Did you know your initial client consultation is the key to curating an exceptional experience and setting yourself up for success? Just like a first date, the consultation is your starting point for a lasting relationship. When done correctly, it serves as  a major opportunity for your client to convey the look they want while also allowing you an opportunity to manage expectations. When first discussing eyelash extensions with a client, be sure to really get to know them and give them all the deets on lashes:  walk through their daily routine, precautions, and aftercare prior to the service. This will set realistic expectations, help answer client questions, and allow you to create a perfectly designed set customized to the client’s face/eye shape, preferences, and lifestyle. 

In this blog, we’re sharing our guide for successful initial client consultations for eyelash extensions. Keep reading for our tips on:  starting with professionalism, creating a client profile and lash extension consent form, assessing eye shape and lashes, discussing their desired look, and ongoing consulting recommendations.

BE A PROFESSIONAL LASH ARTIST 

It’s simple: you’ve got to walk and talk like a pro.  How you present yourself during the initial consultation sets the tone for the entire appointment and the client’s impression of you and your biz. Your voice and demeanor can be used to build trust in your knowledge and ability as an artist — this first impression matters and will more than likely turn them into a long-term client if done correctly.

Begin by speaking in terms even those new to eyelash extensions can understand. No industry jargon, no acronyms only a fellow artist could interpret, and no referring to advanced techniques until the client is ready. Be open and understanding to their wants, but be ready to discuss new and different options for a better goal.  First-time clients who don’t have any experience with eyelash extensions often come with unrealistic ideas or inspo pictures for the lash look they want - it’s your responsibility to gently educate them on the best fit for their features and how to maintain the health of their natural eyelashes.

ASSESS EYE SHAPE & NATURAL LASH STYLE

Next, get up close and personal with your client to observe their features. Take the time to determine if a client’s eyes are proportionate, wide, or close set, and which shape(s) of eyes the client has. You can then plan out how to use the point of accentuation and mapping to correct any imperfections or differences in eye shapes or sets. 

After that, check for any damage in the lash line and take photos of their natural lashes for your record (these also work great as portfolio before and after comparison pictures, with consent), making sure to measure their natural lashes to determine which lash extensions lengths will be safe to use. While the instinct to share your notes with the client may be strong, take care in how you explain this part of the process. Remember again not to use industry jargon and to be sensitive regarding any imperfections until you’ve established a comfortable rapport. For example, even though it’s totally normal and common, new clients won’t want to hear outright that their eyes are set widely apart - it’s up to you to be caring and take this as an opportunity to inform them how lash extensions can be used to balance facial features. 

DISCUSS THE BEST LASH LOOK FOR YOUR  CLIENT

Explain the different curls, weights, and lengths used to achieve your client’s desired look. While they may have an idea of what they want, be sure to clarify which design would best suit them and why. This is where our Lash Consultation LookBook comes in and makes your job a thousand times easier - it’s our custom guidebook to help you talk with clients about what they want from their relationship with lash extensions. It shows options  for length, diameter, curl, and even color, so you can completely define the relationship to keep them coming back for more to customize their lashes. It even shows the difference between classic, hybrid, volume, and mega volume, so your clients know exactly what to expect from each style.

This is also the perfect time to educate clients on the importance of maintaining the health of their natural lashes by applying eyelash extensions no longer than their natural lash length plus two millimeters. After that, use what you’ve learned about their eye shape, lifestyle, and natural lashes to help them understand which look will best fit their individual style.

CREATE LASH ARTIST GUIDE SHEETS 

After you’ve assessed your client’s eyes, lashes, and lifestyle and determined the right eyelash extension design, create and fill out an artist guide sheet (a way to keep track of each client’s features and preferred style).  This will help you  keep a record for when the client returns - include your notes, initial impressions, and any other information to record what formula was initially used so it can be repeated or adjusted as necessary. When you build a large clientele, it can be difficult to remember the details for each individual person and recording everything will help create a more personal experience when you can review the sheet beforehand and “remember” exactly what the client likes and how to prepare for their appointment.

Keep this guide sheet alongside the client’s signed  lash extension consent form —this form should contain the client’s contact information,  all of your policies and disclaimers, and waivers including  your right to use photos of the client in your marketing and social media. You can create your own custom form or find a template to customize, but make sure to keep all of the information up to date and to have it signed before your first appointment with each client. 

FOLLOW-UP WITH MINI CONSULTATIONS

This isn’t a one time thing, you’ve got to keep the sweet talk going for every appointment! Take a few minutes for mini consults every time a client comes in for a lash fill to reevaluate their goals and to ensure continued success and happiness in their desired look. Be sure to ask if they have any lash aftercare questions, about any lifestyle or personal style changes, what they love most about their lashes, and if they think any improvements can be made. It's also the perfect opportunity for you to assess the condition of their lashes and discuss aftercare and recommend products for your client to use to help with lash maintenance. 

Remember, this is your first time with your client and you want it to be special! Eyelash extension consultations are your chance to educate, answer questions, address concerns, and determine what the client really wants and needs from the service and how you can keep them coming back to you for more. You can use our Consultation LookBook to help guide your client through lash options, but it’s up to you to master the art of the consultation and connect with your client to understand the best set for them.

Need aftercare products to tell your clients about during your consultation + retail after? Shop 'em here. 

Looking for application supplies (lashes, tweezers, adhesive) to create the perfect look for each client? We've got it all.