Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/787884
54 march/april 2017 SUSTAINABLE STAPLE? But how long can this growth be sustained? Is this just a passing trend? Probably not, because eyelash extensions have become a replacement for mascara, the one beauty product most women say they would choose to bring if stranded on a desert island. Darkened, thickened eyelashes have been popular throughout the ages. Styles can always be expected to change, and a more natural look is requested as often as the full, glamorous look. But since consumers want services that will reduce the amount of time they need to get ready in the morning, lash extensions meet a very specific need. Also, mascara tends to be the most time-consuming part of a daily beauty routine—it causes eyelashes to stick to each other and clump, and can leave a few black specks on the eyelids or cheeks that need to be cleaned up. The combing, curling, and applying multiple coats it takes to get a professional look adds even more time. Eyelash extensions are now a firmly established pillar of the larger cosmetics world. Specializing in high-quality extensions can become a very profitable career choice. Many people now want to make a career in lashes only, with no interest in studying to be a hair stylist or esthetician; however, in most states, a cosmetology or esthetics license is required to take an eyelash extension class. After basic training and a bit of experience, extension pros can find advanced training and learn techniques for greater speed with no loss in quality. Client satisfaction improves as well, because the lashes look better and last longer. Professionals benefit financially, because they have the time to see more clients every day. In the future, professionals will be subject to beauty trends and countertrends. As styles change, anyone aiming for a long-term career must be prepared. This will require regular refresher training and an attitude always open to change. In time, the industry goal will probably center on creating a look that is convincingly natural. This may yet happen, even though the current client preference is for a more dramatic look. The novel idea of applying extensions to individual lashes originated in the United States. On November 17, 1931, the US Patent Office granted patent no. 1831801 to Marjorie Birk for a technique of securing a "single fiber to a single natural eyelash."