"You Deserve a Massage". Really?

What does it mean to "deserve" something? It means you've done something to justify, or be worthy of, a reward. Because of your actions, qualities, or situation, you are qualified for, or merit, this thing. In this situation, that thing is a massage. Why? Why do you need to do "deserve" something as necessary as a massage?

Massage, and touch in general, is a basic human necessity. For example, studies have shown that babies who lack human touch fail to thrive. So why as adults do we feel we need to be deserving of something so basic? In my opinion, that's wrong. We shouldn't feel like we need to "reward" ourselves in this way, as if we don't deserve it unless we've done something to make ourselves worthy. It really should be a regular part of our routine, something we think of the same way we think of exercise or basic self care. I know I have said a million times over the years that you deserve a massage or you should reward yourself. But really, it needs to be more than that. Try making massage a regular part of your routine instead of just a reward. See how your body and psyche responds. Notice how your emotional state changes, as well as your outlook. Massage affects every part of us, not just physically. Something to think about.

A Couple Pricing Changes (Lash Extensions)...

First off, I want to say how much I LOVE my clients. You guys make my world turn. I love hearing your stories, your highs and lows, sharing your successes and failures. The friendships I've formed over the past year are priceless.

I've learned a lot in the past year about what people like, what they want, and what they need. I've also learned about what I need as a business owner, and how to ensure everyone's needs are met. It's a difficult balance sometimes, especially if you're a people pleaser like I am! For the past year, I've toyed with pricing a couple times (not often, to avoid confusion) and learned what pricing works best. For example, when I first opened my doors a year ago, I offered discounts to clients driving all the way from Beaverton to my old location over in Clackamas. There were two reasons for this, one, I was new and still honing my craft. Two, I wanted to give an incentive to those making the drive, since I appreciate so much the ones that make such an effort!

In the past year, I haven't raised my rates on the 3 and 4 week fills. I've kept both the same, at $50. While this price is far, far below what is common in the local lash industry, it's not beneficial to the client or my business. For example, at 4 weeks, most lashes have fallen off due to natural shedding and retention loss. For clients waiting til 4+ weeks to get a fill, it's actually more like a full set. They're having to take much more time out of their day to fill in all the empty lashes, and the price hasn't covered the extra time and product. So in order to encourage everyone to get more regular fills, I determined that a price change was in order. The new rates will be as follows:

3 weeks: $55 (currently $50)

4 weeks: $90 (currently $50)

The rate for a 2 week fill is staying the same, at $35! This is good news, as regular fills will take much less time out of your day, since less lashes will need to be replaced. Also, it will keep those lashes looking as full and long as possible! It's a better option all around.
 

I sincerely hope to see you all more often, as I enjoy our time together! Questions? Comments? Please call or text me, 503.679.5327.

"Hey I'm Losing Lashes!": Why You Need Lash Fills

Have you recently gotten lash extensions and immediately noticed a few in the sink? Not to worry! This is a natural and normal occurrence. Stay tuned to find out why you're seeing those lashes!

We all have a hair growth and shed cycle. It varies from person to person. Some of us go through a quick few week cycle, some of us are closer to a few months. What is a growth cycle? And what does it mean for lash extensions?

All the hairs on our body - from the coarse hairs on our heads to the super fine "vellus" hairs on our foreheads - grow and shed. When we shed hair, a new one is produced behind it. There are three phases to this growth cycle (in all hair, but I will specifically be discussing eyelashes), called the Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen phases. During the Anagen phase, the hair is growing out, and can last 30-45 days. The Catagen phase is where the lash rests and stops growing - this phase can last 2-3 weeks. Finally, the last phase, Telogen, is when the lash eventually falls out. Every single eyelash (that's up to 150 on the upper eyelid) has its own cycle. This is why, any given day, we lose a few lashes.

Most of the time we don't notice this shedding of eyelashes. Especially when there isn't an extension attached. But once an extension is attached to that shedding lash, we see it! We've become more aware of our lashes, and it can be concerning when we suddenly start noticing the shedding. Does that mean the extensions are pulling them out? Not at all, if you're going to an experienced stylist who isn't using too heavy of an extension. Occasionally, you'll notice an extension without a natural lash attached to it. This means the adhesive didn't hold, and there can be many reasons for that. Some of the most common reasons for the adhesive to break down: The eyelids are oily, which damages the bond; there has been excessive rubbing of the eye; the adhesive used was nearing the end of its shelf life; oil-based makeup, creams, or mascara was used; they got wet too quickly after being applied (you must wait 24 hours); or the extension used was too heavy and didn't form a good bond.

This cycle is why you need to get infills every 2-3 weeks. Some people can make their lashes last 4 weeks, but it's rare! Usually the drier your skin is naturally and the less you mess with your lashes (i.e. no makeup, no touching/pulling/picking, etc) the longer they last. They really are easy once you have them on, just treat them with value.

I offer free consultations. If you're wondering about lash extensions and if they're right for you, please schedule an appointment on my Hours & Scheduling page!

Lash Extensions: Quality Over Quantity

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.

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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.