Eye Q

It is so important to not only research the lash artist doing the job, but also the company they represent, so that you know that you are not only getting a high quality lash artist, but one that uses high quality products and sanitary practices as well.  Most importantly, ask to see photos of their work.  Not just the "company" or salon photos, but actual work that he or she has completed.  Ask for references and recommendations, ask questions and look for answers.

Don't go to anybody just because they "do lashes."  Reality is that anyone in the beauty industry can apply lashes (that doesn't mean they should be), all they have to do is order them from an industry catalog - no training required and that's bad.  Not only that, they are buying extremely inexpensive products and charging the consumer the same amount as a trained lash stylist.

Unfortunately, lashes are not regulated.  After having seen some of the work that other "lash stylists" have done and the damage to the client's lashes, I wrote a lengthy letter to the State of WA business cosmetology licensing department and the only response I got was, "nail salons are not allowed to apply lashes" and "write to your legislature."


Training classes with Xtreme are expensive and only someone who takes their profession very seriously would even consider paying to ensure they get the best training available.  Xtreme Lash Stylists' training begins with a 2-week training at home just prior to your training class - practice on mannequin, online tutorial and online test.

Level 1 - this is the first training class.  2 day class, 11 hours each day.  Graded each day.  Pass or fail.  If you fail you have to retake the class.


Certification - 2 day class, 8-10 hours each day.  Graded each day.  Tested on number of lashes perfectly applied in a 2 hour period.  If you don't pass, you have to retake the class.

Directory Certification - 2 day class, 8-10 hours each day (you can pass your directory certification at your certification class, which I did).  Tested on number of lashes and quality of work.  Photos of your work at sent to corporate offices to determine if your work is good enough to be on their Xtreme Lashes Referral Directory website.  You are notified after they have blown up your work on a big screen and analyzed it whether you made their directory or not.

Advanced Certification - 2 day training in advanced procedures.  I can't wait to take this class!

I had one woman call me and tell me that she wanted to get eyelash extensions for her teenage daughter.  She asked me how much I charge which is $200 (as a Directory Certified Lash Stylist with Xtreme, I am actually required to charge more) and then said, she only wanted to spend $30-$50 on a full set.  Why would you take a chance, especially on your child's eyes?  Horrified that she would take a chance with her daughter's eyes, I pleaded with her to at least find a stylist that was certified with a reputable company.  But, as we said our goodbyes, I knew that wasn't going to happen, she was on a mission, determined to get a bargain on them.

Which brings me to the next point.  Discount website coupons . . . Yes, Groupon, Amazon and Living Social all SEEM like great deals, so why not?  I can't say it enough, why would you take a chance with your eyes and eyelashes?!  There is a reason they are advertising with discount coupons:  they don't have enough business and usually if they don't have enough business, it's because they aren't that good.  I'm not saying that is set in stone, it isn't, you've probably got at least a 1 in 10 chance of getting someone good.

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Eye Caramba!

The other day I was doing a lash fill on one of my clients/guests.  She said that her brother had noticed her lashes and how great she looked.  She told him she was getting eyelash extensions.  He proceeded to ask her questions like, "don't they hurt?" and "do they stay on?" because he had heard that they do and they don't.  Her brother, who works at a hospital, was conversing with some of the nurses about eyelash extensions.  The nurses said that they had gone to an "eyelash party" together at someone's house and had their eyelash extensions applied.  (raised eyebrow)  They proceeded to say what a horrible job was done, how their extensions fell off in a few days and that their eyes were itchy and their lashes were glued in clumps and that they were never going to get extensions again.

Okay, so just because you go to McDonalds and order a ceasar salad, doesn't mean you will walk out with the same one you would get from an upscale 5 Star restaurant like El Gaucho.  Not all ceasar salads are created equal (and neither are lash artists).  If you had a bad experience, don't give up on lashes if you love the idea of taking a half hour less to get ready in the morning, skipping the mascara and liner because when you look in the mirror you will see a set of  gorgeous eyes twinkling back at you!  But, be extra careful who you let apply extensions to your lashes again.

I came up with that analogy from another one of my guests who said her friend was going to a local "lash chain," which she called the "fast food of lashes."  She mentioned that her friend gets in and out in about 1/2 hour for her fill.  As an experienced lash artist, I can confidently say, that it is nearly impossible to do a complete lash fill in that period of time with any care or precision.  So, either they are walking out of their appointment with only 50% of their lashes done (not a bargain or a good trade off that I can see), or they have several lashes stuck together (which means, that they will lose their natural lashes, not just their extensions in a short period of time).

 A proper lash fill should take at least 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours - my fills average 1hr 15min.  I make sure you walk out of my treatment room feeling gorgeous with stunning and lush fabu-lashes, just like your very first appointment!  Any less time than that means they are rushing you in and out and getting the next one in, like a drive-thru.  It should be a more luxurious experience, like dinner at El Gaucho.  After all, it is a luxury service and you are paying a significant amount for your lashes, it should be a beauty experience not a rushed appointment.