Every beauty artist knows that getting the perfect pair of eyelashes can make all the difference in your look. Eyelashes play an important role in framing your eyes and enhancing the expression of your whole face, so youβll want to cut them just right to bring out their best attributes.
How to Cut Lashes
In this article, weβll take you through the steps involved in cutting lashes so that youβll be able to get professional-looking results every time.
Tools needed
Youβll need only a lash tray, adhesive, tweezers, and cuticle scissors for trimming lashes. You can buy a professional lash tray with all of these items in one unit, or you can purchase them separately and assemble your kit.
An optional but helpful tool is an eyelash curl machine, which will help set curled lashes into place after you cut them. If you already have access to such a machine, it would be smart to use it for cutting eyelashes rather than an adhesive; it will give your new look extra oomph right off the bat!
Remember that there are two types of lash trays: ones with either smooth or coarse sides. The type you choose depends on what kind of effect you want to achieve. The smoother side creates longer, more dramatic-looking lashes, whereas the rougher side gives shorter lashes more texture and definition.
After choosing your tools, ensure theyβre clean before starting work on any clients. This means washing your hands thoroughly (and donβt forget to wash under your nails!) and cleaning each tool individually with alcohol wipes or soap and water.
1. Prepare the area
When cutting lashes, preparing your area before applying them is important. Prepare your clean workstation by ensuring a makeup wipe or alcohol wipe is handy to clean off any spillage. Additionally, you will want to have lash glue ready and at hand to apply false lashes easily and quickly.
Once you are prepared for application, wash your hands with soap and water or a cleanser so that no oils or residue from previous applications will be present on your fingers when you handle your new pair of lashes. Apply cleanser, if necessary, then dry thoroughly before applying for eyelash extensions.
2. Prepare the lash tray
Before cutting lashes, youβll need to prepare your lash tray. (Lash trays are available at most beauty supply stores and make your lash-cutting life much easier.) They come in two parts: a long tray with sections for different lengths of lashes and a smaller container for an adhesive that is attached underneath.
Use tweezers to place glue into each slot in your lash tray for safety reasons, use only gel or oil-based adhesive, not liquid glue. The glue will take several hours to dry completely. If you need more time, spray it with hairspray and allow it to dry overnight.
3. Prepare the lash adhesive
First and foremost, itβs important to have proper lash glue on hand. The adhesive should be thick enough to keep lashes secure but thin enough that itβs easy to apply with a fine brush. Many brands come in a liquid or gel form and can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 months.
If youβre unsure of your adhesiveβs expiration date, simply test its tackiness before using it by letting it sit on a table for a few minutes; if it feels hard and doesnβt stick when pressed, throw it out and grab some fresh glue.
You can also choose to create your recipe by mixing individual components such as glue (white is best) and activator to achieve just the right consistency.
4. Apply the lash adhesive
Before you start cutting lashes, you have to apply to lash adhesive onto your clients’ natural lash line. You can either do a thin coat or build it up, depending on your preference. Just make sure you get it as close to their natural lash line as possible without touching it.
Make sure youβre applying it evenly and that your client doesnβt blink when you apply it. This way, if any gets into their eye, they will not be hurt by it. It is also recommended that beginners cut a single lash at a time so they can easily clean up any mistakes without having to redo too much work in one go.
5. Trim the excess lash material off with an eyeliner brush or mascara wand
When cutting your lashes, it’s important to trim off any excess lash material you don’t want to be applied to your client. You can do so with an eyeliner brush or a mascara wand. If you opt for a mascara wand, ensure it’s clean (this also helps prevent damage to your real lashes).
A dual-sided eyeliner brush is even better because one side is perfect for scooping up extra lash glue while allowing you to shave off extra fiber length on the other. It’s all about efficiency!
6. Apply a second coat of adhesive if necessary
There are a couple of reasons why you may need to apply a second coat of adhesive, even if you think your first coat is already sufficient. The first reason is simple: You want a fuller look. Many people use multiple coats of mascara because they want their lashes to look as long and lush as possible.
Multiple coats also create more separation between each lash and help avoid clumping, which creates a smoother look than what one thick coat can give you.
Another reason for using a second coat is if you have tired or dried-out lashes that arenβt as responsive to being glued as freshly-plucked, healthy ones would be. A second coat will make them less likely to fall off when thereβs little resistance involved in adhering them.
Conclusion
In todayβs day and age, the eyes are one of the first things we notice about a person. If you want to make them stand out, eyelash extensions are a good way to do it.
Keep in mind that it can be quite time-consuming, but if you get all your preparations done and have someone helping you cut lashes every time they fall off or need to be replaced, it wonβt be so bad.
There will be some mess involved (in particular if you arenβt familiar with where to cut), but as long as you keep everything clean and donβt end up cutting yourself or your client by accident, then anyone can do it!