What is Lash Rehab?

Image by Jessica Bowers-Kezler, @lashedbyjessbk

#lashrehab Let's Talk about it. The top picture IS NOT my work, that's how my client came to me. See how short her lashes are? That's from cluster lashes, they were way too heavy and definitely not isolated. Fast forward to the bottom picture. MY WORK (pre-fill)... She's been rocking a light set and came in for a fill after religiously using a lash serum. It takes time but she's bounced back and working towards her desired look! Make sure your lashes artist is properly trained in adjusting the weight of the lashes and can perfectly isolate for optimum lash extension results.

If you have damaged lashes, sometimes, the natural lashes can recover with lash extensions and other times they are beyond lash-able. Is that a word? Lash-able... it should be, because when natural lashes have had so much damage from too much weight, too much glue, lashes glued together, from improper application, you can't lash the natural lash any more, or at least you shouldn't! In order to have a fighting chance, at saving the natural lashes, you must go through lash rehab. By save, I mean, make the natural lashes' health better. Natural lashes are not guaranteed. When natural lashes are in danger, they will not continue to grow. Natural lashes will stop growing in, all together.  It is like evolution. You are telling your body you do not need lashes when they keep getting plucked out (I wish other body hair was like this). This plucking can happen with a bad lash job, and after appointment and appointments for damage.

Sometimes the natural lashes can recover with lash extensions and other times, they are beyond lash-able.

To determine if a client needs to go through a lash rehab, I figure out a lot of details about the natural lashes. In the past, I have made the mistake, assuming the natural lashes can handle a certain amount of weight because the client wants to somewhat maintain a certain look and/or because the natural lashes appear they can hold a certain thickness and weight. Don’t assume. I ask the client: 

• How long have your lash extensions been like this, look and feel? 
• How long have you been getting lash extensions done (from the previous lash artist)?​

​If the client's lashes have been in a damaged state for more than 3 months, then we go to lash rehab. But if the client has only had the lash extensions in this damaged state for a month then I am willing to apply extension (if the lashes are showing they can handle it). Lashes can only handle and support extensions when the extensions thickness is similar to the natural lash and length. BUT, if the natural lashes are smaller and thinner than the smallest extensions I have (or in stock), then it is time for lash rehab. ​

For lash rehab, a full removal of all lash extensions will need to take place. Next, have the client invest in a growth serum. Teach them the importance of being diligent about washing their lashes every night and using the growth serum. In 3 months, the lashes should be longer and strong enough to wear lash extensions again. However, not all clients are candidates for lash extensions. Don’t be hesitant to send a client to lash rehab or turn them do for the service. The lashes will enjoy it, though the lash addict will probably not. ​​