ALL ABOUT LASH ISOLATION
What is Lash Isolation?
Lash isolation is the main key to creating a flawless set. It refers to separating one natural lash from any other lash before placing the extension. Only one extension or fan should be placed on a natural lash. If it’s placed on multiple natural lashes, this will disrupt the natural lash growth cycle, damaging the hair follicles, and possibly leaving bald spots! Every hair follicle grows at different rates so clients may experience pain from lashes that are not isolated correctly.
Without proper isolation, lash artists can receive a bad reputation from customers. It’s one of the worst mistakes you can make. We should always treat our clients how we want to be treated! As new lash artists, this can be a tricky skill to master but as we get more and more practice, it’ll become second nature.
The Lash Growth Cycle
Our natural lashes go through a growth cycle in 3 phases; Anagen (growth), Catagen (transition), and Telogen (rest).
Anagen phase is when the lashes are actively growing and lasts from 4-7 weeks. Since they are too weak, you should never place an extension on them. They will not be able to hold the weight. We can also refer to these lashes as “baby lashes” as you’ll notice that they’re shorter and smaller.
Catagen phase is when the lashes stop growing as the follicle shrinks. It lasts from 2-3 weeks. Lashes in this phase are perfect for applying lash extensions. These lashes are more stronger, thicker, and flexible.
Telogen phase is when the lashes are resting. It’s the longest phase and lasts from 3-4 months. A new lash is growing underneath and soon it will push out the lash and take it’s place. This is where we see lash shedding.
We can shed up to 5 lashes a day which is why maintaining fills every 2-3 weeks is necessary. You can also place extensions on lashes in this phase, however they won’t be as flexible and are more coarse.
Tips For Proper Isolation
1. Invest in High-Quality Tweezers
Lash artists have two tweezers: one to place the extension and the other to isolate the natural lashes. Tweezers are in our hands for the majority of the appointment so it’s important to invest in some good quality tweezers. Choose some that are comfortable and don’t have too much tension as it can cause some discomfort in your fingers and hands.
Isolation tweezers are used in your non-dominant hand. You hold it with your thumb and pointer finger. We offer isolation tweezers in a straight or a curved version.
Our personal favorite is our curved e06 tweezer! It offers maximum precision to get all those stubborn baby lashes out of the way. The curve allows you to rest it comfortably on their eyelid with soft tension, minimizing any hand fatigue.
2. Use Both Tweezers Or Your Fingers
3. Use An Adhesive That Fits Your Speed
4. Work in Layers
5. Always Check for Stickies
Check for “stickies” or lashes that are stuck to each other throughout your appointment. Stickies happen when the glue is drying too slowly and be caused by low humidity in your room.
Leave some time at the end of your appointment to go through each and every lash to ensure that all lashes are properly isolated. Once you’ve placed the extension, hold it for at least 2 seconds while still isolating. This ensures that it’s dry and no other natural lashes or extensions will stick to it once you let go.