BACK WHEN IT ALL BEGAN…. WHEN DINOSAURS ROAMED THE EARTH…
The History of Lash Safety
My very first taste of Eyelash Extensions was in 2002, I was shown how to apply mini flares to the lash line without isolation by my nail technician, I loved the look but did not understand why they hurt a little and a re-lash was just adding more on top.
I was obsessed with the way it made my eyes pop though so I enrolled in a one day class where we got to apply half sets with no emphasis on isolation.
O M G I can’t believe we used to do this!
We were encouraged to use lash lengths that were 100% past the natural lash, the thickness were .20 or more .25 and the “glue” was a 10 second dry, so the unkind and painful separation of stickies were all part of the glorious service.
As years have tracked on, thankfully the lengths became shorter, we discovered that if we shortened them, they did not hang in the line of vision.
Then we discovered that a thinner diameter also helped this issue, and the lashes felt softer and less “stabby” to the eyelid.
It’s not a glue!
The “Glue” we discovered was actually an acrylic resin and the key ingredient Cyanoacrylate is still used in medical procedures to this day.
I, to this day honour “lash glue” by using the correct terminology “Adhesive or Resin” (as my students know I am obsessed with refining the products image).
We also discovered that working with adhesive manufacturers, we could change elements to make them faster drying, thin in viscosity and with less fumes, all whilst discovering less stickies and less pain at the end of a set.
No more big glue mess
Shock! We required less adhesive!
Once upon a time we aimed to pick up beads (or droplets) of adhesive with our extension, so to paint the natural lash before we placed.
That this in fact created a crunchy finish with an almost impossible treatment to remove with tweezers if required.
Hello, Volume! Something New and Exciting!
But the ultimate light bulb moment came with the discovery of Volume!
When I re-tell this tale, I get chills every single time.
“Wake Up in your Makeup” was an online forum that united the world and paved a path of learning and helping lash stylists grow.
It was here that Volume Lashes were first seen by the Western World from Eastern Europe.
It blew our minds that there there was another technique to lash, and this realisation also demonstrated how delicate this service could be for a client.
Not only did It changed our vision of what is truly beautiful art, it also put the Lash and Brow Beauty treatments on the map for our era.
A New World Awaits
So now, we know that lashes can be soft, that we can style them to suit a personality, that not everyone wants to be Kimmy K, and we know we can change certain aspects of the face.
We also know today’s “LASH RULES “are 100% safe for our clients!
Lash Length Rules:
Classic no more than 1/3 past the tip of the Natural Lash.
Volume 2-3 mm past the tip of the Natural Lash.
Pure isolation and thorough cleansing is vital for INCREDIBLE Lash Health.
Enjoy
J x