TO MY LASH LOVELIES:
I know that due to the salon closure, most of you are due, or will be due very soon for an eyelash extension fill. This can be a time that makes you feel like you’re lost without them. I want to give you all a few points to consider and understand as you keep finding your lash extensions in the bathroom sink or on your pillow (see below for removal tips):
Natural eyelashes have a growth cycle, we have baby lashes, teenage lashes, and adult lashes. (there’s fancy anatomical names for that, but no one knows what those mean)
When extensions are applied, they are applied to your teenage and adult lashes... NEVER your baby lashes. Baby lashes are short, thin, and very flexible. They are easily damaged and should never be forced to withstand the weight of even the shortest, thinnest eyelash extension.
Extensions are adhered to your natural lashes. Picture a Christmas tree. When you hang an ornament on the outside of a branch, it weighs the bough down. Same with a lash extension. I know a lot of you have recently been put into “lash rehab” during the winter months because the weight of your extensions has been too much for your brittle, dry winter lashes to withstand... totally normal. Carrying on with lash extensions that are too long would result in premature shedding. NOW understand that with premature shedding, lashes will only fall out a few days earlier than naturally expected, unless you haven’t been taking proper care of them. (Don’t touch, rub or pick your lashes).
Imagine a baby tooth... baby teeth only fall out when an adult tooth is behind it ready to come out. Same with a natural lash. The teeth that come in after the baby tooth will be small until they grow, but it doesn’t mean your tooth isn’t there. Same with lashes.
While all of you go through the process of your extensions falling off, I want you to all be comforted to know that I cannot apply extensions to lashes that are not there – I only apply to adult and teenage lashes. (Some of you have heard me say “Your lash extensions may seem thinner today because you have a lot of baby lashes coming in” on days where your fill may not be as full) You have lashes, and they are healthy. They may seem shorter right now, but it’s only because baby lashes are rearing behind them to come out in full force! This post if coming to you because I have been in contact with my trainers in both Ottawa and Toronto who have clients who are posing the same questions as you are... we are all going through this together. I know that most of you can’t even imagine yourselves without lash extensions, but know that you’re all beautiful inside and out, and I will be open to serve you as soon as we can all guarantee we’ll be safe!
Removing Lash Extensions:
Your remaining lash extensions can be removed by applying coconut oil to your lashes one eye at a time and letting it sit for 10 minutes per eye. If you feel tugging while trying to remove them, apply more oil and wait longer. The extensions should rub off with no tugging
TO MY MANI/PEDI LOVELIES:
As we approach the two-week mark of the salon being closed, most, if not all of you are due for a new mani, or at least a fill. I've got your back, ladies! Here's a few tips for you to get your polish off, and how to keep your natural nails healthy so you can jump right back on the polish train when we re-open:
Soak your nails in 100% pure acetone (this can be found at Walmart). Just like you've seen in the salon, cut up paper towel and aluminum foil and wrap those nails! Remember to rough up the top coat with the most aggressive side of your file. Soak your nails for about 10 minutes each hand, and use a sturdy metal tool to scrape off the polish (I usually suggest that you CAREFULLY use a non-serrated butter knife) The remaining polish that wasn't scraped off can be filed off with the SOFTER side of the file.
File your polish off. This procedure takes much more time, but can be accomplished if you don't have access to acetone. Use caution to not nick your cuticle with the file.
If you have a soft nail buffer, you can use this on the surface of your nail to smooth it out. Never use a buffer on your nail surface that you wouldn't use on your skin.
Keep your natural nails short. You've just had a polish on your nails that makes them feel stronger, as it protects the nail. Now that it's off, and you are used to your nails being stronger, you have a higher risk of breaking them. Keep nails short to prevent breakage.
Keep your hands moisturized. During a time that involves extra hand washing, it's even more imperative to keep your hands and cuticles moisturized. The dryer you hands are, the more brittle your nails will be. (Vaseline Hand & Nail Lotion is my ultimate suggestion!)