Every lash artist has been there. You finish a fill, it looks great, client loves it. Then they come back 3 weeks later and half of them are gone. So what actually happened between appointments?
A fill appointment is more than just placing new extensions. By the time your client is back in your chair, you're assessing the lashes, removing anything that has grown out, twisted, or lost its bond, and rebuilding the set from where it left off. What you find at a fill tells you a lot about how the last appointment went and how well your client has been maintaining their lash aftercare.
Step 1: Prepare your Workstation
A clean and organized workstation is essential for a successful lash refill. Follow these steps:
- Sanitize tools and surfaces: disinfect all the tools and surfaces to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Organize supplies: lay out all necessary tools and products, including tweezers, adhesive, lash extensions, and eye pads
- Lighting: ensure proper lighting (our LED lash light is amazing, wink wink) to avoid straining your eyes and to work with precision.
- Personal hygiene: wear comfortable, lint-free clothing and ensure your hair is pulled back to prevent any interference during the appointment.
Step 2: Consultation and Assessment
- Warm welcome: start with a warm and friendly greeting to make your client feel comfortable and valued.
- Client updates: inquire about any changes or concerns since their last appointment. Have they experienced any adverse reactions or discomfort?
- Lash and eye assessment: carefully assess the current state of their lash extensions. Look for gaps, loose extensions, or any potential issues. Look for any signs of irritation or infection of the eye prior to the beginning
- Style discussion: discuss your clients desired lash style. Do they want to maintain their current look, make adjustments, or try something new?
- Health considerations: take note of any allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions that may affect the refill process.
- Recommendations: based on the assessment, explain the recommended refill volume and style to the client. Set clear expectations.
Step 3: Assess Existing Extensions
Before proceeding, carefully examine the clients existing lash extensions to determine the extent of the refill needed:
- Identify gaps: identify areas with gaps or sparse lashes where extensions have shed.
- Checking bonding: assess the bonding of existing extensions. Loose or poorly bonded extensions will require special attention.
Step 4: Removing Loose Extensions
- Gentle removal: using precision tweezers, gently remove any loose or outgrown lashes by using the banana peel method. Once removed, you will have a perfectly clean canvas for the refill. Watch our video here to see how its done.
Note: Be extremely cautious not to damage or pull on the client's natural lashes during this process.
Step 5: Cleanse and Prime
Prepare the natural lashes for the refill by cleansing and priming:
- Gentle cleansing: cleanse the natural lashes with a lash extension-safe cleanser to remove any oils or debris that might affect adhesive bonding.
Note: Use warm water during this step as it will help open the pores of the natural lash and help with retention.
Step 6: Apply New Extensions
Now, it's time to apply new extensions and restore the fullness of your client's lash line:
- Select the right extensions: choose extensions that match the length, curl, and diameter of the existing lash extensions and are safe for the client's natural lashes.
- Adhesive application: dip the extension in adhesive, ensuring it's evenly coated without an excess blob of glue at the end.
- Precise application: carefully attach the extension to an isolated natural lash, maintaining a 1-2 mm distance from the lash line.
- Isolation: ensure proper isolation between natural lashes to prevent them from sticking together.
- Repeat the process: continue applying extensions, alternating between eyes, until you've achieved the desired volume and style.
Step 6: Check for Balance and Symmetry
Take a moment to evaluate and adjust for balance and symmetry:
- Use a handheld mirror: use a handheld mirror or an inspection mirror to assess the overall look, checking for gaps, unevenness, or inconsistencies.
- Make precise corrections: if necessary, make precise corrections by adding or removing extensions to create a harmonious lash line.
Step 8: Final Bonding and Drying
Secure the newly applied lash extensions and ensure they last:
- Fan the fumes away: use a fan or air blower to help remove the fumes away from the clients eyes.
- Mascara wand: gently brush through the lashes with a clean mascara wand to separate and organize them.
- Advisory: advise the client to keep their eyes closed for a few minutes to allow the adhesive fumes to fully dissipate.
Step 9: Nurturing Client Relationships
As a lash artist, your relationship with your clients goes beyond just the application of lash extensions. It's essential to maintain open communication and show that you care about their overall experience. Here's how to nurture client relationships during a lash refill:
- Educate and advise: take this opportunity to educate your client about proper lash care between appointments. Advise them on how to protect and maintain their extensions, including avoiding oil-based products and excessive rubbing. You can also share this aftercare 101 blog with them or lash aftercare cards.
- Offer product recommendations: recommend lash-safe products, such as lash cleansers, to help your clients care for their extensions at home. This not only adds value to your service but also ensures better retention. Read blog on 5 aftercare products every lash artist should sell.
Step 10: Addressing Common Concerns
During a lash refill, it's not uncommon for clients to express concerns or ask questions. Here are some common concerns and how to address them:
- Excessive shedding: some clients may worry about excessive shedding of their natural lashes. Reassure them that a certain amount of natural lash shedding is normal and part of the lash growth cycle. If the amount seems abnormal, then this is time to reflect back on your technique and look for errors that can be improved.
- Retention isssues: if a client is experiencing retention issues, discuss possible causes, such as oil-based products or excessive moisture, and offer solutions to address these issues.
Step 11: Post-Refill Care Instructions
After completing the lash refill, provide your client with clear post-refill care instructions. This ensures that they continue to care for their lash extensions properly between appointments:
- Gentle cleansing: instruct clients on how to gently cleanse their lashes with a lash extension-safe cleanser to remove any build up or residue.
- No Rubbing or pulling: emphasize the importance of not rubbing or pulling on their lashes and recommend using a clean mascara wand for daily maintenance.
- Follow-up appointments: remind clients of the recommended timeframe for their next lash refill, typically every 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 12: Continuous Education
The beauty industry, including lash artistry, is constantly evolving. As a lash artist, it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and products. Consider enrolling in advanced training courses and attending industry events to enhance your skills and knowledge.
A great fill is not just about placing new extensions. It is about your client leaving your chair feeling like herself again, maybe even better. When the retention is good, the isolation is clean, and the style still fits her, she notices. And she comes back.
That is what keeps a clientele.
