6 Common Mistakes New Lash Artists Make (And How to Fix Them)

A wise woman once said, “Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has those days.” 

Jokes aside – there’s some major truth behind those Miley lyrics! Mistakes are a part of the learning process. It’s how you learn and grow as an artist. That being said, staying mindful of these common mistakes new lash artists make can help speed along the learning process and save you from some headaches! 

Every lash artist is guilty of at least a few of these, but fortunately, Lash Reality is here to help you fix them! 

1) Taping incorrectly

Taping can be difficult for new lash artists, especially if they aren’t comfortable working with clients yet. When you tape the lashes, you need to find the sweet spot between not taping too close that it’s irritating and not too far that it doesn’t hold the lashes down. It needs to be perfectly under the waterline. 

Practice makes perfect, so try just this step with a partner if you’re struggling to get it right. You’ll want to have them look straight up and hold still. Keep the tape at least a 2-3 mm distance between the pad and the client’s lashes. Be sure you’re also using the right tape! You’ll want something flexible enough to maneuver easily but not too sticky – like our paper tape. If your clients are extra sensitive, we also offer micropore tape and blue-sensitive tape that are ultra-thin and gentle.

2) Using too much or too little glue

Most of lashing is like goldilocks. It can’t be too much nor too little – it has to be just right. This same philosophy applies to adhesive. Using too much or too little can be detrimental to the end result. Big globs of glue risk weighing the lashes down and damaging them. With too much, there’s also the chance of gluing the lashes together. Ouch! On the other hand, too little glue and the extensions won’t properly bond and may prematurely shed. Poor lash retention often starts with adhesive problems!  

To get the right amount, dip the lash or volume fan about 1 to 2 mm into the glue. There should be a small bead at the end. If you have excess, wipe it onto a piece of tape. Remember, the very base should be attached; it doesn’t have to be the entire extension.  

3) Not explaining aftercare 

Aftercare is a must for lash longevity. If you have a new client, expect they know nothing about lashes. This will ensure you miss nothing when explaining the importance of taking care of their new extensions. The better the aftercare, the longer the lash extensions will last – and who doesn’t want that? If you need a refresher on what to teach clients, check out our Ultimate Guide for Making Lash Extensions Last Longer. 

4) Expecting perfection

Let’s be real; everyone has compared themselves to someone else. But as clichė as it sounds, comparison is the thief of joy! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you do not see the results you want. Every great lash artist started as a newbie too. The truth is, lashing is a craft that takes an incredible amount of time and patience to perfect. Practice as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to learn new techniques. And when you’re having a hard day, just remember that every set you do improves your skills. Have patience. You will get there soon! 

5) Overlooking client building

Alright, this next tip may be a hard truth. Being a lash technician requires more than just artistry. To be a successful artist, you also have to learn business management, marketing, and most importantly, customer service. Our clients are our #1 priority! Building strong relationships can be one of the most important lifelines for your business. 

During an appointment, make it 100% about your client. They should feel special and important. After all, word of mouth is your best advertisement, so you want to make sure your clients love you and their lashes! 

6) Not investing in your tools and space

Lashes can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete. With that much of a time commitment, you’ll want your clients (and yourself!) to be as comfortable as possible. Good lighting, a comfortable bed, and a pleasant environment can make a world of difference. Keep your space clean and inviting.