Feb 2022, Image

Lashing Blonde

February 1, 2022 | by Erin Soletski

Adjusting your service routine to lash lighter lashes

As lash artists, we encounter obstacles with nearly every client we meet, whether large or small. One of the most common challenges artists face is extending lashes lighter in color. This typically occurs among blondes, redheads, or those with graying hair. As long as the client’s natural lashes are strong and healthy enough for treatment, lash extensions can provide an excellent self-confidence boost for fair-haired clients. A few changes to your service routine can make lashing these clients a breeze, as well as improve their overall outcomes.

To start, consider your eyesight. One of the most critical, irreplaceable tools a lash artist has is their eyes – good vision makes for great lashing! Quality magnifiers assist with proper isolation on any shade of lashes, but they can be particularly helpful when working with inconspicuous, lighter hair that might otherwise be missed. Even better, magnifying glasses can increase application speed and precision when lashing all clients, as well as promote eye health. Drugstore readers may be enough for some, while others may prefer specialized headlamps or glasses with higher magnification levels. Experiment to find your perfect type.

“To help light lashes pop even more, tint them in brown, black, or blue-black before applying extensions.”

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Much like eyewear, lighting plays a vital role in effectively lashing lighter lashes. Lamps that imitate daylight and offer several brightness levels will be most beneficial; avoid fluorescent lights whenever possible. Opt for a lamp with flexible arms that can be easily moved into different positions to reduce shadows, decrease eye stress, and improve visual clarity and color perception, which is essential for working with lighter lashes.

Once you’ve adjusted your lashing setup, you will also want to consider adjustments to your service itself. Whether you prefer prepping the eye with gel pads or tape, most products available are white, which can make seeing lighter lashes even more difficult. Matte blue or black eye pads or tape can provide a darker base, making it easier to isolate and lash your light-lashed clients.

Swap your Sharpie for a white paint pen to draw your lash map. Out of darker eye pads? Create contrast by adding shading to the eye pads beneath the lashes using a dark marker. Note that these techniques work best for lashes very light in color that haven’t been tinted, as described next.

To help light lashes pop even more, tint them in brown, black, or blue-black before applying extensions. The darker shade will make the lashes significantly easier to see and isolate. Even better, the tint can help your lighter-lashed clients go longer between fill appointments. As a blonde, I’ve found myself itching for a fill earlier than most because my natural lashes were so light that it looked like I had lost more extensions than I really had.

A tint will reduce the color contrast between the extensions and natural lashes, helping the extensions to blend into the natural lash line. Tinting can be completed before both full sets and fill appointments, though take extreme care to completely remove all tints before applying extensions. Like any other oil, makeup, or residue, tint left behind on the lashes can cause retention to suffer. Finally, ensure you adjust your appointment timing and pricing to account for the tint and avoid running late.

If your client is unable to receive tint for any reason, consider bringing the color to the extensions themselves! Although black lashes deliver a more prominent before and after, they may not be for everyone. Experiment with light or dark brown lash extensions, even gold ones, to give length and volume that will blend in with natural lashes.

Create beautiful texture by combining one, both, or all of these colors or mixing them with black lashes. These shades will assist with a more natural transition compared to using black lashes alone.

Finally, consider moving to fuller extension styles for your lighter-lashed clients, particularly those who can’t receive tint. Hybrid and volume sets will look fuller for longer, again helping these clients extend their time between fill appointments. While the corners should never be ignored, it is essential that 100% of all inner and outer corner lashes are extended to maximize the look.

Whether you’re a lash novice or have quite a few years under your belt, lighter lashes can pose a challenge. However, the right setup and tools can make a world of difference in helping these clients feel and look their best!

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