LIFT your profits

‘It’s important to do a thorough consultation and a patch test before the treatment is done, in order to ensure it is suitable for the client’s specific lash type and condition’

What is a lash lift and how popular is it?

“A lash lift is a beauty treatment that involves curling and lifting the eyelashes to create the appearance of longer and more defined lashes,” explains Thereasa Arcari, owner of The Lash Boutique in Blackrock, Co Dublin. “It is a semipermanent process that typically lasts around six to eight weeks. It’s a popular alternative to eyelash extensions for those who want a natural looking enhancement to their lashes. It can offer many advantages, such as a more lifted and open eye appearance, and the illusion of longer lashes.”

“This treatment is essentially a perm for natural lashes, which gives them a gorgeous lift that requires very little maintenance,” says Leah Cheung, a lash and permanent make-up artist, who runs her own salon in Wexford. “It's very much in demand, and is becoming even more popular, with new brands and products entering the market. Clients love the results as they get to wake up with gorgeous lifted lashes, meaning less time with the curlers in the morning. They can also continue to wear mascara if they want, something they can't do with lash extensions.”

What type of client does it suit?

“It's suitable for most clients, from those with short to long lashes, because the lift can be adjusted to suit each individual, depending on their natural lash length,” says Cheung. “If someone has very sparse natural lashes, then it is recommended that they use a lash serum to help with the stimulation of growth, so that their lash lift can have the best outcome.”

“A lash lift can generally suit anyone looking to enhance their natural lashes, but it is particularly popular for clients with straight or downward-pointing lashes, who want a more lifted and curled look,”says Arcari. “Clients with very short or sparse lashes might not see a dramatic result, compared to those with longer lashes – but the treatment can still provide a noticeable improvement in their appearance. Our lash lift clients include everyone from busy mothers to professionals.

“However, it's important to do a thorough consultation and a patch test before the treatment is done, in order to ensure it is suitable for the client's specific lash type and condition. This testing is mandatory to check for potential allergic reactions to the products used. It involves applying a small amount of solution either behind the ear or on the inside of your wrist at least 24 hours prior to treatment.”

Are there any issues to be aware of when doing this treatment?

“The main thing to be aware of is the potential for the lashes to become overprocessed, where they may start to singe or curl in different directions,” warns Cheung. “This is easy to tackle once you have done the right courses and have followed the correct instructions from the brand you are using. Always check you are following the guidelines, and if you're not sure how long the product should be left on for, then get in touch with the trainer you completed your course with.”

“Make sure you use high-quality products,” says Arcari. “Inferior products can increase the risk of adverse reactions or poor results. Discuss expectations with your client as well – ask them how curled they would like their lashes to be and use the appropriate shield size.

“Post-treatment care is also very important, so be sure to give the client the correct instructions. For example, they should avoid getting their lashes wet for the first 24 hours after the treatment, and avoid oil-based products in order to prolong their lash lift.

“It is recommended they wait around six to eight weeks between treatments, always prioritising the health of the lashes. If a client's lashes are weak or already damaged, it might be best to avoid lash lifts until they have had a chance to strengthen them using a good lash serum during this time.”

How does it benefit your salon's bottom line?

“A lash lift is considered cost-effective compared to other lash enhancement treatments,” says Arcari. “Typically, it can be done in less than 45 minutes. The solutions come in sachets and you can get approximately two to three applications from each one. When purchasing from a supplier, the cost can vary, but it’s worth spending more on the best product in order to give your client the best result.”

“I find it very cost-effective in my own business,” says Cheung. “Each lash lift takes me about 40-45 minutes, including the tinting at the end, but that treatment time does depend on the product you are using. Some products take more or less time than others, and some will let you know on the label how many clients you can do with a certain amount.”

“The lash lift is also great for client loyalty because of the great results and all-round convenience that it offers,” adds Arcari. “Positive experiences can encourage them to return for future appointments, particularly if you're providing them with consistent quality and service.”

“Clients love the results,” agrees Cheung. “I have lots of returning clients because the treatment makes their life so much easier. I usually suggest to them to come back about 10 weeks after their last lift, when all of the lashes have shed naturally. This means that when they are getting the next lash lift, then there won't be any old lifted lashes remaining, so there's no danger of these lashes becoming overprocessed.”

Does it help with the retail arm of your business?

“There are lots of retail opportunities with lash lift treatments,” says Arcari. “You can offer clients a variety of aftercare products and related accessories, or a good lash serum.”

“Having quality lash serums to sell to lash lift clients has worked really well for me,” says Cheung. “You can do your own research to find what products you would like to stock, which you can then recommend.”

“You can offer a lash lift with other treatments as well, which will enhance the overall results,” advises Arcari. “A lash lift and brow lamination combination has become increasingly popular because it requires very little maintenance between appointments.”

“Another option is a brow thread and tint with a lash lift,” adds Cheung. “I offer that package in my salon and it sells well, but of course you can create any sort of combination.”