TX Eyelash Extension Specialist cheat sheet

TDLR enforces Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1602 and 16 TAC Chapter 83, which govern eyelash extension specialty licensees and specialty salons.

Eyelash extension specialty licensure requires a minimum age of 17, completion of a 320-hour approved specialty course, and passing the written and practical exams.

The specialty license authorizes application, maintenance, removal, and cleansing of eyelash extensions only; tinting, perming, or lash lifts require a cosmetology or esthetics license.

The business location must hold a current specialty salon license, with the license and required TDLR notices posted where clients can see them.

Licenses renew on a two-year cycle; working on an expired or suspended license is a violation subject to administrative penalties.

Licensees must allow TDLR inspectors to examine the premises, equipment, and client records during posted business hours.

Practicing outside the scope of the specialty license is grounds for disciplinary action, including fines and license suspension or revocation.

A booth renter or independent contractor still works under a licensed salon and must follow the same sanitation and recordkeeping rules.

The control sequence is cleaning (soap and water), disinfection (EPA-registered hospital-grade product), sterilization (autoclave, kills spores), and disposal.

Non-porous metal or plastic implements are washed, dried, then immersed in an EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant for the label contact time, commonly 10 minutes.

Porous or uncleanable items are single-use and discarded after one client: lash strips, adhesive, spoolies, microbrushes, wooden sticks, and cotton pads.

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after every client, and after removing gloves or touching the face.

If blood or body fluid is present: stop the service, glove, clean and disinfect the area and implements, and discard contaminated single-use items as biohazard waste.

Disinfected implements are stored in a closed, labeled container, with clean and soiled items kept physically separate.

Work surfaces, lash pillows, and eye pads are covered with disposable film or paper that is changed between clients.

The adhesive nozzle is wiped with a clean lint-free wipe and never touches lashes, skin, or the eye.

Disinfectant concentration and immersion times are logged, and test strips verify that the solution is still effective.

Lash follicles cycle through anagen (growth, roughly 30-45 days), catagen (transition, 2-3 weeks), and telogen (rest and shedding), with a full cycle of about 60-90 days.

Each upper lid carries roughly 90-160 lashes and each lower lid about 70-80; natural lashes measure about 8-12 mm long and 0.06-0.15 mm in diameter.

Eyelid layers from outside in are skin, orbicularis oculi muscle, tarsal plate, and conjunctiva.

Meibomian glands embedded in the tarsal plate supply the lipid layer of the tear film; blockage causes blepharitis and dry eye, which is a contraindication.

Extensions bond to the natural lash 0.5-1.0 mm above the lid margin; adhesive on skin risks irritation, sensitization, and follicle damage.

The tear film has three layers, lipid, aqueous, and mucin; oil-based products and adhesive fumes disrupt all three.

Lashes grow in anterior, middle, and posterior rows; posterior lashes are shorter and finer and may need smaller diameters.

The eye rolls upward when closed (Bell's phenomenon), so the globe must be shielded and adhesive or remover never brought near the margin.

Patch test: apply adhesive behind the ear or on the inner elbow 24-48 hours before the first full set, then record the result and date.

Absolute contraindications include active conjunctivitis, stye, blepharitis, herpes outbreak, and recent eye surgery or laser until cleared by the provider.

Relative cautions include pregnancy, thyroid conditions, contact lens wear, very oily lids, and medications causing photosensitivity or easy bleeding.

Cyanoacrylate sensitization presents as itching, redness, swelling, or watery eyes; remove the set and do not reapply, because reactions worsen with repeated exposure.

The consent form covers risks, aftercare, adhesive use, no guarantee of retention time, and photography consent.

Ask about prior lash lifts, tints, extensions, and allergies to adhesives, latex, or cosmetics before starting.

Clients remove contact lenses before the service, and lower lashes are taped down to protect them from adhesive.

Latex-allergic clients require nitrile gloves; adhesive is never applied to the eyelid skin as a test.

Cyanoacrylate adhesive cures by moisture-triggered anionic polymerization; ideal conditions are 40-60 percent relative humidity and 68-72 degrees F (20-22 degrees C).

Lower viscosity means faster cure, a thinner bond, and more risk of running; higher viscosity means slower cure and a thicker, more forgiving bond.

Primer lowers lash pH and removes residue to improve retention; apply to the natural lash only, let it dry fully, and keep it off skin and eyes.

Remover is a cream or gel solvent applied only to the bond with a microbrush; acetone and liquid solvents are never used near the eye.

An opened adhesive bottle is usable for roughly 6-8 weeks; store it upright, capped, cool, dark, and never frozen or left in a hot car.

A Safety Data Sheet must be on site for every adhesive, primer, and remover, along with first-aid steps such as flushing eyes with water for 15 minutes.

Work in a ventilated area, use a nano mister sparingly, and never over-apply adhesive, because fumes irritate eyes and respiratory tissue.

Adhesive is applied lash-to-lash only; contact with skin causes contact dermatitis and permanent sensitization risk.

Isolation with straight and curved tweezers means picking one natural lash, confirming no neighbors are attached, then bonding a single extension to it.

Map lengths before starting: inner corner 7-9 mm, middle 9-11 mm, outer corner 10-14 mm, never exceeding the natural lash by more than 1-2 mm.

The bonding point is 0.5-1.0 mm from the lid margin on the natural lash, never on the skin or at the follicle base.

Classic sets use one extension per natural lash at 0.10-0.20 mm diameter, chosen so the extension weight is supported by that lash.

Volume sets use 2-6 or more extensions per natural lash at 0.03-0.07 mm diameter, with fan width and weight kept balanced.

Curls run J (subtle), B, C, and D (most lift); match curl to eye shape and the natural lash curl to avoid base lift-off.

After cure, run a spoolie through the set to find stickies and separate any joined lashes before the client leaves.

Direction follows the natural lash line; crossed or twisted extensions create weight imbalance and premature shedding.

Clients avoid water, steam, saunas, swimming, and oil-based products for 24-48 hours, then cleanse daily with an oil-free lash foam.

Waterproof mascara, lash curlers, and oil cleansers are excluded; clients brush with a spoolie and avoid picking or rubbing.

Refills are scheduled every 2-3 weeks when roughly 40-50 percent of extensions have shed; a full removal and rebuild occurs every 6-8 weeks.

Removal uses gel or cream remover applied to the bond only, allowed to dissolve the adhesive, then the extension slides off; pulling is never acceptable.

Pulling extensions removes natural lashes and can damage follicles, so stuck extensions get more remover and more dwell time.

Correction services fix stickies, misdirection, gaps, or poor isolation without removing the whole set, usually within days of application.

If irritation appears, remove the set, cleanse the area, advise a cool compress, and refer to a physician if symptoms persist.

Use lint-free sponges rather than cotton pads around the lashes so fibers do not snag the bond.

Each client file holds the signed consent, health history, patch test result and date, adhesive brand and lot number, lash map, service dates, and aftercare given.

Document any adverse reaction, service modification, or refused service along with the reason and the referral made.

Keep records confidential and release them only with client consent or as required by law or a TDLR inspection.

Recording the adhesive lot number allows a reaction or quality problem to be traced to a specific batch.

The consultation explains procedure, sensation, appointment length, cost, and realistic wear time, with consent confirmed before starting.

Never diagnose or treat an eye condition; refer redness, pain, discharge, or vision changes to an eye care provider.

Document that the client understands removal may be required if a reaction develops.

Professional conduct includes punctuality, transparent pricing, sanitation performed in view of the client, and no promises about retention time.