Friday, June 24, 2011

Eyelash Extension Training Gold Coast

Just a reminder to all our bloggers that we do lash extension training on the Gold Coast.
We can come to you in your salon or you can come to our training facility located in Burleigh Waters.

Prices and details are on the website:
Hypnotic Lashes Training Info

Latest Lashes 5 week Infill...

So here is the update of the lashes I posted wayyy back 5 weeks ago!


As you can see they are all still in reasonably good condition and Id say she only lost 10 - 15%. This is a client who wears make up everyday and gets sweaty at the gym - goes to show you the great staying power (and my great techniques of lashing hehe ) that our glue has!


This is what your infills should look like.....



After Infill :)

Saving your Tweezers...

How many of you go through endless pairs of tweezers? 
Do you feel like you should have shares in a tweezer company? 
Well we have some nice tips and tricks that can help extend the life of those wonderful tweezers!



Firstly when storing your tweezers in glass jars remember that if you place the tweezers in the jar you are going to be hitting the fine points on the bottom of the glass and blunting the tip each time you drop them in! 



If you have your tweezers sitting in sterilization solution in your glass jar between clients then try putting a cotton pad or cotton balls in the bottom so that those fine points have a soft fully surface to land on!

The other problem tweezers seem to get is that they no longer meet at the tip. This can be due to any number of reasons but the best way to fix the problem is to get some fine grit sandpaper from your hardware store and fold it like in the picture. Then grab your tweezers and grip the tweezers onto the sandpaper and pull off. This will slowly file down the tweezers so that they have an even surface that will meet together again!




If you have any helpful hints tips or tricks please email us at info@hypnoticlashes.com so that we can share them with the lash world.... and we give credit to all our little lash fairies that write in!

Why should you offer Eyelash Extensions in your Salon???

There are so many good reasons to offer eyelash extensions in your salon that I though I would have to talk about it on todays post!

Most of us will be in the beauty industry to some degree, or maybe we want to get into the business of beautification, either way eyelash extensions are a great way to transform the eyes and the face of any client and dazzaling them with wonderful before and afters!

Lets face it, why are we in business in the first place? You guessed it.. money! While we may all love what we do, we are here to make money and earn a living and eyelash extensions are a great service on there own or as an added addition to your current services.

Eyelash extensions have slowly poured into the beauty industry and you may as well capitalise on this now, not tomorrow, but now. If you already have a client base them the possibilities are endless...
Let me break it down for you....
Say you have a current client database of 500 clients and you convert just 10% of them to have a full set of eyelash extensions applied.
50 full sets = between $90 - $140 income will be $4,500 - $7,000
Each of these clients will need approx. 17 infills (working on every 3 weeks) per year
50 x 17 = 850 infills
If you charge between $40 - $65 for an infill the profit for infills per year for your 50 clients will be
between $34,000 - $55,250

So potentially with lashing only 10% of your client base (and lets be honest its bound to be alot more than 10%) you can earn up to $62,250 on eyelash extensions alone!

We have also worked out if you start off with the bling kit each full set of lashes (approx 70 lashes per set) product will only cost you $1.29
50 x $1.29 = $65!!! for your full sets!

The earning possibilities are endless if you have a salon that has great stylists and does great work!
IF your not already doing lashes then now is the time to get in and start researching your training options - why miss out on extra profit??
If your having trouble finding a training provider check out our previous posts or contact us at info@hypnoticlashes.com or follow the training link below:

Hypnotic Lashes Training

What to look for in a trainer Post

Hypnotic LAshes Training Review

Review of Training - By Linda C

A student of mine asked if she could write a review of my training. She is a qualified beauty therapist and wanted to further her skill set. I was more than happy to have her write about her experience!

Hypnotic Lashes has national training opportunities for people who are interested in becoming Lash Stylists. I was lucky enough to take my training in Sydney, New South Wales.


Bright and early I entered the training room. Our instructor for the training was KaysiWho is a Master Lash Artist and is the founder of Hypnotic Lashes. She has been in this industry for over 10 years now. Kaysi has been traveling the country training lash stylists for Hypnotic Lashes for the last four years. "I put my heart and soul into my classes," says Kaysi. "I'm here to encourage my students to follow their dreams; and to build our industry ".

Kaysi started out her working career on a very different path in law, until she wanted to do something more creative. She enrolled in makeup, then nails and then found her passion in eyelash extensions. First training in America and then on her return to Australia completing as much training with different companies as possible to make her the best in her industry. "I loved eyelash extensions right away," Kaysi says. "Here was something natural [eyelashes] that I thought couldn't be improved upon. And BAM—here I was witnessing incredible changes taking place. The transformation wasn't limited to the physical lashes, it went deeper and seemed to increase self-confidence. That's what really got me."
I asked her to tell me what it was about styling lashes that appealed to her. "Making people feel good about themselves is so rewarding," says Kaysi. "Through lashes and makeup, I'm transforming a client's appearance. But, the change is more than skin deep. It's about the chance for a client to see themselves in a new light, to boost their confidence and that's just the most gratifying thing I could ever ask for."
At the beginning of the training I asked who normally comes to get training. I was surprised to hear the stories of what brought people to Hypnotic Lashes. Most of the students are makeup artists with clients who had been requesting eye lash extensions. Some students come  after having taken classes with another company and feeling like they had not received the knowledge or confidence that they had expected and had heard of the Hypnotic Lashes training.
In an industry full of competition Hypnotic Lashes is recognized as one of the leaders in the eyelash extensions. This is due to several factors such as their commitment to the health and safety of their consumers, the quality products they produce, the specialized training and support they offer their stylists.
When I first received my training, I was overwhelmed. I never thought this would be so hard. I struggled. My teacher, Kaysi, provided me with the motivation, knowledge and inspiration to invest the time and money into my business and my craft. I bought retail products to sell, exponentially increasing my profit potential. I began to target my circle of friends and family as models to get the skills I needed to become a Certified Lash Stylist. The structure of their Certification test makes it almost impossible to become certified without going through the ins and outs of hours and hours of practice, practice and more practice. Knowing that each lash has to be perfect on my certification test, I began to practice on each of my clients and models with impeccable technique. I thought I would be ready in 2 months to take the test, but it took significantly longer than I first conceived.

As a business person, they have equipped me with a business plan, marketing materials, networking and support. They have answered every question I have had. They have provided me with retail products I am proud to sell. They have also equipped me with the confidence to charge for a luxury service, because my skills and knowledge are nothing less than that.”
Back to class, the two days of class seemed to whirl by. Kaysi was professional, knowledgeable and very giving with her expertise. We spent time in learning how to pre-qualify our clients to see if they were good candidates to receive eyelash extensions. This included making sure that physically they didn’t have allergies, or diseases that would interfere with the process. Then there was a lot of time in learning health and safety measures one needs to take when working so close to the eyes. Other things that were covered in the class were ways to market your business, and ways to style the eyes with the lash extensions. This is where the artistry comes in you can actually create the illusion of changing the shape of a persons eye, by which kinds of lashes you use and where the lashes are placed. They also have colored lashes available and with these you can enhance the natural color of a person’s eye by applying colored lashes in the mix. The last thing I wanted to mention which they covered in class was about the difference between a good lash extension and extensions that are not so good. If poor products or incorrect application techniques are used, the results can be disastrous and can actually damage the clients’ natural lashes.

The real fun started when it finally came time to learn to apply the actual lashes. Kaysi showed me everything hands-on first. Then my model came in and I practiced on her. Kaysi checked my work and gave me tips on my technique. I was surprised at how difficult I found it. When you see it done it looks relatively straightforward and simple. I found the simple part not to be the case at all. I felt like my fingers were buttered it was hard to just hold and use the tweezers with the proper hand technique. Then there was the task of actually touching the extension lash to the real lash. Wow. I was also surprised at how slow my work was. On the first attempt after about two hours, I think I got around ten lashes on both eyes. After just one day, the mystery of why someone could call themselves a lash artist and how they can charge the prices they do for expert extensions was answered. It isn’t easy and it requires hours and hours of practice on multiple clients to perfect your technique. I think it also requires the personality of someone who is extremely detail oriented and patient. It’s the ideal thing for perfectionists who require “instant gratification”; the kind of instant that only comes from hard work and time.

Since training class I’ve been practicing on my mannequin head and my friends. I’m getting quicker at applying lashes and am feeling better about my work. Im thinking of stating a facebook page or something like that to show my work.
So there you have it. The training was excellent. I left the first day wondering what I’d gotten myself into and questioning if I’d ever get it. The second day I felt 100% more secure and confident. Ah, the difference a little hard work and dedication can make. The instruction given, knowledge I gained and the techniques I picked up were first class. The support system Hypnotic Lashes has set up for their stylist’s is amazing. They are obviously interested in doing everything they can to provide the highest quality of products and instruction to ensure the success of their Lash Stylists and also their company.
If you have been thinking about training then definitely give them a look in - you wont be disappointed.

It was so nice to hear such great feedback. We really need to start asking for our students comments and opinions more, its the only way to make improvements! Hehe although maybe a little shorter would be good!! Thank you Linda you were wonderful to meet and I wish you every success and look forward to the future with you.
Linda can be found on out stylist links page at www.hypnoticlashes.com

Monday, June 20, 2011

Staying Clean!!

Staying clean - your tools that is - is a very important issue.

It should always be a stylists top priority to keep all their tools clean and pathogen free.
The easiest way to do this is:
Firstly check within your local council to see exactly what they require you to do.
Always use a fresh set of tweezers on each client.
When cleaning your tools - wash first in warm soapy water then soak in a hospital grade disinfectant for at least 10 mins or as per the bottles instructions.

I always make a point of storing tools in a closed container until they are ready to be used.
Once I take them out to use on a client, I wipe over with an alcohol wipe just to make sure they are fresh.

If you are really serious about cleanliness then a new drop of glue for each new client is also recommended.

Happy Lashing!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Latest Lashes...

Just a little before and after....

Before

After

After Front View



After Side View



Full set application using C & B Curls 0.15 thickness in lengths 8, 12, 14mm

Lash FX TIps....

C Curls....


We all love the look a C curl provides but where do you place them for the best bond?


Try placing your C curls on the side of the natural lash. Its easier to get a good bond right from the base and stops the end forking or kicking up.

Blepharitis the enemy of eyelash extensions!!

More and more our stylists are telling us that they are seeing new clients with Blepharitis, so we thought we best get you some information about it and what you can do to prevent it!


What is Blepharitis?
Well it is basically an infected eyelash follicle that has become blocked. The sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria on the eyelid block up the natural lash follicle. Over time the mouth of the follicle (at skin level) becomes inflamed and red. The natural lashes become thinner and sparse causing big gaps between the natural lashes.

What does it look like?
The easiest way to recognise Blepharitis is that the the eyelash follicles become itchy (between the extensions/natural lashes). 
Also there are tiny small white flakes between the lashes that look a bit like dandruff. Pull the eyelid and stretch the skin out to the side (like your drawing eyeliner on it) and have a good look at the follicles. The skin around the lashes will look raised, bumpy and white.


Below is a picture that gives you an idea of what Blepharitis actually looks like:


What is the difference between Bleph and an Allergy?
Allergies present themself within 48 hours after the application of eyelash extensions. The client will either be allergic to the Acrylic or the Formaldehyde that ALL eyelash extension glues contain. Bleph can be an existing condition or a new one, that gets worse with eyelash extensions - especially if the personal hygiene is not maintained. 

How do I prevent it?
MANY clients go out and get a full set of lashes and pay a lot of money for them. They figure "If I don't touch them, wet them, or wash them, they will last longer"....Wrong!!!...Its quite the opposite. Your clients should be washing their eyes with a soapy based cleanser at least 2-3 times a week. Baby Shampoo (no more tears) is a cheap alternative or else you could suggest my favorite - Neutrogena Fresh Foaming cleanser. I tell ALL my clients to wash their eyes in the shower with their fingertips to prevent getting Blepharitis at least TWICE a week. Its primarily a HYGIENE requirement, not just a way to remove makeup.

Do eyelash extensions cause Bleph?
Only if they don't wash their eyes or the condition was pre existing Before they had their first full-set.
Many people have Bleph for years and don't even know they have it. Putting Eyelash extensions on a client with an existing Blepharitis infection, will only enhance the condition and make it worse.


In order for clients to rid themselves of Blepharitis they will need to go see their GP and get a topical ointment, wash with warm soapy water and throw out all their contaminated make up products.


Blepharitis can be passed on from client to client so the best thing for you as a stylist to do is, inform your clients of these things and educate them on how to look after their lashes and this includes washing them weekly. You should also adhere to proper hygiene in your salon and always sanitize your tweezers and equipment after each client. In Australia we are not so strict with our laws but its a good habit to get into using disposable tools as much as possible to avoid cross contamination. using a new drop of glue for every client and a fresh clean set of tweezers for each client is also a great practice to get into. 


Your reputation is hard to build and easy to have torn down - dont let something so preventable give you a bad rep!

Lash FX Tips....

Here are some more great styling techniques:


Geisha Fan:  
7,8,9,10,11,12,12,11,10,9,9

Angel Wing: 
7,8,9,9,10,10,10,11,12,12,10

Fire Frame: 
7,8,9,9,10,10,10,9,9,9,8


Natural:
7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10,10,9,8


Remember its the intensity of lashes that determine the look - the more lashes the more dramatic the look - the less lashes the more natural the look! 


Experiment with different sizes and thickness and get creative!



Removing Lashes..

Every once in a while you will need to remove a full set of lashes or maybe just a few. Removal is a very delicate process and at no time do you want to damage the clients lashes.


Clients may wish to have lashes removed for a variety of reasons such as:

  • They can no longer afford lashes
  • They have been poorly applied by another lash stylist
  • Client has a reaction to the lashes
  • The client may not like the feel of the lashes
  • The client may like to have lashes fully removed and then have another fullset applied 

What ever the case may be, dont be upset when a client comes to you to have their lashes removed. The alternative is usually them pulling the lashes out themselves and this is a definite NO NO!!


Whenever I am removing eyelashes, I always elevate the client up. I also apply pads under the eyes so the solution does not get on the clients skin. I really like to use a microbrush as my tool of choice, other tools that may work well are an eyelash comb, disposable mascara brushes. Just do not use anything with cotton. The best advice I can give you, is to let the product work for you. I believe it takes about 5 minutes with the product on the lashes for them to easily slide off. 


When you are sliding them off, do not be forceful, if they do not come off right away after 5 minutes, apply more solution to that area. Be patient!! After the lashes have all come off, I remove the pads, clean and prep the eyes with protein remover, dry the eyes, reprep and now I am ready to lash.


Be super cautious of using the remover near the eye area. As a general rule you should always use a gel remover as a liquid can easily drip into the wet line and sting the eyes.


If I have time I will clean the clients eyes as above, remove pads and have the client go and wash eyes, this is to ensure any glue residue is completely gone. You will need to make sure the lashes are completely dry before you start your lash application. 


Try our glue be gone Gel here:
Hypnotic Lashes Glue Be Gone Gel Remover

Lash FX Tips....

So we thought we would start a post that gave you hints and tips on getting great effects or FX on your lash sets..... 
Check out the tag Lash FX Tips to see all the ones that we have come up with to help you try new styles and get some different looks happening in your lash business!


Lash FX Tip:
Try a whole set in C and D curl using 0.15 thickness. Once you have gotten all the top layer of lashes done, grab your tape and tape the lash line up and go in underneath with shorter lashes in 0.10 thickness.
Guaranteed to give you that fluffy doll eyed look!


Try using B and C curl for a less dramatic curl look!

Sensitive Clients With Sensitive Eyes..

We all have clients who are sensitive to glue. The level of sensitivity varies from person to person and you have to be aware and take precautions to avoid irritations. 
A few things that will help are....

  • The adhesive (in my experience - no matter which one you use) will cause irritation to the eye if the eye is allowed to open or if it is not sealed correctly. The eye must stay sealed properly throughout the procedure and for at least 2 minutes (with the use of a fan of some sort as a final step - or 5-7 minutes without).
  • If the eye is closed (and stays closed) properly, how can the eye itself get irritated? It cant, plain and simple. Always ensure that you have a really good seal on the eye. This will prevent the fumes, if any, from getting in and affecting the membrane (whites of the eye). 


There is something wrong with the seal of the eye if a client is having any negative sensations or problems. This happens to all of us .. we're going to get clients who's eyes water! If we're using eyepads properly, and not interfering with the eye closing properly by having eyepads getting in the way or taping an eye - especially upper eyelids! - so it is not closing naturally, then we're not to blame ... it can be the client who's eyes "flutter" thereby cracking open!.. or the chick who falls asleep on the table and her eyes pop open a bit... or the type of client who's eyes open slightly when they talk.



At no point in time should you allow your clients to open their eyes for any reason at all! This is when they are most likely to suffer a chemical burn and have what we all keep referring to as sensitive eyes! 


Glues that are sold as sensitive are not referring to the sensitivity on the yes themselves but that of the skin. In saying this at not point in time should you be getting any product what so ever on the skin. The obvious exception to this is tape. 

If you feel that you, as the stylist, are becoming sensitive to the glue you use then you should be wearing a mask and also specs, to at the very least protect yourself from day to day exposure.



For your clients, the best thing you can do as their stylist is ensure a really great seal of the eyes. Dont allow them to open during the procedure and always give a good amount of time at the end to dry.



Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Glue Clogging Up???

Sometimes we have customers that admit they are a little messy with their glues... They say that they are getting clogged bottles and lots of mess around the tip.


The best  way to avoid this problem, is to turn the entire bottle upside down when you squeeze out the glue. This prevents the glue running down the neck of the bottle and causing it to dry up at the opening. The lid must be placed back on immediately.


Another good tip is to use a new drop of glue for each client - remember you should always have the clients best interests at heart - and that means clean and disposable where ever possible!