sets the tone for the entire service. Make sure your client knows they are receiving a bespoke service and not just the same set of lashes that the previous 20 clients also got.
Be professional but approachable, you want your clients to take you and your business seriously, but you don’t want to come across a know it all and make sure you are always talking in terms that even someone new to lashes will understand. (rather than using Cat Eye/Doll Eye talk about the lash flick or opening up the eye)
Take a couple of minutes to get to know your client and make them feel comfortable, find out about their lifestyle, daily activities, hobbies etc. This is all information you can use to set realistic expectations from their desired lash set, (if you know your client is in the gym 5 times a week you can pretty much guarantee they will need to be returning for infills every 2 weeks rather than every 3). You can then explain this to your client so that they aren’t then disappointed that their lashes aren’t lasting as long as their friends who went to the tech down the road who’s using 0.20 lashes and half a bottle of adhesive.
Use their consultation form to find out if they are taking any medications that could affect retention, if they suffer from Hayfever (as this can effect retention) again manage their expectations.
Assess their eye shape, take some photos and start making some mental notes on how you think the best way to style them would be. Then get them to show you some photos of lashes that they like, a client’s view on what a natural set of lashes is vs. your view on it could be two very different things so for clarity a picture is always best. If the photos that they show you are unrealistic, unachievable for their natural lashes explain to them what is achievable whilst still being safe for their natural lashes, use the photos you took to explain what styles will enhance their features, WOW them with your knowledge!
Make notes of styling to refer back to at future appointments. When clients return for infill appointments follow up with them to find out if there are any changes they would like to make, if there are few little tweaks that you think would improve their lashes discuss this with them. Remember lashes are not a one style fits all and it could take multiple appointments to find the perfect style for your client.
All of these steps will make your client feel valued from the very start of your relationship with them as well as making your life easier as you will have managed your clients expectations.
There are certain contraindications in which you must refuse to apply lashes to your client to prevent inflicting harm on their health or even your own.
Pink eye (bacterial or virous) Blepharitis, Sty, Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinopathy,
Dry eye syndrome Any allergic reactions on the eyes (teary eyes, redness, itchiness)
Physical damage around the eye (scratches, abrasions, sores, etc.) any disease that spreads by airborne transmission (chickenpox, tonsils, flue or common cold) Asthma and Epilepsy.
Always ask your client to sign an agreement before the procedure. This agreement shall list all the contraindications and in case your client deliberately hides one from you – it excludes you from the responsibility of possible side effects.
There are also certain body conditions that may serve as a reason to refuse serving a client:
Incomplete eyelid closure - If a person closes their eyes but their eyelids don't close all the way, leaving a gap in which you can see the eyeball, there's a high possibility of them getting a chemical burn from adhesive fumes. It's possible to work with such clients, but you'll need to fixate their eyelid with a small band-aid or a piece of tape.
Excessively oily skin and hair - Skin fat negatively affects the adhesive, so it's highly likely that such clients' lashes will stay on for a shorter amount of time, which you should pre warn them about beforehand.
Oversensitive skin - Any kind of touch next to the oversensitive area is highly unpleasant for these clients, so the procedure might end up being extremely uncomfortable for them. Also, their risk of getting an allergic reaction is higher.
Chemotherapy - Just like with the hair loss, there are several stages of this condition, so if the client has most of their lashes intact, you can proceed with the procedure. But keep in mind that they might not be able to wear extensions for long, and skin becomes more sensitive and prone to allergic reactions due to chemotherapy drugs.
Pregnancy - If a pregnant woman should get eyelash extensions is a very popular question. There are no specific contraindications for the procedure, but every woman's body goes through a lot of changes during the pregnancy. Sometimes those changes might be unpredictable. That heightens allergic reaction risk and increased skin fat secretion. Moreover, during late stages of pregnancy it's not recommended to spend a lot of time on your back.
Consultation card for Eyelash Extension Consultation
