DIY VS Professional Eyelash Extensions

Why Clients Should Never Do Their Own Lash Extensions

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an influx of queries from lash extension clients asking, “Can you do your own lash extensions at home?” or “How do you apply your own eyelash extensions?”

As you’ll know, these questions are rather worrying. The London Lash ethos has always been about education—we aim to be leaders in educating the lash industry about lash extension safety, practices and techniques.

Unfortunately, there are always some people who believe they can do a better job than a professional Lash Technician or who simply want to cut corners and save a few Euros. We’re here to explain why DIY lash extensions can be extremely dangerous when performed by someone other than a qualified and certified Lash Artist.

The Importance of Professional Lash Extension Training

When delving into the world of eyelashes, a qualified Lash Technician will tell you that it has taken years of learning and practice to perfect their application and techniques. The education of a Lash Technician never ends; they are always learning new techniques and styles and working with new tools. You can read more about why it’s important to continue your lash education.

A qualified Lash Artist is not only skilled in application; their training also teaches them about the growth and health of natural eyelashes. This means they know whether a client’s lashes are healthy and suitable for lash extensions, which Lash Glue to use and whether weaker natural lashes would benefit from lighter Flat Lashes instead of regular Classic Lashes.

A trained Lash Artist will also identify contraindications that mean a client should not receive lash extensions either temporarily or permanently. Read more about when not to offer eyelash extensions.

A Lash Technician’s knowledge is also reflected in how they conduct a consultation. They will ask about allergies, contraindications and desired styles before assessing the client’s eyes and discussing suitable lashes for their eye shape. These are all important factors that go beyond simply knowing how to attach extensions.

DIY Eyelash Extensions

There are many online searches about how to apply DIY lash extensions at home. The short answer is that this is a definite no. Someone attempting to perform their own treatment cannot see closely enough to attach individual extensions safely to their natural lashes.

Think about how often people struggle to line up a full strip lash correctly. Individual lash application requires even more precision and focus. Furthermore, the person would need to keep one eye closed while attempting to apply an extension to that eye. It is a recipe for disaster.

The Dangers of DIY Lashes

Someone attempting DIY lashes at home may not fully understand the dangers of using professional lash adhesive without training. During a lash extension treatment, clients must keep their eyes closed to reduce the risk of adhesive fumes irritating their eyes.

A professional lash salon should also have suitable ventilation to help direct adhesive fumes away from the client and Lash Technician. If someone attempts to attach extensions to their own lashes, there is no realistic way for them to keep their eyes safely closed throughout the application.

They would need to repeatedly open their eyes to pick up an extension, dip it into the adhesive, line it up with the natural lash and examine the result. This can lead to repeated exposure to adhesive fumes and significant irritation.

Professional eyelash extension adhesive is formulated to create a much stronger and longer-lasting bond than regular strip-lash glue. If someone irritates their eyes or experiences an allergic reaction, the consequences can be serious.

Lash adhesive should also never come into contact with the client’s skin. A qualified Lash Technician understands this and will carefully attach each extension approximately 0.3–0.5mm away from the eyelid.

Another danger is the presence of stickies, where two or more natural lashes or extensions become stuck together. This can happen because of poor isolation, excessive adhesive or the close proximity of neighbouring lashes.

Even experienced Lash Technicians can encounter stickies during a treatment. The difference is that a professional will carefully check the finished set and separate any lashes that have become attached to one another.

Individual natural lashes should never remain stuck together because each lash follows its own growth cycle. If one lash grows faster than another while they are attached, it can pull on the slower-growing lash. This may cause discomfort, premature shedding and potential damage to the hair follicle.

Skilled Lash Technicians will normally spend time at the end of the treatment checking the lash set, separating any stickies and brushing through the extensions.

There are many dangers associated with DIY lash application, from incorrect eyepatch placement to using pointed Lash Tweezers close to the eyes.

The precise processes of isolating natural lashes and attaching individual extensions cannot be performed safely by the person receiving the extensions. It is far too difficult and carries too many potential risks.

Professional Lash Extension Application and Removal

A skilled and qualified Lash Artist understands every aspect of lash extension application. They are trained in correct placement, adhesive performance, natural lash health and the safe use of professional tools.

A Lash Technician is also trained to remove eyelash extensions safely. The professional formulas used in Cream Remover and Gel Remover are not suitable for clients to apply to themselves at home.

Read more about the risks of removing lash extensions at home. A qualified Lash Technician knows how much product to use and how to perform the removal without allowing it to come into contact with the client’s skin or eyes.

No one wants to experience problems involving an area as delicate as the eyes. Incorrect application or removal can affect natural lash health and may also put the client’s eyesight at risk. Always trust the knowledge and skills of a reputable Lash Technician for professional results and the continued health of your natural lashes.

Top Tip for Beginner Lash Technicians

• If you are a beginner Lash Technician looking to expand your experience, never practise on yourself. Use a professional Mannequin Training Head alongside the essential products and tools you’ll need, including Lash Extension Samples, Lash Glue Samples and a pair of Curved Tweezers. Samples allow you to become familiar with professional products and determine which ones suit your technique.