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.

* * *