Eyelash Technician key terms

The active growth stage of the hair cycle, when a lash is produced and lengthens. Roughly 90 percent of upper lashes are in this phase at any time.

The short transitional stage of the hair cycle between growth and rest, when the follicle stops producing hair and the root begins to detach.

The resting stage of the hair cycle, lasting several weeks, after which the old lash sheds and a new one begins growing in its place.

The natural, staggered turnover of individual lashes, so that a small number shed daily rather than all at once. Understanding it explains why clients need regular infills.

The natural angle in which a lash emerges from the eyelid margin, usually curving upward and outward. Isolation and placement must follow this direction to avoid pulling.

The client's own eyelash, to which an extension is bonded. Its length, thickness, curl, and health determine which extension weight and style are safe.

The edge of the eyelid where lashes emerge and the meibomian gland openings sit. Adhesive must never contact this area because of irritation and infection risk.

Oil-producing glands along the inner eyelid margin that keep the eye surface lubricated. Blockage or adhesive contamination can cause dry eye and styes.

The thin, transparent membrane covering the white of the eye and lining the inner eyelids. It is highly sensitive and vulnerable to fumes and foreign particles.

The clear front surface of the eye that focuses light. It has no blood vessels and is easily damaged by cyanoacrylate adhesive, so eye protection is essential.

Inflammation of the eyelid margins causing redness, crusting, and irritation. It is a contraindication to lash extension services until resolved.

A condition or circumstance that makes a lash service unsafe or inadvisable, such as an active eye infection, recent eye surgery, or allergy to adhesive ingredients.

A condition that rules out the service entirely regardless of client preference, such as an active contagious eye infection or a known cyanoacrylate allergy.

A condition that requires caution, modification, or a doctor's clearance rather than an automatic refusal, such as sensitive skin or a controlled thyroid condition.

A small controlled application of adhesive or product to the skin, observed over 24 to 48 hours, to detect allergic reaction before a full service.

The process by which repeated exposure to an allergen, such as cyanoacrylate, primes the immune system so a later contact triggers a stronger reaction.

An immune response to a substance, shown by redness, swelling, itching, or rash. It does not resolve with repeated exposure and requires removal and medical advice.

Irritation is a direct tissue response to friction, fumes, or chemicals and settles once the cause is removed; allergy is immune-mediated and tends to worsen with each exposure.

The client's documented agreement to a service after being told the procedure, risks, aftercare requirements, and alternatives in language they understand.

A confidential form capturing contact details, health history, medications, patch test results, products used, and consent signatures for each service.

The reactive monomer family used in lash adhesives, which polymerizes rapidly on contact with moisture in the air to form a strong bond.

The chemical curing process in which cyanoacrylate monomers link into long chains, hardening the adhesive. Humidity and temperature strongly affect its speed.

The interval between placing an extension and the adhesive setting enough to hold it. It varies with adhesive type, humidity, temperature, and adhesive volume.

The thickness or flow resistance of an adhesive. Thin adhesives flow quickly for speed, while thicker ones give more control and suit beginners or humid rooms.

The relationship between room moisture and adhesive performance. Low humidity slows curing; high humidity speeds it but can cause shock curing and weak, brittle bonds.

Rapid, uneven setting of adhesive that creates a brittle, frosted bond, often caused by excess humidity, too much adhesive, or insufficient isolation.

The usable period before an opened adhesive degrades. Storage away from heat and light, plus a dated opening record, helps ensure reliable performance.

Separating one natural lash from its neighbours with tweezers before applying an extension, so the extension bonds only to a single lash.

The principle that an extension must not be heavier than the natural lash can safely carry. Excess weight causes premature shedding and damage to the follicle.

The thickness of an extension fibre, measured in millimetres. Thicker fibres look denser but add weight, so they suit only strong, mature natural lashes.

The degree of bend built into an extension, from flat to dramatic. Curl is chosen to match the client's natural lash and eye shape for a natural result.

Planning the length, curl, and style across each eye before application, so the finished set is balanced and suits the client's features and lifestyle.

A style in which one extension is applied to each natural lash, giving a defined, natural look and generally requiring less product weight.

A style using hand-made fans of several fine extensions applied to one natural lash, creating fuller density while keeping weight low.

A group of two or more fine extensions spread into a fan shape and bonded to a single natural lash, used in volume and hybrid sets.

A maintenance visit, typically every two to three weeks, to remove outgrown extensions and replace shed ones so the set stays full and balanced.

Guidance given at the end of a service covering cleansing, avoiding water and heat for the first day, brushing, and when to return for maintenance.

A gentle, oil-free cleanser formulated for use around the eyes to remove makeup, oils, and debris without weakening adhesive bonds.

A solvent product, usually gel or cream, designed to break the cyanoacrylate bond safely during removal. It must be kept away from the eye surface.

Tissue damage caused by a product such as adhesive or remover contacting the eye. It requires immediate flushing with water and urgent medical attention.

Using a chemical agent to destroy most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces and tools, after cleaning has removed visible soil and debris.

The first step of reprocessing, physically removing dirt, oil, makeup, and debris with soap or detergent and water before any disinfectant is applied.

A process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, usually by steam autoclave or approved heat methods. It is required for items that contact broken skin.

A product designed to be used once and then discarded, such as disposable applicators, wands, and lash brushes, to prevent cross-contamination between clients.

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, tool, or surface to another. Hand hygiene, fresh consumables, and disinfected tools prevent it.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an approved sanitiser at defined points, including before and after each client and after contact with body fluids.

Barriers such as gloves, masks, and eye protection worn to reduce exposure to adhesive fumes, chemicals, and infectious material during service.

The movement of fresh air through a workspace to reduce airborne adhesive vapour and fumes. Good extraction protects both technician and client.

A document from a product supplier listing a chemical's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures, and storage requirements. It must be accessible in the workplace.

The services and activities a technician is trained, certified, and legally permitted to perform, which excludes diagnosing eye conditions or prescribing treatment.

The limits that keep the technician-client relationship safe and appropriate, covering confidentiality, physical contact, communication, and referral to other professionals.

The duty to keep client personal and health information private, sharing it only with consent or where the law requires disclosure.

A structured conversation before service covering the client's goals, health history, lifestyle, eye condition, and expectations, recorded on the client card.