It’s no secret that lashing short lashes can be tricky. However, most people book lash extensions precisely because they have shorter lashes and want a set of eyelashes which are full and thick. This month, as part of our Lash & Learn series, we’re talking short lashes. Here are a few tips and tricks for your lash professional toolbox, specifically regarding how to lash shorter lashes without batting an eye.

Read More: Lash Struggle Series: My Lashes Are Too Short!

Short, straight lashes are more common than you think, and come with a unique set of challenges for lash professionals.

Common Issues With Lashing Shorter Lashes

Some factors to consider if your client’s natural lashes are short, straight, or damaged:

• Shorter lashes are more delicate: Shorter lashes tend to be more prone to damage, and can’t handle as much weight or length when it comes to lash extensions.
• Straight, short lashes are not as flexible: When applying lash extensions to shorter natural lashes, keep in mind that short lashes are more brittle, and do not bend as easily. Look for lash extensions that work with the shape of your client’s natural lashes rather than trying to force a curl.
• Lashes might be shorter due to damage: Because of the delicate nature of short lashes, clients who have attempted to apply their own lash extensions (or clients who are too heavy-handed with eyelash curlers or other lash tools) might have lashes which show extensive damage.

Tips For Applying Lash Extensions to Naturally Short Lashes

1. Assess Lash Damage & Encourage Proper Short Lash Care

In order to properly apply lash extensions to shorter natural lashes, the natural lashes must be healthy and not damaged. Some styles of lash extensions, like volume fans, can strain healthy short lashes, and if applied improperly, can cause damage. If your clients tend to have shorter natural lashes, be sure to educate them on proper short lash care basics. You can recommend that they:

• Remove mascara before they go to bed
• Use a high-quality eye-makeup remover
• Avoid using eyelash curlers if possible
• Stop rubbing their eyes and handle their lashes gently
• Use a lash serum, Lash+doctor®, like to encourage lash growth and health

NovaLash has developed Lash+doctor® to help eyelashes and eyebrows grow sustainably. This growth serum not only conditions and strengthens existing lashes and eyebrow hair follicles, but also encourages new growth. Lash+doctor by NovaLash is naturally enhanced with multi-vitamins and peptides that build resilience to breakage and focus on strengthening the roots of your clients’ eyelashes and eyebrow hairs. Made with natural plant extracts and gentle conditioners, Lash+doctor is good for clients with all skin types, and is a great product to recommend for clients with shorter lashes, who need to build up their lash strength and combat breakage.

2. Know Which Lash Extensions to Choose for Shorter Lashes

Because shorter natural lashes cannot support the weight of heavier, longer lash extensions, it is important to know which lash extensions to use with shorter natural lashes. If you try to apply lash extensions that are too heavy for your client’s natural lash, it might damage their lashes and counteract any good, healthy growth they might have worked hard to achieve. For clients with shorter natural lashes, it is always a safe bet to recommend our classic InLine L-Curl series, which we specifically designed with clients who have shorter, straight, or even downward pointing lashes in mind. Depending on how healthy your client’s lashes are, you can also get away with other smaller, more lightweight lash extensions, like the shorter B Curl models in our London Volume or American Volume series. If your client’s short lashes are very healthy, you can even try applying the .15mm B-curl series of our NovaMinx lash extensions.

3. Work with Your Client’s Natural Lashes

Whatever you do, don’t try to force a lash extension application that isn’t going well. If you need to switch out the type of lash extension you are using because your client’s lashes have specific needs, do it. If you determine that your client’s lashes are damaged beyond the ability to add a lash extension, recommend that they use Lash+doctor® and wait until their lashes are healthy.

Read More: Lash & Learn: Separating Eyelashes

4. Keep Learning about Lash Extensions

It’s always a good idea to keep on top of new styles, like American Volume or London Volume, so keep taking classes. If you sign up for our NovaLash classes, you’ll have mentorship opportunities, access to resources, and more. Only by learning from the best will you keep honing your lash skills. 

Are you interested in taking your lash extension skills to the next level? Check out NovaLash’s virtual and in-person training and sign up for a course near you!