I want to talk a little about quality vs. quantity in regards to lash extensions. It seems to be increasingly more common to have clients come to me, after they've gone to a nail salon for their lashes. Many nail salons are now offering extensions at deeply discounted rates - but at what cost to the client?
When I say "quality over quantity", this is what I'm referring to:
Quality: lash extensions offered by a trained, licensed, and certified stylist, who has a solid book of business to refer to in making your decision as to whether you will let her work near your eyes. Quantity: seeking the lowest price possible for your extensions; not reviewing past work, testimonials, or training; sacrificing quality in the process.
Nail salons are advertising lash extensions for anywhere from $40 - $90 for a "full set", locally around the Portland area. What can you get for that price? Take a look at the picture here. This is a recent client who started seeing someone at a nail salon because it was easy to schedule, cheaper than her usual stylist, and faster. What do you see when you enlarge the picture? We see lashes stuck together in clumps, too much glue, extensions that are too heavy being inappropriately used in "volume" style, and overall unhealthy application technique. This poor girl had multiple natural lashes being ripped out due to all the glue. It was painful, as you can imagine! In a case like this, they have to be removed. I can't (and won't) fill in work done like this*. Once they're removed, we can proceed with a fresh healthy set.
Back to my original question: What is the actual cost to the client when pursuing extensions from inexpensive (or cheap) nail salons? The main thing I would personally consider is the likelihood of permanently damaging/losing my own natural lashes. Our natural lashes each have their own shed cycle, just like the hairs on our head. When lashes are glued together, the fastest growing ones will pull out the slower growing ones next to it. Continually pulling out hair by the root will eventually cause permanent damage. .
The second thing I would factor is what you're paying for. I can't confirm that NONE of the local nail salon techs are licensed, certified, or even professionally trained - because I haven't vetted out every single one - but I can confirm the majority are not. When you go to a nail salon, you're not getting proper sanitation, safe technique, healthy lash weights that are appropriate for YOUR individual needs, or even quality products. Can you confirm the extensions they're using on you are sanitized? Are tools (tweezers, trays, etc) kept out of public reach? Or are they even disinfected using proper protocols between each client? If you're paying $15 for a fill and $50 for a full set, you are likely not getting any of these things.
If you're looking for speed, a cheap nail salon will hook you up. Ever wonder how they can work so fast? Because they're not isolating individual lashes. As you can see in the picture, clusters of lashes are glued across multiple natural lashes. That literally takes zero effort. They may not even attempt to isolate a lash; it's extremely difficult to do and is the thing that takes up the most time in lashing. Not isolating is what causes lash loss and permanent damage.
Proper technique that results in beautiful, full, "enhanced natural" lash extensions takes training and lots of practice. Good training costs money. Quality products cost money. Sanitation and cleanliness isn't free. Knowing what lash weights will be too much for you requires education. When you choose quality over quantity, you are actually saving in the long run. Saving money in not having to pay to have lashes re-done by a professional, or not having to see a doctor for possible eye infections.
Have you had a bad experience after going to a nail salon for your lashes? Please share in the comments (no need to drop names!). Let me know if you'd like to schedule a free consultation to discuss the health of your lashes.
*When clients come to me after having gone elsewhere for their lash extensions, I will offer a consultation. Depending on how the lashes look and how few are remaining, I may decide to fill in existing work. A full removal/new set may be required in most cases, however. This is the only way I can guarantee my work.