Quick question for you, aspiring lash stylist: What should you do when a client returns and asks you to fix their old lash extensions? Would you replace one section with new ones or remove the entire lash set?

Here’s a sneak peek into Beauty Boss Academy's Classic Course to help us answer the question.

The correct answer depends on your assessment. Lash extensions last a few weeks; they need continuous upkeep to remain in good condition. This is why lash fill appointments and removals are important. It allows you to fix your client's eyelash extensions to a pretty and healthy state and your client to switch to a new style if they want to.

How would you do all this? In this article, let’s find out how to enhance a client's lash look during a fill appointment and removal.

Taking the time to examine the current state of your client’s lashes and ask for their suggestions shows that you care about their health and satisfaction. From there, you can assess the situation better and enhance their lash look accordingly.

A client's lash extensions will change after some time. Others may experience early fallouts for various reasons. A trained lash artist can recognize the signs and provide a solution.

Let's discuss the most common lash issues addressed in a fill appointment.

Many salons have a prerequisite for booking a lash fill appointment—the client must have 40% of lash extensions remaining on their eyes for the appointment to be considered a fill. This is called the 40% rule.

What remains may be actually less than 40% since you're going to remove grown-out lashes at the beginning of the appointment. If the lashes remaining are less than 40%, it is considered a full set.

Here's the step-by-step process of a lash refill from our eyelash extensions course online.

#1: Remove their eye makeup
Remind your client to remove their eye makeup before arriving at their appointment—this is a crucial step. They need to remove the waxy, oily residue on the lash line because it hampers the effectiveness of the lash adhesive. This also gives you more time to apply lashes as necessary.

Remind your clients with classic lash sets to come back for a refill every 2–3 weeks.

#2: Removing the previous lash extensions
Next is removing the old, grown-out, twisted lashes and loosened adhesive bonds from your client's previous lash set. You can do this in two ways: individual classic eyelash extension removal or full set removal.

For individual lash extension removals, you may choose between the banana peel method and debonder.

• The banana peel method involves squeezing the lashes with an isolation tweezer. Only use this method on strong natural lashes because it requires you to squeeze harder and peel off a layer of it.
• Debonder is a liquid to remove lash extensions. You must be careful when using this method because the liquid can cause an intense burning sensation in your client's eyes.

For full set removals, use a downward or upward application. Get eye patches, removal cream, cotton swabs, lash bath products, water-based makeup remover, paper tape, and other necessary tools to accomplish this task.

#3: Always consult your client
Always perform a client consultation before proceeding with the lash fill session. They may want a different lash curl, length, or style this time. If so, modify your lash set's style to best suit your client’s preferences. This way, all your time and effort won't be wasted, and your client will be happy with the results!